Can you believe its already Mercoldi di nuovo? Mom I know exactly what you mean how things run together. We have had an amazing week here though, the work is out of control, and we are just surounded by people who are ready and anxious to learn more about the message of the Restauration, and why we are here. I am getting goosebumps just thinking about some of the lessons, but it has really been neat. I know I have mentioned to you how the members here are great, well they love to share their happiness with their friends, and this week we met with them and a couple about to get married. In the beginning she was saying how it was a beautiful ideas but hard to believe, and by the end, she was emotional as the members shared experiences, and she recalled childhood experiences. It is so cool to see the hand of the Lord in EVERYTHING. Speaking of which, remember how when we flew in to Italy we we lost and two members came out of no where at the peak of our confusion to help us? Well it turns out that they are from Taranto a citta close by, and she is actually an Investigator and just this week received her answer and is going to get baptized! Im apologize that I can not tell you about all the incredible people here, but I really am so lucky.
Mom you asked to hear about a normal day here is how it goes
we wake up, we run, we study (1 hour of personal- LOVE it! then 1 hour together - fantastic!) I don't if I have said it enough, but the scriptures are so great, I just dont know how I managed to get by with so little before. Whenever I read them with concerns for myself, or wondering how I can help others, there are always answers! Sorry about that little plug, but I only say it because I love them and I love you all, so why not put two good things together :) Anyways then we head out in to the real world. It would be nice if we could get appointments in the morning, but this is rare. Therefore we go out on the streets and start talking with everyone, or we ride on buses and talk to people, or we ring their citofono's and talk to them. then at 1 30 when the streets are bare and people are eating their huge meal we go home until 4 when people start to come back out again after they all have feasted and napped. We get to use this time to eat and study the language, and prepare for english course. Then we go back out for appointments and get to talk to everyone we meet along the way. Around nine we return home to plan for the next day and get sleep to do it all over again. It is the life. UN po exhausting, but when the day is over you feel so good, and ready to sleep.
Anyways, thanks for everything! My companion is great, especially about giving me pep talks for courage. Oh one last thing! So I gave a talk on Sunday and it was quite the experience. Long story short I did not have a voice because I was in the peak of sickness, I was worse than a smoker of 50 years. So I my talk with my sick and broken Italian and this was the part I loved. . . The members came up and said "so I could not really understand what you were saying, but I could tell you have a great spirit!" (said with a great big smile on their face) . I love them they are so honest, and animated, I hope you can all meet them someday!
Lets not forget, Happy Anniversary mom and dad! I am so proud to have had you for parents, you both have taught me some amazing things that I now get to go share with others! Also congrats to those engagements in the world... Hilary Harris. Bishop Kennedy sent me a nice little update of the good things happening in Tucson, and it was fun to read and see pictures of people. Speaking of which, lindsey was that an EFY Dance going on there? Joe I think you will be a great runner, and Critter, I have found your Italian twin. His name is Luca Ill have to take a picture for you, even his mannerisms are the same, its kind of wierd. Jonny a letter is in the mail for you today, do you know why? because i think so much of you! Emma, your pictures are all over my wall, and Sam please don't grow up too fast!
Got to Run but i Love Y'all
SOrella Robb
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Such a Treat!
My bellissima family and friends!
I can not tell you how fun it is to hear from you each week. Everyday I get to brag about you, and watch the amusing expressions on peoples faces when they here that there are seven kids in my family, or that I am not from Utah. Mrs. Reeves, I finally got your address, and please tell the kids CONGRATS, I must admit I am not suprised that you all received "Superior with Distinction" but I am so proud of you all, and to be able to say that I learned from you all, THe Best! Kalli congrats on Boston, you will love it! And Lindsey, you look amazing, and I'm sure your music matched it. I am proud of you no matter what you say!
Dad I hate to tell you that I am no where close to having the language mastered, but in many ways this is a blessing in itself. Apparently I also speak with a Spanish Accent, so no one knows where I am from.
I absolutely love the people here though. Buses are always fun, because first of all, you start talking to someone, and then they look at you and are like, "why in the world are you talking to me?" And before you know it everyone surrounding me is trying to help me talk, and understand why I am here, and then they are like don't you know that everyone is Catholic here? But then I take them up on their invitation to tell them why I am here, and what I believe, and it has been a really fun, challenging, but rewarding experience.
And Grandpa, you and everyone else have been right! For the first time this last week, instead of hoping that Sorella Black would open her mouth and share our message, I tried it, and sure there are people not interested, but always there was a smile by the end, and then would come the blessings. There was one day when we worked really hard so talk with everyone, and at the end of the day I was on the bus, and talking with a lady, and she asked me for my number, and made sure I wrote down hers! That is totally backwards, I'm supposed to be the one doing that, but I think Heavenly Father knew me too well and that I needed extra help. Then, the next day we decided to walk instead of take the bus, which is usually harder to talk with people not in a hurry, but for whatever reason we decided to walk, and someone called us over to him, and we got to teach. If these signs, lessons, and reminders weren't enough, we were teaching in English class last night, and one of the members of the Bishopric came and called me out and asked, "would you be willing to speak in church this sunday, about DC 18, the worth of Souls is great, and the importance of bearing testimony, and the blessing it brings?" I could not help but chuckle, I realize this is important, and I am greatful I get to realize this so early on :) The real trick is giong to see how well I do speaking infront of everyone for not just five minutes, but 15 in Italian! When I told my English students why they called me out, a couple said, I want to come to church just to hear you talk in Italain, but I guess we will see how that goes.
Italy is beautiful, and full of history. Everything is so rich. The taste of the fruits and vegetables, the smell of the air with the rain, and especially the hearts of the members. I LOVE talking with them! They are so incredible with the sweetest testimonys, and I feel so blessed to get to learn from them!
Yesterday was like Christmas, again. Elder Kopeschke, who is German and from the Q. of the 70 came and spent the day with 40ish of us missionaries, and I learned so much! And even got to play a musical number with my viola. He opened it up for questions and answers, and our mission president ask what he has learned from working so closely with the Prophet and the Apostles and he said, " I have learned that they love the one, that they really love the one." Even though they are over the church and how it runs, all of their concerns, stories, efforts are for the individual. President Monson does not just tell stories, but he is the story, that there are names of individuals because he cares about individuals. How cool is that? Of all the things that you could learn, what it really comes down to is Charity.
In Conclusion, Heavenly Father is amazing, and I don't think we could ever really imagine how much he loves us, but we have to give him the opportunity. If nothing else we need to atleast experiment upon his words and his teachings, and we get to learn FOR OURSELVES that they are true. I realize I sound like a nerd, but I LOVE reading the scriptures, not because it makes me a better person than everyone else, but because I get learn, and get answers to my questions. Try it. I promise it will work for you to, the hardest part I know is just finding time, but it is worth it.
Well as always, I love you all! I loved the pictures, if you can do me a favor and just spread a few smiles, that would make my day. Good luck with work, and weather and health, tests and all the other fun challenges of life. I LovE you!
Sorella Robb
I can not tell you how fun it is to hear from you each week. Everyday I get to brag about you, and watch the amusing expressions on peoples faces when they here that there are seven kids in my family, or that I am not from Utah. Mrs. Reeves, I finally got your address, and please tell the kids CONGRATS, I must admit I am not suprised that you all received "Superior with Distinction" but I am so proud of you all, and to be able to say that I learned from you all, THe Best! Kalli congrats on Boston, you will love it! And Lindsey, you look amazing, and I'm sure your music matched it. I am proud of you no matter what you say!
Dad I hate to tell you that I am no where close to having the language mastered, but in many ways this is a blessing in itself. Apparently I also speak with a Spanish Accent, so no one knows where I am from.
I absolutely love the people here though. Buses are always fun, because first of all, you start talking to someone, and then they look at you and are like, "why in the world are you talking to me?" And before you know it everyone surrounding me is trying to help me talk, and understand why I am here, and then they are like don't you know that everyone is Catholic here? But then I take them up on their invitation to tell them why I am here, and what I believe, and it has been a really fun, challenging, but rewarding experience.
And Grandpa, you and everyone else have been right! For the first time this last week, instead of hoping that Sorella Black would open her mouth and share our message, I tried it, and sure there are people not interested, but always there was a smile by the end, and then would come the blessings. There was one day when we worked really hard so talk with everyone, and at the end of the day I was on the bus, and talking with a lady, and she asked me for my number, and made sure I wrote down hers! That is totally backwards, I'm supposed to be the one doing that, but I think Heavenly Father knew me too well and that I needed extra help. Then, the next day we decided to walk instead of take the bus, which is usually harder to talk with people not in a hurry, but for whatever reason we decided to walk, and someone called us over to him, and we got to teach. If these signs, lessons, and reminders weren't enough, we were teaching in English class last night, and one of the members of the Bishopric came and called me out and asked, "would you be willing to speak in church this sunday, about DC 18, the worth of Souls is great, and the importance of bearing testimony, and the blessing it brings?" I could not help but chuckle, I realize this is important, and I am greatful I get to realize this so early on :) The real trick is giong to see how well I do speaking infront of everyone for not just five minutes, but 15 in Italian! When I told my English students why they called me out, a couple said, I want to come to church just to hear you talk in Italain, but I guess we will see how that goes.
Italy is beautiful, and full of history. Everything is so rich. The taste of the fruits and vegetables, the smell of the air with the rain, and especially the hearts of the members. I LOVE talking with them! They are so incredible with the sweetest testimonys, and I feel so blessed to get to learn from them!
Yesterday was like Christmas, again. Elder Kopeschke, who is German and from the Q. of the 70 came and spent the day with 40ish of us missionaries, and I learned so much! And even got to play a musical number with my viola. He opened it up for questions and answers, and our mission president ask what he has learned from working so closely with the Prophet and the Apostles and he said, " I have learned that they love the one, that they really love the one." Even though they are over the church and how it runs, all of their concerns, stories, efforts are for the individual. President Monson does not just tell stories, but he is the story, that there are names of individuals because he cares about individuals. How cool is that? Of all the things that you could learn, what it really comes down to is Charity.
In Conclusion, Heavenly Father is amazing, and I don't think we could ever really imagine how much he loves us, but we have to give him the opportunity. If nothing else we need to atleast experiment upon his words and his teachings, and we get to learn FOR OURSELVES that they are true. I realize I sound like a nerd, but I LOVE reading the scriptures, not because it makes me a better person than everyone else, but because I get learn, and get answers to my questions. Try it. I promise it will work for you to, the hardest part I know is just finding time, but it is worth it.
Well as always, I love you all! I loved the pictures, if you can do me a favor and just spread a few smiles, that would make my day. Good luck with work, and weather and health, tests and all the other fun challenges of life. I LovE you!
Sorella Robb
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Pasquetta (Easter)
Dearest Family of Mine, It is always so nice to hear from you! I hope Easter found you well and you had some time to reflect on its amazing message. Not only do the Italians spend the week before preparing, but they also take off the day after, which is called Pasquetta (meaning little cute Easter, or something like that). One scripture that I have loved so much this last week is Romans 8:37-39. It is so amazing the love and the comfort that God is waiting and wanting to offer us. A question we get asked alot here is why does God let so much suffering, but this morning I realized how much we are loved, and how many blessings are surrounding us everyday that we fail to see. The power of a smile, the smells of spring, the warmth of the sun, the comfort of the scriptures that hit just the right spot and remind us of the important things, and the opportunity we have to purify ourselves and be clean when we do make mistakes, we are so blessed. I just love Easter, and I am so greatful for the Love of our Savior Jesus Christ and the sacrifice he made for us, because he in fact does loves us. It is really just so amazing to me, I mean so Amazing.
Easter was nice. It rained for two days straight, and one of our investigaters mentioned that maybe it was the heavens crying. It was also amzing how quiet the streets were, there was honestly no one, so we moved our pday to monday so that we would not waste time.
I dont know if I mentioned anything about Angela, but she is doing well, and I learn new things everytime we teach her. This last time she mentioned how work is so stressful, so I bore my testimony about how God really does answer our prayers, because he does care, and how sometimes we receive those answers in the scriptures. Before I knew it she pulled out her scriptures and said are you going to open them or am I? Without realizing what was going on I said why dont you. She then started reading in Alma 32 and learned of having patience or trust. I was greatful for that tender mercy, but then we testified of how the scriptures we written for us, that no matter where she reads she can find truth, learn, find guidance and application to her life, and this is why read them everyday.
Other news of the week, it was my firsts for alot of things. We had Zone Conference where President Taranto mentioned the importance of bearing quick brief testimony from the start, to give them something to grasp on to, and Grandpa, thank you for reinforcing the importance of that :) I am sure it was not a coincidence. We also did Mostra for the first time, we went down to Centro, or Old Bari and visited with people shopping. It was really neat for me because I went on splits with one of the ysadults of the ward, and her confidence and earnestness to share what she knew with others was so cool. What else, I have never been kissed so much in my life. It still catches me off guard sometimes, but it is good, I am sure it won't hurt me, if anything it is a blessing. Not to mention the members here are amazing, and I have yet to talk to someone who is not a convert with an amazing story.
Anyhow Lindsey I cant believe it is already that time for your recital, you are going to love it I promise. And why not enjoy it? this might be the only time you have one so just have fun and show off how hard you have been working.
Emma, Sam, Critter, and Joe, you know I love you and always think about you, I never leave my appartment without a picture of you. Infact Emma, this week I was trying to talk with a girl who was nine, and having a hard time and then she started singing Highschool musical songs and was so impressed when I knew them too, and it made me think of you.
Love you all, hope you have a fantastic week!
Sorella Robb
Easter was nice. It rained for two days straight, and one of our investigaters mentioned that maybe it was the heavens crying. It was also amzing how quiet the streets were, there was honestly no one, so we moved our pday to monday so that we would not waste time.
I dont know if I mentioned anything about Angela, but she is doing well, and I learn new things everytime we teach her. This last time she mentioned how work is so stressful, so I bore my testimony about how God really does answer our prayers, because he does care, and how sometimes we receive those answers in the scriptures. Before I knew it she pulled out her scriptures and said are you going to open them or am I? Without realizing what was going on I said why dont you. She then started reading in Alma 32 and learned of having patience or trust. I was greatful for that tender mercy, but then we testified of how the scriptures we written for us, that no matter where she reads she can find truth, learn, find guidance and application to her life, and this is why read them everyday.
Other news of the week, it was my firsts for alot of things. We had Zone Conference where President Taranto mentioned the importance of bearing quick brief testimony from the start, to give them something to grasp on to, and Grandpa, thank you for reinforcing the importance of that :) I am sure it was not a coincidence. We also did Mostra for the first time, we went down to Centro, or Old Bari and visited with people shopping. It was really neat for me because I went on splits with one of the ysadults of the ward, and her confidence and earnestness to share what she knew with others was so cool. What else, I have never been kissed so much in my life. It still catches me off guard sometimes, but it is good, I am sure it won't hurt me, if anything it is a blessing. Not to mention the members here are amazing, and I have yet to talk to someone who is not a convert with an amazing story.
Anyhow Lindsey I cant believe it is already that time for your recital, you are going to love it I promise. And why not enjoy it? this might be the only time you have one so just have fun and show off how hard you have been working.
Emma, Sam, Critter, and Joe, you know I love you and always think about you, I never leave my appartment without a picture of you. Infact Emma, this week I was trying to talk with a girl who was nine, and having a hard time and then she started singing Highschool musical songs and was so impressed when I knew them too, and it made me think of you.
Love you all, hope you have a fantastic week!
Sorella Robb
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
1st Real Italian Meal (Mission Week # 1)
Family of Mine! It was good to hear from you, and dont worry about me, I am fine. We have a hear a little about the earthquake, but supprisingly not that much at all.
I officially began my second week yesterday, and am looking forward to getting to spend more time here. Catania was great the whole 2 days I was there, my very first night I got to go out with Sorella Sandlin on splits and we taught a less active member a lesson, and she made sure I spoke, and it was fun. I also got to know the Italian people a little better. They are wonderful, and funny, but they also agree with everything that you say without really thinking about it or digesting it. Also, they LOVE to talk. Before in our lessons, we had to work really hard to get participation, but now I am having to work really hard to get a word in. Sorella Black says that that is just part of the culture, that they dont really like silences, so they will just keep talking until you cut them off... and you know how good I am at that ;)
On Friday I met my new companion, Sorella Black. We were in the car on the way to the bus station, and some of the missionaries were talking about instruments and she mentioned how "you know the best instrument in the viola though!" I thought she was just making a joke, or trying to make me feel good, but it turns out she really had no idea that I play, and she plays too! She has been pretty great, and is really good about talking to lots of people all the time. My biggest problem is I will start talking to people and in the beginning its great and I know exactly whats going on, and to make chat, and then they get really excited and start going off about all sorts of things and I just look at them with a huge grin having absolutely no idea what they are saying. It is helpful to listen for inflection in their voice to know that there was a question asked, but every conversation brings fun new adventures.
Conference was wonderful and I got to watch it in English. or atleast 3 of the sessions, and Lindsey, I saw Katie in the choir which was fun!
As for the Easter season, everyone is really busy which makes it a little difficult to meet with people this week. We have done some casa a casa trying to find those who would like us to sing an Easter Inno, but have not yet found those who are craving music with a beautiful message, but we will keep ringing and singing.
So story time! Alot of the work here in Bari is to strengthen the members, get them active in church, excited about missionary work, and build up a strong foundation. Apparently what happens a lot is that new members get attatched to missionaries, so when they leave everything kind of stops. So yesterday we to my first lunch appointment, the big meal of the day, with Sorella Panza. She is your typical cat lady, apparently they exist all over the world, but she stays at home, "suffering" and the missionaries are here life. We got there and there was food on the stove, on the tables, in the oven, every surface, and I was just sure that she was preparing for easter or something. She dished up our pasta, a good sized bowl, and Sorella Black was like, wow that is nothing compared to what we usually eat, you are fortunate. We ate it, it was good. Then it was time for meat, lamb in red sauce. By this time I was like, wow that was good, what a good meal. Turn out however, that this was the first of THREE meat dishes! Then there was a different cut of lamb with peas, and then there was lamb chops. It is an easter tradition, and she wanted us to experience. This ofcourse was more meat than I think I ate the entire last year combined, and this was still only the beginning of the meal. She then walked out with a plate with three different portions, for the three of us with a pile of Rocatta, a huge orange, and prosciutto, and a hard boiled egg. And so we ate it. But then there was the dolce, the sugar cookie for Pasqua in the shape of a pish, but there were also to other treats that she insisted we ate. After all this she insisted we needed more, so she carried out a huge chocolate egg bigger than my backpack and told us to break it and Mangi. And so went me first meal. It was all very good, and yet so very painful. She was so sweet, and I am sure she spent her lifes earnings on it. I unfortunately could not understand anything she said, because she talked really fast, and slurred alot together, but she laughed alot and so would I. At the end though we talked a little bit about making goals, and left her with an assignment for next time and she seemed pretty happy about that.
Anyways I apologize for the lengthyness of this, but it is kind of nice to be able to express myself. I have made it a goal to talk Italian All day everyday, except for when we walk home at night around 9:30, so this is a treat for me.
Emma that is so cool about your stamp! Someday you need to teach me how to paint so I can say I learned from the best. Joe and Chris, Chump says What, dont ask me what that means, I just wanted to say hi. Jonathan Robb I love and I have faith that someday I will hear word from him. Did you ever hear from my friend? Mom you are wonderful, and a great example to so many.
I will write you all again next wednessday, and maybe by then I will know this city a little better, and be able to tell you more about the people here.
Here is my address, send letters here, and even small packages, but anything with real value send the mission home.
Ci vediamo! Ti voglio bene!
Sorella Robb
Sorella Robb
Viale Einaudi 25
70125 Bari
Italia
I officially began my second week yesterday, and am looking forward to getting to spend more time here. Catania was great the whole 2 days I was there, my very first night I got to go out with Sorella Sandlin on splits and we taught a less active member a lesson, and she made sure I spoke, and it was fun. I also got to know the Italian people a little better. They are wonderful, and funny, but they also agree with everything that you say without really thinking about it or digesting it. Also, they LOVE to talk. Before in our lessons, we had to work really hard to get participation, but now I am having to work really hard to get a word in. Sorella Black says that that is just part of the culture, that they dont really like silences, so they will just keep talking until you cut them off... and you know how good I am at that ;)
On Friday I met my new companion, Sorella Black. We were in the car on the way to the bus station, and some of the missionaries were talking about instruments and she mentioned how "you know the best instrument in the viola though!" I thought she was just making a joke, or trying to make me feel good, but it turns out she really had no idea that I play, and she plays too! She has been pretty great, and is really good about talking to lots of people all the time. My biggest problem is I will start talking to people and in the beginning its great and I know exactly whats going on, and to make chat, and then they get really excited and start going off about all sorts of things and I just look at them with a huge grin having absolutely no idea what they are saying. It is helpful to listen for inflection in their voice to know that there was a question asked, but every conversation brings fun new adventures.
Conference was wonderful and I got to watch it in English. or atleast 3 of the sessions, and Lindsey, I saw Katie in the choir which was fun!
As for the Easter season, everyone is really busy which makes it a little difficult to meet with people this week. We have done some casa a casa trying to find those who would like us to sing an Easter Inno, but have not yet found those who are craving music with a beautiful message, but we will keep ringing and singing.
So story time! Alot of the work here in Bari is to strengthen the members, get them active in church, excited about missionary work, and build up a strong foundation. Apparently what happens a lot is that new members get attatched to missionaries, so when they leave everything kind of stops. So yesterday we to my first lunch appointment, the big meal of the day, with Sorella Panza. She is your typical cat lady, apparently they exist all over the world, but she stays at home, "suffering" and the missionaries are here life. We got there and there was food on the stove, on the tables, in the oven, every surface, and I was just sure that she was preparing for easter or something. She dished up our pasta, a good sized bowl, and Sorella Black was like, wow that is nothing compared to what we usually eat, you are fortunate. We ate it, it was good. Then it was time for meat, lamb in red sauce. By this time I was like, wow that was good, what a good meal. Turn out however, that this was the first of THREE meat dishes! Then there was a different cut of lamb with peas, and then there was lamb chops. It is an easter tradition, and she wanted us to experience. This ofcourse was more meat than I think I ate the entire last year combined, and this was still only the beginning of the meal. She then walked out with a plate with three different portions, for the three of us with a pile of Rocatta, a huge orange, and prosciutto, and a hard boiled egg. And so we ate it. But then there was the dolce, the sugar cookie for Pasqua in the shape of a pish, but there were also to other treats that she insisted we ate. After all this she insisted we needed more, so she carried out a huge chocolate egg bigger than my backpack and told us to break it and Mangi. And so went me first meal. It was all very good, and yet so very painful. She was so sweet, and I am sure she spent her lifes earnings on it. I unfortunately could not understand anything she said, because she talked really fast, and slurred alot together, but she laughed alot and so would I. At the end though we talked a little bit about making goals, and left her with an assignment for next time and she seemed pretty happy about that.
Anyways I apologize for the lengthyness of this, but it is kind of nice to be able to express myself. I have made it a goal to talk Italian All day everyday, except for when we walk home at night around 9:30, so this is a treat for me.
Emma that is so cool about your stamp! Someday you need to teach me how to paint so I can say I learned from the best. Joe and Chris, Chump says What, dont ask me what that means, I just wanted to say hi. Jonathan Robb I love and I have faith that someday I will hear word from him. Did you ever hear from my friend? Mom you are wonderful, and a great example to so many.
I will write you all again next wednessday, and maybe by then I will know this city a little better, and be able to tell you more about the people here.
Here is my address, send letters here, and even small packages, but anything with real value send the mission home.
Ci vediamo! Ti voglio bene!
Sorella Robb
Sorella Robb
Viale Einaudi 25
70125 Bari
Italia
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Arrival in Italy!!!
Ciao Ciao family-
I know that I said that I would not be sending an email, but it just so turns out that those the sisters I am with have their P-day today and so I was able to come with them. I forgot how much I love it here, and I think it is even more special now that I actually can kind of understand what people are saying! It was really funny because when we got on the plane in Georgia to come here and they started speaking in Italian Anziano Bullock just looked over with the biggest eyes and was like, WHAT language are they speaking?! It was funny and we all laughed, but it is going to take some work and some time to really feel comfortable. The plane ride was good, but I was in the middle of my two companions so we didnt really get the chance to talk to anyone. Then we arrived in the airport in Rome and it was madness, but geneous and so good, and we just laughed at how well the Lord knows us and has a sense of humor. We had been told that we would have to pick up new plane tickets in Rome, but we had no idea what that meant, so we decided to just follow the crowd through security and see what kind of adventures that would bring. We soon noticed that we were supposed to have tickets, but they did not even check me or Sorella White, but of course Anziano Bullock they did, and then said oh, your going to Catania, you can just go get you ticket in there. So off we went with no idea what we were doing and found ourselves standing in front of the screens clueless, when a young man walked up to Anziano and was like, Ciao Brother, so excitedly and went off in Italian. It wasnt before long when his wife said in Italian, "Dear, I dont think they speak Italian." I then talked with them my broken Italian and explained how this was our first day in Italy and our situation. It was so fun, made us feel so at home and at ease, and it was so obvious that they came because we needed them. We were then greated by some of their friends who were like, oh ju are americani. They helped us feel more confident with what we were to do, and we said good bye. Seriously though, I am so excited to get to know these people, they are just amazing!!!! and so wonderful. We finally found where we needed to be and then they changed the gate two times and everyone was confused and it was a beautiful Italy moment. Finally we arrived in Catania at 2, only 26 hours after we left the MTC. We even were greated with ALL of our luggage which I guess is unusual.
President Toronto is great, very much a genious and very kind, and his wife made sure we were well fed with lasagne and a 4 course meal.
After lunch with the all of the folks of the mission home we left to work on our visa work. We went downtown with Anziano Ludo, an Italian senior service missionary. Because the person was late for our appointment, we got to chat with those people in the lobby one of which who was an old man who just started rambling off with facial expressions, hands and everything, and we just nodded and laughed, but we had no clue what he was saying. Fortunately there was another older, but not so old man who told us in Italian that this other man was speaking in Sicilian. It was quite the conversation! We were talking with a man who spoke sicilian, that was being translated in to Italian, that was trying to be understood by three missionaries who understood one days worth of true Italian. It really was fun though, the animation of the people when they talk here is so priceless, and I feel so blessed to get to be here.
Right now I am with three sisters in Catania and my companion will not be here until tomorrow night. I have heared wonderful things about her, but in the meantime these three sisters here are taking great care of me. It turns out that one of them is from Moderno, which is where Anziano Volpe, the Italian Elder from the MTC is from and they know eachother.
Anyways I just wanted to let you know that all is well, and I did arrive here safely. Jet lag does not seem to be a problem, and I had the best nights sleep I have had in two months! It was so fun to talk with everyone on the phone too. So fun, that we were just minutes away from not catching our plane, and we went on the plane foodless, but it was well worth it. I even had a bunch of letters that are written addressed and have beautiful American stamps that I will not get to send for a while, but all is well.
Emma, I love you and am sorry I did not get to talk to you on the phone, but I did love your letter you sent me. I am glad we have decided on our lives occupation of clip making I think its a great plan! Chris, I heard you couldnt stand New York and Washington DC and its awesomeness, that you thought that it was boring and plain and you missed your mom, what is your problem? Haha, well atleast thats the story Ive made up until you tell me otherwise ,) And Sam dont think that I have forgotten you, I miss your huggs bud, please give mom one for me.
Everyone else thanks for your love, it was so fun to get to hear your voices. I hope that you get to eat some especially good food this week so that I dont have to feel bad when every bite of food I take is blasted with flavor and goodness. I love you, I love Italian people and culture, I love the humbling experience of learning and language, and I love the message that I get to share with these people of our Heavenly Father who loves us. All these things combined make me so excited, hopefully next week I will have some more stories to share about the people here. I think we are actually going on splits tonight to some teaching appointments, which I am looking forward to. Ci vediamo!
Sorella Whitney Robb
P.s. sorry this was so lungo, dont feel obligated to read this all i just got really exited
I know that I said that I would not be sending an email, but it just so turns out that those the sisters I am with have their P-day today and so I was able to come with them. I forgot how much I love it here, and I think it is even more special now that I actually can kind of understand what people are saying! It was really funny because when we got on the plane in Georgia to come here and they started speaking in Italian Anziano Bullock just looked over with the biggest eyes and was like, WHAT language are they speaking?! It was funny and we all laughed, but it is going to take some work and some time to really feel comfortable. The plane ride was good, but I was in the middle of my two companions so we didnt really get the chance to talk to anyone. Then we arrived in the airport in Rome and it was madness, but geneous and so good, and we just laughed at how well the Lord knows us and has a sense of humor. We had been told that we would have to pick up new plane tickets in Rome, but we had no idea what that meant, so we decided to just follow the crowd through security and see what kind of adventures that would bring. We soon noticed that we were supposed to have tickets, but they did not even check me or Sorella White, but of course Anziano Bullock they did, and then said oh, your going to Catania, you can just go get you ticket in there. So off we went with no idea what we were doing and found ourselves standing in front of the screens clueless, when a young man walked up to Anziano and was like, Ciao Brother, so excitedly and went off in Italian. It wasnt before long when his wife said in Italian, "Dear, I dont think they speak Italian." I then talked with them my broken Italian and explained how this was our first day in Italy and our situation. It was so fun, made us feel so at home and at ease, and it was so obvious that they came because we needed them. We were then greated by some of their friends who were like, oh ju are americani. They helped us feel more confident with what we were to do, and we said good bye. Seriously though, I am so excited to get to know these people, they are just amazing!!!! and so wonderful. We finally found where we needed to be and then they changed the gate two times and everyone was confused and it was a beautiful Italy moment. Finally we arrived in Catania at 2, only 26 hours after we left the MTC. We even were greated with ALL of our luggage which I guess is unusual.
President Toronto is great, very much a genious and very kind, and his wife made sure we were well fed with lasagne and a 4 course meal.
After lunch with the all of the folks of the mission home we left to work on our visa work. We went downtown with Anziano Ludo, an Italian senior service missionary. Because the person was late for our appointment, we got to chat with those people in the lobby one of which who was an old man who just started rambling off with facial expressions, hands and everything, and we just nodded and laughed, but we had no clue what he was saying. Fortunately there was another older, but not so old man who told us in Italian that this other man was speaking in Sicilian. It was quite the conversation! We were talking with a man who spoke sicilian, that was being translated in to Italian, that was trying to be understood by three missionaries who understood one days worth of true Italian. It really was fun though, the animation of the people when they talk here is so priceless, and I feel so blessed to get to be here.
Right now I am with three sisters in Catania and my companion will not be here until tomorrow night. I have heared wonderful things about her, but in the meantime these three sisters here are taking great care of me. It turns out that one of them is from Moderno, which is where Anziano Volpe, the Italian Elder from the MTC is from and they know eachother.
Anyways I just wanted to let you know that all is well, and I did arrive here safely. Jet lag does not seem to be a problem, and I had the best nights sleep I have had in two months! It was so fun to talk with everyone on the phone too. So fun, that we were just minutes away from not catching our plane, and we went on the plane foodless, but it was well worth it. I even had a bunch of letters that are written addressed and have beautiful American stamps that I will not get to send for a while, but all is well.
Emma, I love you and am sorry I did not get to talk to you on the phone, but I did love your letter you sent me. I am glad we have decided on our lives occupation of clip making I think its a great plan! Chris, I heard you couldnt stand New York and Washington DC and its awesomeness, that you thought that it was boring and plain and you missed your mom, what is your problem? Haha, well atleast thats the story Ive made up until you tell me otherwise ,) And Sam dont think that I have forgotten you, I miss your huggs bud, please give mom one for me.
Everyone else thanks for your love, it was so fun to get to hear your voices. I hope that you get to eat some especially good food this week so that I dont have to feel bad when every bite of food I take is blasted with flavor and goodness. I love you, I love Italian people and culture, I love the humbling experience of learning and language, and I love the message that I get to share with these people of our Heavenly Father who loves us. All these things combined make me so excited, hopefully next week I will have some more stories to share about the people here. I think we are actually going on splits tonight to some teaching appointments, which I am looking forward to. Ci vediamo!
Sorella Whitney Robb
P.s. sorry this was so lungo, dont feel obligated to read this all i just got really exited
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