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!