Romans 1:15

So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
Romans 1:15

23 December 2011

Chapter Three: The 1st Epistle of Anziano Stewart to the Bitontians while visiting Bitonto


BUON NATALE TUTTI!!!!!! 

It was so great to hear from you all!! It’s good to know you did so well in school Abby.  J, I'll see if i can eat some gelato for you but the chances are a little slim, it's really cold here! Mom, Dad, it's great to know everything is good.  That story about the package that got left at the door is really crazy! We're all so blessed.  Also, it's always great to get a letter from Uncle Ben, I love reading them and hearing about places he's been that i was last week! =P Man, how blessed we are as God's children.  All it takes is a little thinking and it's obvious that there is someone who is doing his best to help us and look out for us. 

So now Bitonto.  We live in a SWEET apartment.  It's in the center (but everything is in the center...) =P it's really big for 2 missionaries and we have a huge terazzo! It even has a gazebo on it!  Bitonto is really small.   You can walk anywhere in minutes, ha-ha!  We have about 1 investigator right now but we've made couple of sweet plans to get some more.  The people here seem to be more closed off than the people in the Campgna region.  But we're really hoping to turn the branch members into member missionaries who want to give copies of the Book of Mormon out and who trust missionaries and want to share this amazing message of the restored gospel with their friends.  We are trying to make a 2012 branch mission plan.  I'm really excited for that.

Me and Anziano McAffee have stopped speaking English to each other but don’t worry we get along great, maybe too great... but both of us want very badly just to be able to speak Italian as much as we can in these 2 years and so we do! =)  Anziano McAfee is the District Leader and Anziano Miller is one of the Zone Leaders! The other is Anziano Mickleson. 

Right by the Libertà ward building where we have district meeting there is a man called: the Pannini King.  He makes the best pannini I’ve ever had! And he loves missionaries so ANY pannini we want is only 2 euro!! OOOhhh its so good.  The pizza however is a big no go.  It’s terrible here! I was spoiled while I was in Napoli and now, every pizza a have for the rest of my mission will be just ok... but that’s fine, I’ll just try other things.

So about the package... 1st, if you have, To Draw Closer To God or Teachings of Joseph Smith, don't worry about sending those (I’ve found copies in missionary apartments) I will look at them when I get home.  About the customs form everything in the box is for a missionary.  So, you can label everything in the box ''missionary supplies".  Basta! =)   (another idea... if you send it through the German post do you still have to pay customs? because it's staying in the EU... also, the price might be better... just brainstorming!) (Another reminder, Mary and Jesus stickers are like insurance on mail here.)

Here's the address for the mission home and my new home address.
Mission Home Address:
Piazza Carnaro 20,
Rome, Italia 00141

Bitonto Address:
Via Vitale Giordano 58,
Bitonto, Italia 70032

Ok, now the Christmas call.  Here in Bitonto, we're actually going to do it on the 26th.  I have your number.  We are going to try to Skype, probably from an Internet point or something, so plan on that sometime in the afternoon/evening on the 26th. =)

I hope you all are enjoying this amazing time of the year and making the most of the increase of the amazing spirit of Christ.  II Timothy 1:7-8  “Never be ashamed of your testimonies and Do all you can to share them to everyone so that they can also feel the love from the savior that you feel”.  I love you all and wish you well.  I can't wait to see you all!!!!!

--
Vi Voglio Bene,
Anziano Stewart

17 December 2011

Chapter Two: The 12th Epistle of Anziano Stewart to the Neopolitans while visiting the Romans


Okay, this is going to be fast, were actually doing this in Rome before we head back to Napoli.  (We came to Rome for Zone Conference and a dentist appointment for Anziano Weeks who is staying in Napoli.
So first the big news of the week, I’m getting transferred to Bitonto it's a small city (30,000)!! I'm actually pretty excited to go there. It’s just outside of Bari.  Something kind of cool/funny/interesting is that Napoli central is the biggest area as far as population goes in the mission and Bitonto is the smallest in the mission... ha-ha we'll see how that goes, I’m excited to experience missionary work when you know absolutely everyone in town! =P 

My companion will be Anziano McAfee; he was my district leader last transfer. (He was in Caserta) I'm really excited, I have been told the branch there is the best in the entire mission!!  This week was full of highs and lows, which is great because you know the Lord is both working through you and is helping you grow.  There were several miracles we saw! 1st, there’s a man named Fillipo who is reading the Book of Mormon but doesn’t want to meet with us until he’s done.  But we stopped by to say hi and he told us that without a doubt prophets of God wrote it! Also that every time he reads it he has no desire to smoke in fact it bugs him! One time he stopped for 3 days. (He’s 48 and has smoked since he was 8!) 

And man, how about that First Presidency Christmas devotional?! Are they inspired or what?! It is such a blessing to be able to hear from them so often!  About our Christmas telephone call I’m not sure what phone I’ll be using yet etc.
It was great to hear from Grandma and Brother Cartagena!!  They both sound like things are going great!  So does every one else in the family! I cant wait to talk (or maybe even see) you all!!! 

Yesterday we had zone conference combined with the Rome zone and after, we had a Christmas lunch/dinner.  It was really amazing! We got a ton of new ideas and some revelation for the next couple weeks.  It was great to see all the other missionaries and the food was amazing!!! We had Jello!!! Also, there was a really cool thing some young women did in Denver, they wrote their testimonies down and collected a ton of ties and we got the ties and their testimonies as Christmas presents! Sweet!! =P

Well, I know its short but I got to go, there's a lot I have to do and we need to be going back to Napoli soon.  I love you all!! I pray for you all daily! Thank you for all your support and everything you do. You guys are the best, and I wouldn’t have things any other way!  remember  who you are and to keep Christ in your hearts, especially during this amazing season of the year!

--
Vi Voglio Bene,
Anziano Stewart

08 December 2011

Chapter Two: The 11th Epistle of Anziano Stewart to the Neopolitans


Man time flies, it feels like I wrote you yesterday!

Weeeyyyyyyyy caro famiglia!!!!!!  I have a ton to say and little time to say it.  Also, no pictures this week. (I don’t want to plug anything in the computer because I don’t trust this Internet point... 

First, my Book of Mormon goal; sadly I couldn’t get it all done in a day, I just couldn’t have it as a high enough priority to do it all in one day.  But I did do it in a total of 4 days and I also decided to read the New Testament before Christmas instead if the Book of Mormon again.  And the way I’m reading it is really cool because I’m doing it chronologically through Jesus’s life.  Way interesting. 

Next the Christmas call home... if you could send me the land line of our house it would be great... I’m not sure if we'll be able to Skype but I’ll try and figure it out because I’d love to see you all!!!

So, the most exciting thing this week...FISH EVERY NIGHT FOR DINNER!! We talked with our local fish guy (Fabio) and told him we wanted to eat more fish and we'd buy it for 2 euro per person everyday and he hooks us up (no pun intended)!!! We’re eating fresh salmon, squid, shrimp, and some other kind of fish I’m not sure what you call it... but it's so nice, and I’ve noticed a big difference in how I feel, it's wonderful!!! 

Anziano Meldrum and I have been waking up at 6 each morning and going running for 30 minutes and then we go inside and workout. And that has been awesome. (By the way, he has a website: alexmeldrum.com where he puts pictures on it weekly it might be cool to check out)

On Saturday, we went to a city called Avellino.  It takes about an hour bus ride to get there and it's still in our area, crazy!! But we went out there and visited a couple of less actives and I absolutely love that place!! I wish they had their own pair of missionaries and I could serve there!!! It’s not too big, not too little and it even SMELLS good! =P Also, Nicodemus is making huge progress, he is doing everything we're asking, only he didn’t come to church... =/ Bummer. 

Also, our mostra on Sunday night was incredible.  We were all on fire and were doing some amazing work talking to hundreds (yes, hundreds) of people.  And then it started raining.  But we still were stopping people and doing all we could (I had an umbrella don't worry).  It was great!!
Yesterday I did a scambia with Anziano Cardinet and we did some awesome work!  We taught 4 lessons, got multiple numbers, and had a wonderful time.  It was sweet!!!

Transfer calls are this Saturday!!! =O I'm actually not worried at all. However there is always a chance that I’m going to have to leave...
For Christmas, and Christmas eve were going to a TON of appointments.  EVERYONE wants the missionaries over!!! It’s nice. 
And now what we did today (sorry again for no pictures...) we went to Ercolano (Herculaneum) and to the Almafi Coast.  Holy Cow! It was such a blast! And so beautiful!!  As we were going back on the bus along the coast, the sun was setting and there were some majestic clouds! (Anziano Weeks is way into taking pictures of clouds.  At first it was a little weird but now he's converted me.  Spend some time looking at them next time you have a chance!) 

Well, that’s about all I have for you.  Oh, how's the manger looking? I hope there's plenty of straw in it this year!!! (the family has an empty manger and with each act of service one can add a piece of straw)  If not, you better work on it!!! I hope that everything is well and you all keep Christ in your hearts and minds, especially during this special time of year when we are constantly reminded of his life and example.
--
Vi Voglio Bene,
Anziano Stewart

01 December 2011

Chapter Two: The 10th Epistle of Anziano Stewart to the Neopolitans

Tante Belle Cose (Very Beautiful Things)


Ok, this message might be a little short because I have a goal today... to read the entire Book of Mormon before p-day (preparation day, is one day per week to do laundry, shop for groceries, get haircuts, etc) is over.  It’s going to be crazy! Then I’m going to start it over tomorrow and finish it by Christmas as my gift to Christ to show him that I’m using the rod he's given us to feel his love and bring myself closer to him.  (D&C 84:54-57)  

Thanksgiving was really nice, the food was amazing and to eat with an American family was great! They have 3 sons and they are so energetic, it's great!  I can't wait for Christmas!! We have started listening to Christmas music and all the decorations are up in Napoli, it's great!!

So Ashley is 17 and she’s from Peru.  Her mom came here for work with her Uncle (Juan).  Her mom has been coming with Ashley to gospel principles and sacrament meeting!!!

I'll be honest, last week was kind of rough...  we were in Caserta for 4 days out of the 7 and it really hurt our work...  It's just one of the things you have to deal with while having a zone leader as a companion (it was for baptismal interviews)  also, we had quite a few dropped appointments... those are always rough.  But we did feel (and in a way were) always productive and this week is going to make up for last week :)  All our investigators are doing great! we got Patrizia to start the stop smoking program we have and things are going well, it's hard for her but she strong.  We also met with Virginia and Alfredo last night and she has been investigating for 13 years and will be baptized as soon as her divorce is official and she and Alfredo are married.  Alfredo is less sure but he does love the church and the missionaries.  I'M SO EXCITED!

Sara, thats a crazy dream!!! Maybe it's a sign that you should play soccer and be such a good example that people want to know why you’re such a great girl and you can take them to activity days!! And who knows maybe they can meet with the missionaries and they'll want to be baptized!
Oh, and its not too cold here... 50ish

Julianna,  Hi =)

Maren, I heard you are ''in gamba'' (on the ball) this week!! That’s great! How are you liking being home schooled? What are you doing for fun?

Abby, I'm supposed to tell you that you need to respond to Ashley’s message on facebook!! You should talk with her, she is such a great girl, she wants to learn English better, and you’re taking Spanish!
Mattie, how’s that novel coming along? Any fun Christmas plans?

Well, I need to get to reading.  I love you and can’t wait to talk to you for Christmas! Oh, by the way, we can call/Skype on the 25th or 26th.  I was thinking the night of the 25th... what do you all think???

Vi Voglio Bene,
Anziano Stewart

25 November 2011

Chapter Two: The 9th Epistle of Anziano Stewart to the Neopolitans


“Kiss Me!!!”

Happy Thanksgiving every one!!

I'm so very grateful for all your prayers and support.  You all are amazing!  I'm so blessed.  I'm also grateful for the Book of Mormon and the tool it can be in our lives if we read it with the spirit and an open heart.  I'm grateful for the spirit and the amazing guide and help and friend it is.  We are never alone.  I'm most grateful for my Savior, who is with me every step of the way, every second of my live he is trying to help me that is his existence; charity and service.  As I think about what i have to be grateful for the list only gets longer but I’ll stop for your sake and for times sake. 

How wonderful a mission is, we serve for 2 years, 24 hours a day doing the work of God.  And as a result of that we can experience the happiness and joy that he feels, what a blessing!  Good news: a family stationed at the base has invited us over for dinner tomorrow night and we're going to have some amazing Thanksgiving dinner!!!! =) so lets just say I’m excited!

So Ashley is going to be baptized on Saturday at 6.  How amazing! Her uncle (Juan) and her mother both came to church for the first time on Sunday, it was such a blessing because it was the primary program and they both were very touched and it really gave them a good feeling about the church.  We’re hoping to start teaching Juan soon.  But I’m going to tell Ashley how to find Abby on facebook and they can talk. I guess I’m giving her a pen pal. =) its also a good opportunity for Abby to practice Spanish, and for Ashley to practice her English. =D

We don't have a baptism date for Damien yet but hopefully he will decide soon, we couldn’t be focusing on it more.  He has a very strong testimony and knows it is all-true, he just doesn’t feel ready.  Once he is, the date could be the next day!! 

On Sunday, we went and taught Vincenzo and his 2 sons (Marcello and Emmanuelle).  It's been hard to set lessons up with them, and we have met with them 3 times and were still on the 1st lesson so things were looking kind of bleak  but we were able to see them. And Vincenzo after 56 years of smoking, just decided out of the blue to stop, cold turkey!! (Man I cant wait to eat thanksgiving dinner =P )  And we had a really good lesson after that.  We're meeting with them tonight and we couldn’t be more excited.  Then later that night we met with Enzo.  (Our 1st time meeting him.  He was a referral from Pozzuoli. (Speaking of which how are those referrals going?!))

Enzo is a bodyguard with quite the story! First off his job now where he's a bodyguard for a 100-year-old woman who has 30 million euro. He works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  He has a couple hours free every Sunday night and he spent them with us! Wow! He was also accused of being in a conspiracy to kill President Reagan while he was living in Texas.  It's a huge story that I’ll tell when I get back. =) (it takes 40 minutes or so...)  also he looks like Andre the giant, I’ll try to get a picture next time we meet.  Just think Fezeck (character from Princess Bride...) he speaks pretty good English and Italians always say ''dammi un bacio'' but in English it means give me a kiss.  So when we were leaving he yelled at Anziano Weeks and me ''Kiss me!!'' haha!!!

We got a referral that is an African from Ghana named Nicodemus. (sweet I know)  he is 21, can’t wait to be baptized, speaks great Italian, and really just an amazing guy.  I can't wait to have more time to tell you about him.  But a cool quick story; as we were leaving, he called his friend and had him come meet us as well.  This friends name is Benson.  What? Benson? Yeah weird huh? Well it’s the same name as Anziano Weeks.  Pretty crazy.  We talked a bit more and turns out they are both named after Ezra Taft Benson. 

Benson’s family are members in Ghana and named him after the prophet, like Anziano Weeks.  But Benson says he’s not a member so we look forward to meeting with them both tomorrow!!! =)
So hows Roz doing? is she still active? 

J, Sara, and Mattie: I’m eating plenty of pizza and gelatos don’t worry. =) I’ll have some pictures for you next time. Mattie, you’re book sounds really exciting, is Amethyst going to live happily ever after with her prince?! Sara, you like language arts?! Maybe you should be writing Mattie’s book... =P how’s your mile time?
Abby: the longer you run, the more accustomed your lungs will become.  Oh and breathe through your nose.  =) Just stick in there with American Heritage it's worth it not having to take it again.  And that’s great you’re going to the temple that often keep it up; it really is a safe haven where the lord instructs us.  I wouldn’t be surprised if once it was possible for all members to do, that it became a commandment to go like once a month or something like that.   Not because temple work needs to be done, but because we need to have the opportunity to set ourselves apart and partake of that spirit.  How’s your Living Prophets class going?  Tell everyone hi for me that you see over the weekend. =) 

On Sunday it was my 4-month mark! Insane right?!  I can’t believe it; I have less than 20 months left.  This time is flying by, I don't want this to ever end!  I love you all and hope you have a wonderful week!

--
Vi Voglio Bene e Vi Amo,
Anziano Stewart

P.S. Christmas box suggestions:  a couple bottles of maple and vanilla extract (it's the little things)

P.P.S Last night Napoli played Manchester City in the Champions League and won 2-0.  It was the craziest I’ve ever seen Napoli, I' so glad I can be here!! =)

19 November 2011

Chapter Two: The 8th Epistle of Anziano Stewart to the Neopolitans


Ok, man, Napoli is just great!  The work here is really going great! Like the mission hymn ''Italia sta fiorendo''!!  There’s so much to be grateful for right now as a missionary!  And no mom I will not tell you the scariest thing I’ve seen/that’s happened.  Sorry.  ACTUALLY it’s against the rules! =P I'll share those stories in a couple years. 

As far as us getting fed for lessons, there are plenty of members, less actives, investigators, and people who aren’t interested at all who are willing to feed us. Ha-ha.  But we don’t actually eat dinner usually just because we want to do work! So we just eat a bigger lunch and go on that till 9.  Oh, and we actually found an African store that sells peanut butter for decent prices so were good as far as that goes. =) but thanks.  Wow!!! That’s crazy about crashing into a pig! It’s good to know that everyone’s safe and everything’s all right.  AND the van was out of commission huh? Crazy!

So Mattie, what’s your novel about? How many chapters are you going to write? How much do you have left to do?

Sara you have to eat oranges and run with a jacket if you don’t want to get a cold/cough!! How are your pull-ups looking?

Abby, good job on your Physical Science test!   How are you liking American History?!?!  Ha-ha that class is horrible!!!! What are you thinking about as far as service goes?

Tell J that I won’t be there for Christmas but that we can hopefully Skype, but if not we can at least talk on the phone. =)

I haven’t had the chance to get the cameo yet but I will this week and hopefully get it sent off.  Yesterday I went on an exchange to Pozzuoli while the Capi di Zona went to Rome for Capi conference.  It was so sweet!  A lot of it reminded me of Sicily.  I really hope after this I can go there!!! 

SO, Ashley has a baptismal date!!!!! For the 26th! I’m so excited!! Sadly, we don’t teach her anymore, the other coppia took her but I couldn’t be more excited! =) For Christmas/Zone Conference in December.  We’re all going to the Mission Home and Sorella Kelly is going to cook for us and were going to have a party!!!  I’m pretty excited. =) 

Well that’s about all I have for now, Hope you all have a great week.  If not read the Book of Mormon and pray to your Father in Heaven who loves you dearly.

--
Vi Voglio Bene,
Anziano Stewart

14 November 2011

Chapter Two: The 7th Epistle of Anziano Stewart to the Neopolitans

Transferimeto Numero Due: Capitolo Due della mia storia in Italia
 (Transfer Number Two: Chapter Two of my Story in Italy)


Ok, how’s it going? Great? I hope so, I’m sure things are just splendid!  Transfers work like this, every 6 weeks is 1 transfer.  At the end of each transfer, we get a phone call from president where we will go after a week of him praying and figuring it out for the whole mission.  I have 16 transfers in my mission (like all males).  The chances of me staying in Naples are pretty high, but there’s always the chance that I’ll need to go...  I really hope I’m here for 5 transfers or so, vediamo. 

Thanks for the packages so much!! They might have brought more joy to my companion and the other Coppia than me, ha-ha and I’ll just have to store the spider webs until next year.  And thanks for looking for those books; I'm really excited! =)

The Halloween pictures looked great!! It’s good see. =) Well, Sara can continue to practice running and eventually come in 6th in a race!! In 8th grade, she can be an expedition (I can't spell...) runner for the high school cross-country team!!  How’s the plan with Maren going? Was it a rough weekend?

The hardest thing so far would probably be dealing with the dialect.  Its fun to learn, but sometimes they mix it with Italian and then I’m not sure if I just don't understand their Italian or what.  But it's so fun to learn!

That's good to hear about Abby's scholarship (even if it was through mom that I found out...) maybe she doesn’t need a job!! Just keep up the good work and get free money! =P Every hour in the library is 5 points on a test... remember/learn that now!

This week was kind of all over the place but it wasn’t bad.  I had a really crazy experience.  There was one day that I was really feeling out of it, I couldn’t get into the contacting mode, and was being really lazy.  So the next morning, I studied love, charity, and Moroni 7 then applied it to my work here and the contrast was so stark it was really a miracle.  It was almost like I didn’t have to try, I just wanted to talk with people and wanted to share this joy that I know they are searching for.  I was getting numbers out of the air.  It was incredible!  

I know that if we do what Moroni asks and pray unto the father with all the energy of heart to have charity for others, we really can be filled with His love. 
How's the search for genealogy stories going? Well I hope! 
Any sweet missionary experiences you guys have to share?

You should set a goal to give the missionaries a referral by Christmas as a gift to the Lord for his sacrifice for us. I know you'll be blessed as you make sacrifices for him.  Can't wait to hear from you all next week!!
--
Vi Voglio Bene,
Anziano Stewart

09 November 2011

The 6th Epistle of Anziano Stewart to the Neopolitans




 Two American missionaries in Italy talking to a New Yorker who has a Muslim girlfriend about Jesus Christ.  Ironic.

Ok, first things first.  I don’t have the packages yet, but they are in the car of the elderly couple in Caserta, so hopefully soon.  Ok, now, suggestions for Christmas: books would be really appreciated. Such as: ''Teachings of Joseph Smith'' not the Sunday school manual but the one compiled by Joseph F Smith. ‘‘Lectures on Faith'' by Joseph Smith.  ''Neal a Maxwell Quote Book'' (that’s all the info I have on it, sorry) ''Discourses of Brigham Young'', ''Mere Christianity'' by C.S. Lewis, ''To Draw Closer to God'' by Henry B. Eyeing.  The one I would really like above all, is ''Teachings of Joseph Smith'' but any would be appreciated. 

Also, if you can find a cheap combination shaver and clipper would be nice.  Just so I could shave without buying razor blades and also have something to cut my hair with.  And that movie Abby was talking about ''17 Miracles'' as long as long as it’s produced by the church, and of course starbursts and brownies. =)

The party is kind of postponed just because they wanted to make it a Thanksgiving party as well, so I guess its just an autumn party now... =) that’s great to hear about Mattie’s iPod! Ha-ha tell her to stop with the headphones and put it in some speakers!!!  And wow, Sara got 6th place in the whole middle school? That's great!  Abby sounds like she’s having a lot of fun which is really nice but I wonder... how much time is spent in the library... hmmmm.... =P  I’m excited to hear your piano skills on Christmas!! Make sure you’re practicing!!!

That's sad to hear about the missionaries in the ward there... in Italy that's something that would be really easy to fall into and I'm trying so hard to not do it just because you can be so productive if you keep lessons to 30 minutes and then get out. 

Oh, sorry, no pictures today... I don’t want to plug anything in this compute I’m using just to be safe... 

There was one night this week we were going home and we got on the train and then we ended up talking to about 5 people at once!!! (Definitely a missionary approved train!)  We were handing out pass along cards and pamphlets left and right.  Sadly, we had to get off on the next stop so we weren’t able to get any numbers but hopefully they call!! 

 Damien

Damien is really moving along now, he came to church and we're meeting regularly.  I'm really excited for him.  OHHHH I forgot to tell you about transfer calls!! So I'm staying in Napoli (YES!) but Anziano Miller is going to Lecce in Puglia.  And my new companion is Anziano Weeks.  I couldn't be more stoked, he is such a great missionary and to have him as my follow-up trainer is really a blessing.

Well were about to go play some soccer and American football with some investigators and the young men, I’m pretty stoked!!  It's going to be a great day!!!! =) I love you all and wish you all well.  Read your scriptures, say your prayers, and bear your testimony to everyone!! =) There is so much power in that; you will grow beyond belief.  So to members, nonmembers, friends, everyone share what you know thanks to the Holy Ghost. Ci Sentiamo.

Anziano Stewart

04 November 2011

The 5th Epistle of Anziano Stewart to the Neopolitans


Riots?  Floods?  Protests?  

I bet you’re pretty glad I’m here in Napoli huh?! =) So... Mattie's almost 12 huh? The big ''one-two'' that'll be fun!!  

This week was pretty nice, we started out getting 3 new investigators from Vincenzo and his 2 sons (twins,12 Marcello and Emanuele)  they are hilarious!!!! I’m really excited to teach them more.  Then we went to see f.llo Leonardo again (who can leave his house on Saturday!!!) and man it’s going to be nice once he’s free.  He gets so bored and wants someone to talk with about the gospel so he calls us which kinda puts us in a hard place just because there’s better things we can be doing with our time but we know he needs us.  

The branch is kind of small but the members we have are so strong.  However, its hard to do member work at least lessons with members just because everyone lives so far apart.  I talked a little about teaching Ashley with Nikita... that takes just 2.5 hours of travel time if we need to go pick up Nikita.  However, the members are really great at giving referrals, and they are real referrals so that’s always good news. =)

Then there’s Damien, he’s from the Ivory Coast and works at our favorite pizzeria.  Pretty much he’s ready to be baptized except for his testimony of Joseph Smith which needs to be stronger.  But man, he’s so close!!!  Then there’s Samuel from Sierra Leone.  We got him as a referral from the missionaries from Pozzuoli.  he’s so great, Africans have so much faith its incredible.  But the thing about Samuel is he’s investigated the church before, so we looked up his records and turns out, he’s baptized!!! Yeah, and he doesn’t remember it. Crazy!  so now were working with him to get the priesthood.

Its good to hear that BYU is tearing it up…much like we are here. =P  Transfer calls are on Saturday... I’m not too worried but there's always a chance that I need to go... we'll see.  It’s really good to hear from Mattie and Sara, make sure you take pictures of you guys in your costumes!!!  Man, I hope you can all get your ID cards, it sounds like more of a pain than it usually is.... =/  as far as a Christmas package... i don’t know, sent some festy food maybe but other than food I’d just like money to buy stuff here!! =P  I CANT WAIT TO TALK TO ALL!! 

That stinks about your letter Abby, I’m sorry... but that’s no excuse! =P  I can’t wait to hear from you! Oh and how’s Brynn doing? Ok, well now I need to write President but I’ll be on for another 30 minutes or so if you want to write me something (or send me some music =P )

19 October 2011

The 4th Epistle of Anziano Stewart to the Neopolitans


“If you love scampia, you'll find a sea of love''

Ok, first, this week was awesome!!!!! I’m so excited to be a missionary! =) and yes that construction site was the temple and now I hear they’ve poured the foundation for the temple which is pretty cool.  The debit card should be sorted out I just need to wait to get a new one...  our investigators are making a lot of progress.  Sadly, we have to move Emi's date back to the 1st weekend in November but that’s just to be sure she’s ready.  
 Anziano Miller, Emi, and Anziano Stewart

Yesterday me and Anziano Meldrum got to teach Ashley about the Law of Chastity which was fun.  Ha ha, it was the 1st time for both of us.  It went well.  Anziano Miller was sick... =(  about Fratello Leonardo.... we don’t know why he’s under house arrest, he should be out soon but he’s meeting a lot with attorneys and magistrates so hopefully its almost over but well see... thanks so much for the package!! I cant wait!!!! this is so exciting. =)  We actually have an appointment tonight with Vincenzo and his family and they’ll all be new investigators, we’re really hopeful for them.  He wants his sons to know more about the gospel and Jesus so we’re the guys for the job. =P 
About the moleskin journals, if you just want to put the money in my account I can get them here so you don’t have to send them.  I wouldn’t worry about that for a little while, there’s no rush for those. Thank you for everything!!!!!!
Now a little about Napoli (in response to uncle Ben’s e-mail.)  It’s crazy that Centrale was its own zone when you were here.  Now they have closed Natzionale and merged it with Centrale. So there’s only one branch in Centrale, this is the area the 2 Napoli copias cover.  Then there’s Caserta where there’s 2 other missionaries, them plus 4 of us is a district. Then there’s Pozzuoli, Battipaglia, and Castelamare.  These are the cities in the Napoli zone.
The mission home is still on via Cimone but they recommend sending the packages to the office (Rome 2 ward building).

Yeah we have the same problem still, once people decide to change their lives and come closer to Christ, they realize that there are better places to live so they move to Como up north... Ha ha ha yes, we still call such groups the mickey mouse club. =)  it really is completely different here for people to live the gospel, it requires 100% dedication all the time.  that’s why i admire the youth so much here.  I cant imagine growing up in a city like this. 

Dont worry about me eating enough buffalo mozerella or margherita pizza, I can do that!  Ha ha!!  yes, the Napolitani have taught me quite a bit of the dialect... some words not so good.  there’s a man on the end of our street who always tries to get us to say stuff... ha ha  but my favorite is wheyyy guiygiun (pretty sure I spelled it wrong..)  But it just means something like hey dude. 

Last week was my 1st scambia (change companions) and I went around Caserta with Anziano Lemmon (I think I sent a picture home...) it was pretty fun but there was no one on the street, it wasn’t like Napoli at all!!! 
Oh and here’s a little miracle from the week.  We had a great week planned out last week but it kind of fell through so we were pretty bummed out, and we had worked really hard which didn’t help.  But we were sitting down for the 1st hour of church and an ex investigator (Marco) walked in out of the blue! Which was a miracle!  We were talking with him and he wants to be baptized, so were working towards that with him.  Then as we were getting ready for sacrament meeting (last hour)  we were all sitting down.  I was next to Emi and Marco and Anziano Miller was next to Ashley and Ciro (a less active were working with)  and then someone we had stopped a couple weeks ago walks into the church and sits down next to Anziano Miller.  So we ended up with 4 investigators in church which was double what we were expecting.  It was so great! =)

Ok well its been good, I need to go but I hope all is well and the Lord's hand can be seen in all aspects of your life. Until next week. =)
--
Vi Voglio Bene e Distinti Saluti,
Anziano Stewart

Anziani Stewart and Miller with Marco

16 October 2011

The 3rd Epistle of Anziano Stewart to the Neopolitans

Soooo how about that new temple in Provo eh!?!?!? who's excited???!!! Okay, first some requests for items in packages (since it's free and there's no tax) (also these aren't needed but what ever you can send would be really appreciated) iPod (w/ Mindy Gledhil on it), PEANUT BUTTER (at least 1 crunchy), brownie mix, hot sauce, q tips, umbrella (a pretty decent one because I'd like it to last, otherwise, i'd buy one from an African here...), deodorant, cake mix (not as important as brownies!), whey (maybe just in a bag to save weight and space?), and my collega and the other coppia in the house have requested cereal, so if its possible they'd be very grateful if you could send just something like the big, cheap malt-o-meal bags of fruity pebbles, and 2 Captain Crunch w berries now don't feel like you have to send it all of this, this is just meant as something to use as a guide. :P

Whew, now on to the good stuff!! So this week was District Conference and Zone Conference. both of which were incredible but it did cut out 2 days of missionary work... :/  anyways after Zone Conf, our goal as a Zone is to find as many families as we can I really like this because families is what this work is all about! The problem we have is when you meet with a family, they can all be on board and usually are, except for the Capo della Famiglia or the husband and as soon as he's had enough its game over.  So we have to think of a way to fix this problem, and if you have any sugestions please over them. :)

Emi is doing great, she's really making progress but I'm not sure she'll be ready by the 22nd to be baptized.  Ashley declined the 22nd as her baptisimal date (even though she would be ready) because she wants to read the whole Book of Mormon before she decides so were trying to work with her to keep her moving forward.  Oh and then there's Damien, he's from the Ivory Coast and works at the awesome pizzaria down the street and is inches from the baptismal font but the only problem is his testimony of Joseph Smith...it should be firmer.  We're also working with 2 part member families and they are on the edge,  they are so close to keeping commitments and coming to church, its so frustrating!!!!  But things will move forward.

I have to tell you, we met with a man who is a member and he knows soooo much about the doctrine of the church and his testimony is rock solid and getting stronger BUT he's under house arrest!  Yeah, how in the world does that happen.... we're not sure but he swears he was set up and didn't do it.  I hope things end up well with him.  (his name is Fratello Leonardo)

My companion is from Salt Lake City and before his mission he was kind of less active, but he has so much to share and the people here just love him.  He likes to dirt bike and so does his mom.  We wake up at 0600 and work out for an hour then we do companionship and individual study and are out of the house by 10. Then we usually find investigators... and then come back at 1300 for lunch and language study.  Basically that's when riposo starts then after riposo we go out and teach.  We shoot for 3-4 lessons a day.  We then are back in our humble casa by 2200 and get ready for bed. 

I can't wait for Halloween!! We're actually having a Branch Halloween party and we hope it turns out well.

Abby,  American heritage was a blast!! Just make sure you do everything you can!! (like the service and such) you'll need it.  The tests usually are curved so hopefully it gets a little better...isnt it fun!?! :P  About plasma, its fine to donate but you need an appointment and the 1st time it takes like 3 hours... just so you can plan for it.  That's good to hear about BYU's football team, what's their record?

That's great about Maren and Julianna and homeschooling; it sounds like they are just having the best time!!  (MAKE SURE YOU'RE SENDING PICTURES ALSO!!)   Mom, it would be nice if you fasted but the Missionary Handbook says we shouldn't ask people back home to do that...but thanks for the prayers!!  Things here are just wonderful, like f.llo del core (il dirigente del lavoro missionario del ramo) (Branch Mission Leader) says, "we're about to have an explosion of baptisms!"  Ha ha he's great!! I'll make sure to include a picture of him next week!

Before I go I just want to ask that each of you do missionary work with your missionaries because it's so important to have awesome members.  Anything like splits, giving them a referral, teaching someone with them, even temple or genealogy work if not anything else. Doctrine and Covenants 19:10 (i think that's the one...)

I love you all and pray for you daily!!

Anziano Stewart

13 October 2011

The 2nd Epistle of Anziano Stewart to the Neopolitans


Okay this is going to be kind of fast, but there'll be pictures!!!  I'm glad about the package, sorry about the confusion, but it was possible to send it for free so thats what I did and about the money withdrawal it was just so I could have money for some food but now things are good and I won't need to pull any out.  Sorry for the confusion. 

My address is:
via g. Jannelli, 23
80128 Napoli,Italia

Send all packages to the mission home and only letters to napoli!!  If there's a request on facebook from someone named Kumar add him, he's an investigator.  What's your address in Germany??
Thats some good news about BYU. :) (beat Utah State) and yes conference was incredible!!! Sadly, only one of our investigators could come but thankfully that meant I could watch in English for which I'm so grateful.  Many things were said that I was looking for and that we can use for our investigators!

We haven't had a baptism yet, we only set a date and we haven't met with Ashley yet to see what she says but hopefully its a resounding yes.  Emi, is kind of a slow learner so it can be frustrating when you teach a principle and find out she didn't understand anything from the past 10 minutes.... but were working with her and the progress is forward. Right now there's a sister (a member, not missionary) from Russia who needs work and a place to live so it's been a hard and frustrating couple days hopefully we can find something that works for her.... here the branch is about 50 strong BUT there are 500 inactive; thats a lot of work.

If we can start to get some progress with the in-actives I think it will be really good. Our area is pretty big, I was wrong about the number of people, there's about 3,100,000 people here!! We're right in it, in the heart of Napoli. I'll get better at taking more pictures, there's just too much work!! :) our days are mostly appointments which is pretty surprising,  but I looove tracting (going door to door), Italians are so great! Most likely I'll be here for 2 transfers (about 12 weeks) but I hope I can make it 4 or even more, also I hope I can finish here :)

I don't have to worry about suits for a while or at least I hope... I'll find out next Tuesday at zone conference but the clothes are fine, they work... :) and the shoes are so worth it!! I'm in love :) and no my bag hasn't been stolen yet. It's really interesting, when they see you're a missionary, leave you 100% alone its really cool. Money is good, we have enough and I set up a budget to keep track of it :) peanut butter would be kind of nice though. Maybe we can go to the base here and pick some up, that way you won't have to send it. If you want to pay for it you could just put money on my card and then i'll buy it, ok?

Its so nice to hear about all the girls, I'm glad they are doing so well, its good to hear. How is Abby? How do the girls like their teachers? Any news about a job for dad? Well I'm going to head out but I love you all and hope things are good. Gotta go do work!

Ciao

04 October 2011

The 1st Epistle of Anziano Stewart to the Neopolitans

Ciao family!!
ok I know all those people, you can add them all to facebook. I don’t have my address here in Napoli with me but next week I’ll send it.  real quick about packages, try to not send packages, but if needed send all packages to the mission home. and try to not lie but at the same time on the customs form if anything is valued at over 40 euro or dollars they charge an arm and a leg to pick it up so try to avoid that...  letters are fine to send to me here in Napoli but towards the end of the transfer you might want to send them to the mission home just in case. 

I sent a package to Abby that had a couple things I couldn’t fit in my suitcases.  and also the SD card.  can she just put it in a dropbox account that you have access to and that way you can get them too?
it's great to hear that everyone is ok, I’m so happy you’re all good. 

the pizza in Napoli is the best pizza in Italia which is good and bad... I get to enjoy it but every pizza i eat after Napoli won’t be as good... and about the water here don’t worry I’m only drinking bottled water.

its good to hear BYU won this week, they can next week also.  but I heard USU played nicely against Auburn.  that’s admirable! =P  Sara’s tearing it up huh?! that’s sweet!! what position is she playing? how are the other girls?

its too bad to hear about a member losing their testimony.  it really is soooooo simple all that’s needed is to read the scriptures, pray and go to church. basta. and Satan knows all he needs to do is get someone to stop doing one of those things and he’s got them. I don’t think I’ve ever heard the story of your experience with the other side, I’d love to though if you have time.

Ok, so about Napoli.  it’s awesome. honestly I feel like it’s the true heart of Italy.  the dialect (Napolitano) is really hard to deal with, I think uncle Ben understands what I’m talking about. and the city is kinda dirty, but it’s part of the experience, I LOVE IT! the branch were in is Napoli central and there’s another couple of missionaries in the branch with us.  my trainer is Anziano Miller.  the other coppia is Anziani Meldrum (I was in the MTC  for a while he was in there) and weeks. 

all 3 of them are amazing.  Napoli has a reputation of being one of the hardest zones in the mission but I don’t believe it. (and honestly don’t see why, there's 2 million people here and only 4 missionaries, that means there's plenty of people to teach!!!)  we have so much good work going on right now.  we have a ton of people coming to general conference which is sooo great. there's an investigator we have, Ashley.  she’s golden!! she’s from Peru, 17, and more than ideal. we don’t have a baptismal date... yet.  we’re going to ask her on Friday to set a date. but she was asking about church and we were explaining about general conference and she stopped us and said.  "wait, am i allowed to come? Because I would really like to." and we just stopped and didn’t know what to say. ha-ha. 

also, my first night here, right after English class, we taught a lesson and set a baptismal date for Emi.  she's been investigating for a while but she’s kind of a slow learner so Ii think it’s  finally clicking.  her faith is incredible.  I forgot how much I really love the Italians and their culture, especially Napoli, I’m already dreading the day I have to leave this incredible city .I’m glad all is well.

vi amo
Anziano Stewart

P.S.  if you could just pray for those were teaching, but most importantly pray for those in Napoli that are ready to hear that we can find them and bring them closer to Christ.  i love you!