Hey all!
I don't have time really to write but just know that everything is going AWESOME here in Livorno!
We had a great week. Jantina received the gift of the Holy Ghost on Sunday and now she's a full on member of the church! We had a really cool lesson with her yesterday and we're getting her started on family history work! She already called her brother that lives in Holland to get a bunch of names of ancestors and information! Jantina baby rocks!
We are having a full day of appointments tomorrow with all of our most promising investigators! So the email next week should be full of that news. We're going to Florence on Friday for zone conference, always something to look forward to.
What else... just know that I love you and think of you often and really am grateful for all of your wonderful examples and prayers! I love being a missionary and sharing this most wonderful message with whoever will lesson, be it Italians, Romanians, or Peruvians!
Love you all, tanti abracci!
Sorella Boynton
p.s. JENN AND JACK I HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN ABOUT YOU! I WAS THINKING ABOUT YOU ALL DAY ON YOUR BIRTHDAY ON SUNDAY AND LOVE YOU AND HOPE YOUR DAYS WERE AMAZING! You guys ROCK!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
19 SEPTEMBER 2007
Thanks to everyone for the birthday cards and emails! I can't believe I'm so old, 22! I feel like such a grandma! Mamma mia!
This past week has been crazy stressful but the best ever also. We had tons of appointments last week. We have so many promising contacts it's really just incredible how much potential there is here. We taught a Romanian family a first lesson and they seem so interested. They are going to be gone to Romania for the next couple weeks so that's really unfortunate! But maybe just a sign that they are ready to hear this message and someone's trying to take them away! We also met with this Antonella lady who is incredible. She just got back from her camping trip so we are hoping that this week we will finally be able to watch the restoration video with her!
The HIGHLIGHT of the week was the baptism of one of the coolest ladies I've met on my mission... Jantina Nachbar! I was pretty stressed trying to get everything all ready for the baptism, making millions of phone calls etc. But it took place last night and it was INCREDIBLE! It ended up not happening in the sea because we all just decided it would be better and more conducive to the spirit in the church. The meeting was beautiful and the spirit was thick the whole night. I feel incredibly blessed to have seen her baptism because there have been sister missionaries working with her for the past 3...that's 3, years!!! I've been able to see her receive permission to be baptized from her husband and actually go through with the baptism! My comps and I counted up how many sisters had taught her and it was something like, 26 sister missionaries! CRAZY! She was so happy afterword and the branch members were all so happy. It was probably one of the most happiest moments of my mission, just knowing the things she had dealt with in her life and finally getting the green light! This is such a miracle, a true example of how faith brings about miracles!
I love this work and have a testimony of it. I'm so blessed to share it everyday!
Thanks for everything!
Love ya, sorella b.
This past week has been crazy stressful but the best ever also. We had tons of appointments last week. We have so many promising contacts it's really just incredible how much potential there is here. We taught a Romanian family a first lesson and they seem so interested. They are going to be gone to Romania for the next couple weeks so that's really unfortunate! But maybe just a sign that they are ready to hear this message and someone's trying to take them away! We also met with this Antonella lady who is incredible. She just got back from her camping trip so we are hoping that this week we will finally be able to watch the restoration video with her!
The HIGHLIGHT of the week was the baptism of one of the coolest ladies I've met on my mission... Jantina Nachbar! I was pretty stressed trying to get everything all ready for the baptism, making millions of phone calls etc. But it took place last night and it was INCREDIBLE! It ended up not happening in the sea because we all just decided it would be better and more conducive to the spirit in the church. The meeting was beautiful and the spirit was thick the whole night. I feel incredibly blessed to have seen her baptism because there have been sister missionaries working with her for the past 3...that's 3, years!!! I've been able to see her receive permission to be baptized from her husband and actually go through with the baptism! My comps and I counted up how many sisters had taught her and it was something like, 26 sister missionaries! CRAZY! She was so happy afterword and the branch members were all so happy. It was probably one of the most happiest moments of my mission, just knowing the things she had dealt with in her life and finally getting the green light! This is such a miracle, a true example of how faith brings about miracles!
I love this work and have a testimony of it. I'm so blessed to share it everyday!
Thanks for everything!
Love ya, sorella b.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
12 SEPT 2007
Transfer number six... already over and number 7 starting up next week.
It's been sort of a crazy week but awesome... first though... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DAD AND ALSO STEVE!!! Hope your days were/are awesome! Everyone is getting so old! Mamma mia!
There were rumors that Elder Scott of the quorum of the twelve was coming so we were all excited to see if he would stop to talk to us. Well he DID! Yesterday we woke up really early at about 4am and caught a train down to Rome. All the missionaries of our mission met and we had 4 hours with him. It was incredible and he talked a lot about learning by the spirit. You probably don't remember but when I was in the MTC he came and talked 2 times while I was there. So this was my 3rd time on my mission being able to listen to him. Every time I've heard from him he's started off by having us write " I will consistently seek to learn from what I hear, see, and feel. I will write down the important things that I learn and do them." He talked about the spirit and the importance of writing down impressions we receive and the most important part... doing them!!! He talked for about an hour, then President and Sister Acerson talked a little bit, then he talked again as well. I wish I had my notes with me but I'll try to bring them next time cause all of it was really awesome. The thing that always amazes me is his testimony that Jesus Christ lives. Incredibly powerful. After all, I guess he is a "special witness of Christ." So that was definitely the highlight of this week. Because the whole mission was down in Rome, we had transfers early. So the other highlight of the week is that we've had another sister added to our companionship! That means we are a threesome here in Livorno. Imagine that! Three of us on bikes now drivin' down the street in single file! haha. He name is Sister Olmstead and she's 2 transfers younger than me... Livorno is her second city. She's way awesome and we are practically twins. She loves running and outdoors and she's done triathlons and is just plain cool. She's way fun and it's going to be a fun transfer as a threesome.
The work is going good. We're working with the regulars and Jantina's baptism should be next week. If everything works out, she'd like to get baptized in the sea!! That would be the coolest thing ever so we'll see if it works out!
Life is good and I love the mission. Incredible things happen everyday.
I love you all and pray for you always. Thanks for your many prayers, I can feel the power!
Thats is all.
Love Sorella B.
ps. yes mom, thanks for the package, I got everything.
And I'm still working on writing people, sorry it takes so long! Ciao.
It's been sort of a crazy week but awesome... first though... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DAD AND ALSO STEVE!!! Hope your days were/are awesome! Everyone is getting so old! Mamma mia!
There were rumors that Elder Scott of the quorum of the twelve was coming so we were all excited to see if he would stop to talk to us. Well he DID! Yesterday we woke up really early at about 4am and caught a train down to Rome. All the missionaries of our mission met and we had 4 hours with him. It was incredible and he talked a lot about learning by the spirit. You probably don't remember but when I was in the MTC he came and talked 2 times while I was there. So this was my 3rd time on my mission being able to listen to him. Every time I've heard from him he's started off by having us write " I will consistently seek to learn from what I hear, see, and feel. I will write down the important things that I learn and do them." He talked about the spirit and the importance of writing down impressions we receive and the most important part... doing them!!! He talked for about an hour, then President and Sister Acerson talked a little bit, then he talked again as well. I wish I had my notes with me but I'll try to bring them next time cause all of it was really awesome. The thing that always amazes me is his testimony that Jesus Christ lives. Incredibly powerful. After all, I guess he is a "special witness of Christ." So that was definitely the highlight of this week. Because the whole mission was down in Rome, we had transfers early. So the other highlight of the week is that we've had another sister added to our companionship! That means we are a threesome here in Livorno. Imagine that! Three of us on bikes now drivin' down the street in single file! haha. He name is Sister Olmstead and she's 2 transfers younger than me... Livorno is her second city. She's way awesome and we are practically twins. She loves running and outdoors and she's done triathlons and is just plain cool. She's way fun and it's going to be a fun transfer as a threesome.
The work is going good. We're working with the regulars and Jantina's baptism should be next week. If everything works out, she'd like to get baptized in the sea!! That would be the coolest thing ever so we'll see if it works out!
Life is good and I love the mission. Incredible things happen everyday.
I love you all and pray for you always. Thanks for your many prayers, I can feel the power!
Thats is all.
Love Sorella B.
ps. yes mom, thanks for the package, I got everything.
And I'm still working on writing people, sorry it takes so long! Ciao.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
5 September 2007
Today was a beautiful P-day spent in the beautiful Cinque Terre! There were a bunch of missionaries in my district who hadn't been so they all wanted to go, including my trainee, Sister Call, so we spent the day there. It was absolutely gorgeous and the weather was perfect. Mamma mia we have had quite the transfer of P-days and I'm pretty much tired! I can't wait till next p-day when we can just have a normal day to get caught up writing letters! So those who have written don't loose hope, I'll respond soon!
So... starting with what happened since I last wrote... Last p-day while we were in Florence we at at this burrito place. I've eaten there about 3 times before back when I was serving in Prato when we would go to Florence all the time. This time, however, we got a bad batch. Wednesday night both sister Call and I woke up in the night feeling sick to our stomach's. We didn't sleep well and had to call president to stay in thursday morning. Come to find out that all the Florence missionaries who ate there that day were sick as well! So we all suffered a little bout of food poisoning! Boy do I hate being sick. We were able to make it 50 steps over to the church for an appointment we had with an inactive and then just rested after that so that we could work on Friday.
Friday morning we went out to Fabrizia's house. She's a lady (late 60's) who talks a lot and has been meeting with the missionaries since the beginning of the year. The elders had been teaching her but she just barely understood that she could say a specific prayer to find out whether the book of mormon and the church is true! So we were excited about that breakthrough and hope to see her next week.
Saturday we did lots of finding work and had an appointment with a member. Sunday was a great fast and testimony meeting. Always nice to fast for investigators and their needs, as well as for our own!
Monday we had a great district meeting and training on prayer and the power of it. We got to stop by and see the family that let us in a week ago, the stefanini family. They weren't able to come to church but hopefully we can get them there next week! We also had a great appointment with Svieta.... probably one of the most picture perfect appointments I've had on my mission. She is a talker but we just went in there, taught her the first principles in the 2nd lesson (the plan of salvation), and left while the spirit was still there after having invited her to read and pray and be baptized when she comes to the knowledge of the truthfulness. I remember being so tired that night and just asking Heavenly Father to help me and my comp teach well. We had just practiced teaching that exact lesson to our district leader for our once-a-transfer teaching evaluations, so we were prepared. It went so well and I know that we had Father's help in teaching her. She was the right person I needed to see at that time. I never realized how much energy training takes out of you. It seems like lots of weaknesses are magnified and it's easy to get discouraged because you want to be the best missionary example to the new missionary but you make mistakes. But Svieta was so complimentary (and believe me she's a really blunt person!). She told me how well I spoke Italian and at the end of the lesson she told me that I should be a teacher when I get back because I teach well. This sounds a little prideful, I realize, and this next part a little cheesy, but I know the pride and glory goes to Father because I can't do this on my own and he helped me that night and helps me every day.
Yesterday we had interviews in Pisa. They are good, definitely different than president Rhiens, but good nonetheless. They are more like mini trainings for us missionaries rather than asking about how the work is going. What did you do dad? He's an inspired man though and wants this work to blossom! Then we rushed home and I had to quickly put together an english class lesson and the family night lesson in less than 5 minutes! Mamma mia. Both turned out okay but I do like being more prepared! I can't believe I'm over half way done with my mission! Some days it feels like I was just in the MTC and other days it seems like I've been here quite a while! I remember when I was a new missionary in Prato I had A LOT of energy and I remember my trainer, Sister Roper telling me how she had turned into a tired grandma! I remember thinking, what, how can you be tired? Well, now I'm the grandma and I'm the tired one! But I guess it's a good sign because if I wasn't tired something would be wrong! Time to turn on the blasters and use my second wind! PEDAL TO THE METAL COMMANDER! haha (i know tom and andy will get a kick out of that!) Just to let you all know (and I'd be surprised if you don't already ) I love being a missionary. I realize that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and try to be my best and do what Father wants me to do.
I love this work and love this gospel. I love all of you and thank you again for always being there for me!
Love ya,
Sorella Boynton
So... starting with what happened since I last wrote... Last p-day while we were in Florence we at at this burrito place. I've eaten there about 3 times before back when I was serving in Prato when we would go to Florence all the time. This time, however, we got a bad batch. Wednesday night both sister Call and I woke up in the night feeling sick to our stomach's. We didn't sleep well and had to call president to stay in thursday morning. Come to find out that all the Florence missionaries who ate there that day were sick as well! So we all suffered a little bout of food poisoning! Boy do I hate being sick. We were able to make it 50 steps over to the church for an appointment we had with an inactive and then just rested after that so that we could work on Friday.
Friday morning we went out to Fabrizia's house. She's a lady (late 60's) who talks a lot and has been meeting with the missionaries since the beginning of the year. The elders had been teaching her but she just barely understood that she could say a specific prayer to find out whether the book of mormon and the church is true! So we were excited about that breakthrough and hope to see her next week.
Saturday we did lots of finding work and had an appointment with a member. Sunday was a great fast and testimony meeting. Always nice to fast for investigators and their needs, as well as for our own!
Monday we had a great district meeting and training on prayer and the power of it. We got to stop by and see the family that let us in a week ago, the stefanini family. They weren't able to come to church but hopefully we can get them there next week! We also had a great appointment with Svieta.... probably one of the most picture perfect appointments I've had on my mission. She is a talker but we just went in there, taught her the first principles in the 2nd lesson (the plan of salvation), and left while the spirit was still there after having invited her to read and pray and be baptized when she comes to the knowledge of the truthfulness. I remember being so tired that night and just asking Heavenly Father to help me and my comp teach well. We had just practiced teaching that exact lesson to our district leader for our once-a-transfer teaching evaluations, so we were prepared. It went so well and I know that we had Father's help in teaching her. She was the right person I needed to see at that time. I never realized how much energy training takes out of you. It seems like lots of weaknesses are magnified and it's easy to get discouraged because you want to be the best missionary example to the new missionary but you make mistakes. But Svieta was so complimentary (and believe me she's a really blunt person!). She told me how well I spoke Italian and at the end of the lesson she told me that I should be a teacher when I get back because I teach well. This sounds a little prideful, I realize, and this next part a little cheesy, but I know the pride and glory goes to Father because I can't do this on my own and he helped me that night and helps me every day.
Yesterday we had interviews in Pisa. They are good, definitely different than president Rhiens, but good nonetheless. They are more like mini trainings for us missionaries rather than asking about how the work is going. What did you do dad? He's an inspired man though and wants this work to blossom! Then we rushed home and I had to quickly put together an english class lesson and the family night lesson in less than 5 minutes! Mamma mia. Both turned out okay but I do like being more prepared! I can't believe I'm over half way done with my mission! Some days it feels like I was just in the MTC and other days it seems like I've been here quite a while! I remember when I was a new missionary in Prato I had A LOT of energy and I remember my trainer, Sister Roper telling me how she had turned into a tired grandma! I remember thinking, what, how can you be tired? Well, now I'm the grandma and I'm the tired one! But I guess it's a good sign because if I wasn't tired something would be wrong! Time to turn on the blasters and use my second wind! PEDAL TO THE METAL COMMANDER! haha (i know tom and andy will get a kick out of that!) Just to let you all know (and I'd be surprised if you don't already ) I love being a missionary. I realize that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and try to be my best and do what Father wants me to do.
I love this work and love this gospel. I love all of you and thank you again for always being there for me!
Love ya,
Sorella Boynton
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