Buona Sorpresa, è giovedi!

Buona Sorpresa, è giovedi! We traded our pday to feast our ears on the inspired words of the Church Historian, Elder Snow and Elder Kearon (member of the seventy) that were touring the mission. It was a wonderful day of spiritual insight and rejuvenation. I was also a lucky mother and got to sit between my babies Sorella Quinton and Sorella Burkman. They are so cute and fighting over who is the favorite daughter...I just smile and see my own mother's face in my head and say sweetly, "You are equally my favorite daughters" Even though I am really Sarah's favorite daughter, right mommsie?

"A proud mother with her daughters!"

"One year in Italy, gelato!!!"

This week has been a tough week in the term of other people's agency. There is a brother here in the ward who is not actually a member, although he has come to church weekly with his wife and daughter, who are 2 of the first few members here in Verona. The first Sunday I met this sweet man, I felt VERY STRONGLY that I was fulfilling a preterrenal promise to this sweet man. I know without a doubt that we were close friends before receiving our bodies and I promised to find him here on earth. Well as we challenged him to baptism, then prayed hourly for days for his heart to be softened, and then had a wonderful lesson on temples and eternal families, he said no. I cannot even describe the pain and anguish that seemed to take my heart. I have never wanted to take away someone's agency so much! "I promise you, you will thank me later!!!!" is all that I wanted to say....but instead, I learned about agency. This man (who is the cutest little grandpa ever) has his agency. Whether he chooses to accept the knowledge that he has been given, that is his choice. That choice is the most important part of our Heavenly Father's plan. I do believe on this mission I have been able to see and feel through Heavenly Father's eyes - when a child of His who KNOWS what is right, blatantly CHOOSES to not act or act contrary. It is crushing, it is awful and I never want to be a source of that pain for my Heavenly Father (or heck, not even my earthly parents!) As this sweet man told me his is just an "appendage to his family and that his presence doesn't matter in the big scene" I just cried as I described the pain I would feel if my own earthly father wasn't with me for eternity. This is the thing that I am most grateful for, that our family is forever. That we have all made covenants to seal us together, now i just beg each of my brothers and sisters to live worthy to those covenants so that they don't deny the entire family of their presence. 

The week was a wonderful testimony to see our relationship with members. We receive member referalls now  weekly but more importantly we are sustaining them in their missionary work! This transfer is at an end, with transfer calls coming Monday so we will see what the future holds. These 2 transfers have been tough, but incredible. We have changed the work and expectation for sister missionaries here, and while, I feel like my personal work here is not finished, it is the Savior's decision. Sorella Quinton and I just pray to stay together for another, we are pleased with ourselves and our work. Either way, if she moves on or I leave her, she is a fantastic missionary who will change lives for the rest of her life. 

I cant wait to talk to you and see you all Mother's day! La festa della mamma sarà un giorno bellilsmo, sono sicura! Vi amo tutti! 

Sorella Alley   

"Nonna Luciana Gasparini!
She taught me how to be a dutiful housewife this week :)"