Palermo

Week 58

(written 20 March 2017)

Buongiorno, y'all!
Well this week just flew by, didn't it?! And tonight is transfer
calls? MAMMA MIA.
HOW can another transfer be done and gone already?!?

This week has been full of good things and lots of joy in doing the work.
One Tuesday we chose to go to the university and do some finding.
Lately, our leaders have been challenging us to focus more on the
"golden age" group and it definitely brings miracles! We met a cute
girl named Giorgia who wanted to know more about the Book of Mormon
and what we believe, and agreed to see us the next day! The next
morning, We met in this serene little wooded park on campus and had a
beautiful discussion about the restoration. As we quoted Joseph Smith's
words of the first vision, it got very quiet and it felt like a little
piece of heaven. The birds chirped and everything was still for a few
moments. The Spirit had brought us a little piece of the sacred grove
here in Palermo, Italy. I was filled with gratitude for my knowledge
and testimony that these things ARE true. That they really did
happen, and that they can change the story of all humankind.

Zina and Christian are doing well. We had a great lesson with Zina
Saturday night about the sacrament and church attendance, something
they have been having trouble with. Another great lesson where the
spirit taught us all, and I walked away super excited for Sunday
morning to roll around.

Only, Sunday also happened to be San Giuseppe, or Father's Day, and
there was a huge 5k Race going on in centro, which messed up the bus
system COMPLETELY. So we get all ready Sunday morning and head out for
our hour long viaggio to church. We wait. And wait. And wait. At the
bus stop. Nothing.... better start walking. So we walked all the way
from the house to the station, passing the beloved San Giuseppe
dad/kids 5k, and took the tram and finally made it to church....20
minutes late!! Good thing there were lots of announcements, and we
made it for sacrament! (Also Christian came and beat us! Haha. We ran
in so quietly I didn't even see him till I turned around 5 minutes
later, and there he was, sitting all happy next to Anziano Young!)

Other fun happenings this week:
-We and the P2 Elders surprised everyone and made milkshakes after
DDM! It was pretty delicious.
-Our favorite pizzeria is closing, so we had to go as a group and get
one last one. Most of the table conversation revolved around how we
could no way not ever eat an entire American pizza, but Italian
pizza, it's totally possible. No idea how. But it's so good. Fratelli
La Bufala will be missed.
-We had a great meal appointment with the Pulvirenti family and la
coppia Garrett on Tuesday, and then one with the Manninos Wednesday
night. I sure do love our members here.
-Veronica (a GANS here that we are trying to work with a lot) came
with us to a lesson and did a great job. Then she came with us as we
tried to visit another investigator and a recent convert from P3 and
it was neat to see her light up doing missionary work. Then we walked
together to the P1 church for the GANS FHE. It's really amazing to see
how when we work side by side, our work is easier and faster, and the
members are lit up with the fire of missionary work. It's really the
best way to do it!
-We ate with Vida, Elizabeth, and Eric (P3 members) on Sunday! African
food!!!!!! Including this thing called Shito...basically fish and
shrimp jam. That was interesting. But all in all it was so good. And
their company is so sweet, too. We are just so blessed. This sweet
family has such a great spirit and power, despite the hardships they
face. I learn a lot from them.

Who knows what this next week's got in store, but I'm just excited. The
work of the Lord is hastening on, and I'm so grateful we get to be a
part of it! I know that the light of the gospel changes lives, because
I've seen it change mine every day. And it will continue to.

I love you all and hope you all are doing well! Spero che sia una
bellissima settimana per ognuno di voi. Vi voglio bene!
XOXO
Sorella Carver

flowers going to a sister at church

when you accidentally write on your white board with a sharpie :(

With Vida

Shito - African shrimp and fish dish

Last meal at Fratelli La Bufala