There are just some experiences that can't be repeated anywhere except on the mission. This week was definitely one for the books and I hope I can remember it forever (which reminds me, I need to write in my journal). No we didn't find a miracle family, no our problems didn't magically disappear, and certainly everything did not go according to plan. But I felt the Lord's love and guidance for me this week and am continuing to discover my purpose here in Siracusa.
Speaking of being in Siracusa, we were barely there this week! With our scambio with the Zone Leaders on Wednesday and Thursday, and then with Zone Conference in Catania again from Sunday to Monday, I have really grown to appreciate the peace and beauty of Siracusa and my opportunity to serve here. It might be easier to illustrate how unique this week really was by just going through it.
Tuesday: We had our first meeting as a district together where we really evaluated ourselves and the work and also made some great goals to help the ward and improve ourselves. Then we visited some members like Bronzo and the Zombra Family. We usually have the opportunity to help Sorella Zombra read the Book of Mormon because she has a difficulty reading, but this time she also wanted me to teach her how to make a tiramisu. They are such a great family and she made us this african rice with chicken after English Course. Soooo good!
Wednesday: We begin our scambio in Catania after our bus ride by going to the Lungomare to do finding. First thing we do is talk to these guys playing basketball except they turn out to be from England and invite us to play for 10 minutes. So of course, we accept to get them a little more interested. But we have uneven teams so they call over an African selling beads on the side of the road to come and join. Yes, it was a pick up basketball game with 5 English guys and an African.
Thursday: We saw quite a few tiny miracles on the scambio which really built my faith and gave us the motivation to try harder in our own city. It was also the beginning of Carnevale. I'm sure you know more about this from the crazy traditions in Brazil but basically in Italy, it's another Halloween (with lots of confetti!). So the ward threw a huge party where people dressed up, played games, ate food of course (Anziano Moscon and I made chocolate chip cookies), and they even brought their friends. It was the best!
The Rest: We had lunch with a Portuguese member family and thankfully they invited the American member in our ward who served a mission in Brazil so she was essentially our translator. Our ward is pretty diverse for being on the bottom of Sicily. Also we began teaching a new investigator whose name is Roberto. He works at a pizzeria, is related to some members, and loves to talk to us in English (he worked in America for a while). Also, Anziano Moscon suggested we employ new finding techniques so we decided to make a huge batch of chocolate chip cookies and initiate conversations with people through our cookies. Yes it totally sounds weird but we are trying to do everything we can to show our love for the people of Siracusa.
My favorite part was being surrounded by all my fellow sorelle and anziani in Zone Conference and to also see President and Sorella Pickerd. They are just amazing and Anziano Moscon and I got super pumped up for the work we still have yet to accomplish in Siracusa from our great conference. Plus the cannoli were really good!
As I said, no things weren't perfect but in my opinion, my attitude changed a bit. I feel more grateful to serve and realize how the time I do have to serve is little. So go fight the good fight with a smile on your face and get those around you to wonder, "Why are you so happy?" Why should I be sad or discouraged at my mistakes or the circumstances, when our message of the gospel, is one of hope, change, and pure joy! I am by far not perfect and there are still things that I could be discouraged about.
For example, today we were supposed to catch a train all the way to Napoli for my permesso this morning. We played Zone Calcio in the morning at 8 and got changed and ready to go by 11. We had thirty minutes to get to the station and we were conflicted whether we should walk or take a metro. We took the metro but it got in too late. We ran our hardest but the train was gone before we got to the station! Yes I was discouraged with myself still, but I got over it faster, put that smile on my face, and made amends with my mistake with the Lord and the mission office. Fortunately, we have the chance tonight to take an overnight bus all the way to Napoli and still make it in time to get my permesso thanks to the help of the office couples. Like I said, unforgettable experiences.
Let us never forget why we chose to make commitments, goals, or even place our hope in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer of the World. I hope to never forget it on my mission and really have recommitted to put forth my absolute best to help at least one other person find that same unforgettable hope and love for our Savior and commit to follow Him, just like I have.
Vi voglio bene!
Anziano Price
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