Che Strano!

Ciao Famiglia!
So I new that i was getting old in the mission, but this confirmed it, my first week in the mission without a letter. Don't worry though, even if you have forgotten me, I still remember you all. John Happy Birthday, proprio Today!!!! It seems like just yesterday we were eating salmon with Omi and Papa, its crazy how the time is flying I hope you are doing amazing things with your time. This week I will hit my 6 month mark in the mission which is soo weird. We had a maxi conference this week with all of the missionaries in the Puglia, and for the first time since I have been out I met some of the missionaries that are younger than me. I also received a couple letters from friends other places in Italy, and Jessica Ogle, and they all reminded me of just how lucky I am to have this time to share my testimony with these people and love them. In light of this six month mark, it has made me reflect a bit on what I have learned, what I would still like to learn, and some of the highlights.

Language- After many strange looks and laughs, I no longer say "siamo finiti." Where its direct translation would be we are finished, the Italian's take it very literally to mean we are FINISHED (dead), rather they would say have we finished. I know better now.
Talking wise, People still will finish my sentences for me, but the other day we were talking with someone and I realized that I was not having to translate at all what they were saying, I simply understood it, it was So Beautiful! There were almost tears.

Lifestyle Change- I am perfectly content in plain colors, Lindsey sent me one of my favorite skirts from home, and could not handle those three stripes on it, it was simply way too much pattern :)
A day without pasta is pretty much a day without food, its not even so much that I love so much, but my body is convinced it needs it to feel full. Also, the sun and I are best friends, there is no such thing as too hot. Favorite activities, I really love reading scriptures, talks, the dictionary, its so fun. New "Ensigns" are just as exciting as any Birthday present I ever received.

My Testimony- Where there is a Will, He has made a way. We all have been given the opportunity to learn where and how we can find happiness, and I absolutely love sharing my testimony with others as well as getting to here their's. Those little small assurances that we receive as we do our best to align our will with his are priceless. In fact, this last week, we had about an hour before we needed to return home after English course, and we decided we needed to go out to a little near by city. As we were walking my companion stopped someone to ask for directions, and she looked at us and said, I know you all! I have talked with you on the phone and want to learn more! We then quickly realized that she was someone we had been trying to get a hold of for over a month, but the last time we tried calling a man answered the phone and said she was gone and would not return for a long while. Anyways, appararently he was an old boyfriend and she had no idea. It just amazes me to see how well the Lord knows us, and to realize how personal he really is.

I guess what I am trying to say is that I love my mission, and can not wait to learn more. I really am so so spoiled. My companion and I always laugh, because the only time I ever say "I can't handle anymore" is when we are at someones house trying to finish our plate with a pund of pasta. I can not quite remember what I was doing with all my time when I was 17 and 18, but here we have some of the most incredible young adults (gans) here who have also been great examples for me. One of my highlights every week is getting to go on spilts with them. They are really incredible and not scared of anything. Often times I will stop someone to ask how they are doing, or if we can help lend them a hand, but after hardly anytime at all we are teaching them together and I am blessed to get to hear their incredible testimonies as well.

Mom I hope all is going well with you travel. Christopher, it would truly bring tears to my eyes if you wrote me about EFY, but if not, you could atleast send me a picture. pS mom, thanks for the letter I did get it. Joe, Critter, Dada, and EMma Dear I love you all! Have a fantastic week and a great pioneer day, and a good time in California. Love yall!

Sorella Robb