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7 month mark |
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Today is my 7 month mark - very interesting. The strangest part is how fast these past 2 months have gone here in Bolzano - compared to Ancona the time seems twice as fast, compared to the MTC the time seems 50 times as fast...if time keeps going like this, I'll be home before I have time to pack.
We had a very good zone conference last monday in Trento - the notes follow on the next few pages. It really focused on the importance of the spirit. It was exactly what I needed because I wasn't sure if I was following the guidance of the spirit always or even if I had it with me, but I came to find out that I did, I just had trouble recognizing it. I'm working on that now - it seems to be going well.
Today we had a very neat experience: About a month ago we were riding our bikes to an appointment when a group of ragazzi (kids) started calling to us and chased us down to stop us. They told us that their teacher of religion wanted us to come in and present our religion to them.
We were very skeptical, but went anyway. When we got there, as expected, they wouldn't let us in and called the teacher down to talk with us. She said that it must be formally organized and there was a miscommunication with the kids - but she would still like us to comeback another day.
So we set an appointment and went to teach them last week. We taught them a first and it went very well - so well that at the end of class the teacher wanted us to come back the next week.
The class agreed and we went back today. We didn't know what to do with them this morning, but during comp. study Anz. McGuire mentioned teaching a 3rd and that sounded right - as soon as he said it, something told me it would be perfect.
So we taught about the restoration of the church today according to the same organization of old. It was a very good discussion, and the students enjoyed it because we did the whole "plastic cups" demonstration.
I felt the spirit come into the class when Anz. McGuire and I bore our testimonies of the truthfulness of it all. We then had a short question and answer session where we cleared up some ideas and concepts. Then I asked the big question - I must admit I wasn't too confident in the response to the question either - I mean these are young kids who don't really know us - but I did it anyway...
"Who wants a copy of the Book of Mormon for themselves?"...
Immediately about 10 hands shot up. I was surprised - I don't think I was able to hide my enthusiasm and joy as I passed them out. Then as we were wrapping up I got the feeling that I should ask again - and two more kids raised their hands.
It was awesome. When class was over and they had been invited to read,pray, and come to church - most of the kids came up personally and shook our hands and thanked us - it really made me feel good to know that we had really touched them and become friends. Now I just hope that some big results come from this.
Tomorrow is Mother's day - I'm excited to talk with the Family. I'm not sure what we'll talk about though. I think I'll make a list so I can use the time efficiently. |
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