CIAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ciao Cari!

This week has just been filled to the brim with miracles! Giuseppe came to the baptism! Everything worked out swimmingly. He found a train that was leaving at 7pm instead of 8pm from Palermo (he had to drive to the next stop so he could take the train with us, how great it he!) so that we could all take the train together. The baptism was simple and small, I was a little sad there were not more people since Giuseppe always goes to our tiny branch, however it was a Thursday afternoon, so I should be grateful that at least some people came. They also did it a little differently. They had the man who was baptized also confirmned that same day. So Giuseppe got to see both aspects of the baptism. I was so stressed out the whole day, wanting everything to be perfect, after I saw this man get baptized I was so happy for him and so filled with the spirit my stress was swept away! The church is true! 

On the way back from Palermo another miracle happened, in disguise. The train was cancelled and another one did not show up until an hour and twenty minutes later (we did not get home until like 10:30...)! Well, Giuseppe went around talking to people asking about what was wrong with the trains and he ended up talking to this lady for like two hours. Later he told us that he is already witnessing the blessings of sacrificing his entire day at work to go to this baptism, because that women is starting a company in Cefalu' and needs insurance and Giuseppe is in the insurance business. He told us that that business opportunity discussed while waiting for the lost train was one hundred times better than anything that he could have done at work that day. Amazing!

Sorella Sobeck and I have been having a hard time in Mistretta lately. I think it is because school is out and there are a lot more young people on the streets, making fun of us (an example of this taunting is that we found a plastic bag that had been blown up and tied placed under our tire, oh these kids...;)). We are learning what Paul meant when he said to the Romans about overcoming persecutions and how it is worth it because we are preaching the gospel, which there is nothing better in the world! (Romans 8:35-39). I have never really been affected (effected? boh, I am not good with italian or english grammaticals!) by the taunting of others, but lately it has been amplified. We are working on goals to help us to work harder in Mistretta so that we will not get discouraged. We are excited for the Church to come here because it will give us an avenue to talk to the young people about coming to English course!

I read in Alma chapter 8 the other day about Alma's super difficult time with the people of Lamenaiah(I do not remember how to spell it:)). It reminded me so much of how it is in Mistretta. In the end when he was going to give up he prayed and an angel came to tell him to turn back, try again and work hard. After he did he found Amulek. I just have to turn to God and work hard and I know that there is a reason I am here.

President Portera's mother died yesterday morning. She was really sick. We went to her funeral in the Chiesa Santa Catterina. Catholic funerals are pretty much like their Mass, it was an interesting experience. We went to her viewing last night. I have been around dead bodies before, working in the anatomy lab, but I have never been around a body that had just been living not ten hours before. Life is so fragile, yet it thrives. I love the gospel so much and the knowledge we have of the plan of salvation. It brings so much hope and so much joy. I know, with all my heart, Presidente Portera will see his mamma again and will get to hug her:)

So, on Monday we had district meeting. I am so happy that our district is staying together! Well, I pulled out my new planner, for transfer number 4 and the anziani started making fun of it! I have a paper cut out of a tree with yellow fruit and a pink stripe. It was supposed to be the tree of life with the fruit and the iron rod. They said the fruit looked like lemons and they called me a missionary geek. Anyway, it was funny. It doesn't sound funny now though... Anyway, we were going to see Beatrice and Pasquale on Monday night. We knocked on their door and while waiting on the porch guess what happened to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!???????? A bird, no doubt a pigeon, pooped on my head!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BAH! Then Beatirce comes out and gives us a bidone (meaning she cancelled our lesson)! Oh Monday nights in Mistretta! 

Yesterday when we went to Pettineo (another little mountain village near Mistretta) to look for an ex-investigator. Her number was spento(disconnected) and her address, the one that was in the Area Book, did not exist. After finding this out we decided to pray. Afterward we went on a hunt. We asked a man if he new her and he said he thought she lived up the hill. We went up the hill. We met a lady and asked her, she said she thought she lived by the fountain down the hill. We went down the hill towards the fountain. We met an old couple by the fountain, they knew exactly where she lived! The old man had two canes, he propped one against the wall and winked at us and said, "il bastone per domani (the stick for tomorrow)" then he hobbled down the hill and turned into a tiny ally way and then pounded on a door with his "cane for today" and said, "ooooooh Rita!". He was super cute! We found her and got her new number and her real address and she wants to meet with us again! I love the Lord! We were led on a wild goose chase and in the end we were led right to the person who knew exactly who she was and where she lived. to a crazy old man who collects sticks!

I love you all so so much! I hope that the reunion is fun and that Rosie has a happy birthday! 

Have a good week!

Love you tons!

Love,

Sorella Comollo