Less than a month
to Christmas... and I'm still sweating because it's so hot....
Man, this might have been one of the best, fastest, busiest, and
hardest weeks in Messina. Things are great. First, we had Nicole's
baptism. It went really well. There were more than 50 people who
came, many of whom were members but a lot were investigators or non-members.
The program went well. There was however a little problem/miracle.
While I was changing into the white clothes, my a nerve in my lower back
just went crazy and I couldn't stand up or sit down; it hurt to move and it
hurt to be still. Just like it happened in the MTC. I wasn't sure
what to do. I just kept on thinking, why??
First, this is stuff that happens to old people. =P plus, it was
minutes before the baptism. But I just kind of stayed still for a bit,
said a couple of prayers, and was able to stand up and go and sit down in the
chapel. From the time that I sat down to the time I got out of the font
my back didn't bother me at all, actually I almost forgot about it. However,
as soon as I put my foot on the ground my back started to hurt again. It
was quite the experience. Walking home that night was slow and
painful.... but now everything is fine.
I'm not really sure what happened but I got some meds and took it
easy for a couple of days and now everything is a-ok. But it was a very
strong experience, it makes me think of our mission motto: "Aspettati un
miracolo" (expect a miracle) the Lord has his work and we are the people
who bring it forth, and when we aren't able to do all that He needs us to do,
He makes it possible some way or another.
Anziano Walker is doing pretty well, his Italian is coming right
along. (Everyone here calls him "Walker Texas ranger" it's
hilarious!!) This Sunday we ate at Sorella Cannone's home. (You’ll
meet her at Christmas) for the meat, she gave us horse steak. Ha ha,
it was pretty funny to tell Anziano Walker that he was eating horse, I wish I
could have taken a picture of his face. It's actually not very good, it's
really tough and it doesn't taste all that good. But it's illegal in the
US so that adds an allure to eat it, or at least try it. =)
We have a Sri Lankan family that is investigating the church; I
don't remember if I told you... But we have baptismal dates set with them and
their friend for the 22nd of December. Things are going fantastically
with them. They are so humble. It's amazing also, some of the
knowledge that we take for granted. This week they asked if we knew
anything about Christ coming a second time because they had heard about it
previously, but knew nothing about it. When they asked, I was left with
my mouth open, I didn't know what to say, I couldn't believe it!
We've been focusing on having Christ at the center of all the
lessons that we do with them so that they can learn as much as possible about
him. They are an amazing family. They met with the bishop this last
week as well. He was very impressed by how humble they are and how
sincere their search for the truth is.
Speaking about the bishop, he's so great! This last week, for an
entire day we went around with him and he presented us to 3 of him friends plus
a couple of less active families. 2 of the 3 friends are going to start
meeting with us because they are very interested, the other is in the hospital
for now but once he goes out he wants to meet with us! Well, that's all.
VVB statemi bene!!!
--
"Look inside yourself, you're more than what you've become.
Remember who you are." The Lion King
Anziano Stewart
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