Whitney's Mission

Oh the goodness, where do I start!?

2010-01-02T10:38:00.002-08:00

THANK YOU!!! Grazie Mille!!! I absolutely loved all the letters and the cards, they made made my really Amazing Christmas the Best Christmas. Paul, Sara, Lee, Collete, Becky, Matt, Katie (James), Grandma, Grandpa, and Mom thanks for putting those all together, they really made me feel right at home and I knew that I was in the right place this Christmas. THanks.
How 'bout some bad news... So Monday morning I received a telephone call from the Mission President's wife and she said, well hello Sorella Robb, how are you? I am calling let you know that you have almost reached your year mark and that we are needing to know when you want to go home?! I really don't believe that we should even be talking about this subject because I just started and I am not going home, but she said I can go home July 6th by myself, or August 17th, and so I chose the latter. So dad to answer your question I will be finishing August 17th, right in the middle of ferragosto when everything is dead, but she said they will be sending you other information.
Better News! I really don't know where to start, this last week has been so amazing and perfect I really just hope that Heavenly Father isn't preparing us for something terrible, because life has honestly been too good to be true. Here are a few examples to back up this BIG statement:
Genny and Francesco- the most picture perfect family ever invited us over to their house for a Christmas meal (the day after Christmas). She is 26, way neat, two adorable kids, a great husband, and somehow had absolutely no idea we were not catholic even though we have shared with them a lot of things. She had also invited over another family with two kids and we started talking and this friend says wow, I really like your religion, infact I agree with it more than I do ours and I would love to come to your church! Everything went a million times better than we could have imagined even if they did ask us "well you dont go around like ringing peoples door bells do?"

Anna- I dont know if you remember me writing about a house experience that we had with the girl who was really pretty upset with God, well every week we have gone back for little quick visits and would leave with her little thoughts we had found during study. Bearing in mind that the first day we met her she said "no way, this stuff is not for me, and I will not accept anything to read, nuh uh" Yesterday we went by and after talking a little bit I said Hey what did you think of those verses I wrote out for you (on a little note I had written her a little something and then coppied two verses from the Book of Mormon in Romanian). She smiled, looked down and said "Its like there is something growing inside me, I want to talk to God, and I am happier..." We really did not believe it, but it most definetly was not the same Anna we had met the first day that looked at as will hurt and hate in her eyes. I then pulled out the Book of Mormon in Romanian where I marked some of the verses of Alma 34 I think, and her face lit up when she saw that it was in Romanian, and then we she told her she could have it she was thrilled. Talk about a miracle, and she even admitted "I really don't know what is going on, but I want to come to church with you too, when is it?" -Let's just say that God is a God of Miracles

Pday to Modica- Today we went to Modica a little city near by that makes Chocolate, but we also met a really neat girl named Chiara that lives there and wanted to go visit her. She studies and speaks English really well, and actually introduced herself to us oneday on a busride back from Catania. She came with her mom and they gave us a little tour in English, it was really pretty cute. The crazy thing was is that at the end she asked us more about our beliefs and then started telling us about doubts she was having about the Catholic Church and she said I don't know if its just me, but there are somethings that are just not right and I am just not convinced. If that doesn't spell teaching opportunity I don't know what does. She is an amazing person, knows her Heavenly Father and her relationship with him, hates alcohol, and I know it was not by chance that she found us.

Emanuela- Another amazing girl who studies English with us, but because of work wont be able to come, but she is intrigued by what she has learned of the gospel, and last night told us. Pazienza with the language but I would really like to know more about your beliefs, and I really like the book of Mormon.

Anyways sorry for another really long letter, I only wish that you could be here to see the changes that are taking place in Peoples hearts. The church is true, I know it because it makes me happy, but I am also seeing it change the lives of others in ways that are pretty incredible. The Book of Mormon is something we can't afford to take advantage of, it is way to cool, and way to helpful for our everyday lives. I love you all and hope that you have a Happy New Year! THanks again for the Christmas wishes!

Much Love-
Sorella Robb

Yay! What a Christmas!

2010-01-02T10:38:00.001-08:00

Well, Buon Natale and tanti auguri, or how 'bout we throw some auguroni in there (great BIG wishes)! You want to know something really exciting? Even if I am located on an Island in the mediteranean Sea, close to Africa, it looks like we are going to be having a white Christmas afterall! Okay you got me, there won't be any snow, but there will be something pure and dressed in white! Esther accepted a baptism date, January 16th, but she told us that she is not going to get baptised alone; instead she and her husand are going to prepare themselves together!!!! Sorry, if you think that we are a little excited, we are not. We are SOOO excited. I love this family to death. They are so neat as a couple, but Esther also has an incredible testimony of her Savior Jesus Christ and knows that this is a big deal, a huge committment, and a great blessing. Talk about a neat Christmas gift!
Other Notizia, we just started working with a girl who is our age, so simple, so sincere and so cool. Today we did the first real sit down lesson with her, as in we talked about the story of Joseph Smith and she said "I don't know, it is hard to explain, but its like nothing you have told me is new, I feel like I have always known this to be true." Thats because none of it is new, we have known about this splended plan for a long time now, and God helps us to recognize it. I love Him! Elvira is still doing well minus a little pain in her knee, we got an invite to go over to Jennies house for a Christmas dinner saturday, tomorrow we are going over to the Puglisi's, and tonight President has encouraged us to also go to a midnight mass to learn a little more about the culture, so that is well we will be.
Sorry if I am writing alot, but this week was kind of crazy. Yesterday we got up at five to go do a Zone Bust in Agrigento, basically everything that possibly could have gone wrong with the transportation did, and we ended up spending the night in a members home there. It was so neat because we were basically dropped off in this home where Franca left us with the keys, and said oh yeah let me introduce you to the neighbors too, they will take good care of you. So we went over and had a grand ball! She talked about how Franca is an amazing friend, and an incredible person. We then got to share a little bit of our message a talk with here grandkids. We said a family prayer and then returned to Francas to sleep. It was a really neat experience, and Alfonza felt the spirit and knew it. I guess I can just say that I love being a missionairy, because it is true. Heavenly Father has blessed us with an amazing week, and I'm sure part of it has been to help us have an amazing holiday even if we are away from home.
Only problem with holiday season is that my clothes seem to be shrinking : / or atleast that is what I would like to believe is happening, but it is probably the fact that we are eating a Pandoro at every house we go to. Well I can't wait to talk to you all tomorrow, I can not believe it is already Christmas. Happy Carolling, Johnny and Joe be patient with the Pj picture taking, it is good for you :) I wish you all the merriest of merry Christmases. I wish you a mountain of goodness. How lucky we are to have had Jesus Christ as our example. I know that he lived a perfect life because he loves us. His message of Love, his atoning Sacrifice, and his Gospel that he restored, are the greatest gifts we could every ask for, talk about an eternal happiness.
Alright, I will talk to you soon!!!! Yay! Merry Christmas!

tanto amore,
Sorella Robb

Buon Natale!

2009-12-19T09:34:00.000-08:00

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

Fun Treats!

2009-12-19T09:33:00.000-08:00

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

Mammamia!

2009-12-19T09:32:00.000-08:00

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

Bulldog, Spain, Elvira, District Conference, and Splits

2009-12-19T09:31:00.000-08:00

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.

Just one of those weeks!

2009-12-19T09:30:00.000-08:00

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

It's raining, it stopped, it won't make up its mind!

2009-12-19T09:29:00.000-08:00

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

Rain, Sun, Wind... Ragusas got it all

2009-12-19T09:28:00.001-08:00

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

Its true, I have left the puglia and entered sicily!

2009-12-19T09:24:00.000-08:00

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

Emma I love you!

2009-12-19T09:23:00.000-08:00

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

Conferenze

2009-10-12T09:53:00.000-07:00

Ciao Famiglia!
Emma Dear I love you, I am so proud of how brave and how strong you are, plus now you will always have a really cool story to share and will never forget your 10th birthday! And joe, critter and sam, thanks for the letter I absolutely loved it. Mom you must have been inspired because I received that today instead of an email. I hope your morning was not too stressful, I almost went in to shock just reading about it, I cant imagine how you might have felt. Joseph have patience and especially right now just try and have good clean fun. Critter I am excited to hear more about your basketball things, and Emma, I loved what you wrote! I can not believe you write so well, are you sure mom did not write that for you? or maybe it was misty, did misty write that?
As for my week, it does not seem to have been quite as action packed as yours, but it was interesting, and uplifting and there were many lessons learned. Friday we had a zone conference, and then Saturday and Sunday were general conference so were very well feed spiritually this week. I really enjoyed the talks of Elder Bednar and Elder Uchtdorf. How Elder Uchtdorf mentioned that God really does not have need of our prayers but we have need of talking with Him (or something along those lines, but stated a lot better), I really liked and thought about. Right now we are still working with Franco and Margheritta who have a 26 year old son who is slow, and the other day she mentioned how she loves when she is with us, because she forgets about her problems, and feels good, and yet because she is not happy other times she says she does not feel like praying. I have such a strong testimony of prayer though, because I know that it helps us so much more to understand, accept and enjoy what we have. We can develope a relationship with our Heavenly Father who does love us, and when we ask Him, he is more than willing to help us out.
Speaking of Helping us out we had quite the experience monday morning, for which I am slightly embarassed and very greatful. WE were sitting down in the basement of the church for our District meeting with all of the missionaries in our ward. Anziano Dicataldo was giving a wonderful lesson on personal inspiration and Elder Nelsons talk when I felt that maybe we should go upstairs. Usually there is someone working in the church in the morning doing yardwork etc. so I rationalized and decided that I was being silly. My companion then said something and we both dimissed it. Anyways, we finished up our lesson and went upstairs to find the church torn apart. Fast offering envelopes were all over, there were keys on the ground, and the cabinet where I keep my viola was opened as well. We went to the front door to see what was going on, where we found the bishop on the otherside with a stranger. Not having know that this person had been in the church already, the bishop did not really react when this person quickly ran away. Anyways the story is, that during this lesson of inspiration, all of us missionaries were being prompted to do something and ignored it. In the meantime a man broke into the church and searched for money which of course was nowhere to be found. Also, by some miracle the bishop happened to enter right at the perfect time when this man was leaving and knew that something was wrong. Moral of the story is that when we receive promptings, no matter how silly they seem we should follow them. The other thing is that Heavenly Father is patient becuase even after I told my companion the other day that I felt I needed to take my viola out of the church she said, dont worry about it so i didnt, and then 3 days later this happened. My viola cas was out and opened, I honestly do not understand why, but the robber did not take it, and I learned a great lesson.
Well our time is out, I have to run. LIndsey I did get your email, thank you. I kind of thought that might be the case with elle, how exciting! Hope everyone is enjoying October. Happy Birthday grandpa Jarman, and Robyn Barrow thanks for the email, it is always nice to hear from my beloved New Mexicans!
Love ALways, that is to say I love you all Dearly,
Sorella Robb

Yay for General Conference

2009-10-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends!
I dont know if you realize it but this weekend is conference, which is pretty much as exciting as Christmas. We have been running around telling people about how there is a living prophet and they can come and listen to him this week. It's kind of a big deal and I so excited! Last time we were able to listen in english, but if we have investigaters come maybe we will listen in Italian.
This week was exciting, and we had five people who made progress which is a lot more than when I started and it is so exciting getting to watch people grow. I know I talked about Piera and Valentina before, the two girls who want to get baptized but can't yet, but we had a great lesson with them this week and they have stopped smoking! We talked about prayer, about stratggies to avoid the temptation, and then in order to understand their struggles Sorella Wendorf and I decided we will not eat chocolate, seeing as how others offer it to us all the time, it is kind of like the temptation they face. Anyways today we received a call from them and they said that they are not even the slightest bit tempted anymore!!!! Other news is that the members here are continuing to impress us. We had an activity saturday and the people we brought were surrounded by friends and others who have been helping us in the lessons. I am also working on my soccer skills, but they are not going anywhere very fast, and yet the italians are impressed I think because girls here just do not play.
Sam I am sad you are forgetting my face, but I forgive you. I will try and send you some pictures soon. I love you all. Lindsey have fun in California, I am sending a package for Omi to you because i still do not have her address. Mom I probably can not carry around a capri sun bag, but you can save it for me when I get home ;) Joe and Critter you should try and really understand what it is that you are reading, it will come in super handy on the mission, I sure wish I had done more.
Well I've got to run, but I will write you again next week. Happy Conference and enjoy the sticky buns, they do not exist here!

sorella Robb

Che pioggia! What Rain

2009-10-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

Ciao Cari!
Hope everyone is doing well sorry today I wrote more personal emails, but here is just a quick story. p.s. Happy Birthday Omi!!!!
Its autumnn time, its autumnn time, the rains are falling down. Like overother week, there are always lots of fun suprises that the Lord has in store, and my companion and I are learning that the best thing we can do is prepare ourselves to accept, understand, learn from and enjoy everything he sends our way. Monday it meant that as we were walking home from a meeting, when we were just five minutes away from our home it decided to POUR rain, we laughed, got drenched and now know to bring and umbrella when the slightest thought enters our mind. On a more missionairy note, last week we went our to visit a couple who lives in Aquaviva. We carefully planned out our schedule to take a train back to bari. Seeing as Italians love to talk, we did our best, reminding them of the time, and pulled up to the station just in time to wave our train goodbye. We then decided to take a bus that was going to leave at 9:08. This menat that we would be late getting home, but we did not have mouch choice. Well, we could not have been more excited to see that the bus decided to come early at 9:00 we rushed on and were excited that we were going home. A few minutes later I turned to my companion and said "are we sure this is going to Bari?" I love Italy, I love the people, but I have never seen a bus come early, we are usually lucky if they are on time. We laughed and then said oh dear, maybe we should say a prayer. So we did and before we knew it the bus stopped, EVERYONE got off and the bus driver asked us when we were planning on getting off. So as it turns out we took a bus in the wrong direction, to a little small town, and all that the bus driver could tell us was that he was not going to Bari, that there would be no more buses passing through this town, and good luck :) Having not much choice we hopped of the bus with our almost dead cell phone and my companion was on the virge of tears. Remembering that I was a missionary I did what we always do and calmly walked up to the one and only couple.
Sorry we are out of time, but basically this story does not end there. They gave us a ride home, and she is reading the Book of Mormon. They had been debating about going out that night, and even when they do go out they never go to that part where we were, in need. Heavenly Father Answers our prayers even if it is in a very about way. Love you all! Don't forget to share your testimonies, that is how they grow!
Sorella Robb

6 more weeks in Bari! What a treat!

2009-09-19T12:58:00.001-07:00

Mom, Lindsey, Dad!
Sounds like everyone surived and I am so glad! Mom I can't wait to hear more about your trip In a year, it sounds like it was quite the adventure, and I am sure you took plenty of pictures. Lindsey, you do not sound like you have changed much at all since I left, your writing totally brings out your whole personality. If you need to get rid of things I understand, and it's better now when there is nothing I can do about it.
As for transfers, we were with two of our contacts, Piera and Valentina, two 16 year old girls who are ready and wanting to get baptized but have to wait to turn 18, we were all together when the phone rang and president asked to talk to me. We were all scared because the only reason he calls is to inform missionaries of transfers... so he asked me how I was doing and then the line dropped. having no idea what happened we waited till the next down and discovered that he felt I need to stay here for one more and that I would be a co senior companion with Sorella Wendorf. I am so excited and we were all so happy. Right now our work has really picked up and there are so many miracles.
This week has already been one of the highlights of my mission easily. There is a Lady named Dana who is Hebrew, from Israel, and through a member there not smoking or drinking she became curious, he said nothing as he is not aloud, but she discovered the Book of Mormon. Long story short, she came here and this week we taught her every single part of the gospel, all the lessons in English, and the spirit and everything was incredible. She is ready to be baptized, and wanting to be baptised, and in time she will be. She is an excpert on the Old Testament as that is what she grew up on, and it was so incredible as we shared parts of the story of the restauration and plan of salvation she would open up to verses in the bible and say, "oh my goodness, that makes so much more sense!" She descibed it as having a messy room and that everytime we talked she was able to put things in their place. We all learned and profited a lot from it. She asked lots of really good questions, and we either had the answers or had the opportunity to go home and study, learn, and share with her. She also was excited as words in the Book of Mormon have meaning in Hebrew, such as Zarahemla means seed of compassion, and she said that there is no way Jospeh Smith ever could have known that.
Anyways, it is so neat having the opportunity to share with other these treasures, and our testimonies, and literally getting to watch their faces light up. I love the history and the story of Joseph Smith as it picks up all the little scattered pieces of the Gospel. I love Bari and am trying not to eat too much of the Focaccia, but its not easy :)
Sorry we don't have a lot of time today, but there is always next week. P.s. there was another baptism last Sunday and there is another one coming up this week. Our members are all way excited as they said they have not seen a period with so much work and so many new members for years. I love it, I love Bari, and I love you all. Take care!
Jonny I am so proud to be your sister, keep it up, and Peter, I can not even to begin to express how happy I am for you, I absolutely adore Kristin. Anyways hope everyone has a great weekend! Shalom!

Love
Sorella Robb

transfers?

2009-09-09T07:13:00.001-07:00

Hey girly! So mom did tell me about you babysitting, but I had no idea about to the whole seminary thing, that is so neat! I am pretty much obsessed with the Book of Mormon. I really am kind of embarrassed that I was so bad about reading my scriptures before on a regular basis, but I am greatful for all that I have learned and for how cool all of the prophets are. And that fact that you have an office that is pretty big time! Where is it that you are teaching? Are you in Salt Lake or what? This last week we went did scambi with the sisters from taranto and Sorella Williams is from East Mill Creek stake and lives right up behind skyline, isn't that cool?
As for the missionary life it is good, this week we had one of the hottest, most humid days that I have ever faced and it was followed up by a beautiful breezey autumn day. We also had our interviews with President Taranto, and he asked me "how are you doing Sorella Robb? You have now been here in Bari for a good long while, six months, how are you feeling?" I told him how are work is going really really well and Sorella Wendorf is wonderful and that where ever the Lord wants me I am pleased to be. Apparently he told my companion though that we should treat this week as though it is our last because there is a good chance I will get transfered, if not this week for sure the Prossimo. So who knows, I am greatly for such an incredible president who works so closely with the spirit, he seemed a little overwhelmed as well and said that he has a lot of praying to do, but there is a chance that next week when I write I will be somewhere down in Catania.
Our work just keeps getting better and better. We finally met the wife of Antonio, and it turns out that a good handful of years ago she came to church for four months or something and knows some of the members. We took the book of mormon stories to their son Francesco, and he was so excited! With our finding we have also had some neat experiences as we have been following our mission president's council to use power approahes. Basically we walk up to people, start bearing testimony and then ask them a question of the soul and leave a commitment. With one young couple we left them with a book of mormon, with another man we met in the park we discovered that earlier that day he had talked with the Anziani (Elders) downtown but did not give them much of a chance, but recognized that it was no coincidence that we later ran in to them. Anyways we will see how things go, but it really is incredible the power of a good sincere testimony, and to be reminded constantly of the miracles that are taking place.
Speaking of miracles, we also had our stake conference this week
with one of the members of the Europe Area Presidency, President Teixeiia ( he is the one from Portugal I think). Anyhow for the first time in the history of the church of all the members of the area presidency are from this area, and not one of them is from the states. It was also neat because he promised the stake that by the time the temple in Rome is dedicated he will be speaking Italian, fluently. He then closed his talk with his testimony in Italian and had a very spanish accent but it was sincere and cute. During his talk he shared lots of stories, but there was one that made me reflect a bit. It was about someone who lost lots of things, and then the only thing he had left he gave away to someone who was in need. At the end of the story this item that he gave away saved someones life, but was also returned to him. He then spoke of how the things that we give away are the things we recieve in return. I then thought of our missionary work and how true it is. If we share a smile, sometimes we recieve a smile, but when we share our there is a greater chance of the people gaining one.
So moral of the story is it is a lot better to share things while we have them then to try and store them and have them taken away. Sorry if it does not make sense, but it made a lot more sense in my head.
I love you Linds, when mom gets back you can just share this email with her?
Thanks for your example and for taking care of me and sending my email, it is always a highlight durning the week. Love you lots, tell Chip Cheney hello for me! Oh yeah, ps Sorella Williams from Salt Lake plays violin and we played a duet out of the Hymn book together for zone conference and I thought of you. Have fun filling in mom shoes and cooking. Love you lots.
Sorella Robb

Settembre

2009-09-09T07:06:00.001-07:00

Ciao i miei bei cari!
How are you all, and life in September? Mom I too am really quite suprised that you did not tell me that you and dad would be taking this adventure, but I hope you have a wonderful time and are able to enjoy it. I am sitting here trying to think how already another week has passed, its really quite frightening to be perfectly honest. I know I am no where close to coming home, but I really can't imagine getting rid of my name tag that gives me the excuse to talk to anyone at anytime about the gospel. I would not trade this vip card for anything else.
This last week we had a fun little andventure with our apartment, that helped us to better appreciate our ancestors. Thursday we woke up with no electricity, and thought huh... thats odd. We then talked with some of our neighbors, learned a whole vocabulary, but found out nothing other than the fact that there was a short circuit in our appartment. The really good news was that all of our members, and i mean all of the members from our stake in southern Italy were at the temple in Switzerland. We were so thrilled for them, they were all so excited seeing as they are only able to take the 15 hour bus ride once a year. So anyways this meant that all of our help was out of town for the week. It was quite the experience. We were very creative with the food that was going bad in our fridge, we did our nightly with a candle, and became very greatful very quickly for all the blessings we have in our life. Sunday night we were dropped off by a member and discoved that the short was caused by the one and only thing in the house we forgot to unplug, our water heater. So anyways, the power is back, but the cold showers are here to stay atleast for a couple more days. How blessed we are though that we are still enjoying this nice hot summer weather and in the middle of winter. It is so very amazing to me the many miracles that take place in our lives everyday, and the many blessings we have that we do not even think about. I am also greatful for a Heavenly Father who knows us so well that he will compell us to be humble when we fall short in thanking Him, so that we are able to see all these many blessings that surround us. I have never in my life been so greatful for being so hot and sweaty in the morning after running as I have been this last week with our nice ice cold showers. Also, I knew that the members here have been an amazing strength for our work, but trying to work without them this week, and then having them back on Sunday we were practically in tears as we witnessed miracles and amazing service. Antonio and his son Francesco came to church on Sunday again. Francesco loves singing the hymns in sacrament meeting, and Leo the only 8 year old in the ward is in tears when he thinks about having to be separated from Francesco. It was so cute, when we were talking with Leo's mom about his baptism, she said that Leo is wanting to get baptised with Francesco. Church was amazing! I love our members, and Antonio and Francesco. It is especially amazing, because now regardless of who the missionaries are they are now also taken care of and have friendships within the ward.
Francesco is also making a lot of progress. Her daughter is getting married this week, so we have just made a couple of stops by her store, but it is amazing how her testimony has already increased so much just from a little study. Where before she would always send us away with two or three questions to research this last time we went she said "you know it is really interesting, eversince I have started reading I have only found myself with answers rather than questions." It is so true though. I am so greatful for the amazing guide to our life that we have thanks to the scriptures, we just have to remember to open them up and read them if we really want to benefit from them.
Well, what else can I say... I am so greatful for the opportunity that we all have to be missionaries in bringing more light and joy into the lives of others! I love the scriptures, I am learning to love cold water, and I am so greatful for my family!!!
Jonny, I am so proud of you, I always knew you would be a great student. Joe patience is such a fun attribute to work on developing, have Lindsey show you the passage in PMG, it will be a good thing to work on for you mission. Critter, Emma, Sam, your all my favorites!
Have a great week! Happy Cruise!

Sorella Robb

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Che Umidita!

2009-09-09T07:05:00.000-07:00

Buona Sera Tutti!
The weather these days seems to bring with it lots of himidity and leaves me hanging with two curly strands of hair and a really shiney face in photos, but people are returning from vacation and seem to be happier, which means our life is going great! This Friday we finally managed to pull off the American breakfast (for dinner) that we have been talking about doing for a long time, and it was a huge success. I never would have guessed that pancakes were so special, but they are, and Banana bread is an even greater treasure for them. It was so perfect though because we had a couple of families come who we have been talking to for a while, and they were able to come and visit with our members and everyone had a good time. The most exciting part was that Antonio and his 8 year old son Francesco came to church the next day and were warmly welcomed by Leo (who just turned 8) and many others. It was definetly a christmas in agosto!
Other news, yellow mellon season is ending, but grape season is just getting started and they are so good! Its crazy because all of those stories and parables in the Bible about fig trees, olive, and vineyards actually have a great signifance here. There is a rule here in Italy that anything hanging over the side walk or on public land is free for the public, so sometimes we even get to take a fresh fig right from the tree on the way to our appointments, and we'll just say that they are delicious.
The biggest highlight however from this week would be the lesson we had with Francesca. She is our investigater who pretty much says everything how it is, is very blunt, but very real and sweet at the same time. Anways she met us in church and was just going off about how insanely crazy her life is, unpredictable and how its prettymuch madness. We then talked with her for a second, answered a few questions and then we taught her about the restauration. We told her the story of Joseph Smith and bore testimony and then she just sat there for a second, and then said. "oh my goodness, i ca not think of the word, but what is it that you all have? I just feel so good, I could close my eyes and sleep, I just don't want to leave, I don't want this to go away!" It was so incredible the feeling in that room, and then we told her that she can feel that way all the time, that that is the spirit!
It was pretty incredible and she was excited to make the commitment to invest a little more time in the scriptures.
Anyways, it is always way exciting when others confirm for you the things you already know are true are true for them as well. It is such a blessing have this time to share my testimony, I just feel bad it has taken me so long to realize all the treasures I have been hording all this time.
Emma I would love to here from you sometime babe. Dad, keep up the good work, I received a letter from Bro. Giles and it sounds like you all have a lot of good challenges on your plate. Joe be careful that your muscles do not get too big, and Critter, don't forget to do your homework ;) Jonny you know how I feel about you, best of luck and be good. I love you all! Vi voglio una montagna di bene!

Sorella Robb

Ps. I still need omi and papas address if anyone has it. Thanks!

How you've grown!

2009-08-25T13:29:00.002-07:00

Critter, who are you?! Dad thank you for the pictures, I really did get a kick out of them, the only problem is that I did not get to see a picture of mom. Don't worry mom, its not that I have forgotten what you look like or anything, and I am sure you are just as gorgeous as always.
Well welcome back to school everyone. I really wish that everyone here was going back to school, but thats okay, in the meantime it is fun coming up with activities to do and ways to find people.
Friday was actually the big day off, its called feragosto, and we spent it cleaning! We listened to some Christmas songs and got to hear alot about the life of my companion Sorella Wendorf and I really enjoyed it. It definetly was a little bit of an adjustment in the beginning learning to always be with someone else, but I really do love it. And it is so fun to know that everything you experience there is someone else there with you who you can talk about it later with.
I wish I could tell you that I was kidding when I say that Bari is a ghost town in these days, but you can honestly walk a good while without seeing a single person. However, the park is as lively as it has ever been, as is by far my favorite place here in Bari. There is a bench of old ladies there everyday that are so funny and tell us to go get married, there is a little old man named vito who speaks english from back in the old days and listens to his english radio, and then there are lots of other families there, many of whom we have taught in the fast, or we teach everytime we find them.
On Sunday there was a suprise visit from an older sister in the ward who happens to be a friend with one of our investigaters and so yesterday we were able to have a lesson all together, and it was amazing how she was able to reach him on a whole different level of understanding and help him understand the reality and then we were able to teach and testify using the scriptures. Our Heavenly father loves us, and I am so grateful that he gave us the scriptures as a reminder.
As far as other things go, my Italian is getting better, but my English is getting worse. It is getting to the point where I cant speak a whole sentence in English without using some sort of Italian word. Also, we are finally perfecting our focaccia. The people here might not be that excited to talk about how hot it is, but they love it when you love their culture, and they love to help you understand. Not only has this opened our eyes to making a much better focaccia, but it has also allowed for some great opportunities to share the gospel oddly enough.
Anyways I am sorry this email was not very eventful, but this room is extremely warm and the computer is not working. Sam I love love your faces! Critter you must have been standing on stilts or something, because I do not believe that you are that tall. Dad I hate to say it but you look pretty tired. Johnny I am proud of you working on school, you can do it, make it happen. Mom even if you do no think you life is that exciting or eventful I absolutely love it, thanks for sharing it with me. Emma I love you! Ciao tutti, have a great week! Love ya'll oodles!!!!

Sorella Robb

Como andiamo!

2009-08-25T13:29:00.001-07:00

Wow, can you believe we are looking already at mid august?! I did not really believe it until we found ourselves on the streets of Bari and there was absolutely no one outside, and we are talking about there not even being crickets. Everyone told me about feragosto, that everyone takes vacation, but I did not realize that the whole entire city really just shuts down, the stores do not open.
Sorella Wendorf has been a huge blessing and I am learning so much from her. She walks around like she is familiar with the streets even though she has absolutely no idea, and then we end up finding people who are anxious to learn from us! The language has been so fun. Of course there are a few words we don't recognize, but the people are so very patient. Yesterday in fact we had an amazing lesson with Antonio, a man we have been working with for a good couple months, and it was so exciting to watch as things started to make sense to him. Even if the language was not perfectly there, the spirit was, and he mentioned it and said is willing to work so that he can feel that good all the time. Experiences like that just send you away with a hage smile.
Other exciting news is that I know how to make eggplant Parmagian! Not only do I have the recipe, but our mission president has been encouraging us to really apply ourselves to learn the culture and learn how to make the food, so Sorella Wendorf and I attempted and totally succeeded, so hopefully I will be able to share some of the goodness of Italy with you all in future years.
Sunday was also so fun because we were able to teach leo, a boy from the ward one of the lessons to prepare for his baptism, and we had a good time, but he also was excited to start reading. Afterwards, his mom was so thrilled that she could offer us Hidden Valley Ranch dressing that someone else had sent her, becuase that just do not exist here.
In short. I'm grateful to be here. It's fun to share a smile, it is priceless to feel the spirit, and there is plenty of time for walking in between! Christopher, I can not believe you are going to highschool, that is crazy!!! That also means you are getting old enough that you can send your favorite sister in Italy a little update from time to time. Heidi, thanks for the email, I would love to write you back, but need an address. Sam you are getting so big, and mom tells me you are a toe head, is that true? I love you all. Welcome back to school and work! Take care!

Con Amore,
Sorella Robb

What a Life!

2009-08-05T08:44:00.002-07:00

Ciao Cari!
Mom I am so glad to hear you are getting some sleep! Emma dad tells me that you loved wicked the most, you need to tell me all about it. I hope that everyone is loading up on the sunscreen, because there is no need to get burned when we know how to avoid it.
Four months later, I am still here Bari and love it! Sunday night, my "mother" of the mission left me, which was strange. She was the one who knew the streets, led the way and was a pro at the language, but not to worry, I have a new companion and she is a delight! Monday I spent the day with Sorella Anderson, a missionary from a close by city and we went and visited one of our investigators Francesca. That was one of those moments I wish I could have captured and brought home with me. Italians are so animated it is amazing, and I am pretty sure you can not exaggerate (paradon my spelling) the extent of the situation. She has been really busy with her store and life this last week so we went to find her. As she was ringing people through the line, she was also telling her adventures and frustrations from the day, yelling, laughing, slamming things in a gentle way, and giving people discounts. Just watching her was an adventure in its self, but then after talking with her for just a little bit she really started to calm down, and she then she said " I understand that we are here to learn, that this experience is to help me learn patience, but why is it so hard for us to endure and to do those things that we know are right, why is it so simple and yet so complicated?" It really is so interesting, that we know what makes us happy. I know that I prefer being comfortably tan rather than sunburned but sometimes at the moment it seems so much easier to skip the time and stickness of the sunscreen. My companion and I have been thinking alot about this, and just reflecting back on my own experiences I always want to try and think that I am strong enough that I can do things overcome things myself. The whole blessing and reality of the Atonement is that we don't ever have to face anything on our own. I like in 2 nephi 9: 51 where it talks about letting our hearts delight in fatness. There are so many amazing blessings and promises that we find in the scriptures that I know are true, but getting over my pride and realing that I will get burned if I take on the Sun by myself. Its not like the sun is bad, in fact it is a huge blessing and we need it to live, and it is even more enjoyable when we accept that little bit of help so we dont get burned.
Woops... Sorry for that tangent. Anyways one of the funnest parts of this newcompanionship is that she has only been out in the field 3 months longer than me, so our speaking skills our about the same. There is no more hiding or turning with the big "help me" eyes to my companion, we are 100% in this together. Yesterday was our first day an it was a blast. There was a suprise rain storm, and we got stranded in the park us and our two huge umbrellas and a darling couple with nothing. We talked with them, gave them an umbrella and then we talked about the gospel, and Nella the wife loved it! She is one of the happiest people I have met since I have been here, with a huge smile, a countageous laugh. It was a great testimony builder for all of us, and we have another appointment with them tomorrow!
Well happy vacationing time, and back to school for some of you. Thanks for your all of your support, I have yet to figure out why I am so blessed with such a perfect life with so many amazing people, it really does not seem fair at times. I love you all!!! Alot!

Sorella Robb

Grazie Tutti!

2009-08-05T08:44:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone, thanks for the emails, they all gave me a good laugh and it was nice. Joe you have got to be one of the biggest nerds I know, but thank you for the email. Mom, I believe you that you wrote me, who knows maybe it was even a little trial/humbling experience that I needed in my life. As we were on the bus coming over here to do internet I realized that two weeks is the longest period of time I have even been without talking to my family in my whole entire life which equals I am way spoiled!
New news from the mission, this is the last week of the transfer which means next week I will have a new companion, only my second one since I have been in Italy. This Saturday, there are three people getting baptised(!), a young married couple from Africa, and a 19 italian from a small city here near Bari. Oh and the weather, you are going to be jealous of this, last week we hit 46°! Dont worry that is not in F but in C which means it was around 115°F. It is beautiful, we spend all of our time outside in the nice humid heat, with a nice little pile of sweat rolling down our foreheads, sometimes a fan it hand, and life is great!
This last week I have actually spent quite a bit of time thinking, which I know can be dangerous, but I have been trying to discover what my exact purpose and calling is here in Bari. I have been able to teach and talk with some amazing people and sometimes am even their first introduction to the church. We also spend a lot of time visiting the older ladies her who are not able to leave their houses anymore, and together we share and laugh, and cry, and share our lives experiences and testimonies. The other part is our work with the members, and more particularly the youth/ young adults. I am pretty sure I mentioned how we do splits with them often, and they are fantastic missionaries. Infact, Andrea who is getting baptised on Saturday is one of their friends that they introduced to the missionaries. However, they need and I need your help. Unfortunately amoung them they have kind of formed two different social groups which is keeping them from progressing and really helping them be a support for eachother. Quindi, if any of you have ideas of activities, or service projects, or anything that we can do to help unite them and help them get over their differences and learn to really love eachother that would be amazing and very much appreciated!
Family of Mine, have fun in California and know that every inhabitant here in Italy is jealous of you. I can not tell you how many times they say Beautiful the California, no? Then I try to remind them that they live in Italy, and are blessed in many ways and are loved children of a heavenly father. Anyways, I love you all, I love the emails. Have a fabulous week and safe travels and if you have a chance to brainstorm some ideas you will be blessed :) Ciao Belli!
Sorella Robb

Che Strano!

2009-07-23T22:09:00.001-07:00

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

What Excitement!

2009-07-15T11:32:00.001-07:00

Wow, sounds like everyone has quite the eventful life right now. I could hardly keep up with the events in email form much less in real life, but I hope all is well and sane. Our week here in Bari Italy has also been eventful, and I am trying to figure out how to slow down time. July and August in Italy means vacation time. Right now many of our appointments begin "it is so good to see you!!!" and then they end "Can't wait to see you in September!" People live at the Sea, and can not grasp why we do not go.
It is always an interesting conversation when we talk to people and they will say, but why did you choose to do this, to serve this mission? You are so young, and you are beautiful, what would make you want to come give up your life?.... This is always a great introduction for us to get to share why it is that we would want to do something as crazy as wear skirts everyday with ugly shoes, and attempt to speak a foreign language. In shorts it is because pretty much this life is so amazing. Even with the stresses, the money problems, the heat, and everything that gives us a hard time, we have the ability to understand these things, and to feel the love of our Savior Jesus Christ. We would you not want to share the best recipe for happiness with the world? Not only do you get to know these things, but you get to watch as others also discover the path to a permanant smile. They then tell us nice things, and tell us to come back and marry a Barese. Romans 8 talks about how there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God, and I know it is true.
Other news, we have been teaching someone named Giovanni and he is wonderful. Dad you should be so proud, I peeled shrimp all by myself, eventhough it still had the eyes and head and everything, and I ate octupus. It has really been such a blessing getting to meet so many people, and get to know them so well. I am surrounded by people who work really hard, and do it because the love it, and it is very inspiring. Also to get to see how really we are all family is SOO cool. I know I've written about our blind friend Benito and his helper Elisa, and this last week she was just excited to see us, as she has left everything in Giorgia to work to support her family. But to see how we all come from different cultures and background, but share the same love for God is cool. We gave her a book of Mormon in Russian and she was so excited.
Anyways, mom hang in there, sorry about all those stresses. Dad, I can't imagine how much fun you are having, but I am sure you are doing great things, and how cool that will be to get to watch the ward grow. Jonathan, HAPPY birthday!!!! I hope it is a fun day to you, and you are able to find lots of new beginnings and adventures in this next 21st year of life. Lindsey thanks for the email, it was perfect. Tell Elle and the gang and Keelie hello! Love you all!

Ciao Ciao!
Sorella Robb

Back in Bari!

2009-07-14T14:06:00.001-07:00

Ciao Cari!
So after many hours of bus and train, and even a little fairy ride inbetween we made it back to Bari. I am amazed how different the people and the cities are. In the end we never dd get the permesso di sogiorno, but we were able to teach some amazing lessons, and meet people who we otherwise never would have met. One story that was pretty incredible was the man we ended up being assigned next to on the train. I have come to learn and love, how nothing happens because of chance, but that really everything happens for a reason.
Oh goodness, bad news, we just found out that the internet place needs to close. Mom, the weather has been very humid and even a little rainy which i guess is not normal. With everyone out of town we have been walking a ton! Just an example, monday night we left the house on foot at 4 came home at 9.30 and did not sit hown at all inbetween. My leggs were dead, but it was a good pain. Well got to run! Love you. Happy EFYing brothers, I am excited to hear all about it :)
Love,
Sorella Robb

Oh What fun it is to here from my family on PDAy...Hey!

2009-07-01T10:35:00.001-07:00

Dearest Favorite Family and Friends of Mine-
It is always a treat to hear from you all, and please know that I sat that with all seriousness and a smile on my face. Dad Hope you had a fantastic birthday, I loved the pictures even if they were a little morbid. Joe, congradulations on being the most accident proned child of the family, in the future maybe try a little harder to not let your goofyness get you down. Christopher, who are you? There was a picture with dad, joe, and this tall stranger with a weird grown up looking face. P.s. Love the beard! And mother, I always knew that you had it in you to make those long trips on your own, auguri!
So suprise, I am writing from Ragusa today, it is a little city on Sicily. And no, I did not get transfered, but rather my companion needed to come back up here to pick up her permit for proselyting so we have spent the last few days here. Anyways this has made for quite the eventful week and new adventures. Last week was a blast, we actually had a couple lessons with members and investigaters together and it was very neat, with a great spirit. There was also one of those miracle moments where we were in the park and I felt I needed to go and talk with a women sitting down, and as it turns out she is the mother of a guy who we talked to over a month ago one time, but she was talking about this son of hers, and I said "is his name Joseph(giuseppe)" and she was like yes, anyways he was going through a really hard time as well as the family and we were able to teach about the plan of Salvation. The Lord works in such marvelous ways, and I LOVE getting to see these miracles everyday!
Other exciting news, I had my very first door opened yesterday! And lots of people opened and talked to us. It is crazy how different of a world a mission it is down here in Sicily. Right now we here in Ragusa with my MtC companion, Sorella White, my Companion right now Sorella Black, and her MTC companion. After talking with Sorella White it has been so interesting to learn how different our work is. Here if you talk to someone they talk back, if you knock on their door they open their door, or walk out on their Balcony, or open their their window and talk, it is in every way a little quaint old Italian City. However, our church experiences are very different, as my ward in Bari is filled with amazing active members who love to serve and do missionary work, and down here they spend a lot of time trying to strengthen and unitri (only 12 hours away on a bus) and get to work again in our area slightly sleep deprived but reenergized with hope for people of Bari!
Kalli Hakes, that is so very super super exciting, and if I am not mistaken you are going to get to spend 12 weeks in the MTC? you will love it! Well I hope that everyone has a fantastic fourth of July and will enjoy the fireworks for me. Also I found another scripture that I love about being of good cheer, but I forgot to write down the verse, but maybe it is in 86? Ummm.. who knows, but I promise you that if you read the scriptures you will find some favorite scriptures of your own that will boost your day and slay your worries. Hooray for Missionary work, and for the power and help we all have to overcome our trials and find joy in the simple things. Love ye the people. It has been a treat though, and I am so excited to get to go back to Baou all!

Sorella Robb
(ps if you ever come to Sicilia, or rather when you come, the Ricotta is incredible, and you can eat it fresh and warm and it is soo good!)

Happy Festa!

2009-06-24T05:57:00.002-07:00

So I started to think that it was a special Italian thing to have every other day be a Holiday, but I am realizing that is just life. Dad Happy Birthday, and Also happy Fathers Day! I am sorry I am missing your 49th, but I do what I can to send another gray hair your way, eveyone thinks you are way too young to be my dad. Omi and Papa, happy 50th! That is so neat, and you both have been such great examples to me, and I love my dad, so thank you for raising him to be so great and to teach me such amazing truths, pretty much I love my family, so thank you for this incredible blessing in my life! Also, I almost forgot this one, but happy 4th of July (i guess technically that is next week)! Had it not been for the fact we went and visited a member yesterday who grew up in Utah and was wearing a 4th of July Shirt I would have forgotten that it meant anything at all. So enjoy the fireworks, watermelon, and if you can maybe even go to a rodeo!
Just like every other week, this week was filled with excitement, suprises, and so many priceless experiences and lessons. To start there was the baptism of Maurizio, which was so neat. My companion Sorella Black and I played for an musical number and for the last verse everyone came in singing together for "I know that MY Redeemer Live," and the words, paired with the spirit, and Maurizio, was so powerful! so incredible! I get chills just thinkng about it. Sunday it rained, and what better place to be than outside, We had a an Unbrella, which kept our eyebrows dried, but didnt really slow down the river than was rushing down the street, but it did slow down people that had nowhere to go but talk with us.
This week was also tranfers, and we now have an Italian in our District, his grandmother is actually in our ward, so everyone is very excited, but this also means that now everything we do is going to be in Italian so it will be a great push for me. We are still being fed way to much pasta, and are served gelato if we are lucky just once a day, but sometimes its even twice. However, despite how much we are fed physically it never ceases to amaze me how much I am taught and fed spiritually. Yesterday, I decided I needed to be a little more Like Ether, and put more energy into my prayers. I dont know that I understand yet what it means to wrestle with the Lord, but I so badly wanted to know what I could do to help this family. Afterwards I proceeded to my personal study, and came across something in a random chapter, that was completely out of sequence with what I'd been study and yet I really felt like I needed to share it. Anyways long story short, we are talking with this person and she said, this is going to sound so silly, and I don't know why I am even asking you this, but ... andthen she proceed with the question that was answered with what I had studied that morning. It is no cooincidence that our Heavenly Father answers us so much that he answers our prayers, but it is very cool. I am so greatful for His patience and His guidance. The things that I dont understand is how everytime I try to serve Him he just blesses me, its really not fair.
Communque, Dad and Brothers of mine, I hope you all return safely. Mom thanks for being so wonderful, Emma you are too cute, and Sam you're the man. Sorry for the mushiness, but as the 40 year old Italian man said to us on the streets this morning as he answered His mother's phone call... "excuse me I am [becoming] Italian." I love y'all I always will! Thanks for tutto, the letters, emails, evening those ones that are a little fewer and far between! My Friends you are great! Tante Belle Cose! Mi Racommando!
Sorella Robb

Happy Birthday Critter

2009-06-24T05:57:00.001-07:00

Mother! And family and friends!
Mom I hope you have made it to Utah alright. With your driving record I must admit I am a little scared, but I also know that you are very wise and do not do stupid things. Also, I even already received your snail mail yesterday, it was super fast! Thanks, its always nice to find things in our mailbox that are not political fliers!
This week is super exciting, because there is a baptism for our ward. It is an interesting story of someone who ran into elders a good handful of years ago and told that it just was not a good time. Anyhow, towards the beginning of the year he just showed up in church and said he was ready to hear our mesage and that he wanted to learn. He is a very intellectual person and has wanted to take it slowly, but it got to the point where he said I don't want to wait anymore, I can already see so many amazing changes in my life I don't want to wait any longer. So that is his story and Saturday is his baptism and he is really excited as are we.
Today i was thinking it would share some of my favorite things about summer here in Italy. #1- our vetran members. There are a number of amazing women who because of health are not able to come to church and we get to visit them for service. This week we visited Sorella Leone who I believe is in her 80s if not 90s. Anyways this week we went to see her and asked her what day it was, and with tears in her eyes she said "40 years ago, today, I was baptised with my daughter." She then shared some of her experiences and testified of the blessings she has seen in her life. Sometimes I fail to aknowledge just how blessed I have been my whole life. Eveything I was brought up to be as normal family values, activities and even feelings I felt are a luxury that so many people do not have. #2. Talking with the people on the streets, sometimes I love it and sometimes it breaks my heart. For example last week we took and stoll in the park just before going home and met an amazing couple. She was telling us about what it means to put into practice your beliefs. we were able to teach and testify about the love of our Savior and how we can apply it and use it to help strengthen our families. We walked away with goosebumps, it was amazing. On the other hand yesterday I was talking with someone else who was telling me about some of his weeknesses but how thats just life and he cant help it and its too late to change, or there are people who don't believe that they are worthy enough to pray to our Heavenly Father, and this to me is sooooo Sad!!! 3. The Fruit, it is amazing! Papa you know how you love cherries, well here they are less than 50 cents a pounds and they are fresh off the tree. Also peaches, appricots, soon figs... it is quick the treat after returning home from hours on foot in this hot heat.
Communque, I hope every is having a good summer, and taking time to realize just how blessed we are. Critter! I know you are at your special camp, but I hope you have an amazing birthday! Also James I believe it might also be your birthday, Auguri! Emma thanks for your picture it was gorgeous and made my day. Really, I show off my family everyday, you all mean so much to me. Joe congrats with a good experience, now if you wouldnt mind doing me a favor and sharing some of the wealth (aka efy music) I would love you for the eternities :) Hope everyone has a great week and remembers to open up the scripture and partake of some of the Good News. A favorite scripture for the week DC 29:4-5 . Happy Travels, and Hilary Harris- Congrats. Love you Much!
Sorella Robb

Count Your Blessings

2009-06-24T05:56:00.001-07:00

Cari Miei!
I am not even sure if that is correct, but I am trying to experiment with new things. I have to apologize, because today we are a little short in time. Lessons I have learned this week is how It is amazing how we learn things, and how everything we learn about wisdom and faith in the scriptures are 100% true and the promesses are true.
At one of our last conferences we talked about Alma 32 and the importance for us and for our investigators also to experiment upon the word. It is interesting to see that we really can see the results if we try, but so many times it is hard to start and do our part. Everyday I have an anxiety to open my mouth for the first time, but there are amazing blessings and I also feel so much better. There are also times when there continue to be struggles but we put the experiment to the test again, and sempre it works out for our good.
As for as neat stories, I mentioned the funeral of Luca Carnivale, his family is amazing, and going so strong, and the coolest thing is that the fruits of Luca's life and mission are continuing. His mom came up to us this last Sunday and told us how there are people who had a very special experience with the funeral and want to learn more. How cool that we are able to live with our families forever! I love that there are always new things to learn, and that we get to put to test the promises we find in the scriptures, that as we put into practice our faith we get to find hope, and build our very own testimonies. Family I hope everyone is doing well. Mom thanks for making sure I got an email. Eventhough it is always fun to hear from you, it was also a treat to get to hear from Jonny!
Love you all!
Sorella Robbch better. There are also times when there continue to be struggles but we put the experiment to the test again, and sempre it works out for our good.
As for as neat stories, I mentioned the funeral of Luca Carnivale, his family is amazing, and g

Hello June

2009-06-24T05:55:00.001-07:00

Ciao Tutti,
Seems like summer has hit the ground running for alot of you! Over hear in Italy, it seems as though everyone is taking a break, including the hot weather. We have been hit with a little bit of June Gloom, with cloudy skies and a cool breeze.
The work here has been a great and exciting challenge these past couple of weeks. I am learning what it means to be physically exhausted, and love not having problems trying to fall asleep, but it has also been really neat to see that even when your body tires your spirit does not. It is also election time here right now, on top of exams, so people are not always incredibly excited to see other people to talk to. It was interesting though, because there was a mother in the park the other day told us her purse had already been filled with flyers and she was busy, but as we talked about families and bore testimony about simple truths, she thanked us for our refreshing message.
Yesterday also was quite the adventure, I went to my first Italian Wedding and it was quite the P day. It was the wedding of one of our investigaters, and a member from our ward was in charge of the ceremony, and we missionaries were the music. It was fun, and filled with lots of Primary Songs with simple tunes but powerful messages. Afterwards, I witnessed how all the spectacular things I had heard and seen in peoples wedding albums were no exaggeration. Her dress was incredible, and of course made by her. The food was by no means you average meal, and consisted of I kid you not, 20 different courses. Fortunately, we had to leave early, but we were there long enough to eat lobster, oyster, clam, squid, octupus, cheese, proscuitto rice and so many other things, it was really insane. As for the other parts of the ceremony\reception it was interesting to see that really alot of it was the same, but one thing that was a little different was the receiving line, it was so fast! Everyone just was in one big line and kissed everyone. The member family that we were there with however looked at us, smiled and suggested that maybe this would be a better thing to just watch.
Anyways, If there is any lesson I have learned this last week it is that I never want to be too busy to find time to remember the things that bring true joy. I am ao greatful for you all, and so greatful for so many experiences here in the mission where I am able to learn humility and find real joy, even when it is not easy.
Hope you have a fantastic week! Love y'all!
Sorella Robb

Here Comes the Sun

2009-06-24T05:54:00.001-07:00

Salve tutti!
Welcome to summer time! I know I have mentioned alot about the Italian people and culture, but they never cease to amaze me. It just makes me laugh because most of the time they are so direct it is great, and sometimes they just say things that make me laugh. They will say wow you are beautiful, ask, have you gained weight?, or even tell the drama of their life just within the first few minutes of talking with them. So summer has definetly arrived and it is a little on the hotside, and the Italians know it. Like most missionaries we try doing all sorts of different activities to find ways to talk to people, and one of those is doing house. We always receive all sorts of fun responses but this week we were told "sorry, I can not do anything right now, it is just too hot." Another things that is different about the culture here is that if you ask a question there is always a "right answer." Because we are always all over the place we often need to ask for directions to a street or something, and they always tell us where to go. Very rarely are these instructions correct, but many times it has led us to people we needed to talk to (sorry if I have already shared this before, but is a part of out everyday life). It really is just so neat to see how the Lord works.
Yesterday we had Zone conference which is why I am writing a day later today, but as always it was a great way to refuel and refill excitement for the work. We talked alot about the spirit. Where we find it, how we recognize it, and the blessings of obeying it. I was thinking alot about it, and how big of a role it plays in my life right now. I remember in the MTC my teachers said that the spirit would be there and guide all aspects of your work if you try to listen. I have to admit, I thought that seemed a little extreem and over the top, but I am learning that I had never made myself familiar enough to recognize it. This is why I love the scriptures, because we get to learn from them, be edified, but we also get to have that time to feel the spirit, and then we can recognize those same feelings later. Just like we recognize our closest friends voices better than someone we met once.
How is everyone doing? Joe I hope you have an amazing time at EFY, don't be ashamed of your New Mexicaness, the girls will dig it! :) i will try and eat enough gelato for you all, its kind of a rough life ;). We actually spent some time with an investigater who taught us how to make focaccia, and that hopefully I will be able to share with you all someday.
This life really does have so much joy to offer. I hope that everyone has a fantasic week, wearing sunscreen, drinking lots of water, and helping out your local missionaries! They will love you for it, I promise.

P.s. Critter, Emma, and Sam, Mom tells me you have lots of time maybe even too much. . . you are always welcome to write me!

Love you all!
Sorella Robb

Salve Tutti!

2009-05-20T06:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Summer eveyrone! I hope the end end of school brought some fun adventures for everyone. Here there is still school for another month so people are still stressed with classes and exams.
This week was very humbling in many ways, and there were some experiences I had that I am very greatful for, but would not like to experience again.
The first happened on an afternoon. We were outside talking with two store owners who are having a hard time with their buisness right now, and we were talking about where we can find true joy that does not waver. Next thing we new we watching two motorcycles collide. It was like in a movie except that it was real and right in front of us. The bikes went flying and so did the two men, neither of whom were wearing helmets. With tires spining and both of them lying on the grounds moaning there was not a whole lot we could do. It was really aweful! I wont go into any more detail, but I just could not understand why neither of them had helmets. Why when we know that a hemet could save our life and keep us from pain dont we wear them?
It really bothered me for a couple of days, but I realized that this is just like the gospel, and why I am out here. If you think about the helmet, it is not always them most convenient to find, or to put on. Sometimes it is not even the coolest thing to do, especially when we think we are just fine without it. I mean how many times have you worn a helmet and not fallen? However it is not like a helmet just magically appears in those time when another bike hits us unexpectatedly, or we miss a turn and hit a curb.
The gospel is an amazing protection that we have kind of like a helmets, sometimes we need little reminders to remember how lucky we are and to really understand just how fortunate we are. we have been equipped with a priecless knowlege that does not abandon us and can keep us safe and bring us joy as long as we remember to use it and really make it a part of our lives. We dont have need to fear things unexpected, because we understand the bigger picture, and the Gospel brings a joy that does not have to take a hit even if the market crashes or we take a spill. I mean how cool is that?! I dont know if that makes anysense at all, but it really made me realize the importance of what I am teaching.
The other major experience was a funeral yesterday for Luca Carnivale. He was a young man from here in Bari who returned home mid mission a couple months ago because he was sick with what ended up being cancer. It was an incredibley spiritual experience though, and there were so many people that some were even standing outside. Because the last few months of his life were spent as a missionary, they had all of us missionaries and everyone who had served a mission sing called to serve, it was incredible. They then had one of his friends who was in the MTC with him bear his testimony. He shared spoke about Luca's dilligence and hard work as a missionary, but then bore an amazing testimony of the Atonement and how the scriptures have brought him so much comfort. How lucky we are to know what we do, to understand the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and to know that we can live with out families forever!
Sorry, I really this email probably sounds a little on the heavy side, but I promise there are lots of wonderful thing happening here in Italy and the sun is shinning brighter than ever! I just hope that I can do my best to help others find the same joy that I have been blessed with!
Love you all,
Sorella Robb

Email and Photos from Whit's Companion

2009-05-13T07:37:00.002-07:00

Buon Giorno!

So I finally I hope the email works with these pictures... :) The captions are as follows: 740 is slla robb and I in San Giovanni Rotondo last week, 761 is the Swabian castle downtown in Bari, and 800 is me teaching Anziano shaw how to crochet (he did a few rows wonderfully by the way!) These capture what some of my life has been like for the last bit (bug my sisters to put all the pictures I sent at Christmas time up on facebook if you want to see more).

I am so grateful for my family and for the chance I had to talk to them this sunday for Mother's Day. I really am grateful for the belief I hold that I can live with them even after this life is over. Recently I've been studying and thinking a lot about this...how the idea of a family is really the perfect social unit, and that if we learn correctly as we are young that we can have this hope to return back to the eternal family of God. Even if you are an atheist, you can't argue that a mother's love is real and that every human being needs love as the 4th essential element of survival.

In sum, I am continually learning and loving my life here in Italy. I hope you feel that if I can help you in anyway, you know that I am willing to try my best to do so. Thanks for all the encouraging emails and letters!

Sorella Black

Last week's word: occhiolino [oh-key-oh-lee-no] wink
Ital word of the week: capatina

Summer Has Officially Arrived!

2009-05-13T07:37:00.001-07:00

Cara Famiglia Mia-
It was so fun and so weird to talk to you all. Chris I can not believe how different you sound, Joe I hope you are not getting to cool for me, Emma you are just darling, and Sam I forgot how much I love your giggle. It sounds like everyone is keeping busy though and doing good things I am sorry there was not alot of time to hear everything, but you are always welcome to write me.
Bari has been quite the happening place. I mentioned how this weekened was a large festa here, but I did not realize that it meant it would be SO big. The whole beach walk was decked out with lights, vendors, and thousands of people. They definetly put our fireworks to shame with an airshow with jets that let out three colors of smoke and made designs overhead in the air. That night though after a long day of work we were so excited to go to bed when Bari decided to go crazy. Apparently the soccer team made it into devision A, but Horns started honking, fireworks were going off, and there were people were singing in the streets, and driving down the streets with the Bari flag hanging out their car windows and off of their scooters. It was really insane! The Italian's by no means lack spirit, if only we could help fill them with a little more of The Spirit, it would be AMAZING.
As for the missionary work this week, we have had a lot of lessons with members and investigaters together, and I have learned so much. It is neat to see how the members reach out, but also relate to them and are able to help them in areas where we can not. We also met a girl in the park who is 22, has the cutest little boy, and is wanting to explore religion, and find more direction in her life. However, I think one of the biggest mirracles we saw this week was with an innactive membor that we have been trying to visit for 6 weeks now, and it has fallen through everytime. Finally we were able to find a time to meet Tuesday. We called Monday to make sure that everything was still okay. So yesterday we walked to her house, and found her in tears. As it turns out her sister died just yesterday. We went in and sang a couple of hymns with her and just listened. But it was neat because she shared how it was a sign for her of Heavenly Father's love, how he has always been there we she needed him most. It was sad to see that she was hurt, but comforting to see her strength, testimony, and witness of Heavenly Father's love. I seriously just don't understand how it is that he has so many children and yet he always has time for us when we need Him, and loves us each individually. Its really pretty neat. I know that we are surrounded by His tender mercies everyday, and that miracles are not just a thing of the past. I love you all. Have a great week, don't forget to wear sunscreen. Oh I also forgot to tell you on the phone that there are many members here from the ward and bishopric that wanted me to Salute you for them (say hello). Much Love, Happy Last Days of school!
Sorella Robb

Buongionrno Tutti!

2009-04-29T07:26:00.001-07:00

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

Such a Treat!

2009-04-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

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

Pasquetta (Easter)

2009-04-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

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

1st Real Italian Meal (Mission Week # 1)

2009-04-08T06:20:00.001-07:00

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

Arrival in Italy!!!

2009-04-01T07:38:00.001-07:00

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

Last Email from the MTC

2009-03-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

So this is the real thing. We got our flight plans last Thursday and head out this monday! Mom i will send you a copy in the mail, but we leave slc at 7:15 and arrive in atlanta georgia at 12:57 and are there until 4:05, so expect a call sometime around then.
You know those saying that go "you know you are a ______ when...," well you know you are a missionary when you get to see your sister who you love and it is totally awkward. I was just convinced it was a dream beacause I just felt extremely weird and never quite snapped out of it. And Johnny thank you for your nice heart felt note :)
So how is life for everyone? Chris I hope you are loving NYC and Washington DC and getting warmer weather than we have had hear.
I was trying to think of things I could share about the MTC experience that I haven't already and I decided I will share with you some of the common mistakes we make in speaking Italian. So to say I like, you would say "Mi piace" however to say I love you say "Io amo" the mistake being that we often say "Mi amo" which means I love myself. The other one that is a little harsher is when we say Cristo suffered. If it was a normal congugation it would be Cristo ha soffrito, however it is not it is "Cristo ha sofferto," so when we do say Cristo ha sofferto it means Christ was deep fried. The other one that Anziano Bullock loves to confuse it better and wife, so for one of our lessons he accidently asked if the investigater had a wife for him, instead of saying she prayed better than him. Also, yesterday we all wore JODY dresses, it was terribly wonderful, and hopefully the first and last time that happens, but our companion was having a rough day, and we didn't know how to help so we could have the spirit for our last day to teach ing the TRC, and the JODY dresses turned around the day. I pretty much have a testimony of them.
Today we spent all day in the temple. Since they have been so nice as to give us free rental clothes this whole time we decided to go and do service in the laundry room and it was really neat. Afterward we got to do sealings and an endowement. I am really going to miss having that opporunity to go every week, but I also so very excited to go teach and share the message of the gospel with the people in Italy!
Well my time is running out, but thank you everyone for your letters and such. Lindsey thank you also for your help with the blogg you are pretty much amazing and you know I dont deserve it. I love you all so so so very very much and love this gospel and the joy it brings. Jonny I hope you feel better, and Joe, please don't change your geeky ways.

Whitney

The Good Samaratin

2009-03-18T11:07:00.000-07:00

hey mom, linds, everyone i love,so remember my first pday here when i wrote an email and then lost int? don't worry I have learned how to click the send button since then, but this morning there was an Elder from England in the laundry that was able to enjoy the same experience. Remembering how sad that made you mom, I thought that he would benefit more from my 30 minutes than I would. So end of the story, he was able to write his family, enjoy his first pday, and my companion is lending me enough time to tell you that I love you, I am alive, and everyday I am growing in so many ways. I hear Lindsey is also going to be here, that is crazy, I hope I am prepared, and don't worry mom I will go on time, I am always starving by the time that dinner roles around at 4:30.Also, my newest companion, Sorella Nelson is doing great! Her back looks like she got shot with a bullet, there is a hole and it is soooo cool. Today the doctor told us she will be able to go with us on the 30th!Also we get our flight plans this week, so crazy! Well i have to run.Love you all!Whitney / Sorella Robb

New Companion

2009-03-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

Hi I Miei Amici,
So today is a little crazier than most other crazy p-days which is why this is going to be a little on the short side, I do apologize. This morning two Districts left, which meant that I got to go wake up at 4:00. I guess I should back up a little bit and mention that I kind of have a new call as Coordinating Sister, which made me responsible for the departing sisters, their room, well being etc. It has been a fun new challenge, especially just trying to get myself to open up more and be more aware of others needs, and developing love for them. Anyways, they left at four, but one of the sisters had to stay behind because of a little medical need, so she is now my companion as well and will get to enjoy a nice 12 weeks stay rather than 9 measly weeks :) She is doing so well with this sudden change, and today we spent our PDAY going to the doctors office with her, on her Birthday. It was so crazy, we actually went out to the Real World and it really was so odd. When I got in to the Doctors office I just wanted to talk to everyone, but forgot that I am still in Utah so as soon as you began talking they would ask you where you served and tell you where they, or their child served. It was a fun peek though at what is outside these walls, and there was one situation in particular that was a tender mercy for me. As I was reviewing so Italian words I noticed accross the way an old man trying to help an older Asian lady to go through the papers, where normally I would think oh wow that would be an interesting challenge to help someone understand, but I totally was so proud of her, and knew exactly what she felt like. I also realized how much effort and attention both of them were using to understand eachother and it was just neat to watch. I realized that eventhough I may not be able to speak fluently, like this lady I can communicate, and espacially with the aid of the spirit all things can be understood in some way or another.
Other news, Sister Dalton came and spoke to us on Sunday about virtue and said some other things that I really just needed to hear. The spirit was so intense Sunday I was really just an emotional wreck but I absolutely loved every minute of it.
As for missionary experiences, on Monday Italked with a student in London about "mormons" for a school project he is working on, and in the end I ended up sending a referal for the missionaries there, so that was way exciting. The other exciting thing is that we get 8 new missionaries tomorrow, and they are going to Catania!!!! yay! I believe two of them will even be sisters.
Well I have to run or we are not going to getto eat dinner tonight, but mom thanks for letters, and the photos. Grandpa thank you for sharing your wisdom as always. Lindsey you make me laugh. . . thank you. Dad hang in there I am sorry sleep is in short supply these days I hope it all goes well and you learn lots. Jonathan I still have faith that some day you will have enough love to send me a letter, note, email, or even a bill for your groceries if you'd like. Emma I miss you too!
I love you all, I love this gospel, take care and be believing.

Sorella Robb

The MTC is flying by!

2009-03-03T15:42:00.001-08:00

Ciao i miei amici!
Its hards to believe its already been another week. I know I say that everytime, but I mean it everytime! I;m not really sure where this last one went which means I am not really sure what we did but I will try to share with you a few of the highlights. We will begin with food.
We got FUJI APPLES! Thats right and they are so amazing I only eat two maybe three a day. Mom you asked what my favorite meal is. Everyday for lunch and for dinner we build a spinach salad at the wrap bar so I eat almost the same thing. For breakfast I eat cracked wheat an orange, and amazing pinapple. So there you have it, the diet of a Sister at the MTC.
Next News is has got to be the weather. Every Sunday we walk to the temple and this last Sunday was just gorgeous. I must say that fast Sunday's have so far proven to be my favorite days here at the MTC. They are full of meetings, but even more jam packed with the spirit its crazy.
Stories: This week we taught our first real lesson in Italian in the TRC and it went. I am sure we said some awkward things but our investigater was about on our same level speaking wise so she did not catch it. Afterwards though I got to be taught by the younger elders and that is always a treat. I am so supprised how weird it feels not being with a companion though, I felt so out of place. Afterwards though we talked with one of our teachers and it was so helpful. We just talked about how often we worry so much about all the details that we totally miss out on the needs of the people we are teaching.
Other Brownie Moments, we had a mock Zone Conference this week and our teacher talked about being inner circle missionaries and ever since everyone has talked about it. One of the other teachers also mentioned the reaction of the Italians when the Temple was announced and it just made me so excited. If you are looking for some sad news I will give it to you now, the 25 missionaries that have raised me and my companions leave on Wednessday and I am so sad and excited for them all at the same time. It just doesn't make sense that I have only known them for 5 weeks. We did also get four new room mates who we will have for 4 weeks instead of 3 which is way cool.
Finally, I need to make sure that I let you all know how much I appreciate having you in my life and love you. I am doing my best to keep up on letters, but this is a new challenge for me. Joe good work, Critter I am proud of you superstar. Emma I know you love animals a lot, but I promise mom loves you more. Sam I am excited to get pictures from you. Mom I am sorry to hear about your stomach I hope it feels better soon. Dad you are the man and I love you. Lindsey I guess you are kind of cool too. And Jonny, what the hay, write me please!!!! The scriptures are amazing, they have little token phrases, advice, gems eveywhere, and prayer is so real. Happy March! Much Love!!!!!!!!! plus some more...
Sorella Robb

The Excitement is Growing!

2009-02-24T10:35:00.000-08:00

Mom, Family Friends and all of you who I love so dearly!
Thank you for making such an incredible Birthday even when I was not even with you! Lindsey I absolutely loved the cards and about died when I opened them. Katie and Kristen, I wanted to take a picture with your food, but the Anziani devoured it before I had the chance. One of my friends Sorella Rossi, whos family is from Firenze couldn't believe that you made the pane, she was like it looks just like it does in Italy and it smells amazing. The notes, food, cards, everything was perfect so thank you so much, it was a Birthday I will never forget.
I have to admit that the icing on the cake was the fact that Elder Ballard came that night and spoke to us. It was so PERFECT. Just a few highlights, he talked about being Enthusiastic, being a master teacher so that you could teach anyone, anthing, anywhere anytime, and on top of that he promised us blessings that we could if we will do our part and Own the Info. Of course he also just had the most powerful testimony and just said "He lives(Christ) and I know it." I will never forget it or the conviction in his voice and in his eyes, and I cant wait to go out and share that with others.
Unfortunately, despite my excitement I am coming to find that this whole language buisness is going to make me have to work really hard. Every Sunday our branch presidency choose two people to give a five minute talk in church on a certain topic. Because they are so nice they don't even tell us ahead of time who it will be until they are at the pulpit. Knowing that they do love the sisters a little more and hardly ever have them speak, and still being the mezzo newbies, my companion and I were not worried. As we took a quick little trip to the restroom right beofre, President Engerbretsen was like so are you two ready to speak? We both laughed and were like Of COUrse! with two big grins on our face. Well guess whos names were announced over the puplit. It was a shocker, and President just smiled and laughed. We were sitting on the front row and apparently Sorella White had a face of relief when they announced my name since there is only ever one sister that speaks and then when they said her name her jaw dropped.
Really it was good though. Especially becuase we just got 25 new missionaries on wednessday, and where I was so worried that I would make no sense, there was nothing more comforting than the newbies faces when I would say words like Gesu Cristo and Obedienza, and their faces would light up and their heads nodded, I loved it!
Well sorry for the long stories, just a few other updates our companion almost died, but Sorella White and I saved him. We taught our first lesson in Italian yesterday and it kind of felt like getting hit by a truck. The weather is absolutely amazing here right now and the mountains are gorgeous. I Loved you before I came and now I love you even more. I know that the Gospel blesses lives, and I am am excited to share that message no matter how broken my Italian is. Thanks for everything. Hope all is well!

Sorella Robb

Compleanno di Sorella Robb!

2009-02-17T16:52:00.000-08:00

hiya All!!!
Talk about an amazing way to spend your Birthday, it is snowing outside and absolutely BeAutiful! Mom I just got your package before lunch, so you couldn't have timed it anybetter. Thank you for the nuts, I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was I was missing, but right when I saw those Mrs. Mayes I was in love, especially because they remind me of home. And I love, loved the pictures, Emma you are just so adorable I hope I can be just as cute as you someday :)
Life here is still going strong and speeding up every day. Like really, I am starting to get scared becuase I can hardly keep up. Even though I did not tell anyone about my birthday, Sorella White figured it out and spread the word so this morning while I was doing my laundry all the Sorelle came and sang to me, and then to top it iff, becuase its p-Day our whole zone went to the temple together and it was special as always.
I hope you all had a great Valentines. I have told you how my Companion, Sorella White, has a mother that loves to spoil her, well for Valetines she sent me my very own plate with sugar cookies and a Valentine, it was so sweet. And mom don't worry you asked if I get to run, and its amazing, I go every day except Tuesdays and Sundays, but I also never told you that we live on the 4th floor and our class room is on the 4th floor of another building, so all is well in the MTC.
My companions and I have discovered two favorite pass times, one is to sing. We don't have any music to listen to so we sing what we remember of hymns and then we embellish them. Our other great joy is going to the RC. I know I mentioned it briefly last week, but I don't know if I ever mentioned the fact that we getting to take the chats and answer what ever questions or conversations people want off of mormon.org. On occasion we get stinkers who like to tell me that I should really consider my beliefs, but I just love to tell them my purpose and bear my testimony, it is so amazing to KNOW, and I love that. I have actaually had some really neat conversations with others that have lasted as long as 2 and a Half hours and it is so fun. Sara for example a 25 year old in Alberta Canada was wanting to get baptised but has some concerns. She mentioned she was scared of loosing her personality, and let me know that she is not a girly girl and does not want to be one. I was able to share with her how the gospel has blessed my life, and help her to see that getting baptized requires a change of heart not a change of personality. Its a little hard because its not quite as easy to follow up on people, but boy has it gotten me pumped up to go out and teach in the field.
Tonight is another fireside which is always exciting, and ofcourse Lindsey my all knowing sister thinks she knows but I am looking forward to it, mainly becuase we get to sing in the choir which is so neat, really I mean so neat. It just gives you chills it is that cool.
Well, I hope all is going well. When I was reading this months First presidency message, I was reminded of the saying "Pray as though everything depends on God, work as though everything depends on you." I love that and am so greatful for prayer and hard work. John congrats on your new job. Middle schoolers are amazing, just remember that. I love you all. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sam I am sorry I am giong to miss it. MUCH LOVE!!!!!

Sorella Robb

MTC P-day Numero Due

2009-02-10T18:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Family and Friends-
What an adventure this MTC experience has been. I really did not know what to expect when I was coming in, but I am really learning and embracing every little bit that I can. I have to admit that the most stressful part of the week is trying to send out emails. Just imagine seeing a red flashing number in the corner of your eye, typing as fast as you can, and then being reminded every five minutes that you type slow and your time is running out. But really I think I will be alright. Its crazy to know that I have only been here two weeks. The time is flying by, but I feel like I have known some of these people forever and it really just messes with your head.
I mentioned a little about my district last time, but I suppose I could spill a little more info. The three of us are all going to Catania and will be leaving together at the end of March. We are finally figuring out how to teach between the three of us without vomiting info all over the investigater. Both of them are from right here in Utah, so we hear from their families all the time. No joke, Sorella White's mom sends a packaged of fresh baked goods every other day so we decided to start up a little bake sale buisness and it is going pretty well. Actually we joke all the time, becuase I make her run all the time, and she makes me eat her sweets, so together we keep eachother in balance.
We have had some cool teaching oportunities, but honestly some of the best have been within our own district. Anziono Bullock is still trying to adjust to this huge lifesyle change and we have had some really cool oportunities to bear testimony and just teach eachother. Also this week in the RC (call center) I was on chat with a girl named Lorelei from Pennsylvania who wants to know more about her church so I shared a little with her and tomorrow we set up a time to chat some more so I am excited and will let you know how that goes.
Otherwise, life is just good. Sometimes at night my eyes burn a little bit becuase I have been studying and reading for so long, but its always gone by the next day and it is way worth it, for learning such a beautiful language. I am so excited to teach! Everyday my teachers go off about how incredible the people of Italy are and what a blessing it is to serve there. . . only 7 more weeks. Well happy Valentines Day to you all. I love you more than you know!

Love Whitney

First P-Day Email

2009-02-10T18:15:00.001-08:00

Dear Family,
Today was a little crazy with my first P-day, but all is going extremely well. My threesome is a little odd with there being two sisters and one elder, but it catches everyone off guard and we are breaking him in to the relief society scene really quickly. They are also both extrememly bright, so the Italian is moving fast. We can pray and even bear our testimony.
As far as the food goes, mom don't worry, I am only at ten pounds so far and it feels great and tastes even better :) We have had one opportunity to teach so far and it was a real hoot. The guy was from New York with a heavy accent and really fun, but when it came to the lesson there was a great spiritual high too. Too bad he is already a member, but he said it was the most fun he had and he was way impressed. Well I have to run to a meeting but I love you and will write you more next week!

Sorella Robb

Letters Wanted

2009-02-01T19:38:00.000-08:00

Here is Whitney's information while she is on her mission... I know she would appreciate letters from all of you. There's nothing like getting mail as a missionary!

In the words of Whitney:

I am gone missionaring for the next 18 months in Italia, but it does not mean that we can not be friends. If you have time I would love to hear from you. Love you, you know who you are!

MTC Address (until the end of march):
Sister Whitney Jane Robb
Italy Catania Mission
Provo MTC
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604

Italy Address:
Sister Whitney Jane Robb
Italy Catania Mission
Via Corsaro, 84/7 (Parco Inglese)
95030 Sant' Agata Li Battiati CT
Italy