First off, Happy Birthday Alex!!!
We had the most incredible thing happen. One of our investigators told us that he has never cried. He said that he thinks that it will be a sign from God, if he cries because he is moved be something, to go in a certain direction. Well, after the closing prayer of our lesson it was super quiet, the spirit was there, we told him that we would see him later and reminded him to read the Book of Mormon, he didn't respond. We felt like we should go, to keep the lovely feeling there and not make it flee with inane small talk. Well, as we were leaving, Nino didn't even say good bye, we got to the door, over a choked up voice and with tears in his eyes he asked us to shut the portone on the way out! He cried! He was feeling the spirit and it moved him enough to cry!!! He got his sign, I would say. This experience for me was a miracle and I felt so happy to know that this man, who has so many struggles and strifes is learning what the spirit feels like, he is learning that he is not alone, that God lives, he is real and he loves him. This experience was contrasted with an experience we had the very next evening, a giant processione in Mistretta... and I mean giant! Usually there are around 4,000 people in Mistretta, well on Saturday night there were close to 25,000! It was pazzesca! Their patron saint is San Sebastiano. They took his statue out of the church, put it in a dome covered with cerubs, gold, and money, tones of money and then fifty men dressed in folk outfits carried him around the city, all in bear feet (they all were wearing socks at least, so they didn't get hurt). Not only did they carry this huge statue, but they ran with it (and then rested and then ran and then rested). It was fun to watch and the art that was around was lovely to see. But in contrast with the feelings of what happened with Nino and the excitement of knowing he felt the spirit our of an eternal happiness, whereas this traditional festival was fun and exciting, but it did not last.
Okay, so big news, I am getting transferred!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot imagine myself anywhere but Mistretta now, ormai it feels like home and the people our my family. However, I am so excited to see my new home and meet my new family in BARI!!!!! nella puglia! I am going to serve in the Bari Liberta' ward. A ward, not a branch! Weird! We got the calls on Saturday. Sorella Sobeck is staying in Mistretta and training for the second time.
I am going to miss Mistretta so much. I really feel like I was meant to be there at this time in my life and in the life of the people there, especially the members. Words cannot express the joy I have felt in doing this work in Mistretta. I do feel ready for new experiences, but I will never forget or negate what I learned in this tiny village on a mountain top.
There is nothing better than the gospel. I am not only seeing it touch the lives of these crazy italians, but also mine, in a way I never thought possible. I am excited to serve the people of Bari and work harder than I have ever worked before with all the knowledge and experience I have acquired here in Mistretta!
Pres. Portera, my branch president in Mistretta gave me a note before I left this morning and it made my life. He thanked me for my work and enthusiasm and positive aspect on life. He said that it was very much needed at this time, for usually the branch is united, but in the past couple of months it has been going through a rough time. As I thought about this I realized that things really do happen for a reason. I was supposed to go to Mistretta at this time, they needed a crazy happy, hard working Eva (Sorella Comollo), I am not trying to be prideful or anything:), to help them get through a time when a crisis is around every corner. I will send you a copy of his note, it is so sweet. He has such a strong testimony of the gospel!
I know that this church is true! I know that there is nothing better than having this knowledge. They gospel is incredible and changes peoples lives for the better, for the best!
I love you all so so so much!!!!!!
Have a great week!
Love,
Sorella Comollo
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