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?!"

events of the week. Friday night we had an appointment with a less active (the same who came drunk and high to church) because he wanted to apologize for his behavior. We show up, pray and then realize he is again drunk and high. He said he is escaping feelings of loneliness. I think I literally felt my heart break. I have been meeting with him 2 a week since I arrived in Rimini and until two weeks ago, this was not a problem. In my head I was thinking, "Sorella Alley, after nearly 4 months he still doesn't understand that he will never be alone because he has a Father who loves him, you have failed him." It was a tough, tough experience. It seems that Missions heighten every emotion, so you love deeper and hurt deeper. Maybe this is what Christ felt to some very very very slight degree. Maybe missionaries experience this spiritual ache so we understand the Atonement just a little better. 

On a happier note, I put Sorella Burkman to the test. Anyone who knows me knows that I tend to celebrate to the max. So to celebrate the 24th I tested Sorella Burkmans love for the pioneers. First, we made a tent, because how else did the pioneers come across the plains. Second we made grilled cheese sandwiches because I bet that is what the pioneers wished they were eating (sad joke), we then planned to watch Legacy the fantastic Mormon movie. This is the REAL TEST; I suggested we wear bonnets. SHE WAS ALL FOR IT!!!!! Yes people. Sorella Burkman passed the test. She celebrates as hard and well as a I do!!!! Fantastic!!!!

"The 24th of July fort/tent that was rather well done. Notice the leafy
canopy and the hidden Sorella Burkman."

 

A view from inside the tent; Legacy, grilled cheese (very pioneer-esk),
and an oreo torta from Emanuele.

"Sister missionaries going wild and rewinding this scene.
Favorite line, "...these hands...." 10 points for David Walker!!! "

Becca Boo is going to kill it in Seattle! 

So, we are struggling with teaching the newest companion how to safely ride a bike.....any tips, i fear for her life every time we leave the house! How does one teach another to ride a bike......hmmmm

I love you all! Happy week! 

Sorella Alley 

"The heels of a hardworking sister. Mostly, just dont wade through
water during a flood. Not good for the feet. "

"I once had beautiful feet, the fairest in the land. Then I went on a mission..."