Rain, Rain, Rain

Well I think that I’ve made it through the hottest part of the summer in Italy! Mama Mia, Thank goodness! We can now comfortably sleep inside the apartment, which is a good thing considering it has been pouring for the last 3 days. But don’t worry I love the rain! And as a missionary it is always good weather! I read that somewhere in a talk. It was some story about how missionaries who knock on a door dripping wet might have a better chance getting in then if the sun was shining. I think that talk was written for the missions where there are actual doors to knock on, cause people can’t see you looking pathetic and soaked through an intercom. But I agree with the talk, it is always good weather and I love the rain. Along with the rain there has been some awesome thunder and lightning storms, absolutely incredible, I love the rain!

This last week we had Zone conference. It was great, as usual. We have been encouraged to really try and use our members as much as possible with appointments and fellowshipping, and so this week me and my companion have tried real hard to make every appointment with an investigator involve a member. We have a new investigator named Olivia, and she is really great. We have an appointment with her tonight to teach the Plan of Salvation, so hopefully the rain won’t keep her away. The rain doesn’t bother me, but I have discovered that it sure bothers a lot of other people enough that when it rains they don’t leave their home for anything, even work. And it’s not like there is a shortage of umbrellas in this country, because when it rains all the street venders, instead of selling purses and watches and lighters, walk around with an armful of umbrellas. There are like 3 or 4 venders on every corner and at the exits of the metro stations. It seems it is always good weather for street venders too!

This past Saturday we had an activity in church. It was a South American Fiesta! Because a large portion of our ward is south American, there were plenty of participants to enjoy the games and activities and to bring really yummy food. It was a lot of fun, and there were a lot of less active members and investigators there, which makes any activity even better. I think I got a small glimpse of what a south American ward activity is like. Wow! Crazy, but fun!

Yesterday evening I met a woman on the bus and we ended up getting off at the same stop and then turning down the same street, in conversation I mentioned something about our free English class and she got real excited and invited us to come in to her home with her and talk with her daughters. They are a family from Ecuador, which isn’t unusual, there are a lot of people here from Ecuador and Peru. We explained about our English class to her daughter and then the mom told us we should come over one day for dinner. It was so awesome to be so warmly welcomed into a home, with out even asking. The family remembers the missionaries and the church from Ecuador, but I don’t know how much they know about the church and I am hopeful that through our English class we will be able to share this beautiful gospel message with this cute family. (a mom and 2 daughters 18, and 26). God truly has his hand in this work.

I love you all so much and I am so grateful for your constant prayers and support. Keep on enjoying life and praying for missionary opportunities! :)

Vi Voglio un mondo di bene!!!