Bullock Italy Mission: January 18 - First Branch Meeting

January 18, 2015,

Our first day at church in the Crotone Branch. Each visit we have made to see members, we have been greeted with a kiss on each cheek, and church is the same. As Paul says, “Greet thy brethren with an holy kiss”. You greet with a holy kiss and leave with a few more holy kisses. It is all good, bene, just surprised at how we are received with such warmth. Yes, I know it is because we are missionaries and the works of many before us have forged the way of loving relations, it is just complete and unquestioned devotion.

We watched some sweet acts of kindness today. One of the Brothers, in his late thirties, unmarried, and has some disabilities helped one of the investigators with her son. She has come from Africa; her son is not 2 yet. She has opened a small shop that supplies unusual foreign goods, like candies, makeup, perfumes, etc... Her son is full of energy but he did remain on his chair through most of Sacrament. Each and every member who came into the meeting greeted the small boy with a pat on the head, held his hand or kissed him on his head. Brother Vincenzo picked up toys he dropped, made faces to him and encouraged him to be good, bene. When all else failed, he walked up and picked up the little bambino and held him in his arms and rocked him and comforted him until he was all but asleep. This boy resembles the Selph babies, he is extra-large. Brother Vincenzo is a block of a man, solid, square, powerful hands, round strong head on top broad shoulders, he is a rough piece of marble about five feet high and 200 X LOVE.

There is not enough that can be said for good, bene, about our Elders and Sisters, the Branch has suffered a rip between members with falsehoods. The Elders and Sisters have been trying to mend feelings and keep the Branch afloat. It has been a lot to bear for such young shoulders, but they have done so with respect and dignity for all involved. Elder Kiser will miss Elder Mika and vice versa, they have forged a strong support and friendship through this rough time. Elder Kiser is worthy of praise and has carried a heavy load as Branch President, Elder Mika has carried what he could and handled the building needs and running classes. Both Elders and Sisters have been a force for good, bene, each one in their own right, and it has been a privilege to witness.

This is our sitting room, living room in US but we don't put table and chairs too