The Work Continues

Greg with Clariele and children

Another great week! We loved that it cooled down some this week, and we had some rain. Tuesday we had a fun visit to a friend of our daughter-in-law, Ilonka.  Clariele Rodriguez is also from the Dominican Republic and lives on the south end of Rome.  What a fun time we had getting to know Clariele and her two cute children, seeing their home, and eating gelato.

Sorella Caramia, Sally, Sorella Omer, Elder Skanchy

We and many ward members of the Roma 2^nd Ward were able to witness the baptism of an 18-year-old young woman in the Rome 2^nd Ward.  Sally is from Nigeria and met with the sisters for the first time on June 2^nd.  She gave a great testimony in Italian, even though she has been in Italy only about 5 months. There were several investigators who were there as well and the Assistants gave a wonderful testimony on the importance of the Book of Mormon.

 

Baptism, Birthday, and Good-byes

Another very warm week in Rome! The humidity really takes a toll on us! The Italians tell us: "You haven't felt hot until July and August are here!" Can't wait. Transfers last week brought four new missionaries to Roma 3 District--we have 4 elders this time and 4 sisters.

Sisters Mikesell, Bradford, Felice, & Pancheri
Elders Sargent, Bennett, Budd, and Robinson

Michele dello Stritto baptized
by Vencenzo Lusinga

The elders and sisters have been teaching Michele Dello Stritto since September and today was his baptism. He is probably 65 years old or so—very sweet and humble. 

Farewell to President & Sister Kelly

Currently there are nine senior couples serving in the Italy Rome mission.  We were invited to a Farewell luncheon for the Kellys. Six couples were able to come to the luncheon (the 3 couples in Catania and Taranto lived too far away to come), also attending were Brother and Sister Fenn who are service missionaries at the Rome Temple building site, Brother Calabrese (Italian brother who volunteers in the mission office) and his wife, as well as President and Sister Kelly—a total of 16 people. We were served a traditional Italian meal in courses with antipasto, bread, salad, lasagna, fruit, and cake with gelato for dessert. Sister Kelly is a great cook! They knew it was Elder Andrew’s birthday, so we all sang “Happy Birthday” to him, and he even blew out a candle! We had a wonderful testimony meeting--what amazing people are serving in Italy at this important time! It was wonderful to feel the spirit and know that the work is going forward in this part of the world.

As Senior couples we wanted to give the Kellys a special remembrance of Italy. The perfect situation presented itself, and the Steurers, Fenns, and Calabreses were able to put together an engraved plaque on a granite tile from the Italy temple with Italy Rome Logo designed by Sister Kelly. It is an amazing story how the piece was obtained, but it was the perfect gift! We will miss them!

Discovering Rome

Things are starting to warm up in Rome! Not only is the weather getting hotter, but we have more to do each day as missionaries! It is great! We love the work and feel like we are making progress.  Here is our 1st District in Roma 3:

L-R:Andrew, Openshaw (to Messina), Anderson (to Roma 1), Bradford,
Felice, Mikesell, Wolzl (to Roma 5), and Budd

Gustavo & Jonathan

Family Home Evening: Two Conversion stories

Gustavo’s family came from Peru and joined the church when he was about 7—he has an identical twin brother who we have not met yet. His older brother Marcos is going on a mission to Milano in July. 

Jonathan joined the church four years ago and went on a mission after being a member for only a year—his family was not in favor of his joining the church, so he sacrificed much because of his faith. He is originally from the Philippines and is very energetic about sharing the gospel with others.

Sight-seeing on our P-Day

In front of the Colosseum

We took a train that runs near our apartment and switched to the metro B-line and went to the Colosseum. It was was amazing! We decided photos don’t do it justice.

Greg's Street near Colosseum

Pantheon

From there we walked to the Pantheon, the building that the Jefferson Memorial is patterned after and was built about 125 AD and is still in fabulous condition. We stopped for lunch at a Pizzeria not far from the Pantheon.

Vatican - St. Peter's Cathedral

Finally, we walked to the Vatican and saw St. Peter’s Cathedral. It was the perfect day to go because it was not too hot and the crowds were not too bad. We ended up walking 10 miles altogether. We ate a gelato as we walked back to the metro. We got home by 6:00pm very tired! Great Day!