Wednesday, May 21, 2014

First week in Pisa

It doesn't matter where you serve, but how you serve. - David O. McKay

I am definitely learning this lesson, this week. It has been a rough start from the very beginning. Leaving the other sorelle, Quintypoops, Haslem and Miller was very tough, as we have grown to be best friends in our 2 transfers together. From there, 4 of us sisters, loaded ourselves onto a train to Firenze. The local gypies sneakily put all our luggage (mine was the lightest might i say and i only had 3 pieces, go me!) above our heads on the train. Well 4 hours later after an hour delay we are approaching our stop accept, wait, no one told was where to get off or where to meet our companions (this is why 19 year old elders should not be in charge of people's travel plans.....) So in a frantic, sorella smart and I begin pulling everyone's luggage down when the bag slips her grip and......pulls the emergency breaks and the train comes screatching to a halt....angry conductor comes hallering and whooping down the hallway and when he see's us starts demanding 500 £. (that is more than all 4 of our MONTHLY allowances). So as she is grumbling about the "rich american girls on vacation on daddy's card" we pull out our visas, speak to him in Italian and he walks away in a huff, never to be seen again. Meno male. So, then the train doesn't even stop at firenze------so we travel an hour south of firenze, oh what up ROME! oops. So we jump off at the next stop, i rush to get return tickets for all of us, load back onto another train and finally end up in firenze...where we wait 2 hours for further directions. We ended up staying the night at got to bed at 1130pm. the next morning up and out and we arrive in Pisa. 

The tower leans way more than it looks....

But since then, we have visited members and investigators as I have tried to get to know them all. The area is full of excitement as it was made a stake last week and a ward instead of a branch. So we currently have no bishopric or leadership but, we are chugging along. and I am on a bike still, so i am happy. 

Please keep me in your prayers since this has been a tough week. Oh ya, cool experience, last wednesday when we were saying goodbye at the ward to some members, i spotted an elder and asked for a blessing. I just couldnt shake the thought and the feeling that I was not supposed to leave Verona. So, a cute young 19 year old elder gave me a blessing and though it lasted probably 1 minute and a half, he spoke of trusting the Lord and waiting to see the fruits of my labors. What the heck, so wise. It was exactly what I needed and am very greatful that the Lord has placed his power within the capacities of worthy men. It was direct blessing to my life this week. 

In other news, I have hives. hahahaha Mom, stop freaking out. I think it has something to do with this Tuscan countryside. Yes, i live in tuscany so hives are cool, even here. Also, these people have a weirdo accent, go figure, italian was BORN here.....

wellllll I love you all! Shout out to Tammy on the big 30th! One year older and wiser to, i ate a gelato for you! 

Vi amo! 


Sorella Alley 

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