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!! =)

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

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

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

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 )