SNOW!

From: Benjamin Jolley <benjamin.jolley@myldsmail.net>
Date: Wed, Feb 1, 2012 at 3:58 AM
Subject: SNOW!

Dear family,

 

It is snowing REALLY hard now. We've got the most snow I've EVER seen in Italy. and apparently some of the coldest temperatures in about 10 years. So I'm in Russia/Alaska for about a week. We had to walk down here to the internet point and it took us about a half hour. usually it takes us 5 minutes. so it's pretty crazy out here. This week has been AMAZING. We've seen many miracles in our work. Probably the biggest for me has been the increase in my commitment and ability to follow through on the commitments I make. For example I've been able to wake up every single day at 6:30, work out, and do a full morning routine without problems. Secondly, I've been able to do four "two minute drills" that our mission President asks us to do. normally I do one or two. he asks us to do four a day. (a two minute drill is a section of PMG that we memorize and practice to our companion with a question and a memorized scripture).  As a result of this increased commitment and obedience, we have seen many miracles in our finding and teaching and such. On Thursday, we went out to Milano and I picked up Anziano Guest, and then we taught our English class. On Friday, we did our planning and set our vision for this time we'll be together, for three baptisms, and to pray every day and do the things I've mentioned above. Then we got a call from Yvette cancelling our appointment, but we still went over to Moreno and Laila's to teach them, and they're doing great. Then we did some casa, and we found Luca, a really cool Italian guy who had little time, but accepted the invitation to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it. We'll be back to teach him tonight.

 

Saturday, we did a little bit of area book finding, and found a couple people to teach. Then we taught Roger about the Word of Wisdom and commited him to all three hours of church the next day. Then we went and did some casa, and found a family, the Simone family, that was pretty open. A little older, but pretty open.

 

Sunday, we had Roger in church for all three hours, as well as the De Simone boys and Yvette for the second hour. Roberto and Achille came for sacrament. After Sacrament meeting, our Primary President came up to us with the De Simone boys and said to us "These boys want to be baptized, and we need to help them get ready for that. I think that we could start the missionary lessons next Sunday after church." Then Michael said "I want to get baptized right now!" so... that's a nice miracle. Then we went and did some finding work and found Mauro and Maria, a beautiful Italian couple of 28 years who were about to eat so they said "can you come back in a half hour?" so we did. and we taught them. They were on the edge of their seats and as we invited them to baptism, Maria said "If I come to know the Book of Mormon is true and this is my church, I will go to my baptism a volo!" (I'll fly to my baptism). She had come to english classes in the past but had never heard what we believe. Then she asked "What other sacraments are there?" so I pulled out a picture of the Rome Temple and explained that marriage in a Temple is forever and she said "How romantic! We need to get married!" Yeah. That was awesome. On the way home we went a little too fast around a roundabout and I wiped out, tearing another pair of pants. I now have two left.

 

Monday, we had an awesome District Meeting with the sisters in Rimini and talked about faith. little miracle there... we did it in a good schedule. they're supposed to last 90 minutes. It lasted 90 minutes. usually they go way over. That was super cool. Then we came home and had lunch, and then we went and did a little strada because an appointment fell through and found a lady who is in desperate need of the gospel. That was super cool. Her name is Franca. Then we went and dropped Sandor because he doesn't want to be baptized, though he did thank us because he feels like his faith in Jesus Christ has grown. That was cool. Then we did some casa and got in to Antonio and his son, sister-in-law and father-in-law. Amazing family. He had read a bit of the Book of Mormon 15 years ago, but just for curiousity. As we explained the restoration, his sister-in-law Rita was on the edge of her seat. They both accepted the invitation to read and pray about the Book of Mormon. They also accepted the baptismal invitation. like this "Well if I know the Book of Mormon is true, it's OBVIOUS that I'd get baptized." Then we invited them to pray. Rita was very hesitant. the son. 7 years old raises his hand and says "Can I pray?" then he says a beautiful prayer. and then he asks if he can say another, and another. He says about 5 or 6 of the most innocent prayers I've ever heard. Then Rita finally gets up the courage, and prays that God will guide her to know of the truth. The only bummer is that she lives in Chieti, in the Rome Mission, and that Antonio is got heart surgery the next day, so that we won't be able to see him till next week. I'm sure those missionaries will be thrilled to teach her, and will do a great job, though.

 

Tuesday, we did some park and found a really cool guy, in fact the only guy we saw in the park. He's been to prison, and really rethought his life there. He talked to the JW's, and said, if I listen to them I ought to give you all a chance too. So that'll be cool. Then we went and had correlation with fratello Raveau, who's now out of a job. So we're praying for him. His story is pretty cool though. His company decided to be open all sundays, and so he prayed and decided he had to quit so that he could come to church. So there you go. I'm certain the Lord will provide for him. Then we went and taught the african house that we went to a lot with Anziano Nelson. They commited to reading the Book of Mormon. finally. so we will also hope for them. It has been snowing continuously for like 24 hours. Also, my hands have broken out in a lot of eczema. I've never had such bad eczema. oh well. I love you! keep praying for us to see success. I love you tons!

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