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!