The Ups and Downs of a Mission

We met a girl named Lisa who is from Canada and are teaching her in English.  She has some really interesting ideas about God as the ''source'' and trying to ''connect with the source'' but it's amazing how much she says that we can relate to the gospel.  She is desperately searching and told us that right now she is on a spiritual journey.  It reminds me a lot about Ammon or Aaron teaching Lamoni and his father about the ''Great Spirit.''  We esentially are doing our best to relate what she already knows to doctrine.  It was almost one of those miracle stories because she said she had been seriously thinking about what to change spiritually in her life when we rang the doorbell.  And then that night, she prayed for the first time and asked God to help her be financially able to undertake a particular course of study through a scholarship, loan, or other means.  The very next day, she was rewarded a scholarship, and she accredits it to the prayer she said with us.  Sorella Lloyd can really relate to her a lot better than I can, so it's fun to hear their ideas and jump in to help explain things and bear testimony.

Yesterday we were feeling a little down because sometimes it feels like we work so hard and our efforts do so little.  But the Lord without fail helps us buoy ourselves back up if we're willing.  Last night He did so in the form of Antonio, who answered the door and told us he was a practicing Catholic.  That usually translates into 'not interested.'  However, I asked what he would think about a living prophet on earth with 12 apostles, the same organization that existed in Christ's time.  And then as I talked about priesthood and authority he just opened the door and said, ''Come in.''  (Thankfully there was a female there or we wouldn't have been able to otherwise.)  He's only here for a few weeks from Southern Italy because his son and daughter are moving up here to study, but we were able to teach the first lesson about the Restoration.  When we asked him to read 3 Nephi 11 about the Savior's coming to America, he said, ''Just one chapter?  I would like to read the whole thing!''  I was so taken aback I almost did not know what to say.  With the Lord, all things truly are possible.  

We were also able to meet with Gina and her sister Vivan this week - two sisters from Nigeria.  It was so strange to teach in English.  They kept on asking us about ''another book'' so when we talked about the Book of Mormon, it was as if they already accepted it.  Gina was really excited about the footnotes and how easy it is to study the bible and book of mormon together.  We showed her an example from Moroni 10 about ''real intent'' and the footnote in James about asking with nothing doubting.  When I asked her how she felt about the Book of Mormon she said, ''It's so good to have another book about Jesus Christ that we can study so we can learn more about Him.''  Her sister gave the coolest prayer at the end about the Holy Spirit being with us.  There are just no words for the miracles that are happening here!

Another tender mercy was being able to teach Silvia twice by herself.  We learned that she is actually married to Gabriele and that they have a boy who is at her parents house.  What an awkward situation as it's the other two who ACT as if they are married.  However, she really opened up to us about herself and her search for a church that she feels right about.  We've had two lessons with just her and she keeps saying that between us, the Catholics, and Jehovah's Witnesses she feels best about us.  In her words, ''I feel best about 'Sarah.'''  I keep telling her that she needs to pray about it but a vain part in me is somewhat happy she feels she can trust our testimonies so much.  Now she just needs to get her own and come to church!

There also happy to be quite a few crazy people in this city.  It seems like they are always drawn to the missionaries.  We were knocking doors and this professor of 100 years opened up to us and starting going off.  ''What do you want?  Who do you think you are?  I'm a professor don't you know?  I've written books on religion!''  He told us how he was the head of the Francescans here in Firenze (a religious group) and even recited some of his poetry.  In reality, it was one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard as he changed voices, his tears filled with eyes, and he raised his arms to the heavens.  And then he went off about Dante and how he doesn't believe in purgatory.  I finally just brought out the Book of Mormon and as he held it really close to read the title he shoved it away as if he had been burned saying ''Oh, the Mormons!  No, no no.  I cannot take it!  I cannot change!''  It was quite hilarious.  He was really nice, though, and sent us away with all these blessings.  

Shortly thereafter we hopped on the bus and this somewhat handicapped man saluted us and just started talking, and talking, and talking about Miami (I think he lived there) and who knows what else.  All of the other passengers kept looking at us with this sympathetic look in their eyes because they couldn't really understand him either.  He then made Sorella Lloyd rub his bald head which I had to try SO terribly hard not to burst out laughing.  He just grabbed her hand and rubbed his head with it!  He kept asking for help so we decided to exit and told him that we would pray for him.  Oh man!

There are so many other adventurous stories but not enough time to write them all.  There are still a few moments every day that I think to myself, 'I cannot believe I'm here.' like when the sun is going down, the clouds are glowing pink, and we're walking this random ivy colored side street with a castle in the distance.  It's so crazily wonderful!  Love you all! 

More Miracles

Miracle story of the week: we were doing casa again, and were let in immediately by Giorgio, one of the coolest Italians I have met. He was there with his two daughters and a Catholic friend who was very, very, Catholic. He was very courteous and explained that over time he had lost his faith, that he was going through a separation with his wife, and that he felt he couldn't pray to God because it would be unjust to start only in time of need, without praying all the past years. You could tell that he was very intelligent and thought before he spoke. We were able to share the story of the restoration, and even his catholic friend became interested and started asking a ton of questions. We offered to leave a book of mormon but he admited he wasn't in the best of places to read it. We instead left the pamphlet on the restoration which his catholic friend started thumbing through (although at the beginning hadn't even wanted to listen.) And then my companion Sorella Lloyd worked such a miracle. She hadn't really talked for the whole lesson because Giorgio was difficult to understand, but she gave the most heartfelt prayer that invited the spirit so strongly into the home. When she finished, Giorgio's eyes were full of tears. A grown man, crying, because of a prayer. He made sure he had our number about three times and then we left. I know his heart may be too bruised to think about it now, but I am sure one day he will be ready. We're planning on going back in a few weeks to follow up. 

Good Luck to Richard (Elder Jacobson, that is!) as he heads to the MTC this week!!

Sorella Jacobson

Golden Times

I am happy to report that we do have some awesome things going on.  I feel like my new companion, Sorella Lloyd, has brought miracles with her.  She is such a hard worker and is always willing to try, even if she doesn't quite understand all of the Italian yet.  The other day we were knocking doors and met this couple, Gabrielle and Guilia, who let us in right away.  They were so energetic and talkative, and we were able to talk about the first vision and leave them a Book of Mormon.  When we went back, they had read and had invited another friend who read too.  They bombarded me with SO many questions about the Plan of Salvation, that I told them we would have to come back and talk more.  We get to meet with them tomorrow because they invited us to dinner.

We also met this African lady from Nigeria.  It was kind of crazy, I hadn't even planned on talking to her but wanted to quickly compliment her on her hair and move on.  We ended up talking and she had previously had lessons from the missionaries, but when she went to the hospital lost contact as well as her Book of Mormon.  She also told us about asking God to let her see and angel and dreaming about an angel twice.  She is way cool and we are meeting with her later this week as well.

I cannot tell you how much the Lord has been blessing us.  I still am far from perfect, but I am so much more comfortable talking with people, now.  In fact, I am starting to really enjoy it.  The Italians (or at least, everyone currently living in Italy) are usually so nice about it, even when they're not interested.  A lot of them have some really cool stories and experiences to share.  We have been meeting many 'golden contacts' who will hopefully start turning into investigators.  It just amazes me how much EVERYONE needs the gospel in their lives.  For some, it is just a few small changes.  For others, it changes their entire life.  But for all, it brings them a sort of happiness that they have never felt before.  


Love you all!

More Miracles

This week was the miracle of Leda.  Do you remember Francesca?  She was the ''investigator'' at the MTC who also came up to me the very first sunday in church?  Leda is one of her really good friends that she gave to us as a referral over a month ago.  However, we had felt to wait and have Francesca continue talking with her for a bit.  On sunday, I went up to Francesca to confirm where Leda worked downtown.  She texted us that night, saying she would come to our appointment the next day, and asked us to pray about a baptismal invite.

The lesson was so powerful the next day.  Even though centro was crowded with tourists, there was the quiet influence of the Spirit.  As we talked with her, we realized just how much faith Leda has.  She had previously met with the missionaries years ago, but had a difficult time accepting the Book of Mormon or that her Protestant baptism was not valid.  It made her question her entire life up until then.  Also, her husband was completely against the church.  But now, he's had a change of heart, as so has she.  Year after year, as she studied and through the friendship of Francesca, she discovered the truth.  And so after we talked about the Restoration and I asked if she had received and answer to the Book of Mormon, she said, ''I know it is true, and I want to be baptized.''  In her words, ''I always knew everything in the Bible was true, but felt it was missing parts of the truth.  I found those pieces in the Book of Mormon.''  Now she is reading Doctrine and Covenants!  We did not do anything but had the privelege of wearing the nametags and witnessing such a miracle.  It was through her desires, the Spirit, and the friendship of Francesca that she was converted.  We are now all praying that the Lord will continue to prepare the way so she can be baptized September 9.  She will still need to confront her husband and find a solution so she does not need to work sundays, but I am confident the Lord has prepared her and will not leave her now. 

She is not the only one who the Lord has been preparing.  It amazes me as I realize how involved He is in the work and is shaping me personally.  As I've had to ''train,'' I've realized that it is really me who is ''training,'' and not Sorella Lloyd.  The Lord has blessed me beyond measure with gifts such as the gift of tongues so that I can understand and communicate.  He is multiplying my efforts to talk with people, so now it is much more natural to start a conversation.  He understands what motivates me and how I work, and is highlighting such traits so I can grow and continually progress to become who He needs me to be.  I know that He is doing the same for all of us, whether we're new parents, on the job, retired, or preparing to enter the MTC.  And he will do the same for all of you.

Sorella Jacobson

A New Companion

So . . . We received the telephone call for transfers yesterday.  Sadly, my companion is going to be transferred to Milano.  She has been such a great trainer and friend...I've learned so much.  As for myself, I am also going to Milano..................................................................................................................... to pick up a greenie!  Yes, that's exactly what I thought.  In a moment of true inspiration or true insanity, President feels that the Lord wants me to be a trainer.  At two and a half months.  As an American.  In Firenze.  It is unheard of, even for a mission as young as us.  I think I will go with temporary insanity.  And thus I became an aunt for real and a ''mom'' the same day.  In fact, we received the call at almost the exact same time Elisa's baby was born, more or less.

How do I feel?  Still in shock.  Scared out of my mind, nervous, vastly inadequate in the language among other things, excited, I think I will throw up, all rolled together.  Please say lots and lots of prayers because there is no way I can possibly do this without the Lord's help.  In fact, that is the only way to do it.  I will trust and hope with all my might that He knows what I am doing, because I sure do not.  It will be hard enough language-wise, let alone everything else!  However, I will try and learn all that I can from this challenging experience, maybe it's just the Lord's way of humbling me, because heaven knows I need it!  I do not know who my companion is yet because they arrive today.  I will be picking her up tomorrow.

As for the miracle of the week, when we arrived in church on thursday for a meeting, there was a note taped to the door which essentially said,

 ''My name is Giorgio.  I've tried calling numerous times but no one has responded.  I would like to receive a copy of 'The Book of Mormon' if possible.  When you read this, I would ask you to please contact me.  I will come by on Sunday around 10, hoping to find you.''  

We called him immediately and had a small lesson with him that very night.  Turns out he's studied almost every Christian religion extensively and already knew about Joseph Smith.  In fact, he even told us how he read James 1:5!  He came to church on sunday and we found out he's studying at an evangelist school, broke rules by missing meals to meet with us and come to church, and is from the south.  He's actually returning home this week but may return to Firenze, come September.  Who knows what will happen but it shows how the Lord prepares those who are searching for the truth, no matter where they may be.

As for Erica, she prayed out loud for the first time yesterday, something she has not done her entire life because she's been terribly frightened to do so.  I was almost in tears.  Yes, Firenze is a difficult city, but there are always trials before the miracles.  I am certain more are around the corner, especially with the faith of my new companion who will have the fire of the MTC.  I am grateful for the chance to be here and for all of your love and support.

a little bit funny...

I have some funny stories for you all this week.   The other morning, I went to grab my exercise mat and there was this creature that I almost touched behind it.  Thankfully it was 630 in the morning so I wasn't awake enough to scream.  It turned out to be a gecko (spelling?) which my roommate happens to be terribly afraid of.  It didn't help that it was the biggest she's ever seen.  I think you all would have laughed at the sight of me, half awake, shaking, using the broom and dustpan to try and get him to leave.  I had to talk to him to keep myself from being too scared.  ''Come on, little guy.  You can do it!  Come on!''  Meanwhile my companion is on the other side of the door trying not to scream or vomit.  It was quite hilarious.  When another one came in the next night, it was a bit easier.  

Story number 2.  We went to find one of our less actives, who happens to be from Africa.  Turns out she made dinner for us and asked us to stay.  I wondered why my companion was hesitant to agree but quickly found out.  When she removed the cover, I had to try very hard not to change expressions because it both looked and smelled like cat food.  It was this brown mushy stuff with an entire chicken...and I mean entire chicken inside.  Ever spoonful was difficult, and I just had to keep making myself swallow and try not to think about what it was.  After we left, my companion told me she swallowed the skeleton of a fish and felt it as it slid down her throat.  I almost lost everything I had just eaten right there.  And luckily for us, she was so pleased that we ate it, she invited us back again to cook a fish stew that has ''lots of ingredients that you cook all day.''  So if you don't hear from me... kidding!

Contrast this with Sorella Faita, an Italian from Southern Italy who doesn't know how to write, is a pioneer in the faith in Italy, and brought up all of her children in the gospel as a single mother.  Before we stepped in the door my companion turned to me and said, ''Remember, you HAVE to eat everything or she'll be offended.''  In my mind I thought, please don't let this be another cat food experience, please.  First we ate this delicious pasta with a sauce she made from tomatoes from her own garden, and then a tomato salad with basil, olive oil and garlic.  I thought, man that was good, I'm glad we came.  But no.  She then brought out meat, potatoes, beans, and bread.  I tried to take just a bit, but she came and heaped more onto our plates.  It was beyond delicious but I thought my stomach would have to be surgically removed.  And of course, all Italians finish with fruit, so throw a peach on top.  


On a more serious note: I find it difficult to find the words to describe my feelings toward the work right now.  I guess you can say it's a lot like fly fishing.  There are few things I enjoy more than fly fishing - as such, there's not really anything I enjoy more than serving the Lord full time.  But just because fly fishing is enjoyable doesn't make it easy.  You have to deal with bugs, brambles that scrape and cut you, falling in the icy river, walking in muddy shoes, sun burns, and almost killing yourself hiking in and out of the gorge.  But it's worth all of the pain because there is a joy you cannot find otherwise.  As for fishing, you cat your line again and again.  Sometimes they bite, sometimes they don't.  Sometimes the perfect hole turns up nothing and an unexpected pool brings up a whopper.  Sometimes they slip away after you reel them in a bit.  Most are too small to keep.  But at the end of the day, you might have one or two to take home that were worth all of that time and effort.

Right now I'm trying to survive all the bugs and brambles.  I'm struggling with the form and to learn the doctrines that form the fly.  I'm trying to keep my line in the water longer to invite more fish to bite.  But to be honest, most of the time I feel I am a very poor fisherman.  But just like my dad was always there to help me practice my figure 8's or roll casts and point out which holes to fish and how, I am learning to trust my Heavely Father to do the same.  And just like I always had a fishing buddy in Richard, I have a companion to accompany me and help me out.


Love to you all!