Rome Time
Our Christmas week was absolutely amazing! It
was obviously a new experience for me being away from home and everything, but
it was definitely a special one that I will never forget. First off, I hurt my
foot about 10 days ago (not sure how) and I have been limping on my foot. Last
Monday night we had a dinner appointment with Joe and Vincenza that was
probably the most memorable night of my mission thus far because of that familys
love and awesomeness. Vincenza noticed I was limping pretty bad and immediately
pulled out a bucket of hot water with some salts that she told me to soak my
foot in. I thought that was the most considerate thing ever, and then after
about 10 minutes she came over with a towel and gloves and started rubbing my
foot. I know it may sound a little wierd, but it was the nicest thing any one
has done on my mission so far. I always care the picture of the Savior washing
is disciples feet that Joe sent me a couple months ago and that is exactly what
it reminded me of. More on them to come later in the email.
Christmas Eve was at
the Salvitis (an American family who lives on the base) which rocked. We made 4
types of cookies with ham, mashed potatoes, broccoli, and some other stuff. All
the other Napoli missionaries are super jealous of our American hookups They
take care of us so well. Anways, after dinner we read some christmas story that
made everyone cry. I zoned out a bit after so much food and had no idea what
the story was about. Then we read Luke 2 together and called it a night. Fun
stuff.
Chirstmas day
was way fun because we got to go with the Willies (senior American couple) to
visit a family who lives about 45 minutes away in some super pretty mountains.
The Willies dont speak any Italian and this family doesnt speak any English so
I think there was some miscommunication on who was in charge of food. The
Willies brought a feast that could have fed the branch. Laura also made a ton
of Romanian food that was delicious. Anyways, there were 2 huge feasts
prepared. Laura was over the top nice to us because she has a son serving a
mission in Romania right now and she definitely wanted to spoil the
missionaries. We had a really good meal and it was awesome to visit with her.
Highlight of the day/week/month/ever was talking to the family. Best thing
ever! Nuff said.
The next day was some
sort of saint holiday here in Italy so everything was closed and no one left
their house all day, so we watched our two xmas movies then. We watched Brave
and Toy Story 3. Classics.
We went to Joe and
Vincenzas house again Friday and then they did the new nicest thing
anyone has done for me on my mission. I walked in limping again and they had a
box to give to me. I opened it and it was super durable black walking shoes. He
said he spent 2 hours to find shoes with this much support in my size. They
have helped my foot out so much. I have no idea what I can do to repay that
family. After they gave me the new shoes, we shared a spiritual thought about
eternal families and about the temple coming to Rome. I love that family with
everything I have. Afterwards they gave us an awesome dinner and invited us
again for New Years Eve. We cant wait for tomorrow night! We still
have to be home super early though.
Salvatore and Alina
came to church this Sunday and it was really cool. All of the members
were so nice to them and they instantly felt like family. Everyone was so busy
talking to them Anziano Heder and I barely got a chance to. They can definitely
feel the goodness of the people here and I am really happy and excited for
them. Sunday night there were little tremors all over Napoli and it
was kind of scary. Everyone was out of there house just standing on the street.
I was laughing cause it made me think of my Mount Vesuvius project I did in
Latin in 8th grade. I was literally looking right at it and the ground was
shaking. Definitely made me laugh. Anyways, I couldnt be happier right now. The
members here treat us great, there are amazing people here who need the gospel,
and nopton pizza is exceptional to say the least. So long and have a good
week!
Anziano Smith
