Rome Time
So this week we got some
exciting news. Our members so how big our English course was getting and so
they found a space where we can do it in Mesagne which is a little city that is
about a 15 minute train ride outside of Brindisi. We got permission for the
space this week, so on Wednesday we went to put up flyers all over the city we
made in 10 minutes. We have already received several phone calls confirming the
time and place so we are looking forward to starting it up this Wednesday. We
have 1 member that lives in Mesagne (Sorella Crudo) who gives us an awesome
lunch everytime we go there. It is a way cool city and cant wait to start
working there more. Some of the best relationships I have formed have come from
teaching English course and it is always a prime atmosphere to share a gospel
message at the end of each lesson.
We have continued to visit
Victor and Blessing on Saturday nights to teach Blessing the new member lessons
and I continue to grow in awe of the faith of that family. I was talking to
Victor after the lesson before we ate dinner. He told me one of the most
touching things I have ever heard. He said his brother was really sick in the
hospital a couple years ago, and he was visiting him. He told him, dont pray
that you will be healed. God already knows that you are suffering. First pray
for forgiveness and ask God to teach you how you can be better. Then thank him
for the many blessings you have received. It reminded me of the story that
President Monson told in his last General Conference talk. He is one of the
most grateful people I have ever met, and because of that he is always smiling
and having a good time.
Yesterday we had an awesome
day at church. The Stake President came down from Bari and he is one incredible
man. He started teaching about the "Hastening the Work" broadcast and
the other missionaries told him I was there during it and he asked me to share
with the ward what was said for a minute. His urgency to spread the gospel was
inspiring. All was going well at church until sacrament meeting was about to
start (we have sacrament meeting last) and President Casti asked me to be the
usher. I was told that this included standing by the door to welcome people and
step outside the door to make sure no one interrupts prayers or the sacrament.
I did not think it would be that hard or I would make such a fool of myself.
However, both times I stepped out no one came give me the sacrament so I had to
walk all the way to the front both times. The second time, Samuelle (16 month
year old baby) tripped on my foot and started crying. I started to help him up
and lost my position on the door and people started coming in. It was unreal.
It literally could not believe it. Anyways, the Stake President covered for me
cause he gave an extremely powerful talk right after and the meeting was really
spiritual.
Right after sacrament
meeting 10 people from a branch got on a bus to go to the temple up in
Switzerland. I would have given up my right arm and a leg and couple toes to go
on that trip. They will be up there for 5 days or so. Im so glad for them. I
also heard that the temple is projected to be completed my last transfer of the
mission. It has been pushed back like 3 or 4 times but I really hope that this
time it is accurate. There will be a 3 month open house or something crazy like
that. I hope more than anything I can be a part of it, but more importantly
help others get ready to go for themselves!
I am growing to love
missionary work more and more. I meet many awesome and also interesting people
each day. For instance, yesterday an old lady asked me how long the train ride
was from America. I was not sure how to respond. Conversations like that always
keep me smiling.
Anyways, I have heard it
said that sacrificial love opens the windows of heaven I am certainly starting
to see that here. It is a privilege to serve here each day and do my best to
share these wonderful truths that have blessed my life in so many ways. Serving
with other missionaries and members and getting to know the people of Brindisi
has been the experience of a lifetime.
Love,
Anziano Smith
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