Okay, I just got distracted playing on Familysearch.org and looking at our family tree. Refocus!
I can't believe it's Wednesday, or that it's pretty much December, shooooot.
Thanksgiving was great, we went and ate such good pizza with Luca. Mine had tomato sauce then a pistacchio sauce and fresh stracciatella that came on the side in this little glass: Yum. Then Saturday we had a real life Thanksgiving dinner and I got my fill of sweet potatoes. It was pretty cool because there were 20 of in total, maybe half members of the church. I got to chat up with this rad lady from Sicily next to me and across from me where these two dudes probably in their later twenties that didn't really talk because I don't think they knew what to do with me, even though one of them is studying pretty much the exact same thing I did.
Anyway, we leave at 9:00 and as soon as I do I guess these dudes say, "Hold on, are they nuns?" It was perfect, because it spurred a conversation about the Church that lasted into 1:00 am with these peeps asking everything, from what's the Book of Mormon down to anything else you can think of about the church. So Augusta and Michele, plus Luca and another girl named Michela got to lay it all out, which is what Augusta has been hoping would happen.
The rest of Saturday and then Sunday we spent doing a mostra which is basically where we get a permit from the city to set up a little display thing and then try and stop everybody and their dog to talk about the gospel. We had a handful of members come out, passed out so many pass along cards and pamphlets and got a handful of good potentials. This is why you have to work with the ward and above all the bishop. If he loves you, he helps you and organizes mostras for you and then the members come help because they love you too.
Another finding story for you.
Friday night we're waiting for the bus to head up and see one of our less active families and this guy walks past. I say buona sera, he stops and asks me if ci conosciamo. I tell him no, I was just saying buona sera and we start talking. His name is Paolo, he teaches music and he's been to the states just once to play the clarinet in Chicago. I'm trying to write down is phone number as the bus pulls up and then the bus doesn't stop and keeps going. So we talk to him while we wait the 20 minutes for the next bus. We should be teaching him tonight, speriamo bene, his phone was off when I tried to call and confirm. Because it has been raining nonstop since Monday, I don't want to be outside and wet tonight.
I'm pleased with the [Christmas] tree name, well done, it feels sort of impossible that you guys had real Thanksgiving and we have a tree and Christmas is coming. They're stringing tons of lights up all over the place here but it still doesn't quite feel like Christmas, pian piano.
Well, enough for now, I'm hoping to hear really good news very soon about a certain little brother of mine. You guys are great. Love you lots.
What are your Christmas Day plans? Christmas and Christmas Eve are going to be beautiful and nutzo, we're just so popular :)
xoxo
sorella bush
*It's the stupidest question ever that we get all the time. Do I look like a nun? Pretty sure the answer is no.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Thursday, November 22, 2012
aldo
Well here we are again.
I wrote like ten letters last night so I'm kind of lettered out, but I love you all dearly. Sorella Beutler is a little sicky again so it's not been the most normal week, but we had a beautiflu miracle/adventure I will tell you about last Thursday/Sunday. His name is Aldo.
There is a city called Angera in our area, and according to Gabriele the missionaries hadn't been there for at least ten years, so we've been wanting to go for awhile. We finally got ourselves organized last Thursday at we're waiting at the bus stop. This 55 year-old man starts talking with us. We just sort of chat about how he hasn't taken the bus in 40 some years but drove into town with his sister to get his hand checked at the doctor because a rock fell and crushed it (yes Italians will tell you their life story if you just listen).
We then tell him a bit about who we are and what we do. Get on the bus. We head toward the back where there are more seats and hope he comes too. But he's hanging out at the front of the bus for awhile and we're worried. Then he suddenly runs off the bus, goes and buys a ticket, comes back and sits by us.
So we keep chatting it up. About his mother who died six months ago, about the home they have in Taranto, where they're from, about his four year-old daughter. We tell him about the Book of Mormon and how there's life after this one. Then he pulls out of this funny little plastic briefcase an invitation to his daughter's birthday party that Sunday. We give him a plan of salvation pamphlet. He gets off the bus, we head on to Angera.
Sunday, we obviously go to the birthday party. We get to his town, where I've never set foot. We head to the only open place, a bar/tabaccaria and ask how to get to Via San Michele. And no one knows. So they ask what we're looking for, and I said, "Um...a family, his name is Aldo."
This bad a guy in a wheel chair tries to pull up a map on his phone but can't get to the internet, all eight people in the bar are trying to figure out if any of them know the via and the people that work there look for their map of the area.
Meanwhile wheelchair man heads over to the adjoining room and comes back and asks if we're looking for Aldo the mechanic. I tell him I think so, and he tells us to go down the next street, down a hill, up another hill, past a cemetery and then we'll take the road that runs off to the left and that's where Aldo lives.
We go, we make it, and we spend a few hours with a handfull of 5 year-olds from preschool but mostly Aldo's 7,000 siblings and nieces. He is one of 11 children! I got to talk to a few of them about what we do as missionaries a bit about what we believe. I didn't get any numbers becuase we had to race off to catch the bus but when we left Aldo said "If you need anything let me know. Give me a call and we'll do Sunday lunch sometime and talk with more calma, and I have a truck if you need to move anything, if you need a hair cut Rosa lives in Varese and cuts hair." His youngest sister who I think would be down with talking to us a bit, and I am in dire need of a haircut.
So the work of the Lord is great, moral of the story. We had an absolutely beautiful conference yesterday and had interviews with President Wolfgramm. So great. Love that man and I love how he makes me think. I feel like I've learned so freaky much about the gospel this year. I don't know what I was doing before. And it makes me excited to be able to someday have a family that I'll be able to teach the gospel to, for reals. It's like Carrie always talked aboout both how everything she had done or learned she felt prepared her to be a mother and how serving a mission just prepared her for everything.
Well, I love you all. The babiest bad I wont be around the table with you today, or sleeping in front of the fireplace with Alice after, but we have time still. I'll make do with the great pizza I plan on eating at 1:30
xoxo
sorella bush
I wrote like ten letters last night so I'm kind of lettered out, but I love you all dearly. Sorella Beutler is a little sicky again so it's not been the most normal week, but we had a beautiflu miracle/adventure I will tell you about last Thursday/Sunday. His name is Aldo.
There is a city called Angera in our area, and according to Gabriele the missionaries hadn't been there for at least ten years, so we've been wanting to go for awhile. We finally got ourselves organized last Thursday at we're waiting at the bus stop. This 55 year-old man starts talking with us. We just sort of chat about how he hasn't taken the bus in 40 some years but drove into town with his sister to get his hand checked at the doctor because a rock fell and crushed it (yes Italians will tell you their life story if you just listen).
We then tell him a bit about who we are and what we do. Get on the bus. We head toward the back where there are more seats and hope he comes too. But he's hanging out at the front of the bus for awhile and we're worried. Then he suddenly runs off the bus, goes and buys a ticket, comes back and sits by us.
So we keep chatting it up. About his mother who died six months ago, about the home they have in Taranto, where they're from, about his four year-old daughter. We tell him about the Book of Mormon and how there's life after this one. Then he pulls out of this funny little plastic briefcase an invitation to his daughter's birthday party that Sunday. We give him a plan of salvation pamphlet. He gets off the bus, we head on to Angera.
Sunday, we obviously go to the birthday party. We get to his town, where I've never set foot. We head to the only open place, a bar/tabaccaria and ask how to get to Via San Michele. And no one knows. So they ask what we're looking for, and I said, "Um...a family, his name is Aldo."
This bad a guy in a wheel chair tries to pull up a map on his phone but can't get to the internet, all eight people in the bar are trying to figure out if any of them know the via and the people that work there look for their map of the area.
Meanwhile wheelchair man heads over to the adjoining room and comes back and asks if we're looking for Aldo the mechanic. I tell him I think so, and he tells us to go down the next street, down a hill, up another hill, past a cemetery and then we'll take the road that runs off to the left and that's where Aldo lives.
We go, we make it, and we spend a few hours with a handfull of 5 year-olds from preschool but mostly Aldo's 7,000 siblings and nieces. He is one of 11 children! I got to talk to a few of them about what we do as missionaries a bit about what we believe. I didn't get any numbers becuase we had to race off to catch the bus but when we left Aldo said "If you need anything let me know. Give me a call and we'll do Sunday lunch sometime and talk with more calma, and I have a truck if you need to move anything, if you need a hair cut Rosa lives in Varese and cuts hair." His youngest sister who I think would be down with talking to us a bit, and I am in dire need of a haircut.
So the work of the Lord is great, moral of the story. We had an absolutely beautiful conference yesterday and had interviews with President Wolfgramm. So great. Love that man and I love how he makes me think. I feel like I've learned so freaky much about the gospel this year. I don't know what I was doing before. And it makes me excited to be able to someday have a family that I'll be able to teach the gospel to, for reals. It's like Carrie always talked aboout both how everything she had done or learned she felt prepared her to be a mother and how serving a mission just prepared her for everything.
Well, I love you all. The babiest bad I wont be around the table with you today, or sleeping in front of the fireplace with Alice after, but we have time still. I'll make do with the great pizza I plan on eating at 1:30
xoxo
sorella bush
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
unthinkable
Guys, the almost unthinkable is happening and I get one more transfer in Varese with Sorella Beutler. I was pretty sure I was staying but I was just really nervous. I couldn't imagine anyone else being right for Varese or Sorella Beutler right now. So here's the simple answer—we stay! Ha! Sorella Beutler is still super hard on herself and has a hard time not comparing herself with everybody else Italian-wise and I really do worry about her and what will happen when we're not companions. Pian piano.
It's been kind of a nutso week. Here are some highlights for you:
GINA! We finally saw beautiful Gina! We used the excuse that one of us might be leaving and she said, "Sorry I haven't responded in ages I've been soooo bust with exams and school I haven't even seen my best friend!" So we met up and read the 2nd half of 2nd Nefi 4 together and had a beautiful lesson talking about hearts and temptation and relying on the Lord. There was a nice little pause and we were all sitting there and she said, "Can I ask you guys a question"
"What do you do to feel God when you pray? Because I don't think it's ever happened for like it has for you, I mean sometimes I think I feel something, but sometimes I feel like I'm just talking..'"
We had a beautiful discussion on prayer, and she told us that she thinks it's destiny we met, because she wasn't even supposed to go out the day we stopped her per strada and how she feels like her life really has changed and she feels best when we're with her and she reads the bom. Srsly, this is what I live for! If only we could see her more regularly! Really, she's so wonderful. (and in the closing prayer asked that we would both stay in Varese a bit longer..:)) Now Yeimy (Jaime). Our other beautiful 21 year old who has been so hard to see lately. But Friday morning before weekly planning Sorella Beutler was like let's go do a giro by the old house, get out and talk to some peeps and check the mail. SO we go and after we check the mail I was like I should go make sure there's no air building up in the radiators so the heat isn't blocked on the lower floors, blah blah, we go and decide to carry home this funny end table that we needed to put our microwave on. We we're carrying this table between us and I'm holding it behind my back and I look across the street and see Jaime, so I yell to her, she comes over, we chat, set up an appointment for Saturday, went and saw her, it was beautiful, and at the end I asked if we could do anything for her, or at least pray for for her and she starts crying and tells us no one ever asks her that. we're hoping to see her again Saturday because she freaky needs the gospel. Found some cool potentials in my efforts to be better at talking to people between appointments and plans and stuff, speriamo bene, people here just work way too much.
And did I tell you about Giuseppe? Who's from Sicily and showed up in church last Sunday? He's been studying with the Sorelle there for 8 months and works all the time up here in Lombardia so he missed a baptismal date in September and then was always like, well, we'll talk about in when I come back, and then he's back for maybe trhee days and comes north again.... SO We've taught him twice, took him to stake conference in Milano ands set a tentative baptismal date for the 22 of December. He's kind of a funny guy but I think he's sincere about the church and LOVES how family is central to everything, I think he's maybe mid 40s and really wants a family, refocus his priorities. Moments like Giuseppe walking into church make me feel like maybe heavenly father really is ok with the work I'm doing and throws me a little bonus.
I don't know why but I've been feeling a little discouraged lately, I don't know, something's just off and I'm not super happy with my work but I feel too weak to change too fast, I don't know how to explain myself, I'm happy I just feel like I could be doing more and I don't really know what I need to do. I think I need to spend more time on my knees because HF knows exactly what this area leaves.
We had gelato with Luca on Monday night when he finished work and before we headed to our appointment in church. We had already texted him that we were both staying and we were talking to him and he was like but this means they'll probably send you off right before Christmas. I said "NO, subito DOPO," and he said "What," and I told him when transfers were next and he was like "SO YOU'LL BE HERE FOR CHRISTMAS?!"
He was so excited, made me feel great. They like me! They really really like me! Branch President Carnieletto was super contento, he even said so twice. I guess he hasn't always loved the missionaries but somehow we've won him over and HE'S started thinking a lot more about missionary work and organized everything for us to do a mostra in centro with members a week from Sunday with some sort of message about Christmas.
The weather is beautiful these days, all of a sudden kind of warm and the trees are still in peak color, if only I still had my bike...
BTW—one year on Friday? Whaaa?? I've been putting a name tag on everyday for a year, whoa, how strange and beautiful.
Did I tell you about Giudi? The girl we teach english to? 22 from como and wonderful. We've had some really beautiful lessons with her about the gospel too, and she came to church on fast and testimony meeting with her friend and she might come this week to see what it's like when it's not open mic Sunday. She's super smart and we already have really interesting conversations and we can see her heart opening little by little. We're planning on a heading to Como together for a p-day this transfer.
You all sound busy and happy, I heard the new James Bond was awesome, a little jealous, maybe. Luca played us the Adele single from it, man she's good. Mom you're almost a master! Are you guys doing the turkey trot this year?
We have to go to Milano next Wednesday, so I don't know when we'll p-day next week, and Saturday we're having Thanksgiving with Augusta and her fam and Luca obviously and who knows who else will be there. The food will be much better than last year fo sho. love you all!
I'll try and send pics next week,
be good! be happy!
xoxo sorella cespuglio
It's been kind of a nutso week. Here are some highlights for you:
GINA! We finally saw beautiful Gina! We used the excuse that one of us might be leaving and she said, "Sorry I haven't responded in ages I've been soooo bust with exams and school I haven't even seen my best friend!" So we met up and read the 2nd half of 2nd Nefi 4 together and had a beautiful lesson talking about hearts and temptation and relying on the Lord. There was a nice little pause and we were all sitting there and she said, "Can I ask you guys a question"
"What do you do to feel God when you pray? Because I don't think it's ever happened for like it has for you, I mean sometimes I think I feel something, but sometimes I feel like I'm just talking..'"
We had a beautiful discussion on prayer, and she told us that she thinks it's destiny we met, because she wasn't even supposed to go out the day we stopped her per strada and how she feels like her life really has changed and she feels best when we're with her and she reads the bom. Srsly, this is what I live for! If only we could see her more regularly! Really, she's so wonderful. (and in the closing prayer asked that we would both stay in Varese a bit longer..:)) Now Yeimy (Jaime). Our other beautiful 21 year old who has been so hard to see lately. But Friday morning before weekly planning Sorella Beutler was like let's go do a giro by the old house, get out and talk to some peeps and check the mail. SO we go and after we check the mail I was like I should go make sure there's no air building up in the radiators so the heat isn't blocked on the lower floors, blah blah, we go and decide to carry home this funny end table that we needed to put our microwave on. We we're carrying this table between us and I'm holding it behind my back and I look across the street and see Jaime, so I yell to her, she comes over, we chat, set up an appointment for Saturday, went and saw her, it was beautiful, and at the end I asked if we could do anything for her, or at least pray for for her and she starts crying and tells us no one ever asks her that. we're hoping to see her again Saturday because she freaky needs the gospel. Found some cool potentials in my efforts to be better at talking to people between appointments and plans and stuff, speriamo bene, people here just work way too much.
And did I tell you about Giuseppe? Who's from Sicily and showed up in church last Sunday? He's been studying with the Sorelle there for 8 months and works all the time up here in Lombardia so he missed a baptismal date in September and then was always like, well, we'll talk about in when I come back, and then he's back for maybe trhee days and comes north again.... SO We've taught him twice, took him to stake conference in Milano ands set a tentative baptismal date for the 22 of December. He's kind of a funny guy but I think he's sincere about the church and LOVES how family is central to everything, I think he's maybe mid 40s and really wants a family, refocus his priorities. Moments like Giuseppe walking into church make me feel like maybe heavenly father really is ok with the work I'm doing and throws me a little bonus.
I don't know why but I've been feeling a little discouraged lately, I don't know, something's just off and I'm not super happy with my work but I feel too weak to change too fast, I don't know how to explain myself, I'm happy I just feel like I could be doing more and I don't really know what I need to do. I think I need to spend more time on my knees because HF knows exactly what this area leaves.
We had gelato with Luca on Monday night when he finished work and before we headed to our appointment in church. We had already texted him that we were both staying and we were talking to him and he was like but this means they'll probably send you off right before Christmas. I said "NO, subito DOPO," and he said "What," and I told him when transfers were next and he was like "SO YOU'LL BE HERE FOR CHRISTMAS?!"
He was so excited, made me feel great. They like me! They really really like me! Branch President Carnieletto was super contento, he even said so twice. I guess he hasn't always loved the missionaries but somehow we've won him over and HE'S started thinking a lot more about missionary work and organized everything for us to do a mostra in centro with members a week from Sunday with some sort of message about Christmas.
The weather is beautiful these days, all of a sudden kind of warm and the trees are still in peak color, if only I still had my bike...
BTW—one year on Friday? Whaaa?? I've been putting a name tag on everyday for a year, whoa, how strange and beautiful.
Did I tell you about Giudi? The girl we teach english to? 22 from como and wonderful. We've had some really beautiful lessons with her about the gospel too, and she came to church on fast and testimony meeting with her friend and she might come this week to see what it's like when it's not open mic Sunday. She's super smart and we already have really interesting conversations and we can see her heart opening little by little. We're planning on a heading to Como together for a p-day this transfer.
You all sound busy and happy, I heard the new James Bond was awesome, a little jealous, maybe. Luca played us the Adele single from it, man she's good. Mom you're almost a master! Are you guys doing the turkey trot this year?
We have to go to Milano next Wednesday, so I don't know when we'll p-day next week, and Saturday we're having Thanksgiving with Augusta and her fam and Luca obviously and who knows who else will be there. The food will be much better than last year fo sho. love you all!
I'll try and send pics next week,
be good! be happy!
xoxo sorella cespuglio
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
illegal email!
I'M STAYING IN VARESE FOR
CHRISTMAS!!! Hip hip! Sorella Beutler and I are starting transfer three
together next week...
love love
sor.cespuglio
love love
sor.cespuglio
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