Let's get down to business,
shall we? Let us begin with the baptism of my girl Doris! Doris's
sister Happiness (yes, legit nigerian name) gave birth so Doris left to
Pistoia to tend to her auntly duties. But it worked out perfectly
because the sister in Pistoia were able to finish teaching her and
preparing her for her baptism on Saturday.
And who may you ask are the sister's in Pistoia? Sorella Reni and
Quinton! So yes, my little baby was able to prepare Doris for her
baptism. So my heart was calm knowing Doris was in good hands. Friday
we headed up to MIlano for consiglio della missione and it was weird to
be there for the last time. I was doing fine and did not even notice
until I shook hands with Anziano Pagano and realized it would be the
last time I would see him for AT LEAST 6 months. I just started crying.
It's fine. Out of no where it just hit that I HAVE to say goodbye to
other missionaries as well as investigators and members. He shed a few
tears himself and we parted our ways. Oh my little Pagano. Back to the
baptism. Saturday
morning rolled around and we started running around firemen in a
burning building. Why? MIssionaries are very good at working in
organized chiaos. Satan was working really hard to make sure that the
baptism didnt happen but we side stepped him all day long and Doris was
baptized! Literally it went PERFECT. Doris chose Andrew to baptize her
and it's obvious that he was a baptizing missionary (Andrew, you are
probably reading this so don't let your head get any bigger....) but he
dunked her, literally did a body sweep to make sure it was complete
immerse and then even looked at the witnesses. So Doris was baptized and
was absolutely glowing! The next morning, she was confirmed and given
the Holy Ghost. She is a huge miracle for me because I have been here
and taught her for the entire experience. Sunday
night the GANS through her a party and the love for her is
overwhelming. She fits in perfectly and is the best thing to happen to
our little ward. Welcome to the fold Doris, now "wiggle it".
Then we had Zone Conference on Monday.
Another very strange moment to realize that it would be my last zone
conference of the mission. At the very end, President Dibb asked me to
share my "dying testimony". I had not really thought of what I wanted to
say before hand so my heart was exploding in my chest and I was trying
not to ugly cry. I think I said something similar to the following.
Before I came on the mission, I thought I would always
feel so close to the spirit and to the Lord. But there have been many
moments when I have felt utterly alone and completely forgotten. So to
win myself a few dates with post mission elders, i made this analogy.
Ecco Mission ESPN, Sorella Alley style. Just as we train for sports we
were training for the mission. We got to practice everyday, sometimes 2 a
days. Coach is always there with us, helping us, teaching us, training
us and encouraging us. He is tough because he knows what we can do. Then
the excitement begins because ITS GAME TIME! So Coach gives us our
final pep talk and we make our way to the field. Only this is when it
gets tricky because Coach can't play. It's against the rules. So the
game (mission) begins. Coach has total faith in us, for he has trained
us and knows our strengths and our weaknesses. He is ever there -
watching and cheering and cousenling us from the sidelines. But while we
are playing we cant always see or hear Coach. Sometimes others play
dirty. We get elbows in the sides, crappy ref calls and even bloody
noses. Others are booing at us and our teamates are yelling. It's loud
and we cant hear Coach. So we try to do the best we can. We do what we
are trained to do. Coach trusts us so he lets us play to our abilities.
At the end of the game, Coach always comes up and gives us a huge. He
doesnt care if I won, he doesnt care if I was the best player or the
fastest or the most valuable. He only cares that I finished and that I
did what I COULD. This is the mission. Sometimes I cant feel or hear my
Savior but I know Coach is always there. When I finish this last game I
know He will put his arm around me and say, "You played heart, you gave
your all, and Coach is proud." This is a moment I cannot wait for.
Well my dearest family, I love you all and I
literally could not have done this without your support and love. I have
exactly 2 weeks left to work my hardest and that is what I plan on
doing. Full court press for the full two weeks.
The game isn't over yet.
vi amo tutti! Sorella Alley
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