Happy November!!

So this week we started our new super English class. It was organized by a sister in our ward who lives in an area 45 minutes outside of Rome, who wanted to learn English, but with children and a 45 minute commute could never make it to the Free English class we do at the church every Thursday night. She got permission from President Acerson and found out information about a community center in her little city and did publicity through flyer's and face book, and in schools and on buses. We were a little scared to see how many people would come, but in the end, due to flu season and because it was just the first day we didn’t have a huge out of control amount of people. We do two classes one in the morning and then the afternoon so that mothers and children and who ever wants can come and participate. We are hoping that eventually it will work out in such a way that the people who attend the classes invite us missionaries (2 companionships) over to feed us since we are there all day, and then we can share more about the gospel. I think there are some good solid potentials from the class, and I think with time, this could really yield success. I am so impressed with the family and the sister who are starting all this. They are the Vaccarono family they have 3 very active little boys and a brand new baby girl. The mother is always eager to try new things and to learn. She is one of the best examples I know of someone who really puts their talents to use. She knows how to do calligraphy so she made the students fancy name tags as they entered the class, she wanted to get to know more people in her community so she learned how to play an instrument and joined the city band, she is really just a go getter. During Lunch time at her home Sister Burt, one of the senior couple missionaries, was playing the piano and asked us to sing with her and sorella Vaccarono was in the other room but as soon as she heard the music she came racing around the corner to join in with her flute, ha ha the only thing was the piano and the flute were in 2 very different keys and it was less then melodic.

I decided that Heavenly Father really does have a good sense of humor. I have been given the assignment of translating during young women’s since there is a large majority of American young women. Usually I listen to an Italian lesson and translate it into English for the girls, which isn’t too bad, however this Sunday they decided the lesson was going to be in English and asked me to translate into Italian. Yikes! I would have felt pretty inadequate if the lesson we were having wasn’t on our ability to succeed and self worth. It was a really beautiful lesson, and even though my Italian was not perfect I hope the spirit made up for my lack of vocabulary.

Also this Sunday we were invited to attend a Birthday party of one of the friends of our investigator Louisa. Louisa is Filipino and so was this birthday party and we stood out like a sore thumb! All 6 of us missionaries were invited and because it was a big party we figured there would be plenty of people to talk to there. When we walked in everyone was looking at us and as we were dishing up food to eat there were people taking videos. My companion and I joked that the Elders better behave because they were probably going to be video taped and put on youtube. There was Karaoke going on in the background and with all the beer being consumed you can probably guess the quality of the singing we heard. It was actually pretty neat to be there and talk to a bunch of people and kind of get a feel for a completely different culture.

So yesterday me and my companion were on the train. We only had to ride a few stops so we didn’t go and find a seat we just stayed in the exit compartment near the doors. There was on old man who was getting off the train a stop before us. He had his dog with him on a leash and three Roses in his hand that looked like they had been picked from a bush, one was open in full bloom, the other two were more closed and all three were wrapped together around the steams with a paper towel. As the old man got closer to the doors he looked over and saw my name tag and after studying it for a minute he stuck out his hand and gave me the roses and got off the train without saying a word. It was so strange that I just stood there with a confused look on my face while my companion laughed.

Even without the perks of Roses and Filipino parties I love being a missionary. I love this gospel so much!!! I am so blessed!

Vi voglio Bene!!!