No Greater Happiness

02-March-2012

Yesterday, while we were in the church waiting for our next lesson, it just so happened that Fratello Fichera was there.  He totally reminds me of my dad - seeimingly tough on the outside, but a teddy bear inside.  They both say what they mean, love to cook, and have similar mannerisms.  He gave me a blessing along with Anziano Sciaretta (the new elder who was with me in the MTC).  I don't quite know how to describe it, but as he put his hands on my head, I felt as if it really was MY father standing behind me.  He gave such a tender blessing, telling me how special I am and what an important work I am doing, over and over again.  He mentioned the special love that I have for this zone and these people, and how the Lord sees that.  He encouraged me to keep reading my scriptures and blessed me to heal quickly - I have just been feeling so tired lately.  After he finished, he even placed his hands on my shoulders, just like my dad always does.  The Lord truly is aware of us.

03-March-2012

This was one of the most beautiful baptisms I've ever experienced.  There was such a tender spirit.  I could hardly wait to finish English class, and then we ran down the stairs to find Anna already dressed with Sorella Pastano and her mom!  (How different she is with her southern Italian accent!)  We took pictures...Anna seemed to shine just as much as the white dress she was wearing.  AND THE WARD!  I had not gotten to know Bergamo 2 too much, but so many people came to support her, with hands full of food and flowers.  The whole chapel was filled with bright colors!

     After Monica (her niece) talked aobut baptism, I wqas priveleged to give the talk on the Holy Ghost.  The night before I had been stressing about what to say and couldn't get to sleep.  And then as it often happens, the Lord sent a brief outline into my mind and I fell asleep almost immediately.  I talked aobut how Anna is ''una donna retta'' or ''a righteous woman'' and how she embodies 2 Nefi 31:13 of acting with sincerity, without hypocrisy.  I talked aobut the blessings of the spirit and how Alma found inspiration to counsel his son from the guidance of the spirit - and how it would bless her children.  I did fine until the end when I started crying slightly and my voice cracked as I told her how special she was.  It must have truly been an inspired talk because so many members came up to thank me and tell me how natural it was.  

     And finally the baptism itself.  You could tell by the way she was already holding her nose that she was slightly nervous, but brother Robert Calvagna did excellent.  When she came up, she gave him a bitg hug and was smiling and laughing so wide, you just wouldn't even believe it.  Coming back into the room, she sat next to my companion and said, ''Sono nuova.''  (I'm new.)  She was invited to share her testimony and as she stood at the podium, a strength I've never seen before seemed to enter her frame.  She expressed gratitude to everyone and her new ward ''family.''  She then forcefully declared her desire to do her part to remain worthy of this promise and commitment.  It was so fervent, so sincere, there is no greater feeling as a missionary.  Afterwards, she came up to me and said, ''Non sono mai stata cosi felice nella mia vita.''  ''I've never been so happy in my entire life.''  As my call states, ''Greater blessings and more happiness than you have yet experienced await you as you humbly and prayerfully serve the Lord is this labor of love among His children.''

There truly is no greater happiness.  I always agreed more with Aaron when Ammon is praising the Lord, that it was a little over the top.  But now I think I finally understand what he was talking about, and what it means to be filled with a joy so great that it exceeds your strength.  I cannot wait to see Anna many years down the road, and see what a tool she has been in converting friends and family, and in serving the Lord.  I cannot believe I was blessed enough to be a part of it!

Sorella Jacobson