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