Man, never enough time to write!
We're heading to Florence again today for p-day! I love it! We'll hit Piazza Michealangelo and the view over Florence, and then I think we're going to Fiesole too! I'm so spoiled!
Even though it's been a bit of a slow week for missionary work, it has been great nonetheless. We finally met with Nurshia. It was a good and a bad thing. The good thing is that she was honest with us, the bad thing is that in being honest, she told us that her and her husband Anil, had talked about things and they just arent ready to change and don't see the need to change when they already are seeing blessings in their lives from reading the bible and being good followers of Christ. It was so hard to hear because we've grown to love them so much. They're such good friends and good people. She was so nice and told us they've really enjoyed having us over and don't want having us over to end.
But, as missionaries, we're here to teach those who are willing to make and keep commitments. So, we haven't seen them and don't have plans to. Sad, but some people just need some time.
Saturday we had a "solo Italiano day" where we only spoke Italian. On every other normal day we usually speak Italian when we are outside and english when we're inside. But Saturday we spoke only Italian! Well, okay, I have to admit by the end we couldn't do it anymore! It was a lot more silent than usual and we really didn't like it! We'll see if we have another one of those days! The language is coming though.
Yesterday we had "evaluations," where the district leader critiques our teaching. We had to teach a 2nd, on the plan of salvation. It was itimidating because our district leader and his companion are both Italians, and there's so much to teach about the plan. Anyway, it went pretty well.
We've been doing finding work, trying to get our teaching pool bigger. And now that we don't have nurshia and anil as investigators, we'll have even more time to find people. I hope and pray that we can find someone who really is ready for the gospel! We have a family that we haven't met with yet but they sound like they are ready to hear the message of the restoration!
I love being a missionary. Thanks for all your emails, your prayers, and support.
Have a great week!
Love Sorella Boynton : )
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Prato, Week 7
Ciao tutti,
Hope everyone is doing well!
We've had another good week here in Prato. The work seems a little slow at times but we just have to keep on keepin on! We've done a lot of finding work this week. We've spent some time going door to door. I really enjoy finding work. It takes courage to go door to door but it's so worth it when you can share brief truths about the gospel with people. Most of them say they aren't interested but it makes those who give us more than a minute all the more worth it. We also enjoy doing what we call Piazza. We take a survey with questions like...do you believe in jesus christ?....do you think families extend beyond death?....etc, and just stop people who are walking in the piazza by the duomo. We've talked to lots of people this way and given out a couple Book of Mormon's. It's really neat to testify and look people in the eyes and tell them we know these things are true.
We haven't had the opportunity to meet with Nurshia and Anil this week. We're really troubled about them and just feel like they're at that same critical point that Sabrina was at (if you remember me telling you about her.). Either they're going to accept it or they wont commit and are happy with how they are. Speriamo bene!
We had a crazy experience on the bus yesterday. We were heading out to visit a less-active family and lady who live a little outside of Prato. We got on the bus and I went and sat in a chair that was facing another chair...this way, if someone sits down, we are facing each other and it makes it easier to start up a conversation and potentially teach someone on the bus. So, I was sitting and the bus picked some people up and a young man came and sat across from me. I knew it was trouble from the minute he sat down! I saw him looking at me but tried to just mind my own business. But then he started talking to me...asking where I was from and telling me how beautiful and everything I was. I tried to just play it off and ask where he was from, if he was going to school, or working etc. I told him we were here serving a mission for our church. He was saying all this stuff about boyfriends and stuff. It was so awkard and gross! He was scooting closer to me. I just acted like I couldn't understand him when he called me "amore" and "bella." He asked what we believed so I was relieved a little bit. I told him about Joseph Smith and the restoration although I could plainly see he could care less about the message! Finally Sorella Roper stood up and we we got off the bus even though we didn't know where we were. And the guy and his friend followed us off the bus! We told them we had an appointment to get to and he was totally asking for my number and saying how important love was. CRAZY! We finally just walked away as he blew us a kiss! SCHIFFO, GROSS! I'm just glad we got out of that one safe and sound! Grossed out but at least safe!
Anyway, other than that, things are good. Sorry kind of a lame email but I gotta go. Thanks for all your prayers and support. I love being a missionary and know it's true, there's no doubt!
Love,
Sorella B.
Hope everyone is doing well!
We've had another good week here in Prato. The work seems a little slow at times but we just have to keep on keepin on! We've done a lot of finding work this week. We've spent some time going door to door. I really enjoy finding work. It takes courage to go door to door but it's so worth it when you can share brief truths about the gospel with people. Most of them say they aren't interested but it makes those who give us more than a minute all the more worth it. We also enjoy doing what we call Piazza. We take a survey with questions like...do you believe in jesus christ?....do you think families extend beyond death?....etc, and just stop people who are walking in the piazza by the duomo. We've talked to lots of people this way and given out a couple Book of Mormon's. It's really neat to testify and look people in the eyes and tell them we know these things are true.
We haven't had the opportunity to meet with Nurshia and Anil this week. We're really troubled about them and just feel like they're at that same critical point that Sabrina was at (if you remember me telling you about her.). Either they're going to accept it or they wont commit and are happy with how they are. Speriamo bene!
We had a crazy experience on the bus yesterday. We were heading out to visit a less-active family and lady who live a little outside of Prato. We got on the bus and I went and sat in a chair that was facing another chair...this way, if someone sits down, we are facing each other and it makes it easier to start up a conversation and potentially teach someone on the bus. So, I was sitting and the bus picked some people up and a young man came and sat across from me. I knew it was trouble from the minute he sat down! I saw him looking at me but tried to just mind my own business. But then he started talking to me...asking where I was from and telling me how beautiful and everything I was. I tried to just play it off and ask where he was from, if he was going to school, or working etc. I told him we were here serving a mission for our church. He was saying all this stuff about boyfriends and stuff. It was so awkard and gross! He was scooting closer to me. I just acted like I couldn't understand him when he called me "amore" and "bella." He asked what we believed so I was relieved a little bit. I told him about Joseph Smith and the restoration although I could plainly see he could care less about the message! Finally Sorella Roper stood up and we we got off the bus even though we didn't know where we were. And the guy and his friend followed us off the bus! We told them we had an appointment to get to and he was totally asking for my number and saying how important love was. CRAZY! We finally just walked away as he blew us a kiss! SCHIFFO, GROSS! I'm just glad we got out of that one safe and sound! Grossed out but at least safe!
Anyway, other than that, things are good. Sorry kind of a lame email but I gotta go. Thanks for all your prayers and support. I love being a missionary and know it's true, there's no doubt!
Love,
Sorella B.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Happy Valentine's Day!
Allora,
Buon Giorno di San Valentino! I wish I could give you all bug hugs and kisses. But this will have to do...XxoOXxooX! I love you all!
I just read the emails from you all. Thanks! Sounds like ell and paul are busy with moving and work: the shooting in Trolley Square! Yikes...that's crazy! Marg and Nate, sounds like your doing well, congrats on the new job and good luck! Rod and Jo getting Milo potty trained : ), Steve and Shirley, hope you're doing well! And Tom, got your email too but haven't had time to respond. Mom and Dad, always a pleasure to read your emails and thanks for the valentine card and the pictures. I'm sure I sent that medical info in, but whatev. I'll sign it and send it again. I'm so grateful for you all and am so grateful for your prayers and support!
The work continues here in little Prato Italy. We got transfer calls this week. President calls us while we're all together at the church for our weekly district meetings and tells everyone if they're staying or going. I'm staying here in Prato with Sorella Roper! No suprise, we knew we were staying. I'm so glad to have another transfer with her. We have fun together! She'll go next transfer most likely. : ( I'm not looking forward to that one!
We had an amazing lesson with Nurshia and Anil last Friday. The Anziani (elders) came with us and it was probably one of the best lessons I've seen yet. They really listened this time and the spirit was there in full force. We talked about apostasy and shared an example of apostasy from 4th Nephi. We talked about the restoration and also about the great apostasy after the christ and the apostles died. It was awesome for me to see two great missionaries, my comp, Sor. Roper and one of the elders that was there, teach. They're experienced missionaries and knew what they were talking about and knew how to really point out the spirit. Everything was explained so clearly. I really admire them and can't wait to be a good teacher! Anyway, we invited them to read moroni 10 and then also to come to the baptism that was happening on Sunday. It would've been awesome for them to see that baptism and we were so excited because they were going to come. At the last minute they called us and told us that thier friends mother had died and weren't going to be able to make it. Dang it! We were crushed. We haven't met with them again yet but have high hopes.
So yeah, there was a baptism of another nigerian man, Austin, on Sunday. Our district leader baptized him. It's so awesome to see someone be baptized and make that step in their life. After the baptism, the font flooded the whole basement of the church! It's a collapsable font and so the hose detached from the font and water went everywhere! So we stayed and helped clean that mess up! Haha, crazy.
We met with Sabrina this week. We basically told her that we are here to teach and help people make commitments and to call us when she's ready to commit! It was sad but we felt like it was the right thing. We also had another lesson with Titi and taught her about the fall and the atonement. She knows so much, I love teaching her.
Lately we've been doing service for one of the less-actives, Sorella Lombardo, in the branch. Last thurdsay we cleaned her blinds and windows (she lives on the 5th floor so we get a sweet view of Prato out over to Florence! all the pretty hills and rooftops!). That was okay. Then yesterday she made us clean her bathroom! Schiffo! Her house smell like dog and there was just nasy hair everywhere. But, we sucked it up. I cleaned the beday (gag) and sorella Roper cleaned the discusting shower! We cleaned the walls, shelves etc. Mama mia! She wants us to come back next week for the kitchen! I love service! We had a good lesson with her about the blessing of the restoration, now she just needs to come to church!
Well, life as a missionary is great. We are reminded of our many blessings everyday as we see and talk to people who don't have the gospel in their lives. I'm so grateful for this chance to share the good news of the gospel! I know it's true!
Love you all,
Sorella Boynton
p.s. I received some old mail that didn't make it to me before I left the Mtc so I'm working on writing some of you back! Thanks and sorry!
Buon Giorno di San Valentino! I wish I could give you all bug hugs and kisses. But this will have to do...XxoOXxooX! I love you all!
I just read the emails from you all. Thanks! Sounds like ell and paul are busy with moving and work: the shooting in Trolley Square! Yikes...that's crazy! Marg and Nate, sounds like your doing well, congrats on the new job and good luck! Rod and Jo getting Milo potty trained : ), Steve and Shirley, hope you're doing well! And Tom, got your email too but haven't had time to respond. Mom and Dad, always a pleasure to read your emails and thanks for the valentine card and the pictures. I'm sure I sent that medical info in, but whatev. I'll sign it and send it again. I'm so grateful for you all and am so grateful for your prayers and support!
The work continues here in little Prato Italy. We got transfer calls this week. President calls us while we're all together at the church for our weekly district meetings and tells everyone if they're staying or going. I'm staying here in Prato with Sorella Roper! No suprise, we knew we were staying. I'm so glad to have another transfer with her. We have fun together! She'll go next transfer most likely. : ( I'm not looking forward to that one!
We had an amazing lesson with Nurshia and Anil last Friday. The Anziani (elders) came with us and it was probably one of the best lessons I've seen yet. They really listened this time and the spirit was there in full force. We talked about apostasy and shared an example of apostasy from 4th Nephi. We talked about the restoration and also about the great apostasy after the christ and the apostles died. It was awesome for me to see two great missionaries, my comp, Sor. Roper and one of the elders that was there, teach. They're experienced missionaries and knew what they were talking about and knew how to really point out the spirit. Everything was explained so clearly. I really admire them and can't wait to be a good teacher! Anyway, we invited them to read moroni 10 and then also to come to the baptism that was happening on Sunday. It would've been awesome for them to see that baptism and we were so excited because they were going to come. At the last minute they called us and told us that thier friends mother had died and weren't going to be able to make it. Dang it! We were crushed. We haven't met with them again yet but have high hopes.
So yeah, there was a baptism of another nigerian man, Austin, on Sunday. Our district leader baptized him. It's so awesome to see someone be baptized and make that step in their life. After the baptism, the font flooded the whole basement of the church! It's a collapsable font and so the hose detached from the font and water went everywhere! So we stayed and helped clean that mess up! Haha, crazy.
We met with Sabrina this week. We basically told her that we are here to teach and help people make commitments and to call us when she's ready to commit! It was sad but we felt like it was the right thing. We also had another lesson with Titi and taught her about the fall and the atonement. She knows so much, I love teaching her.
Lately we've been doing service for one of the less-actives, Sorella Lombardo, in the branch. Last thurdsay we cleaned her blinds and windows (she lives on the 5th floor so we get a sweet view of Prato out over to Florence! all the pretty hills and rooftops!). That was okay. Then yesterday she made us clean her bathroom! Schiffo! Her house smell like dog and there was just nasy hair everywhere. But, we sucked it up. I cleaned the beday (gag) and sorella Roper cleaned the discusting shower! We cleaned the walls, shelves etc. Mama mia! She wants us to come back next week for the kitchen! I love service! We had a good lesson with her about the blessing of the restoration, now she just needs to come to church!
Well, life as a missionary is great. We are reminded of our many blessings everyday as we see and talk to people who don't have the gospel in their lives. I'm so grateful for this chance to share the good news of the gospel! I know it's true!
Love you all,
Sorella Boynton
p.s. I received some old mail that didn't make it to me before I left the Mtc so I'm working on writing some of you back! Thanks and sorry!
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
One Month in Prato!
Buon Giorno Tutti!
I can't believe another week has come and gone! Now it's February! I've been on the mission for 3 months and in Italy for 1 month, almost a transfer! Crazy.
This week has been full of learning experiences, miracles, and at times a little depressing. Last Thursday we had a lesson with Sabrina on desire... trying to teach her that we need a desire to do something or else we would never act on it. We've come to the conclusion that she really is just happy with her life and church right now. She told us the last time we met with her that she wouldn't be able to come to church until March, which isn't good. It seems like the excuses just keep coming. We had a fast on Sunday for her and to know what we should do with her. We also had interviews on Monday and talked to President Rhien about it. So, sadly, we're going to drop her. That's a hard thing to do as a missionary because we've spent all this time working with her and teaching her and growing to love her. She's really is so great. I don't know how we are going to go about dropping her but know the Lord will help us out on this one. We're going to need it!
We continue to meet with Titi, the russian. She's having such a hard time with her work; taking care of the old Italian. She wants to find new work. We taught her about prophets last time and are just taking it really slow with her. More than anything, I think she just needs a friend right now. She's stuck inside with this lady all day and just loves it when we come over. She said the closing prayer last time and it was so sad...she was weeping by the end. We told her we'd pray for her to find new work that isn't so taxing on her. Hopefully we'll see her later this week.
Saturday night there was a baptism at the church. The man who was baptized, Frank, is from Nigeria. He lived in Brescia and was baptized like a year ago but right after his baptism he moved to Torino without receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. Then he moved down here to Prato. The Elders here found out that he hadn't received the Holy Ghost and it had been longer than 6 months from the time he was baptized so that means he needed to be re-baptized. At first he didn't see the need to be re-baptized. It was an act of faith for him to be re-baptized. And the baptism was awesome. There were members there and all the other Nigerian member here. The miracle of it was this....on thursday at english class we announced there would be this baptism. So Saturday night at the baptism this lady, Carmela, showed up and was so interested. When Frank was baptized and came up out of the water she said she felt something. So anyway, she ended up coming to sacrament meeting also on sunday to see him receive the Holy Ghost. She's catholic but still we are excited to meet with her.
On Sunday we got invited to go eat at Renato's house. He's a member here who knew Mom and Dad when they lived in Florence. Thanks to you mom and dad, he loves me! He has a huge, really nice house in Prato because he owns a restaurant right in the heart of Florence. So we enjoyed gnocchi with pesto and then a huge floretine steak! I thought I was going to die. The pesto was amazing but I've never eaten a florentine steak! It's cooked on the outside and then practically moo'ing on the inside. Blood was going all over my plate as I cut the meat! I really don't know how I put it down. Well, I didn't put it all down, but really, it was a miracle that we didn't die of mad cow disease! Dad, you probably would have loved it!
Monday brought us to Florence again for interviews. Renato had invited us over to his restaurant. So we got free pizza there before interviews. He's so nice. He said, as we were leaving, "Sorella Boynton, always a please to see you." in italian of course. So thanks mom and dad for being such great friends with him because he's too kind to us! President Rhien is awesome, interviews were good. I told him to say hi to you dad cause he said he'd see you this week sometime.
Yesterday was crazy. We had a lesson with Nurshia and Anil, the pakistani couple. We tried to teach about authority but it went haywire and it kind of turned into a bashing. The spirit wasn't there and they wouldn't let us get a word in. Finally, Sorella Roper, just brought it all back to the Book of Mormon. I can't describe what she said but it was awesome and we have an appointment with them again friday.
Oh man, time to go.
Thanks for everything, for your emails, letters etc. I love reading them. I love this work!
Sorella Boynton
I can't believe another week has come and gone! Now it's February! I've been on the mission for 3 months and in Italy for 1 month, almost a transfer! Crazy.
This week has been full of learning experiences, miracles, and at times a little depressing. Last Thursday we had a lesson with Sabrina on desire... trying to teach her that we need a desire to do something or else we would never act on it. We've come to the conclusion that she really is just happy with her life and church right now. She told us the last time we met with her that she wouldn't be able to come to church until March, which isn't good. It seems like the excuses just keep coming. We had a fast on Sunday for her and to know what we should do with her. We also had interviews on Monday and talked to President Rhien about it. So, sadly, we're going to drop her. That's a hard thing to do as a missionary because we've spent all this time working with her and teaching her and growing to love her. She's really is so great. I don't know how we are going to go about dropping her but know the Lord will help us out on this one. We're going to need it!
We continue to meet with Titi, the russian. She's having such a hard time with her work; taking care of the old Italian. She wants to find new work. We taught her about prophets last time and are just taking it really slow with her. More than anything, I think she just needs a friend right now. She's stuck inside with this lady all day and just loves it when we come over. She said the closing prayer last time and it was so sad...she was weeping by the end. We told her we'd pray for her to find new work that isn't so taxing on her. Hopefully we'll see her later this week.
Saturday night there was a baptism at the church. The man who was baptized, Frank, is from Nigeria. He lived in Brescia and was baptized like a year ago but right after his baptism he moved to Torino without receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. Then he moved down here to Prato. The Elders here found out that he hadn't received the Holy Ghost and it had been longer than 6 months from the time he was baptized so that means he needed to be re-baptized. At first he didn't see the need to be re-baptized. It was an act of faith for him to be re-baptized. And the baptism was awesome. There were members there and all the other Nigerian member here. The miracle of it was this....on thursday at english class we announced there would be this baptism. So Saturday night at the baptism this lady, Carmela, showed up and was so interested. When Frank was baptized and came up out of the water she said she felt something. So anyway, she ended up coming to sacrament meeting also on sunday to see him receive the Holy Ghost. She's catholic but still we are excited to meet with her.
On Sunday we got invited to go eat at Renato's house. He's a member here who knew Mom and Dad when they lived in Florence. Thanks to you mom and dad, he loves me! He has a huge, really nice house in Prato because he owns a restaurant right in the heart of Florence. So we enjoyed gnocchi with pesto and then a huge floretine steak! I thought I was going to die. The pesto was amazing but I've never eaten a florentine steak! It's cooked on the outside and then practically moo'ing on the inside. Blood was going all over my plate as I cut the meat! I really don't know how I put it down. Well, I didn't put it all down, but really, it was a miracle that we didn't die of mad cow disease! Dad, you probably would have loved it!
Monday brought us to Florence again for interviews. Renato had invited us over to his restaurant. So we got free pizza there before interviews. He's so nice. He said, as we were leaving, "Sorella Boynton, always a please to see you." in italian of course. So thanks mom and dad for being such great friends with him because he's too kind to us! President Rhien is awesome, interviews were good. I told him to say hi to you dad cause he said he'd see you this week sometime.
Yesterday was crazy. We had a lesson with Nurshia and Anil, the pakistani couple. We tried to teach about authority but it went haywire and it kind of turned into a bashing. The spirit wasn't there and they wouldn't let us get a word in. Finally, Sorella Roper, just brought it all back to the Book of Mormon. I can't describe what she said but it was awesome and we have an appointment with them again friday.
Oh man, time to go.
Thanks for everything, for your emails, letters etc. I love reading them. I love this work!
Sorella Boynton
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