Week 5

I cannnnnot believe that it is already week 5 of transfers! Next week are transfers so hold off on any mail. I feel like I will be out of here next week (especially because I told President that Sorella Smart should be considered for a training opportunity....she's not so thrilled...hehe) so perhaps next week I will chatting in between packing!

But let's just jump right in. This week, we had Alessandro's baptismal interview and he needs a bit more time to prepare. He is having a harder time quitting smoking but honestly recognizes the need and the blessings that will come from living the word of wisdom. However, when a person does not meet their date for baptism it is always heartbreaking. I was pretty upset and hit the knees hard for a solid 20 minutes seeking direction. Sorella Smart and I talked and decided that time is this man's worst enemy considering he received a Book of Mormon 15 years ago. We headed back to his house for the second time that day and had an incredible lesson about becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ and what it means. There are moments in my mission, when I realize that I love these people with every fiber of my being and I know it is just a smidgen of what our Savior feels for them. At one point, I looked Alessandro straight in the eyes and said, "There is no one on this earth more important than you are for us. We will do this together." I am a representative of Jesus Christ and I could not be happier with my current full time job. I just may never come home. 

Next up is my girl Mima. We offered to go to the cemetery with her to see her son Gianni's final resting place. They stack em above the ground here, sealed behind granite. We talked a lot about the plan of salvation. She desperately hopes that he is happy and I was able to share testimony that I know with every fiber of my being that he is happy. On his tomb it is engraved, "Il tuo sorriso vive in noi." Your smile lives in us. I found it extremely touching and reminded Mima that the plan of happiness is not just for the dead. Gianni smile's can only live on in Mima if she is happy, and actually
smiling. She is progressing wonderfully and is 100% serious about her search for the truth. Fun fact: she was our miracle being the 73 and only person who stopped and listened to us. For her, she told us that she recognized us and thought that we were glowing. She said she looked us dead in the eyes, hoping we would talk to her. Oh Heavenly Father, you are good! 

Between these two investigators, we do a lot of new convert and less active work. I honestly can say I have lost my heart to Lodi and the wonderful members here. Maria spoke for the first time on Sunday about Faith and boy was I proud! She is a convert going on celestial status. I am trying to keep up with her!

But I love you all my dearies, and keep on keepin' on. Remember- you are prayed for everyday and worked for everyday. Vi amo! 

Sorella Alley

PS.  quote of the week, after 1030 Sorella Smart gets funnier than usual. 

"Sorella Alley, I am starving!" at about 11:40 last night

"Go eat some of my lemon yogurt, it's healthy."

"STAY IN BED CHUBBY!....I am still hungry. I thought calling myself chubby would bite the hunger." 

the life of sister missionaries

"If you know me, you will understand the irony of this picture.
Lunch with the Diaz Family."

"I eat fish...stop laughing everyone."