Cousins

Joel found a wonderful Bed and Breakfast for us while we stayed overnight in Cosenza for our District Conference. The owners were VERY kind and gracious.

 She made a breakfast cake and fresh squeezed orange juice. Her husband went out and found gluten free cookies for me! Wow , just a little embarrassed, but they were really good!  

 This is our Branch who were able to make the trip to Cosenza on Sunday, there are no buses or trains  on Sunday, and only a few members have cars. We were taught  Saturday night that we should not let ourselves be tied down by our own limits. We were baptized into God's Church and God expects us to do our best and let the glory be His. Presidente Bullock and I spoke Saturday night and Joel , Carolee and our Sister's, Marsh and McFarland joined us in a special musical number , "Love is Spoken Here", accompanied by Sister Harmond. Our Elders, Nessen and Morgan were home sick with the latest flu bug going around. They were doing much better on our return trip.( Just for the record, this last attempt to speak Italian went better!)

 Juliet is preparing for baptism and Joel (and his wife returned from their mission to Africa about a year ago) was in heaven with the opportunity to visit with her about Africa and several other members who have joined the Church from Africa.One of the speakers Sunday was just baptized, he too comes from Africa. We were touched by his story. He had been looking for God and wanted to know " What does God have for my Life?". He said he prayed to know and then he found the missionaries. They talked to him and gave him the Book of Mormon. He said," I pray about the Book of Mormon and then I ask to be baptized, I thank God for my past and for the Holy Ghost now. God has so much blessings for me and so much surprised." Another convert who was baptized a month ago (and we got to witness it!) spoke also. She has been studying and meeting with the sisters for almost 6 years. She said she learned not to look for riches, but to look for Eternal Life, which is the greater wealth. " Coming to church I feel RICH WITH THE SPIRIT. I know coming to church and reading my scriptures is a life long commitment. I lost all my family, this church has blessed me." ( She does have a 10 year daughter.)
This is through a translator, her Italian is prefect, my understand is not. But you can get a feel for the level of her commitment!

 The new Sisters, Sister Hamilton  and Sister Marsh are wonderful additions to our area!
Sisters, Harmond, Hamilton, Carolee, Me, Waddoups, Marsh and McFarland

 Yes, this could be in Colorado or Utah or Wyoming or Montana, but this is ITALY!!!

 We had to stop and enjoy the view with Sorelle McFarland and Marsh, there is a lake in the far distance. They drove up and back with us. Our Crotone Sorelle. Your Italian lesson for the day, Sorella singular-Sorelle -plural 

 We said farewell to Joel and Carolee. What a blessing to have them stay with us. They were supportive to all they visited with and encouraged us all! They wanted to get a feel for missionary life here and we gave them the whole 9 yards! We live in paradise when compared to what they have experienced on their mission. They are ready to sign up for PARADISE!