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
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Settembre
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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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!
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!
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!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
How you've grown!
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
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!
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
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
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
What a Life!
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
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!
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
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
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