Christmas Card from Sorella Alley

Wise Men Still Seek Him...

 

 

        May you all find Christ during this season. 

Tanti Auguri di Buon Natale! 

      con amore, 

 

                    Sorella Alley e Sorella Smart 

It is almost Christmas time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Fun with pancakes. Dedicated to THE hermana Alley"

Well, let's just change that with a little realization from personal study. Trasport your selves into my brain for a few moments, walk past the jumbled boxes of italian and straight to the study desk. 

Every day is Christ's day when you are His disciple. 

Everyday from now on everyday shall be Christmas! Epic realization.

So miracle time! Monday, consisted of 9 straight hours of tracting. Yes, 9. We did our studies and lunch straight through so we wouldnt have to interrupt our mindset of finding. Side note to senior companion Alley *that was a terrible idea. Anyways, after being denied, for 8  and half hours straight, I was pretty frustrated and a little discouraged. We crossed a bridge and I contemplated jumping....okay its not that bad but all you RM's understand this feeeling. Well, I spy a woman and we purposefly put ourselves in her way. New method i am trying. It's called You Talk To Me Because You Ran Into Me First. Anyway, after we said we werent Jdubbs, she listened and actually asked all the plan of salvation questions. Oh baby, it was exhilirating. Well it turns out this woman lost her son 11 years ago when he was 23. She just starts sobbing! Well my good old contagious eyes, just jump right on in...so we are both tear streaked at this point. We did the entire plan of salvation leesson on the street, prayed for her son to make his presence felt in her life and made a return appointment! Lesson learned. Sorella Alley, sometimes it takes 8 plus hours proving to God that you are serious about His work BEFORE He gives you His referall. Flip, it was incredible. 

Auguri di Buon Natale un po di presto ma va beh!

I am wiggling in my chair and just counting down the days till I will hear the sweeeet squaking of Andrew and the first words from Graham, "Ciao, Sorella Alley come stai?!" Yes, first words will be in italian. 

Okay, lets just jump right into the goods of the week. Shout out to Stephen's glory days once again. We had dinner with Maria and Richerd last week and she made an authentic Republica Domenicana meal for us. She pulled out these MASSIVE GREEN BANANAs. I am not kidding, like close to a foot long. Apparently they are called Plantina or something like that.....but she deep fried them into these crunchy little morsels of island blast in the mouth. Hope that is somewhat accurate to what Stephen ate or I just got tricked by a foreigner. 

Alright, weather update for all your cold salt lakers-.you havent been cold until you have been in the humidity. Yes, today is -10 degress with so much humidity it's like you are sweating but you are not being really you are shivering and the tears freeze in your eyeballs. Also, it gets SOOOOOO foggy here. You cannot see more than 5 feet in front of your face and the land is blanketed in it. So crazy, and the natives say its the worst this year. Makes tracting fun, anyone we find we talk to because we usually literallty walk right into them. However, when someone is one a bike - it's scary because it looks like a black monster is coming straight for you. Satan. 

Tanti Auguri di Buon NATALE!

Well not, quite but almost. Non posso credere è natale già! Wow, It is decembre! To celebrate, i prayed for snow and we got snow for the first time! But not enough to cover anything.... ;( and now it is just freezing. If it is going to be freezer there should atleast be snow...

But miracle time. We were tracting last Friday night in a paezzinni (little town) close to the church. No one was out (naturally, it was frigid) so we had to resort to knocking doors.....by that I mean ringing bells on the gates. No one was having it. So the last one we rang before heading back was a success!!! An older man, once we stated we are not the local Jdubbs, invited us in for "one minute" to get warm. The first time I have ever been welcomed into a house! Well we talked to the older man and his wife, shared Ether 12:27 with them and then bore testimony. They invited us back and we taught them yesterday the Restoration. My very first successful casa story! Took 8 1/2 months but I was thrilled! Well, Mimo and Angela are being prepared to accept the gospel, and I am going to help them along. Wooooo

Well, my new companion is Sorella Madison Smart from Draper. She is 19 but has a rock solid testimony. She was fortunate enough to be trained by a native italian (I must apologize to Sorella Burkman for handicapping her lingquisticaly) so she speaks very well. Very humbling for you know who. She is not confident in her teaching skills so we balance each other's weaknesses well, funny how the Lord knows us. We are planning on working hard this transfer because she has never had a baptism. It is about time she had one! Funny story: I here a crazy popping and sizzzling noise in the kitchen and i meander my way in to see what is happening. Well there is Sorella Smart barely holdng on to a pan of smoking oil and egg plant. The oil got a little to hot, and she tried to "cool it off" with water.......now chemistry wasn't my best subject but........I do know flaming oil and water dont mix. hahahaha thankfully I had baking soda that took care of the problem right away, then we put the emergency numbers on the fridge. hahahaha

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Richerd, 11 and Maria, 50. Thank you Dominican Republic."

I have much to be thankful for, especially the four baptisms on last Saturday! Maria, Richerd, Dino (taught by the elders) and Edem. President surprised us by coming as did Elder Oscarthorpe and Ridd. Yes, the general authorities of Sunday school and ym. But the baptisms went off without a flaw and 4 more souls have been added to the kingdom of God. I  couldn't help but think of Hermana Alley, sweating and having her own baptism the same day. We are so far apart from each and the family but this is our purpose - to invite others to come unto Christ. We are getting work down! Good job boo! Well, the next day they were confirmed members in sacrament with again the general authorities in presence. My favorite line i have ever heard, "Receive the Holy Ghost." Major chills after hearing it four times. Funny story, because I conduct the hymns (hahahahaha) in sacrament, i get up after the confirmations to lead the sacrament hymn. Halfway through, I totally get lost in my thoughts about the epic magnitude of the spirit and naturally, got lost leading. So I apparently thought it was a good idea just to close my book and begin to sit down. When I realize Sorella Killpack is still playing the piano, I let out a huge "ahhhhhhh no!!!" jump up and try to pretend like nothing happened. Clue every red blood cell in my body to swim toward my face. I couldn't stop giggling and blushing. I am sure the general authorities appreciated it.....

Oh by golly, it is Wednesday again...

... How strange, I am pretty sure Wednesday was yesterday.

So Saturday night we had an appointment with the Ruiz Diaz family. They are from Argentina and they have a son who served in Hermana Alley's exact area! I almost hugged him just to get a little Argentina on me but Sorella Killpack has fast reflexes and held the tiger back. Anyway, we were teaching Simone and Diego at their house and we've been working with these two investigators from my first week in Lodi. We knew they needed to progress towards their Baptism Date but it wasn't going to happen if we didn't bring a strong lesson about prayer. We read Matthew 7:7-11 with them and asked Simone, the son, what it meant to him. We sat in silence for about 2 minutes and the Spirit was working with him, you could see it visibly. Then his dad, Diego came to the rescue and told us as a father, himself, he would do anything for Simone. BOOM!!!!! That is how it is with our heavenly Father! To further demonstrate our point, we held a blanket up in a door frame with Diego and Simone kneeling in the separate rooms with the blanket in between them. We asked Simone to tell his dad about his day. It took him a while to warm up but once he got talking it was easier. Then we asked Diego to respond with the what he thought was most important for Simone to know. Then I heard the most powerful three words ever. "Ti volgio bene." I love you. Oh what is that glistening in my eyes, you ask? Tears. It was beyond touching and again, I was not the missionary, I was simply the mouthpiece. Then to end our lesson, we asked Diego to pray. Very reluctantly we taught him how to pray, and he started one of the most humble and beautiful prayers i have ever heard. He thanked his Father in Heaven for his two angel missionaries (commence the tears again), and he asked for guidance to raise Simone to be a future missionary. He shared that it was the first time he had prayed since he was 17. That was 23 years ago. This is the beauty of being a missionary. Someone like Diego, a declared atheist, now KNOWS that there is a God and God does love him. One of the most powerful lessons of my mission. I LOVE MY JOB!!!!

Mercoledi (We think that means Wednesday)

""Posso usare il suo bagno?"- Sorella Alley
"Certo!" -cafe owner
"This is your bathroom....I'll hold it." -Sorella Alley "

It's mercoledi, mercoledi, gonna send emails on mercoledi. Wensdays are the bombdiggity but mercoledi sounds so much more exotic than Wednesdays. Look at that, I can't even spell it anymore.

 

Ciaooooooo, let's begin with a message to Pierre. Dad, there is an area in the mission that is actually in Switzerland. So, only those with an European citizenship can serve there. So basically like 0 sorella. however, we learned this week that if a parent was born in Europe then the child just has to apply for citizenship! Hello, my name is Christine Marie Alley - that is like 66.6 % (crud, i hope that is right....you know me and fractions) so can you look into that for me Pierre Andrè. I am pretty sure I hear Switzerland calling my name! Thanks pops.

Halloween in Italy

Another giorno di preparazione has come and I am freezing in a little internet cafe. Oh how the times change, and Italy is strikingly similar. Yesterday - freezing cold. This afternoon - beautifully warm. Now. Freezing again. Home sweet home.

Well let us start of with Halloween. The day was very uneventful until the evening. We had planned a party for the ward members that night so we were excited. The Clock struck the appointed hour of seven thirty and not a soul to be seen. Now, I cant say that I blame them, I definitely wouldn't ever go to the sister missionaries Halloween party either pre mission but after....I will be throwing it down with them. Anyways, we are packing up to leave and 3 members from our weekly English class show up! We gave them a quick tour of the building and then we had a beautiful lesson with them. Manuele and Nelli and their family are so ready for the restored gospel- They accepted baptismal dates and now we work our behinds off to grow them! 

From Rimini to Lodi...

We are not in Rimini anymore, Toto.

But we might actually be in Kansas, considering how many random farming communities are in my area....anyways besides the fact. 

Let's jump into this week! 

So last Thursday, Hermana Alley flew to Argentina and what did Sorella Alley do? Well we had FHE with, drum roll for a tender mercy, an Argentian family! They moved here from Argentina 10 years ago and they have family there that might be in Becca's same mission! Well I instantly loved this family, Riuz-Diaz, and now that Becca will be taken care of because the Italians and Argentinians are incredibly linked. We are closer than we thought, Boo. 

Mamma Mia (Fun Fact, literally translates to Mother of Mine!)

 Another week has come and gone, another leaf has fallen, and soon enough it will be snowing!!!! Around herrrrre in Lodi, the locals say about -17 degrees cel. is normal for the winter. For you Americans, 0 cel is freezing. Basically I am about to freeze to Death. I am going to have to find lots of people to save to warm my soul.

 

So, let us start with the end of last transfer. For our last night in Rimini, Sorella Burkman and I ate dinner with Emilio and Ilaria. The evening was wonderful and then we gave Emilio a surprise. Burkster and I had made a shirt with our faces on it and when we presented it to Emilio, his face exploded with pleasure! He was so happy and now he will Always have his two favorite missionaries with him :) So we said goodbye to Mamma Ilaria and surprise, tears. We packed, went to bed and then woke at 5 to catch our train to Milan. Emiilo took us to the train station, helped put our luggage on the train and then we said our goodbyes. Okay, now that really sucked. He is hands down the best person I know I literally saved my life so many times in Rimini. He went out of his way to make sure I was happy and okay. He wrote me a beautiful letter and I am contemplating being buried with it. hahaha :) Well we made our way to Milano, and actually passed Lodi on the way....

 

Goodbyes in Rimini, part 1

Here are some photos of Sorella Alley saying her goodbyes to her family and friends in Rimini. The ward members have really taken her under her wing and been her home away from home. Thank you Rimini for taking care of our Sorella Alley!

Gelato with Babbo (Daddy)

I'm "totes" the fav daughter

"Many tears were shed saying goodbye to Nonna Luisa (grandma)"

 

Hi Halloween Hooligans!

This week has been a wonderful end to the transfer. Our boy Abraham took the plunge into the waters of baptism Sorella Burkman and I found him on the first day in Rimini, so we have taught him 2-3 times a week for 3 transfers. He started off with no understanding or knowledge of Christ and now he knows that Christ is his Savior and Brother. His pal Sunny, a convert of just a year, baptized him and it was magical. We met with them many times to practice and it paid off. Sunny said the prayer perfectly and it was a success on the first dunk! I thought my soul had taken flight, I was so happy. While they were changing in the bathroom, Sorella Burkman and I could hear them laughing and crying together. These are the moments when every crappy moment suddenly doesn't even matter. Sorella Burkman and I just cried together and welcomed our boy "Abbey" as a new member of Christ's Church. He was confirmed on Sunday and given the Holy Ghost in a beautiful blessing given by Fratello Draghi, who speaks English very well. The Holy Ghost is the bomb.

"Sunny (next to me), a convert of less than a year baptized
his best bud Abraham (on the right)"

"Chillin' with my Nigerian brothers."

Hello again from Italy!

It is week five, so you all know what that means! Get the transfer guesses in! Also, no more mail for this transfer or I might never ever get it. Sorella Burkman thinks that she will be staying and training and I will be leaving and training. I currently just feel like I could just a gelato so I am not trusting my instincts. ooooooo let the anticipation begin! 

"the only three people in Italy wearing helmets."

"Why must it rain on the sister missionaries, why?!?!"

Okay, highlights of the week! 

I was able to watch the Saturday morning, evening and Sunday morning sessions of General Conference. It was the perfect spiritually uplifting that I needed. My favorite talk was Elder Neil Andersens, restating that women are as equally as essential to God's plan for happiness and if we all had the priesthood then hello, we wouldn't need our exalting covenants. It was a delightful reminder of my eternal role and purpose :) I also loved Elder Holland's talk about mental and physical illness. Obviously the situation with Sorella Burman's dad has left an impression on me and I felt a lot of peace knowing that he may be limited here on earth but he will be freed from his limitations through the Atonement. it has us both in tears and again. he threw it down! 

Next good news, our boy Abraham decided he is ready for the waters of baptism! He passed his interview and will be baptized on Friday night by Sunny! This is a huge miracle for Sorella Burkman and I because we found him and started teaching him in our first transfer together. To watch his spiritual growth has been rewarding and incredible. 

A letter to the future... plus some gorgeous pictures!

Dear Family,

This week Sorella Burkman and I found ourselves in the midst of today's youth. We rode for about 30 minutes on the train as the only two people over the age of 16. As I observed these young teenagers and eased dropped into their conversations(what, it is great language study) I felt a great sadness for these lost children of God. It left a heavy impression on me and inspired this unusual and strange weekly letter.

It doesn't get anymore missionaryesk than this, folks.

September 30, 2013

To my future children and rebellious teenagers,

Hi kids, it's Mom. Now before you roll your eyes and mimick me while my back is turned (that is not a new trick, I was the queen of it) please read this before telling me to get lost.

Today you are faced with many challenges and society has determined the standard. In the eyes of the world you must be the smartest in the class, the prettiest girl  or the hunkiest boy in the school, the best player on the field, the funniest person in the world, fashionably in style, up to date on the latest gossip, have the most "likes" on Facebook, be perfectly thin or ripped with muscles - all while maintaining the attitude of "I'm too cool to care what you think". Society demands that you to meet the standard of "acceptable" or you will never by anyone. IN today's world to "fit in" you must "stand out" by shaving half your head, having strange piercings, smoke, drink, be disrespectful, walk around with your pants on the ground and have a bad attitude. Simply stated - you must change your identity to be "one of them."

A volte Cristo calma la tempesta. A volte permette la tempesta imperversa e calma la nostra anima.

"Luisa and her dogs, Stella and Sandy.
She loves them more than her own kids. "

Cara Famiglia Mia! Let us jump right into another week of Sorella Alley's current life. This week was a bit of a slower week and Sorella Burkman and I came up with some creative ways to do missionary work. We have one favorite Italian in particular and her name is Postina. Yes, for those of you with any knowledge of Latin language, the mailwoman is our favorite Italian because she brings us tidings of joy and happiness. Since we basically stalk her daily, we decided to be less creepy and just write her a note. So we said, "Postwoman, thank you for bringing us mail. You make life better. We love you. thank you!" With that taped to the mailbox, we watched out our window waiting for her. Sure enough, never failing, she came on her yellow vestba. She saw our note and was instantly all smiles. Her smile was so big I though it would darn near pop her eyeballs out. It was a good missionary act. 

Last Friday we had pizza with the Zufolini's who invited Cristian, Valentina e Serena Bazzocchi. It was a really fun night of laughter and pizza (pitsa for all you uneducated Americans...). We haven't given up hope on them and Cristian asked if he could still read the Book of Mormon. So he is still reading and we are counting on the Spirit to spiritually face punch him and then we will sweep in make the kill, fondly meaning we hope to start teaching this chosen family again soon. 

Hardest Week of My Life

Se Dio ti guidasse avanti un ostacolo, ti guiderà di superare quel ostacolo.

Because I do not trust google translate to actually translate this sentence correctly, I will render my service. 

If God brings you to an obstacle, He will guide you through it. 

And that is what this week was, full of obstacles and trails. This week was definitely the most difficult and trying week of my mission and in the same sense, probably my life. The evening of the last pday we met with Cristian and Valentina again to prepare them for their baptisimal interviews that were to be conducted the next morning. Everything was golden and in controll. At the end of the lesson Valentina did a complete 180 in the opposite direction. Everything spiraled downhill and they were speaking to Emilio in rapid italian. Thus making it extremely difficult for Sorella Burkman and I to understand but it was apparent that it was good. To make the story short, we ended with cancelling the baptism and saying our goodbyes for perhaps, forever. I have never felt so much heartache and disappointment. We rode our bikes to the church and prayed, asking Heavenly Father to help us understand why. We hugged each other and just cried. I believe this week we experience just a smidge of what Heavenly Father feels like when His children choose to reject Him and His divine Son. On the other hand, Satana is a jerkface and knows exactly how to kicked the downed missionaries. However, we don't give up without fighting back and we refused to dwell in the darkness. We have rededicated ourselves to being 100% obedient and we are expecting Heavenly Father to gives us miracles. We need a win right now. 

Ciao tutti!

Shall we just jump right in? This week has been incredible- full of exhilarating highs and devastating lows. Mission emotions are wack people, but they make me a better missionary so I can deal with them. 

Just another beautiful night in Rimini:

The last week of the transfer... the start of a new

Another transfer has come and gone, and I have completed 1/3 of my mission! How? I have no idea. Well folks, I know you are all anxiously awaiting transfer news. Monday night we received the news that we needed to prepare to have another Sorella join us in Rimini. We took down the bunk bed and moved into the next room (which can I say, Sorella Burkman and I are fantastic with this stuff. We literally fix everything in the house that needs fixing and we built our own bunk bed in an hour. took the elders for hours....) Tuesday night rolled around and we finally received our transfer assignments. Sorella Ervin will be splitting off and welcoming a new companion (Sorella Strong, trained by Sorella Acerson so my mission "sister") and ....drum roll.....Sorella Burkman and I are staying together in Rimini! This will place me at 4 transfers and 7 1/2 months in Rimini, which is bittersweet. Sorella Burkman and I have made some new goals to keep the excitement up and push ourselves to grow. Keep the letters coming the Rimini Address :) 

"Our new studyroom-converted-bedroom. I once had a huge apartment to myself. Now we live in a closet. :)"

"The Bazzocchi family! Cristian, Valentina and Serena!"

This week in pictures (August 28, 2013)

"Family photo!"

Editor's note: "Sorella Alley looking stunning in yellow!"

This is the la famiglia Scarpulla's that I wrote. He is rocking Grandpa Alley's button pants and she is just adorable! I love them!"

Let us begin again dear ones,

 

First, this is week five in the transfer - so today is the last day you can send mail to guarantee that I will receive it before Transfers, so after today, no more mail until we hear about transfers! Get your transfer guesses in :) 

Second, welcome to the family the newest baby girl edition in Rachel's belly! I could not be any more thrilled or excited! Keep the family growing (cough cough Tammy and Richard cough cough your turn) because lets be honest, the Alleys make the best babies! 

Third, okay mission details. We met with Valentina and Cristian twice last week, and they are elect people. They have been prepared and are ready for the restored gospel. The second time we met with them, Cristian said, "After we had the first lesson, i felt more peace and serenity than I have ever felt before. I liked it and I want that always." I was like, "1 point for team Holy Ghost!!!" That is the best part of this mission, seeing the joy and the happiness that the gospel brings people. INCREDIBLE!!! So Cristian was able to come to Church on Sunday and he stayed and participated in all 3 hours. The branch accepted him immediately, put their arms around him, and welcomed him to the family. Before the end of the day, members had invited him to FHE, set up our teaching appoints with them, and had a barbecue planned with multiple families! MIRACLE! Later that night, we took Valentina a BoM in Bulgarian (she is from Bulgaria) and by the next day she had read 16 pages. Haha That is more than I read in my study each day. hahahaha Go Valentina! This Monday we had a lesson with them and they had a list of prepared questions. Thankfully Emilio came with us and was able to explain the Melchizedek Priesthood and the Urim and Thumbimim (haha, Cristian asked what it was and I have never heard it before in Italy and I am sure I looked like a deer about to get hit by a nice manly truck...) We are set to teach them again today and on Friday. Also, they have asked if they can be baptized sooner than the 27th! Pray for them, because they are ready I WILL NOT LET THEM FALL TO SATAN!!! 

Buon Giorno tutti!

    Another week has come and gone and it may be one the best weeks thus far! Here are the deeeeets as to why. Agosto 15 is a huge Italian holiday called FerroAgosto. It celebrates Saint Maria's ascension into heaven or something stranno (strange) like that, so Italy basically shuts down for a week. 

"Obedient Sorella Ervin and I dutifully guarding the members as they play
in the river. Listen, you can hear our souls longing to join."

 Instead, our members planned a day at the river, invited us and Luigi (the investigator). We spent the entire day planning in the sand, playing volleyball and soccer, before taking naps in the shade. It was so much fun, we built stronger relationships with the members, fellow-shipped Luigi and spent time with 3 meno attivi (less actives)! It was a huge success. Later that night we stopped at a buger joint, where Paolo the owner is less active but loves the missionaries so ate free. THE BEST HAMBURGER i have ever eaten. Ghettoburger is its name hahaha. But on the way home that night we had about an hour drive. At one point, the sun was setting over the beautiful tuscan countryside, Emilio and Ilaria are holding hands 

"Italians know how to travel lightly to the beach..."

in the front, and we are all singing along to Andreà Bocceli at the top of our lungs. I felt so completely happy but was overcome with love. Love for this country, love for the members and the people, and love for being a missionary. I tried to hide my tears but I glanced at Burkster and she had tears so instead we just literally cried together. It was an incredible moment where you can honestly feel a little of the selfless love of the Savior. The ability to love unconditionally is magnified as a missionary and I never want to let it go. 

"Just another afternoon in cuorso d'italiano with Emanuele.
My homework and my gelato sandwhich.
Yup, Italians eat this and don't gain a pound.They eat it and it goes on my butt."

Ciao di nuovo dalla terra di Italia!

Hello family and friends,

    This week has a been a fantastic week. First, let us start the reading off with a few laughs to make the belly jiggle in delight. 

Story 1) the scarying rival continues with Sorella Burkman, and she is currently ahead. The little sneak found some silly puddy and managed to sculpt a veryyyy accurate lizard in a way that could put Michaelangelo to shame. Well I peacefully kneel down to pray when I glance up an notice a HUGE lizard right by my head! I let out a cute squel and the Burkster starts roaring with laughter. But I am faster than her and managed to crawl after her until she found safety in the bathroom. She refused to come out for a solid 20 minutes. The game continues, I shall prevail. 

"Clearly enjoying the land of Pizza.
Just discovered order in." 

Story 2) we have an investigator who speaks English but apparently doesn't understand English very well (he is from Nigeria). Well we taught the Law of Chastity and I had to dumb it down and be as frank as possible with him so he would understand. I literally say, "God asks that we do not have sex until after we are married" and a huge pine cone falls out of the tear, coming centimeters away from knocking me out. He was all laughter and thinks he is a sign from God trying to shut me up. hahahahahaha nice try getting around that commitment bud.

Carissimi Famiglia e amici, questa settimana era un poco pazza! Perchè? Dirò tutto!

"We all bought some new shades from a man with no teeth...we are suckers for the no toothers."

Well, Sorella Burkman came down with a NASTY flu last week and we were inside the house from Monday afternoon to Friday morning. Then on Monday of this week Sorella Ervin came down with the same bug and we have been in the house until today. I have fondly been named Dictator Alley by Sorella Burkman. She was a naughty patient and was refusing to drink and eat, but during the night she was sneaking banana bread and pizza at 3 am when we were all asleep.....so yes Dictator Alley was forced to put her foot down. haha Hopefully they are both on the mend. When I called Sorella Dibb to let her know about Sorella Ervin she said, "Well, Sister Alley, call me when you start to feel sick since you will get it I am sure." Oh sweet, Sorella Dibb, i refuse to get sick, I am an Alley. Ain't no body got time for that! 

Hello once again from the land of leathery-skin, pomodoros and mozzarella!

What a strange week it has been! I shall explain. Sorella Ervin, the 3rd companion, was dropped off to us last Thursday. Friday, we spent all day preparing for the furniture to be dropped off and cleaning the cantina (a garage downstairs). Very important minuscule details seem to get lost between missionaries because I was never told we had a cantina. We opened it up and grazie al aqua (thanks to the flood) we had a month ago, everything was moldy and soaked still! The land lord refuses to throw anything away so we spent all Friday cleaning and combating the mold. Saturday, we spent all morning putting furniture together as we are now proud owners of ikea bunkbeds. We are now comfortably and frigidly (THANK YOU AC) sleeping 3 in a room.

"The first picture of the 3 of us. Sorella Alley, Ervin and Burkman.
This picture describes how this transfer will most likely turn out."

"A portrait of Mother and Daughter. Doesn't she just sparkle?!"

It's transfer day...

Calm your horses, actually dont, ride em like in honor for me! Transfer news tutti!

After painfully waiting 36 hours longer than normal, the news came. I will be staying in Rimini with Sorella Burkman. We were absolutely thrilled to hear this! We had the best transfer together and it flew by. Then came the second part of the news, we are adopting! Yes, we are getting one, just one, additional sorella. Hahaha this makes three in our companionship! This will be an adventure because 3  people fit on the park benches where we teach most of our lessons, now with 3 sorelle........i do believe i will be one cheeking in for the next 6 weeks. Hello toned future thighs....We will be receiving Sorella Irwin, who is the same transfer as me. I know her from the MTC and  she is an opera singer. Guess who cant hit note, well you all know, so I wont be singing for the next 6 weeks either! haha but She was trained by Sister Emily Stewart so that is fun! 1st warders of the stake unite! 

In other news, a few miracles we saw this week. 

Hello from the land of scantily clad tourists, sweet smelling pastries, mouth-watering gelato, sweaty missionaries, and catholics!

 

 

 

Let us all start off with a laugh, shall we?! This week's edition of "What Ridiculous Thing did Sorella Alley Say!" 

Let me set the stage. 

It is Sunday morning, approximately 11:00 am and I am looking forward to a delightful, relaxing sacarament meeting. Sorella Burkman and I are seated on the front row. During the opening song, Fratello Andy, a counselor in the branch presidency, makes his way towards me. In my head begins the famous movie anthem JAWS. nahhhh nah, naaAAAHHHH NAAHHH, NAHAHAHAHA. He quickly states that I will be sharing my testimony about missionary work when he so indicates. An innocent little fish swimming along, suddenly trapped in Jaws. 

Emilio (branch mission leader) and Emanuale (our third companion) gave wonderful talks about missionary work and that Sorella Burkman and I are powerful missionaries. They set the stage perfectly for my grand entrance. Fratello Andy: "Sorella Alley will now share her testimony"

Heart literally jumping up my throat, I manage to drag myself the two feet to the podium, silently pep talking myself, "Oh Sorellla, che la faccio! (I CAN DO IT!!!!) No worries, I will speak from the heart and let the Spirit testify!"

All eyes on me, silence throughout the land. 

"Buon Giorno Fratelle e Sorelle! Sono molte eccitazione di essere qui! con voi" 

Spoken like an angel...if only I hadn't said....

La mia carissima famiglia e amici

Let's start with the 4th of July. We spent the day as normal missionaries and then we went with Emanuele, his dad Paolo and his beautiful little sister Elena to American Grafiti. We walked in and immediately Sorella Burkman and I were transported back to the land of red, white and blue. We ate wonderful hamburgers, onion rings and oreo milkshakes while listening to the best of american country songs. My heart was huge with pride and it was a fantastic celebration. 

American Graffiti for the 4th of July!

Hamburgers!
Editor's Note: When I told Christine she looked radiant she responded with, "Sweat and humidity are good for the skin. Who knew!?!?"

      So Sunday was horrendous. Some days I just understand more Italian than on other days and Sunday was definitely an off day. IN relief society, I was asked to translate and couldn't keep up with the 7 Italian woman arguing....so i just instead made up my own lesson and talked to the sweet woman from Canada. God bless Canadians but America is still better :) We had a less active come who was shall we say, a bit woozy, ending up making a huge disturbance during sacrament, and being asked to leave. He has since decided he doesn't want to be Mormon because we aren't Christians....people drugs and alcohol are bad....stupid Satan. We left church feeling like utter failures and down in the dumps. Thankfully to a few members who invited us to lunch, we felt loved. I love the members here in Rimini. 

    Oh, I almost forgot! We met President Dibb and Sorella Dibb last Wednesday. I really like them already. In my interview with President Dibb, he said that my future holds a lot of training opportunities.....yikes! 

"3 generations of missionaries :) Daughter-Mother-Grandmother!"

But we have 3 miracle lessons on Monday! All were in English (no that is not the miracle, haha) but we left some super strong testimonies with them and spiritually face punched them! We came home feeling so happy and content to be missionaries. Lesson learned: After enduring sucky Sunday, we were rewarded with miracle Monday! 

But can I just tell you I have the best companion in the world. Thankfully, she was keeps me laughing at we have become such good friends. (Hi Nancy, Sorella Burkman says hi since you are probably reading this somewhere....hehehe) Let me share a few of our conversations this week....

Burkman:"Where are the famous Romans from? Like Julius Cesar"

Alley, "Uhhhh Rome, like Italy. 3 hours south of us...."

Burkman: "Oh my gosh!!! REALLLY?!?!"

Alley; "Are you being serious?"

BUrkman: "what I didnt do well in school"

.........5 minutes later........

Burkman: ''Are the greeks from Rome too?" 

I love her. 

Also, Italians are very blunt. haha they say anything and everything...

this includes fat jokes.....haha 

Pace Fouri (peace out)

Sorella Alley

"This is a Olivia, a new convert with a heart of gold and the testimony to stop a lion! "

"Sorella Burkman has a cool little talent called the inchworm. I witnessed for the first time last night and I have never been so happy...."

4th di Luglio.....

Happy wonderful 4th of July friends and family!!!!!!!! 

What a wonderful occasion to be writing all my dear folks back in the USA. Today, sorella burkman and I are rocking the red, white, and blue. We sang every patriotic song in the English Hymnbook, enjoyed some nice pancakes, and will indulge in meal of hamburgers and milkshakes tonight at a shop called American Grafiti. There is no land like the soil of America and I miss the freedoms we enjoy. Although, i almost cried to here the Supreme Court legalized "alternative marriages" and it does seem that the original values that made America the home of the free and brave are now being tossed aside, I am proud to be an American. And Mitt still should have won. Dang it.

However, I am slowly becoming Italian.

I love boxed milk. 

How strange. TO all you siblings that complained about how horrid it is, what is wrong with your taste buds? Maybe it is the fact that I am in Italy and I am pretty sure the asphault would taste good. But I am becoming quite the cook and am going to bedazzle you all with my abilities to cook when I get home! Sorella Burkman and I have decided it is better to experiement our cooking on each other instead of on all our poor future husbands. This week I made stir fry from a frozen soup package that turned out mighty fine. Sorella Burkman made some mustard and brown sugar chicken, which was also delicious. This week, we are trying homemade french fries!

Companions: Can you tell we like each other?

Truck: Italian Style

SOOOOOO we are refocusing our attention from find investigators (rather difficult to do when you can talk fast enough to grab anyones attention) to building relationships with the members! This Monday we spend the day with Emilio and Ilaria, and 2 other members at the place where they have girls camp and boyscout. Basically it is a huge open field behind some members property in a little town. We hiked around and spent the day in the Italian countryside. It was a wonderful day full of fun and laughter. 

How a story for all your language-learners-or-learned. On SUnday we shared our thoughts about temple work with the Canuti Family. I said, "I believe that when we do the ordinances for the dead, each person becomes our personal angel." Deep, right?! Yes, well it could have been had I not said, "I believe that when we do the ordinances for the dead, each person becomes our personal sheep". Yup, still killing peoples testimonies here in ITaly. Later, one asked me why they become sheep after we do their temple work. hahaha F.A.I.L Sorella Burkman and I now believe Heaven is just full of sheep running around everywhere doing good works. 

It is also way hot here, so dont feel bad Salt Lakers. Its close to 90 F but 100% humidity. Slap a-way-to-small helmet on good ol thinker and guess what happens to my head? yup, I constantly have a red intent that is sweaty. Love being a missionary!

A truck caught fire right in front of the chapel!

Latest edition of Gospel Principles learned from a bike! 

1) use hand signals, no matter how uncool it may be.

          These hand signals are like our standards. People may mock but they let people know where we are going (heaven) and how we are going to get there (following the commandments!). THis also helps when a crazy italian cuts you off and you want to use a certain hand signal....swallow the anger and keep on biking.

2) Always wear your helmet.

          Helmets are like Garments; not the most attractive thing to be wearing but definitely the most protective and safe. 

3)When you get bugs in your eyes, blink hard.

        When you sin or mess up, repent immediately! Address the problem and your spiritual eyes will be clean again.

God bless America, share the gospel, eat some apple pie, don't wash colors with whites, and wake up happy in the morning.

sorella alley!!!

On P-day we took a hike through the gorgeous Italian wilderness

Editor's Note: Nothing says Italian men like white capris.

Emmanuele surprised us with Chinese food!!! It was delicious