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Vicenza, Anz. Hansen, Elder Hillam |
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SEPT 16 2001 (Maybe it's the 17th - looking at the calendar makes me sad)
Well, it's been a bel pezzo since I've written. The funny thing is that whenever I go for a while w/out writing it's usually because something really important is happening and I don't have time to write... Oh well, I'll try to catch up:
The last transfer came and went. And I went w/ it. I've been in the city of Vicenza for the last 4 weeks. Pres. Jensen (w/ the help of the Lord) decided to let me finish in the field as a trainer. It was (strangely) a shock to my pride. I felt like I had done something wrong and that's why I was being released. Of course, I realized these feelings had no logical basis, but I felt them anyway.
I met w/ Pres. Jensen to express my feelings and he explained to me that had nothing to do w/ it - and that he was trained to never have missionaries finish in the office. He explained how much he appreciated all of my help and that he would never forget me and that I had become like one of his sons.
Since then, I have come to appreciate the decision because it's great to be out in the field to finish it off as a REAL missionary. Elder Hansen from Philadelphia is my new companion. He's way cool. He's super dedicated and super diligent. He did 2 years at the Air Force Academy - so some of his military-learned skills really shine through for missionary work. He's been keeping me dedicated and working hard.
I came here w/ only 6 weeks left as a missionary and we are trying to make them the best we can. We have been getting pumped about the work and trying to bust out of our limits by dedicating 100% to the work. I hope the Lord will bless us. He already has been pouring out his blessings upon us.
Elder Hillam of the Area Authorities came and toured the mission. He was on a kick about another European Mission in Portugal - Lisbon South - that has been exploding in terms of baptisms. Therefore he's running with a good thing and counseling all other missions to imitate their example by instituting all of the programs that they have been using there. That means big changes, but change can be good.
One of his challenges was that each coppia teach 21 discussions a week. At first that sounded preposterous - but we decided to replace our doubt w/ faith & we're going for it. Last week we taught 9 and this week we're going to strive for 21!
F A I T H.
As we dedicated ourselves last week we had some really good experiences - one of which was when a Golden Contact found us. He's from Brasil, but has lived in Italy 6 years - his name's Eduardo and he stopped us as we were waiting for an appointment outside of the church. He said he has decided to change his life and would like to know about our church. He's 30 and a gymnastics instructor. He's looking way solid.
Then there's the Polga family. Last Sunday we weren't sure what to do, so we decided to sing to our apartment building. After singing to one family (the Polgas) they asked us what exactly we do. We said we teach people about our church - they asked if we would come by some day. We said "of course!"
We set an appointment and went back to teach them. They are awesome - and it's so rewarding to teach Italians. In the appointment they said: "It's 4 years that your missionaries have lived here, but this is the 1st time that they have ever come to visit us." Interesting eh?
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