Family of Mine! How I love you all. So maybe I would admit that I miss hearing Christmas Songs on the Radio a little bit, and smellings moms apple cider on the stove, but I have never been able to sing so many hymns in my life and share so many smiles and scriptures and tears, and pretty much I love it!
We are not 100% positive about what will happen with internet this next week, so I wanted to be sure to wish you all a very merry Christmas. It's wierd, because sometimes I forget its Christmas, but at the same time some of the stores have red carpeted pathways, all of the streets are lined with Christmas lights, people won't stop giving us free food, and the best part is that everyone is willing to talk about Christ!
Mom and dad I take it you are both busy, but dont worry Lindsey sent me a nice long email and filled me in on the details of Peter and Kristen's Wedding. Sounds like it was special. Sorry if my thoughts are not very full of sense right now, I am not thinking very clearly because we have the police men here taking our documents and making sure that we a legal, and it is a little distracting. I sure hope they don't boot me out because I really do love it here :)
Anyways this week has been a real treat! For Christmas President and his wife are doing Christmas conferences where we get to go and see our MTC districts. I will be going on Friday, but the other day I went to take Sorella Stevenson and president told me to just stay in Catania and do splits with my MTC companion Sorella White! Seeing as how up until this point we have been on opposite sides of the mission it was such a blast seeing all that has changed. Just a little example was that after I said a prayer she said, "wow, that was really nice" i tried to figure out what in the world she was talking about until I realized that last time we had prayed together in Italia it would take a good ten minutes just to say thank you for my family. Long story short, we brought with us our various experiences that we've picked up along the mission, and had some great teaching moments out in Catania, it was the perfect Christmas present!
Other news, our branch is putting on a showing of the Testiments Friday here in Ragusa, and I have been blown away by their enthusiasm and their efforts to make this a success, basically it will be like the showings that they did at temple square. UNfortunately I am going to be in Catania, but they have prepared referal cards, put up publicity in the hole city, written dedicas in Book of Mormons, lets just say there are some really incredible people here.
Oh my goodness, speaking of incredible people thank you for the Package of Sugar Cookies and Letters from the primary!!! Sorella Stevenson and I have never had a better time reading letters together. So mom if you can please tell sister Funk thank you for the year supply of cookies I would appreciate it!
Anyhow, wherever you find yourself this Christmas Season I hope you can find sometime to sing a little hymn and remember how blessed we are by the light and joy that was brought to the earth thanks to the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, my best Friend!
I love you all dont forget that!
Merry Christmas!
Sorella Robb
p.s. Anziano Fullmer /aka Jason, it was my sister Lindseys birthday :) but I got a kick out of it anyways... THanks. White Handbook = Letter :)
Pss. I am cleared, they are going to let me stay. Yay
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Fun Treats!
Buongiorno Cari! Life has stayed nice and busy here, and full of way too many sweet treats. Lindsey Happy Birthday!!! And Peter and Kristen, happy wedding. It is insane how quick the holiday is approaching, but it has been really fun getting to go around singing christmas hyms and sharing the Living Christ with others.
New news here in Ragusa is that, we started teaching a group of preschoolers english which was quite the experience, we had an incredible mixed up evening that let led us to meet an incredible family, Elvira is still progressing and doing well, I am getting old in the mission(there are only two sisters who have been here longer than me), and we have eaten enough Panetone to last us a life time.
The air here has gotten a little cooler at night time, and it makes it a little more difficult to do finding work. Saturday we were really excited because we had planned out a really good lesson for Elvira and Vincenzo, and Sorella Campo was also going to be there. So we called them at 7:30 and they said, "yeah, we are close but we will be there soon." So five minutes later they came, and we got in the car and then they said, "Sorelle we are sorry, but we are really tired, we have been out all day (getting our hair done) would it be okay if we rescheduled?" Ofcourse we said, sure, no problem, but inside I am pretty sure that we both began to cry. It was cold, we had been walking outside already for a good 3 hours, and from 7:30-9:00 we will just say that the streets of Ragusa are not so lively. We laughed at our good luck, and wondered why in the world of all things this lesson had to be canceled.
Well you would think that after all the different experiences I have had that I would learn to trust the Lord in doing his work, and this was just one of the many experiences to add to the list. So we decided try one of the inactives on the street, who did not let us enter, but the second we finished talking with her, there was a terrible smell that drove up. It was a new car filled with a beautiful family of two teenage daughters a four month old little girl and their parents. We decided to try and see if we could do something to help and they said "we are catholic." I tried making some phone calls and then turned to the mother and apologized and admitted that I am no pro mechanic but asked if there was anything we could do. SHe then turned to me with tears and said, "will you pray for my sister, she is ill and probably wont live past april." We then all talked and she said how she was greatful and that our encounter was an answer to her prayers. We talked of the plan of Happiness that our Heavenly Father has for us, and shared some scriptures also from the Book of Mormon. We quickly learned why is was we had not taught the other lesson, and were all edified by this experience. THey live in a little city an hour away, but their daughter is attending a University where there are missionaries. After an hour someone came to look at their car and said it was really wierd that it was someking but that at that point it was fine. It was a really neat experience, and we all shed a good few tears. I am so greatful for this experience that I have to get to be one of the Lord's servents, he really is very good at doing His work and answering our prayers. I know we are loved by our Heavenly Father, and I know that it is because he loves us that he sent His son Jesus Christ. Hope you are all having a wonderful Holiday season, and remember that many of the best memories come from doing service and witnessing and feeling the Love of God for ourselves and others. Have fun!
Sorella Robb
New news here in Ragusa is that, we started teaching a group of preschoolers english which was quite the experience, we had an incredible mixed up evening that let led us to meet an incredible family, Elvira is still progressing and doing well, I am getting old in the mission(there are only two sisters who have been here longer than me), and we have eaten enough Panetone to last us a life time.
The air here has gotten a little cooler at night time, and it makes it a little more difficult to do finding work. Saturday we were really excited because we had planned out a really good lesson for Elvira and Vincenzo, and Sorella Campo was also going to be there. So we called them at 7:30 and they said, "yeah, we are close but we will be there soon." So five minutes later they came, and we got in the car and then they said, "Sorelle we are sorry, but we are really tired, we have been out all day (getting our hair done) would it be okay if we rescheduled?" Ofcourse we said, sure, no problem, but inside I am pretty sure that we both began to cry. It was cold, we had been walking outside already for a good 3 hours, and from 7:30-9:00 we will just say that the streets of Ragusa are not so lively. We laughed at our good luck, and wondered why in the world of all things this lesson had to be canceled.
Well you would think that after all the different experiences I have had that I would learn to trust the Lord in doing his work, and this was just one of the many experiences to add to the list. So we decided try one of the inactives on the street, who did not let us enter, but the second we finished talking with her, there was a terrible smell that drove up. It was a new car filled with a beautiful family of two teenage daughters a four month old little girl and their parents. We decided to try and see if we could do something to help and they said "we are catholic." I tried making some phone calls and then turned to the mother and apologized and admitted that I am no pro mechanic but asked if there was anything we could do. SHe then turned to me with tears and said, "will you pray for my sister, she is ill and probably wont live past april." We then all talked and she said how she was greatful and that our encounter was an answer to her prayers. We talked of the plan of Happiness that our Heavenly Father has for us, and shared some scriptures also from the Book of Mormon. We quickly learned why is was we had not taught the other lesson, and were all edified by this experience. THey live in a little city an hour away, but their daughter is attending a University where there are missionaries. After an hour someone came to look at their car and said it was really wierd that it was someking but that at that point it was fine. It was a really neat experience, and we all shed a good few tears. I am so greatful for this experience that I have to get to be one of the Lord's servents, he really is very good at doing His work and answering our prayers. I know we are loved by our Heavenly Father, and I know that it is because he loves us that he sent His son Jesus Christ. Hope you are all having a wonderful Holiday season, and remember that many of the best memories come from doing service and witnessing and feeling the Love of God for ourselves and others. Have fun!
Sorella Robb
Mammamia!
Ciao!
Wow, what a week, I am not even sure where to begin. Seems like blessings are just being dumped out of Heaven. Well Jessica, way to go on following through on the referal! I am sure if he stole your heart he has got to be a real winner! Michelle congrats on the news, and Peter and Kristen, I am so excited and very happy for you. I never thought I would see the day, but I love you both so much and am having a hard time containing my excitment. Also Jonathan Jarman, congrats on the mission call and making a very good and rewarding choice, you have got quite the adventure awaiting you, best thing you can do right now is read the Book of Mormon as much as you can it is really going to be your best friend, I LOVE it! Hope that everyone else had a wonderful time for thanksgiving, and was able to enjoy the spirit of being greatful on top of the experience of being overlyfull.
Our little city of Ragusa is doing really well. Thanksgiving I must say did not exist as far as an American Dictionary would define it, but boy did we have a week packed full of giving thanks. We decided to use it as an excuse for talking with people and making suprise visits and it was a blast. We would go and sing the hymn "count your blessings" and then read d&C 136:28-29. It is so true that we all have reason to rejoice, and whats even cooler is that when sometimes we are having a hard time, all we have to do is ask, and our heavenly Father is really good about reminding us and reminding us.
Experiences and updates from this week:
We went back to visit Anna, a girl we met doing house, and she is willing to let us talk with her and share more, even if she is a little upset with God.
We went and visited Clorinda, one of our english course students, and she said "I dont know what it is, but you all, all of you missionaries have this special light in your eyes, and I noticed it too when I went to that activity at your church. And you can just see that you are happy, really you can." Neat experience, and she is reading the Book of Mormon to know for herself!
Elvira- Knows its true, loves the plan of Salvation and loves teaching it to her husband who is in a Wheelchair, and she told him. "I know that we thought that this marriage was only until death, but it turns out that you might be stuck with me for a whole lot longer." (with a huge grin on her face)
The Pumpkin Pie was a Hit! It brought a little bit of the holiday spice to us all, and the Italians had a hard time believing it was made with pumpkin.
Other Learning experiences:
Don't eat hot forks, they burn you. I decided to be thrifty and heat up a meatball with a fork over a flame (this was made by the Italian Elder here who so happens to be a professional chef as well) anyways I just so happened to burn half of my lip off and now every Italian I meet asks if I have Herpes.
I dont miss McDonalds.
this week president and his wife came for interviews and Sorella Taranto treated us to McDonalds, so I decided, why not eat a burger, its has been a while? Lets just say I have never been so out of breath walking up these hills, and I will not eat one again, because I am pretty sure it is against the will of my mother, and maybe even against the WoW. But I am very blessed to have such an amazing mission President, and such a caring mission Mother who really looks after our every needs.
I love you all and thank you for your support. And Robyn, thank you as always for your udates and being such a good example about doing visiting teaching. Today for our Pday we are going to bake with one of the members from the branch so that we know how to make Italian sweets. Happy December!
Sorella Robb
Wow, what a week, I am not even sure where to begin. Seems like blessings are just being dumped out of Heaven. Well Jessica, way to go on following through on the referal! I am sure if he stole your heart he has got to be a real winner! Michelle congrats on the news, and Peter and Kristen, I am so excited and very happy for you. I never thought I would see the day, but I love you both so much and am having a hard time containing my excitment. Also Jonathan Jarman, congrats on the mission call and making a very good and rewarding choice, you have got quite the adventure awaiting you, best thing you can do right now is read the Book of Mormon as much as you can it is really going to be your best friend, I LOVE it! Hope that everyone else had a wonderful time for thanksgiving, and was able to enjoy the spirit of being greatful on top of the experience of being overlyfull.
Our little city of Ragusa is doing really well. Thanksgiving I must say did not exist as far as an American Dictionary would define it, but boy did we have a week packed full of giving thanks. We decided to use it as an excuse for talking with people and making suprise visits and it was a blast. We would go and sing the hymn "count your blessings" and then read d&C 136:28-29. It is so true that we all have reason to rejoice, and whats even cooler is that when sometimes we are having a hard time, all we have to do is ask, and our heavenly Father is really good about reminding us and reminding us.
Experiences and updates from this week:
We went back to visit Anna, a girl we met doing house, and she is willing to let us talk with her and share more, even if she is a little upset with God.
We went and visited Clorinda, one of our english course students, and she said "I dont know what it is, but you all, all of you missionaries have this special light in your eyes, and I noticed it too when I went to that activity at your church. And you can just see that you are happy, really you can." Neat experience, and she is reading the Book of Mormon to know for herself!
Elvira- Knows its true, loves the plan of Salvation and loves teaching it to her husband who is in a Wheelchair, and she told him. "I know that we thought that this marriage was only until death, but it turns out that you might be stuck with me for a whole lot longer." (with a huge grin on her face)
The Pumpkin Pie was a Hit! It brought a little bit of the holiday spice to us all, and the Italians had a hard time believing it was made with pumpkin.
Other Learning experiences:
Don't eat hot forks, they burn you. I decided to be thrifty and heat up a meatball with a fork over a flame (this was made by the Italian Elder here who so happens to be a professional chef as well) anyways I just so happened to burn half of my lip off and now every Italian I meet asks if I have Herpes.
I dont miss McDonalds.
this week president and his wife came for interviews and Sorella Taranto treated us to McDonalds, so I decided, why not eat a burger, its has been a while? Lets just say I have never been so out of breath walking up these hills, and I will not eat one again, because I am pretty sure it is against the will of my mother, and maybe even against the WoW. But I am very blessed to have such an amazing mission President, and such a caring mission Mother who really looks after our every needs.
I love you all and thank you for your support. And Robyn, thank you as always for your udates and being such a good example about doing visiting teaching. Today for our Pday we are going to bake with one of the members from the branch so that we know how to make Italian sweets. Happy December!
Sorella Robb
Bulldog, Spain, Elvira, District Conference, and Splits
Happy Wednesday. I dont know where to begin, but I guess I will start with Happy Thanksgiving!!! Tomorrow that is. It really is not something very well known here and our activity was cancelled so we are probably going to spend it visiting people and letting them know why we are thankful for them. We are also going to attempt a pumkin pie, but it might be a little dangerous because we have to make it 100% from scratch, pumkin included. Boh we will see. Anyways I hope that you all enjoy the thanksgiving parade, a nice family walk, and that it is full of fun memories. If you feel it is necessary you can even write me a little note about it, I will even give you my Address :)
As for this week I am not really sure where to begin so I will share with you so of the highlights now so are silly and some are seriously neat.
Bulldog: How do you say bulldog in Italian?
I don't know so I decided to ask a man that we had seen a good 3 or 4 times. So he said american bulldog, and then said "why do you like him?" and I said "yes he is beautiful" (bello, a word used much more commonly here) then he said "No, you are more beautiful... no really." It was an interesting experience, we laughed a bit, but I learned that it is not the best tactic to share the gospel. However I can now have confidence in the fact that I am more beautiful than a bulldog :)
Spain: lindsey this one is for you!
THis week we spent lots of time in the buses traveling to different cities, but on Monday we were getting back from siracusa when a lady asked us if we knew where a street was, and we told her. I then felt like I should go ask her where they were going and if we can help. Turns out she is here on vacation with her friend from Madrid Spain!!! Her Italian was very spanish, but we walked them and their luggage to their destination and I shared with her the gospel, and she gave me her number and address to send to the missionaries there in Madrid! She is amazing and so golden, and Im sure will love the message even more when it is in her own language!
Elvira: Never say never
Sorella Campo is our amazing and I really mean amazing member missionary, i will have to tell you more about her another time becuase she is an email in itself. Anyways SHe took some of the lessons 3 years ago but nothing happened and so we went over together just to see how she is. THen she came to church and now we are going over a couple times a week, because she wants to learn everything! yay
Splits: I was reminded that I live in Italy
I went to Siracusa for a day to do splits with Sorella Morgan. It just so happens to be part of Pauls journey which is insane, it is also right next to the sea. We had an amazing time and found a wonderful family from Romania. I also got to go running next to the sea in the morning.
Conference: I have a new hero, Elder Gerald J. Caussé
He came to the district conference ( Sicily is still a district, not yet a stake) where there were over 600 people present. It was great and his talk was about something that we all needed to hear. He talked about how we are in sea in the midst of a great storm, its obvious, but that we have been given a boat to help us stay afloat and that boat is the church(and the gospel of Christ) that the thing even more comforting is that there is a captain who is Christ himself. He then said "Never try and swim and do it on your own when you can be on the boat, everyone is welcome!" He spoke of not being selfish, and forgiving others, and living worthy of having the spirit so that we are able to change. I loved it. The other quote that stuck with me was. "We can all change, when we live in a way where we can feel the spirit. However it is also a very long journey, and because its long we need to start today." It was perferct for so many of us, and I found a lot of the answers for myself and also some of our investiagters. It is crazy how efficient and real inspiration is.
Sorry this email is so long, hope you able to enjoy atleast some part of it. I am greatful to have you all in my life. I have learned so much also from your examples and am so blessed to get to share these things with others. Happy THanksgiving, I hope you are able to give lots of thanks and realize just how blessed you are!
Lots of Love,
Sorella Robb
Ps. mother Sicily is a much different world. Sometimes they dont really even consider themselves italian, because they are sicilian, but I will fill you in more on that next week.
As for this week I am not really sure where to begin so I will share with you so of the highlights now so are silly and some are seriously neat.
Bulldog: How do you say bulldog in Italian?
I don't know so I decided to ask a man that we had seen a good 3 or 4 times. So he said american bulldog, and then said "why do you like him?" and I said "yes he is beautiful" (bello, a word used much more commonly here) then he said "No, you are more beautiful... no really." It was an interesting experience, we laughed a bit, but I learned that it is not the best tactic to share the gospel. However I can now have confidence in the fact that I am more beautiful than a bulldog :)
Spain: lindsey this one is for you!
THis week we spent lots of time in the buses traveling to different cities, but on Monday we were getting back from siracusa when a lady asked us if we knew where a street was, and we told her. I then felt like I should go ask her where they were going and if we can help. Turns out she is here on vacation with her friend from Madrid Spain!!! Her Italian was very spanish, but we walked them and their luggage to their destination and I shared with her the gospel, and she gave me her number and address to send to the missionaries there in Madrid! She is amazing and so golden, and Im sure will love the message even more when it is in her own language!
Elvira: Never say never
Sorella Campo is our amazing and I really mean amazing member missionary, i will have to tell you more about her another time becuase she is an email in itself. Anyways SHe took some of the lessons 3 years ago but nothing happened and so we went over together just to see how she is. THen she came to church and now we are going over a couple times a week, because she wants to learn everything! yay
Splits: I was reminded that I live in Italy
I went to Siracusa for a day to do splits with Sorella Morgan. It just so happens to be part of Pauls journey which is insane, it is also right next to the sea. We had an amazing time and found a wonderful family from Romania. I also got to go running next to the sea in the morning.
Conference: I have a new hero, Elder Gerald J. Caussé
He came to the district conference ( Sicily is still a district, not yet a stake) where there were over 600 people present. It was great and his talk was about something that we all needed to hear. He talked about how we are in sea in the midst of a great storm, its obvious, but that we have been given a boat to help us stay afloat and that boat is the church(and the gospel of Christ) that the thing even more comforting is that there is a captain who is Christ himself. He then said "Never try and swim and do it on your own when you can be on the boat, everyone is welcome!" He spoke of not being selfish, and forgiving others, and living worthy of having the spirit so that we are able to change. I loved it. The other quote that stuck with me was. "We can all change, when we live in a way where we can feel the spirit. However it is also a very long journey, and because its long we need to start today." It was perferct for so many of us, and I found a lot of the answers for myself and also some of our investiagters. It is crazy how efficient and real inspiration is.
Sorry this email is so long, hope you able to enjoy atleast some part of it. I am greatful to have you all in my life. I have learned so much also from your examples and am so blessed to get to share these things with others. Happy THanksgiving, I hope you are able to give lots of thanks and realize just how blessed you are!
Lots of Love,
Sorella Robb
Ps. mother Sicily is a much different world. Sometimes they dont really even consider themselves italian, because they are sicilian, but I will fill you in more on that next week.
Just one of those weeks!
Ciao, Buongiorno, Salve Tutti!
Well do you ever have any of those days or weeks where everything is perfect and makes sense and then yet again nothing makes sense ? Well this was one of those weeks for us. Just for an example I will share with you our morning yesterday. It was sunny, like a summerday sunny, which is the exact opposite of last tuesday. We were out walking and talking like we usually do, when we said buongiorno to a little old lady on the side walk walking toward us. She stopped, turned her head and began to smile, or so it seemed, when all of the sudden she started yelling. VIA VIA! ANDATE VIA! (AWAY AWAY Go AWAY!) I must say it kind of shocked us, I have never been yelled at before, but she really was not very happy. She then continued until we were out of sight and wanted to make sure that we didnt talk to anyone. It was really rather interesting and not really what I would describe as a feel good moment. However, Heavenly Father looking after us, then blessed us with one of the kindest ladies I have ever met. we passed by a little bread shop, smiled and said hello. she invited us in, and when she saw how excited I was to see wheat bread she gave it to us for free, as a gift she said for all the kind things we do. Pretty much these two stories sum up the week, but I am greatful for them both. Sometimes the sour moments really help you LOVE the sweet. Kind of like it talks about it 2 Nephi 2. Therefore, once again, I know the scriptures are true!
How are the festivities comeing along there? We are starting to see christmas things, and people are getting excited. And the member here are especially excited for us to cook for them for Thanksgiving (Speriamo bene... We will Hope for the Best)
We were able to have a couple really neat lessons this week. Our investigater Esther, from Ghana, had her baby Vittoria on Friday, and they are all doing so well. I have never seen anyone as excited as her father. When we got to the hospital he was so excited, and had the most enormous grin on his face, and wanted to make sure that we told the whole world that Vittoria was born. It was really very neat, and I have to admit that Vittoria is adorable with the biggest cheecks and a full head of hair, but even more so she has been blessed with parents who love her, and who are so Humble, and so greatful for every blessing that they have, they are incredible.
Sunday we will go to Catania for a district conference with all the members here in Sicily, so it should be neat.
Well I hope everyone is doing well, and thinking and writing about all of the things we have to be greatful for, because there is alot!!! Joe congrats on your runbud, that is pretty impressive. Emma ciao! Sam, stop growing up so much!!!! Critter, I still need to hear about your basketball.
Happy week together in New Mexico, I love you all, and please be careful driving home! Read lots, and remember that we have the scriptures to help us, so read them I promise you wont regret it!
Love you oodles,
Sorella Robb
Well do you ever have any of those days or weeks where everything is perfect and makes sense and then yet again nothing makes sense ? Well this was one of those weeks for us. Just for an example I will share with you our morning yesterday. It was sunny, like a summerday sunny, which is the exact opposite of last tuesday. We were out walking and talking like we usually do, when we said buongiorno to a little old lady on the side walk walking toward us. She stopped, turned her head and began to smile, or so it seemed, when all of the sudden she started yelling. VIA VIA! ANDATE VIA! (AWAY AWAY Go AWAY!) I must say it kind of shocked us, I have never been yelled at before, but she really was not very happy. She then continued until we were out of sight and wanted to make sure that we didnt talk to anyone. It was really rather interesting and not really what I would describe as a feel good moment. However, Heavenly Father looking after us, then blessed us with one of the kindest ladies I have ever met. we passed by a little bread shop, smiled and said hello. she invited us in, and when she saw how excited I was to see wheat bread she gave it to us for free, as a gift she said for all the kind things we do. Pretty much these two stories sum up the week, but I am greatful for them both. Sometimes the sour moments really help you LOVE the sweet. Kind of like it talks about it 2 Nephi 2. Therefore, once again, I know the scriptures are true!
How are the festivities comeing along there? We are starting to see christmas things, and people are getting excited. And the member here are especially excited for us to cook for them for Thanksgiving (Speriamo bene... We will Hope for the Best)
We were able to have a couple really neat lessons this week. Our investigater Esther, from Ghana, had her baby Vittoria on Friday, and they are all doing so well. I have never seen anyone as excited as her father. When we got to the hospital he was so excited, and had the most enormous grin on his face, and wanted to make sure that we told the whole world that Vittoria was born. It was really very neat, and I have to admit that Vittoria is adorable with the biggest cheecks and a full head of hair, but even more so she has been blessed with parents who love her, and who are so Humble, and so greatful for every blessing that they have, they are incredible.
Sunday we will go to Catania for a district conference with all the members here in Sicily, so it should be neat.
Well I hope everyone is doing well, and thinking and writing about all of the things we have to be greatful for, because there is alot!!! Joe congrats on your runbud, that is pretty impressive. Emma ciao! Sam, stop growing up so much!!!! Critter, I still need to hear about your basketball.
Happy week together in New Mexico, I love you all, and please be careful driving home! Read lots, and remember that we have the scriptures to help us, so read them I promise you wont regret it!
Love you oodles,
Sorella Robb
It's raining, it stopped, it won't make up its mind!
I love reading emails from you all, thank you! This morning I was talking with Sorella Stevenson, and we were talking about how getting to hear from our family is just as exciting if not more exciting than anything else we get to do on pdays, except for maybe finding new investigaters. Joe I am glad you liked the tie, and emma the card. Mom I still have not figured out how you managed to become the amazing missionary you are without the training that it has taken for me to finally understand. We have a mother in the ward here who is like you, and we rant and rave about her all the time. The members make all the difference in the work, that is where the long lasting miracles happen. Dad, I hope you are finding some good things to listen to with all of your traveling and also I still need omi and papas address if it is possible. Thanks.
Speaking of Miracles, maybe I could mention a little about the work that is happening here in Sicily. Tuesday I learned a very important lesson. We went to pass by a ladies home named Lucy, where the sisters before had left her a Book of Mormon and she said she would read it. However, when we got there she was telling us how she has been busy, and how in the end it is just another book, it might be a good book like those by C.S. Lewis, but basically she was telling us that we were wasting our time. It was one of the first times so far in the mission where I really just felt kind of icky. We talked about some verses in the bible like John 10:16 and a few others where it make references to the apostacy and the Book of Mormon, but as we know you can not convince anyone, and we all interpret things in our own way. Not knowing what else to do I decided to just bear my testimony. I told her how I was raised in a family with these beliefs, that I am grateful for the time I was able to spend with my family, praying, spending time togetherm and reading from the scriptures, both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and that I know that all of these things have brought me closer to Christ. It was crazy, but the whole feeling in the room changes, and instead of being defensive she started to tear up and said "I know that what you are saying is true, because you can see it in your face, and I can feel it, and I know you are being sincere." It was really neat, I hardly understood what happend and was even more shocked when she asked if we can come back again and if she can invite a friend. I have absolutely no idea what will happen, or if she will read, but I was also reminded of what I know, and how important our testimonies are. It is normal for people to tell us what they think, and to have different opinions, but it is so amazing that we have testimonies that we own, things that we know, and that when we share them and use them the spirit is there to back us up and we grow as well. If you are wondering what you can do to help someone this week, maybe you can share with them the precious knowlege that you have, it's fun I promise, and will bring you a smile as well.
Speaking of smiles, we had Elder Kerr of the 70s with us this week for zone conference, and it was so neat to watch him and learn from him, his smile ate up his whole face. This transfer we have a huge group of missionaries giong home and they all shared their testimonies, and he just smiled. He talked to us alot about the importance of sharing experiences, especially in our journal writing, and then he spoke about the Book of Mormon and how we can put it to better use. Id have to say that one of the funnest and most edifying parts of the conference was getting to hear about the experiences of others.
Well I am sitting next to the door that is wide open and it is freezing outside so I think I am going to get working on my presidents letter. The weather in general this week as been crazy. One second the sun is shining and people are out an smiling and then you blink and the sky is gray and it is pouring rain and cars are splashing you with water, and then by the time you pull out your umbrella is has stopped. Anyways I love you all, sorry I wrote this email a little backwards, but do me a favor and try and share your testimony at least once in sometime before the end of this month, you won't regret it!
Toodles,
Sorella Robb
Speaking of Miracles, maybe I could mention a little about the work that is happening here in Sicily. Tuesday I learned a very important lesson. We went to pass by a ladies home named Lucy, where the sisters before had left her a Book of Mormon and she said she would read it. However, when we got there she was telling us how she has been busy, and how in the end it is just another book, it might be a good book like those by C.S. Lewis, but basically she was telling us that we were wasting our time. It was one of the first times so far in the mission where I really just felt kind of icky. We talked about some verses in the bible like John 10:16 and a few others where it make references to the apostacy and the Book of Mormon, but as we know you can not convince anyone, and we all interpret things in our own way. Not knowing what else to do I decided to just bear my testimony. I told her how I was raised in a family with these beliefs, that I am grateful for the time I was able to spend with my family, praying, spending time togetherm and reading from the scriptures, both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and that I know that all of these things have brought me closer to Christ. It was crazy, but the whole feeling in the room changes, and instead of being defensive she started to tear up and said "I know that what you are saying is true, because you can see it in your face, and I can feel it, and I know you are being sincere." It was really neat, I hardly understood what happend and was even more shocked when she asked if we can come back again and if she can invite a friend. I have absolutely no idea what will happen, or if she will read, but I was also reminded of what I know, and how important our testimonies are. It is normal for people to tell us what they think, and to have different opinions, but it is so amazing that we have testimonies that we own, things that we know, and that when we share them and use them the spirit is there to back us up and we grow as well. If you are wondering what you can do to help someone this week, maybe you can share with them the precious knowlege that you have, it's fun I promise, and will bring you a smile as well.
Speaking of smiles, we had Elder Kerr of the 70s with us this week for zone conference, and it was so neat to watch him and learn from him, his smile ate up his whole face. This transfer we have a huge group of missionaries giong home and they all shared their testimonies, and he just smiled. He talked to us alot about the importance of sharing experiences, especially in our journal writing, and then he spoke about the Book of Mormon and how we can put it to better use. Id have to say that one of the funnest and most edifying parts of the conference was getting to hear about the experiences of others.
Well I am sitting next to the door that is wide open and it is freezing outside so I think I am going to get working on my presidents letter. The weather in general this week as been crazy. One second the sun is shining and people are out an smiling and then you blink and the sky is gray and it is pouring rain and cars are splashing you with water, and then by the time you pull out your umbrella is has stopped. Anyways I love you all, sorry I wrote this email a little backwards, but do me a favor and try and share your testimony at least once in sometime before the end of this month, you won't regret it!
Toodles,
Sorella Robb
Rain, Sun, Wind... Ragusas got it all
Momma Mia, sounds like everyone has had there fill of excitement this last week! Stake conference is always an exciting time, our member here are getting excited for their District Conference (since Sicily still does not have a stake), and Bari's was quite exciting a couple months ago. But it's so interesting how every area has needs of different talents, and different personalities, and different opportunities for growth. Mom and Dad, you are both wonderful people and I love you, best of luck! No but really what an incredible opporunity you all have even as a family to grow. I look forward to hearing about your experiences and the miracles that take place. And yay for prayer and scripture study, they will no doubt be your best friends! Joe congradulations on your meet, sounds like those gangley, long legs of yours are treating you well as you put them to work. Emma dear, did you by chance get the package I sent you?
As for Ragusa, it is a change, and it changes on us every minute but I love it. We will go from having a beautiful sun shiney day, where you see beautiful white clouds right above your head moving incredibly fast, and next thing you know it is pouring rain, and rivers are rushing down the streets. Our branch president is wonderful! He is from Napoli and loves to joke, but also when he teaches brings an incredible spirit that really reaches out to the needs of the people. Sunday we went over to their house for Pranzo(lunch which is really like our 3 meals put together) and we went with Sorella Lewis and her parents who were here picking her up. It was fun getting to translate with them and hear all their experiences and share cultures. He then told us that everything we had just eat (a full plate of lasagna, two large pieces of meat, a salad, fruit, and then a nutella cake roll thing) would only be the first plate in Napoli. Thank goodness we are not in Napoli, and boy am I gratefull for all the hills we have here.
As far as work goes, we are looking alot, and talking to a lot of people. Our members are also so very helpful and it has be neat getting to do lessons with them and brainstorm together what we can do to put our testimonies together and share our joy with others. Ill have to update you next week on how its going.
Friday we go to Catania for a multi Zone conference with Anziano Kerr from the 70s. There seem to be suprises around every corner, special conferences, a relative of one of our members, 400 stairs that we get to walk up to get home, fresh ricotta, and so many amazing scriptures that miraculously seem to answer the concerns of the needs and the people!
Just a couple things for you all, our Branch is already getting excited about Thanksgiving and have asked that we write home for recipes, so if you have something you like, please send it this way. Also, I have a new address for the apartment here in Ragusa (there is always the Catania address as well)
via M Buonarroti 201
97100 Ragusa
Italia
Well I have to run and go help clean a member's storage, but happy fall! Hope you are all finding yourselves well as they would say in Italian.
Tanto Affetto,
Sorella Robb
As for Ragusa, it is a change, and it changes on us every minute but I love it. We will go from having a beautiful sun shiney day, where you see beautiful white clouds right above your head moving incredibly fast, and next thing you know it is pouring rain, and rivers are rushing down the streets. Our branch president is wonderful! He is from Napoli and loves to joke, but also when he teaches brings an incredible spirit that really reaches out to the needs of the people. Sunday we went over to their house for Pranzo(lunch which is really like our 3 meals put together) and we went with Sorella Lewis and her parents who were here picking her up. It was fun getting to translate with them and hear all their experiences and share cultures. He then told us that everything we had just eat (a full plate of lasagna, two large pieces of meat, a salad, fruit, and then a nutella cake roll thing) would only be the first plate in Napoli. Thank goodness we are not in Napoli, and boy am I gratefull for all the hills we have here.
As far as work goes, we are looking alot, and talking to a lot of people. Our members are also so very helpful and it has be neat getting to do lessons with them and brainstorm together what we can do to put our testimonies together and share our joy with others. Ill have to update you next week on how its going.
Friday we go to Catania for a multi Zone conference with Anziano Kerr from the 70s. There seem to be suprises around every corner, special conferences, a relative of one of our members, 400 stairs that we get to walk up to get home, fresh ricotta, and so many amazing scriptures that miraculously seem to answer the concerns of the needs and the people!
Just a couple things for you all, our Branch is already getting excited about Thanksgiving and have asked that we write home for recipes, so if you have something you like, please send it this way. Also, I have a new address for the apartment here in Ragusa (there is always the Catania address as well)
via M Buonarroti 201
97100 Ragusa
Italia
Well I have to run and go help clean a member's storage, but happy fall! Hope you are all finding yourselves well as they would say in Italian.
Tanto Affetto,
Sorella Robb
Its true, I have left the puglia and entered sicily!
How is it that you all aready knew? Maybe it is just because we are close like that. I'd have to say that this last week was one of the best weeks, but also one of the most difficults weeks as well. Thursday night we recieved that terrifying phone call from president, the one that means that everything is about to change, but you don't know how. We were running behind a little bit trying to catch a train, and with the call, the tardiness, and i guess maybe the adrenaline rush we managed to catch the train going in the wrong direction.
Anyways, I am now in Ragusa which is down in the hills of Sicily, that is to say the city is a hill. Its is ancient, historic, filled with thousands of darling old people, and a very heavy accent mixed with a lot of dialect. My companion Sorella Stevenson is great, she is in her 2nd transfer (shes been here six weeks is all) but had studied the language for 2 and a half years before the mission and is really doing very well. The only thing is that she is a lot like me. President told me before that she is very quiet, so it is a good thing that I am so outgoing. I still have not figured out if he was saying that as a joke or not, but I am excited to get to work with her and to be pushed in my courage.
Leaving Bari was a lot more difficult than I thought. Saying bye I never thought would be such a big deal. One of our investigaters had a breakdown, and saying farewell to some of the members who I have gotten to work with and grown to love was not easy. There were so many miracles that happened thanks to their help I will never forget them, nor do I worry about the work that I left because I know it is all in great hands. Sunday night the members helped us get all of my luggage in the car and then we went to the bus station where myself and two of the elders were waved off by members. It was pretty intense. We then hopped on the bus that we took that drove us through the night to Catania. When we arrived president picked us up, took us to eat waffles at the mission home, and Then all of us who were transfered were taken to the station to catch our trains.
You want to know what is really crazy is that today is October 28th! Nine months from when I entered the MtC, which also means that I am half way through! The learning never stops, the miracles are always baffling, and the work is never ending but so much fun! I could not imagine my life without all the things that I have learned, the tears that we have shared with those who are struggling, the people who have changed me, the testimony that I have gained of the restoration, and the constant reminders that Heavenly Father answers our Prayers. Sorella Lewis who is the sister that just left to go home from here did some amazing work with the members and they are so excited about the work and I can't wait.
Well Joseph Robb, happy Birthday! and good luck with Tennis this weekend (ps are you playing singles or doubles?). Emma I sent you a package so it should be headed your way! Mom hang in there, and know that everything you do strengthens not just those there. One of the members in Bari thanked me for the work I had done, but he more imporant than anything is that I need to pass it on and thank you and Dad because of how you raised me. And I must admit it is 100 % true, so thank you! Well I hope you all have an amazing week and a happy halloween! Love you all
Sorella Robb
Anyways, I am now in Ragusa which is down in the hills of Sicily, that is to say the city is a hill. Its is ancient, historic, filled with thousands of darling old people, and a very heavy accent mixed with a lot of dialect. My companion Sorella Stevenson is great, she is in her 2nd transfer (shes been here six weeks is all) but had studied the language for 2 and a half years before the mission and is really doing very well. The only thing is that she is a lot like me. President told me before that she is very quiet, so it is a good thing that I am so outgoing. I still have not figured out if he was saying that as a joke or not, but I am excited to get to work with her and to be pushed in my courage.
Leaving Bari was a lot more difficult than I thought. Saying bye I never thought would be such a big deal. One of our investigaters had a breakdown, and saying farewell to some of the members who I have gotten to work with and grown to love was not easy. There were so many miracles that happened thanks to their help I will never forget them, nor do I worry about the work that I left because I know it is all in great hands. Sunday night the members helped us get all of my luggage in the car and then we went to the bus station where myself and two of the elders were waved off by members. It was pretty intense. We then hopped on the bus that we took that drove us through the night to Catania. When we arrived president picked us up, took us to eat waffles at the mission home, and Then all of us who were transfered were taken to the station to catch our trains.
You want to know what is really crazy is that today is October 28th! Nine months from when I entered the MtC, which also means that I am half way through! The learning never stops, the miracles are always baffling, and the work is never ending but so much fun! I could not imagine my life without all the things that I have learned, the tears that we have shared with those who are struggling, the people who have changed me, the testimony that I have gained of the restoration, and the constant reminders that Heavenly Father answers our Prayers. Sorella Lewis who is the sister that just left to go home from here did some amazing work with the members and they are so excited about the work and I can't wait.
Well Joseph Robb, happy Birthday! and good luck with Tennis this weekend (ps are you playing singles or doubles?). Emma I sent you a package so it should be headed your way! Mom hang in there, and know that everything you do strengthens not just those there. One of the members in Bari thanked me for the work I had done, but he more imporant than anything is that I need to pass it on and thank you and Dad because of how you raised me. And I must admit it is 100 % true, so thank you! Well I hope you all have an amazing week and a happy halloween! Love you all
Sorella Robb
Emma I love you!
Okay, mom and Lindsey, I am going to apologize right now because once again we are left without time to write and I thought that maybe this week I should try and write a little something for everyone. Emma guess what? You are never going to believe who I met this week! I met your twin, and she is Italian! Her name is Gretta. We were over at Benito's house visiting him when his grandaughter walked in and he said, she is turning 10 on October 25th, and I said No WAy that's my little sisters birthday! So do not worry we took a picture together and I will send it to you!
Everything is changing her in Bari and it is so fun! The work and the weather is just insane. Last monday we had one of the hotest days of the year, and then it was followed up by Tuesday that was wintercoat and gloves cold. As far as our work goes we had 5 people that made progress this last week, which may not sound like such a big deal, but for us it was. Francesca who is that hoot who own the store that is open on Sundays and so cant come to church is selling her store! Franco, Margherita, and Tomaso came for Leo Juans baptism and loved it and after ward went over for a family night with one of our fantastic widowed members and it went so well, and they really want to gain a testimony. One of my favorite parts was a phone call that we recieved Monday night. We have been going out to conversano a little city not to far to visit a family with 7 kids! and the youngest daughter who is 11 called me and said, "sorella robb, I was talking to my mom, and we both agreed, and she said I can get baptised on Sunday!" We were very excited for her, unfortunately Sunday is probably a little to soon still, but her excitement was incredible and it is going to be such a blessing for her family as well. Her mom mentioned how she did not know how to explain it, but that ever since we began going over there home environment has changed. It is just so amazing getting to she the joy that enters peolpes lives as they begin to understand Heavenly Father's love for them.
Now for the sad news, transfer calls come tomorrow and there is a chance I will be leaving, which I am not ready for, so we will see what happens, and I am so greatful for President Taranto who always seems to know our needs and not just our wants. So next week I will let you know if anything has changed.
Well Emma I hope you have a fantastic, Amazing 10th birthday, that is pretty crazy that in 10 years you will be 20, but do you know whats even scarier, I will be 32! Happy Recovery! I love you and always love to hear from you. Happy End of Daylight Savings! I love you all!!!
Sorella Robb
Everything is changing her in Bari and it is so fun! The work and the weather is just insane. Last monday we had one of the hotest days of the year, and then it was followed up by Tuesday that was wintercoat and gloves cold. As far as our work goes we had 5 people that made progress this last week, which may not sound like such a big deal, but for us it was. Francesca who is that hoot who own the store that is open on Sundays and so cant come to church is selling her store! Franco, Margherita, and Tomaso came for Leo Juans baptism and loved it and after ward went over for a family night with one of our fantastic widowed members and it went so well, and they really want to gain a testimony. One of my favorite parts was a phone call that we recieved Monday night. We have been going out to conversano a little city not to far to visit a family with 7 kids! and the youngest daughter who is 11 called me and said, "sorella robb, I was talking to my mom, and we both agreed, and she said I can get baptised on Sunday!" We were very excited for her, unfortunately Sunday is probably a little to soon still, but her excitement was incredible and it is going to be such a blessing for her family as well. Her mom mentioned how she did not know how to explain it, but that ever since we began going over there home environment has changed. It is just so amazing getting to she the joy that enters peolpes lives as they begin to understand Heavenly Father's love for them.
Now for the sad news, transfer calls come tomorrow and there is a chance I will be leaving, which I am not ready for, so we will see what happens, and I am so greatful for President Taranto who always seems to know our needs and not just our wants. So next week I will let you know if anything has changed.
Well Emma I hope you have a fantastic, Amazing 10th birthday, that is pretty crazy that in 10 years you will be 20, but do you know whats even scarier, I will be 32! Happy Recovery! I love you and always love to hear from you. Happy End of Daylight Savings! I love you all!!!
Sorella Robb
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
