Ragusa | week 9

 Pictures from the missionary conference from Sister Waddoups' blog! (Regan is in the back left)

5.4.2015

So it has only been 3 full days since I last wrote home, so this letter is more of a continuation of my last letter. 

The good news of the weekend was that we received permission for Nader to get baptized in 2 weeks in Milano. Usually the person must get baptized in the ward where they were taught/will belong too, but all of Nader's immediate family is in Milano, so this is a special situation. Assuming that we and the Miliano Anziani are able to finish all of the lessons, the 16th of May should be the big day. The first time we ever met with him was 3 weeks ago, and we asked why he was interested in meeting with us and learning more. He told us that his mom was a member, and he went to church with her occasionally growing up, but he never took religion too seriously. He moved down to Sicily about 4 months ago, and he has been working at a restaurant with his uncle who is a member here in Ragusa. For the first time in years he read the Book of Mormon because of a simple invitation from his uncle, and he said he felt a peace and joy he hadn't been able to find anywhere else. So, he decided to come to church with his uncle as well, and he got the same feelings again. However, whenever he wasn't reading or he wasn't in church, he couldn't find that same peace and joy he desired. So we explained to him that all of God's children could feel the influence of the Holy Ghost and that was what he felt when he read the Book of Mormon and came to church. But we explained that the only way he could always have this spirit to be with him was to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on hands after baptism. We read several scriptures from the New Testament and the Book of Mormon that taught this doctrine. The past 3 weeks he has been reading and praying consistently, and he has come to church each week although he has had to close at his restaurant Saturday nights which has kept him out until 2 or 3am. I have recognized obvious changes in him in these past few weeks, but it has also been very interesting to note the differences in Marco (Nader's uncle) and the rest of his family. They are very happy. I don't know their story or the problems they face as a family, but I know that their burdens have been lightened and they have found a renewed love for the gospel as they have shared their testimonies with Nader. As we have asked them how living specific commandments has blessed their lives, they have been able to notice the hand of God in their lives and feel of his mercy on them. That is the beautiful thing about sharing your testimony - you find it when you give it away. 

Our other new friend who asked about living apostles is Fabio. He is seriously the coolest guy ever. We met him in the church twice this week for lessons. He really loves music, especially the piano. Each time he has come, he has brought a piece of sheet music that Sorella Robertson has played on the piano for all of us. Afterwards, she has played a few hymns and we have all sung together. When I think of how many 29 year old Italian guys meets with the Mormon missionaries on Saturday night in the church to sing hymns and talk about religion, something tells me that number drops to 1 really fast. We are truly blessed to have met with him and be able to share the gospel with him. He said next week he wants to organize a dinner with us and some of his other friends from school who are studying English. I can't wait. 

I feel like the luckiest kid in the world to be able to finish my mission like I am. Anziano Brandon has been such a good companion, and we have seen so many miracles in the past 3 weeks. Another one just happened. A couple that Anziano Jorgenson and I met on the street 5 weeks ago or so just stopped in the church to ask if they could come to English Course tomorrow. We just finished talking to them for an hour about our missions and they invited us over to their house for dinner this weekend. I can honestly say that I love Italians with all my heart. All of the Italians who I have truly gotten to know treat me like a brother or a son. 

We have a great upcoming week planned including exchanges with the Gela and Catania Anziani. It's always fun to switch it up and work with new missionaries and different cities. Looking forward to it. 

Anziano Smith