Week 14 Happy New Year

Monday January 6, 2020

Last Monday was p-day but it was only until 2:00 because we were going to have to do deep cleaning on New Year's Day because everyone is in their houses with their families after a late night. The work would not be effective so that is our deep cleaning day for our apartments. When we first woke up Monday we went grocery shopping, did our weekly's, and then went Christmas shopping for ourselves. I got a nice skirt, some personal products, and a nice sweatshirt from the Palermo store, which I'm actually wearing right now. It was raining a lot while we did our shopping and it was very cold out. We came home for pronzo, did some contacting and then went out to our appointment we had that night with Sorella Pizamenti. We showed her the "Forget Me Not" talk from Elder Uchtdorf. We also shared our testimonies which was a blessing because I was talking earlier to my momma about wishing that I was able to see my progress. I knew that the language was coming along but it was coming so slowly that I couldn't really tell. But from the testimony that I shared at that appointment I could see my progress because before I would have had to turn to my companion and ask how to say a lot of things but I only had to turn to her once. I was able to see that I am progressing, even if it is very slowly.
Tuesday was New Year's Eve and we were told that all of the missionaries in Palermo needed to be in their apartments by dark for safety because of all the fireworks and because people go a little crazy for New Years. However, we got special permission to go to our ward party if we had someone drive us home afterwards, well not after the whole party because we still had to be home before 10:30. We got up and had District Council. We talked about the spirit and how important it is to have it with us, especially as missionaries and teaching because it is the spirit that really teaches. Then we went and had pronzo together. After that my companion and I came home and did some contacting and studies and then we headed out to see if we could find the area where a lady that I was teaching with Sorella Johnson was. Unfortunately, we couldn't find it before it was getting really dark, so we came back to the house. We made some brownies for the New Year's party and then at 7:30 we walked with Catia and her kids to the ward party. And of course, the party was suppose to start at 7:30 but it didn't start until 8:45, that's just how it happens. We talked to a bunch of the people there and we ate food and then Bishop wanted us to dance. We tried to make it home by 9:30 but he made us stay there until 10:00 and dance with the members, which we were not complaining about. I literally love our Bishop here so much, he is so funny. We danced with him and then everyone else started to join in and then we did a lot of dancing with the members. We did some Italian and Latin line dance songs. We left and were home by 10:00. We relaxed for a bit, got ready for bed, and then played uno until it was time for the countdown for the new year. We went out on our balcony and counted down and there was tons of fireworks. We were only able to see a couple because of all the buildings but we could definitely hear all of them. It sounded like a gun fight going off for like 10-15 minutes. We got to bed around 12:30 that night.
New Year's Day we woke up and got to cleaning. We cleaned ALL day long, but at 1:00 we took a break and had pronzo at Catia's house with her and Ana. It was our first pronzo of the new year and she wanted to be the first. And then we went back to deep cleaning, very intensely, for the whole day until 7:00pm. It was also my five month mark so for new year's and my five month mark we went out and got a gelato to end the day. It was a good day and we started off the new year with a VERY clean house!
Thursday we got up and did studies like always and then went to Centro to find where they serve meals for the homeless but we couldn't find one. And then we did find one but it was closed. After that we headed over and visited Sorella Disalvo, who is a lady in our ward. On our way to her house we stopped and got some Nutella crepes, which were super yummy. After our meeting with her we went to pronzo with Giovanna and her family, which went really well. Giovanna and her husband actually became new people for us to teach. So that was awesome. That night we had English Course again after not having it for four times. It was great to start that back up again, I had really missed it.
Friday we went to Casa de Nina, that's the house where all of the handicapped people go to spend their days together. I LOVE going and spending my days with them, they are all so precious and sweet. For one of the activities there we turned down the lights, had relaxing music on and they closed their eyes to really think and meditate. We went around and massaged their shoulders. I felt so much love for all of them and I just thought of Christ and how He would be spending his time with the sick, the afflicted, and the handicapped. And how out here, as missionaries, we try so hard to be like Christ. It just felt so good to be close to Him in that moment because we were serving others as he would do. I felt the spirit so strong and was so grateful for the time I get to spend with them. After that we headed up to Monreale, which takes about an hour to get to, and we ate lunch up there. We did comp study and then we were going to go to a lesson but the lady was feeling sick so she cancelled on us. It was a real bummer since we had to travel so far to get out there but we just did some less active member contacting. That night we headed back and had an appointment with Angela and Bernadette and Giseppe. We ate, talked, and had a good time with them. They are a pretty crazy family so it's tough sometimes but we love them anyways.
Saturday we did studies and then headed to the church to help the members clean, but they wouldn't let us help because they are stubborn. So we just cleaned our part of the church that we use for English Course. Then we came back home and had pronzo then headed up to Villa Claudia which is an old folks home and we spent time with them. Before we went there we went to stop by the flower lady, which was a contact that seemed like she might be interested, so we went back there. Unfortunately, she wasn't there again but we talked to her husband and he said we could stop back by and visit them again. He told us about another spot where he works. After that we came home and we did some calls.
Sunday, it was Fast Sunday. We got up and went to correlation with our ward mission leader and the ward missionaries. Then we had Fast and Testimony meeting which went really well. After church we went and had pronzo with Catia and her friends Anna and Franci. Then we came home and I was able to call my Dad for his birthday, which was really awesome. Then we did some studies and some goal setting for the next week. We left to go meet the Elders to do some Zone Conference planning but they forgot. We waited at the church for almost an hour for them and then they showed up at the church for something else and told us they had forgotten. So we just went home.
The spiritual thought I wanted to share for this week is from a talk called "Continue in Patience" by Elder Uchtdorf. He says; "To wait and be patient is a key character trait that might predict later success in life. Patience is the ability to put our desires on hold for a time. It is a precious and rare virtue. Patience is a purifying process that refines understanding, deepens happiness, focuses action, and offers hope for peace. If children are ever going to mature and reach their potential they must learn to wait. Patience requires actively working towards goals and not getting discouraged when results don't appear instantly or without effort. Patience is far more than just simply waiting for something to happen, patience is a Godly virtue. Patience means being firm and steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord. Patience means to abide in faith, knowing that  sometimes it is the waiting rather than the receiving that we grow the most." I love that because the mission does take a lot of patience, especially learning a new language. I just need to have more patience with myself and with the language and that it will come with my efforts.

Love you all,

Sorella Acton

Ward Party

New Year's Eve

Deep Cleaning on New Year's Day

Nutella Crepes

Celebrating New Year's and

my Five Month Mark

Me and my Comp, Sorella Barnes

Monreale

Week 13 Feelin the love

Monday December 30, 2019

Thursday we got up and did studies and contacted some less actives and then traveled out to the Mauricci's house to have pronzo with them. As we were traveling out there we tried to stop by the flower lady, that we met on Christmas, but she wasn't there. We also stopped by Valentina's house to give some scarves back to her that she had let us use on Christmas evening because it was cold out, but she said that she just wanted us to keep them. Then we continued on to the Mauricci's house and got there around 1:00 just in time for pronzo with them. First we ate olives, bread and little appetizers. Then we had a whole bowl of pasta al forno, which means pasta to the oven. It is these little ring pasta and then you put in meat, peas, and eggplant-it's kind of like an Italian version of a casserole, it was really yummy. After that we were very full and we were like okay, that was a good meal. Little did we know, there was a WHOLE other course. She came out with a big plate of spinach, meat, peas, and potatoes. It was literally so much food, especially with it being the day after Christmas when we had eaten so much food at the Bishop's house. I thought I was going to die, I don't think I have ever prayed so hard to finish a meal. I did finish almost all of it, so I was pretty proud of that but I have never been more full. It seems like after every pronzo I think that there couldn't be a bigger pronzo and then there is. Afterwards we talk and I shared my family history with fratello Mauricci. It is always fun letting people know that I have heritage from Palermo and other places in Italy. Then we played some games with the kids on the floor and then we shared a spiritual thought with them. Fratella Mauricci's parents were there and they aren't members so it was nice to be able to share a thought with them. Then the kids did a little talent show. The 10 year girl was the MC and she announced that her 12 year old brother was going to come out and play the violin, it was very cute and made me feel closer to home. After that we ate dolce, this is the hard part. . .the people here feed you a HUGE pronzo and then want to still feed you dessert and fruit. I tried to eat that but I couldn't finish it, there was no way I could fit anything else in. After we left their house we came home and did our work on Facebook that we are suppose to do and did some contacting and a language study. Then I was feeling pretty sick with a bad stomach ache and a head cold so I went to bed a little early, but it was a very good day.
Friday we woke up and tried to do a work out, I tried to do my best but I felt so exhausted, tired, and sick that I went back in and took a little rest. Then we got up and got ready for the day, did weekly planning, and pronzo, and studied the language. Afterwards we headed out to Bernadette's house and spent an hour and a half with them and talked about the Book of Mormon and the blessings that come with reading from it. Then we tried to stop by some less actives but none of them worked out; they had either moved or were busy with the holidays. By that time the day was pretty much over so we went home. When we got back to our apartment there was a bag with two cartons of mango nectar hanging on our doorknob and a cute note from Arlinda. She is the lady that lives down stairs and we call her momma. She is from Cape Verde and she is just the sweetest, cutest little lady. I'm pretty sure I have mentioned her before. We had left a little Christmas gift with some dolce on her door so she returned the stuff for us, it was so sweet.
Saturday, we got up and did some exercising and I actually made a breakfast this morning because I was feeling better. We did some studies and then mapped out where we wanted to contact some less active members. We went out and one of them was a lot farther than what we thought so we literally ended up hiking up a mountain for like 30 minutes. And then found out that they didn't live at that address anymore. But the view was beautiful. Then we went and did some other contacting to try and get through the whole list of members before the end of the year. After that we came home, had pronzo, language studies, and then headed over to Angela's to help her clean. I always love cleaning and serving. I have created a good relationship with Angela and feel comfortable even though I can't understand or speak that well, it is a real blessing. We were at her house for a couple hours helping her clean and just showing our love to her. She has a hard life and is quite lonely.
Sunday we headed to correlation and then church. We sat by Arlinda at church, then during the Sacrament I was praying to Heavenly Father to please have help to be able to understand the language better because I just really love the people here and I want to be able to communicate with them. After that prayer, Arlinda leaned over a couple minutes later and asked me a few questions and I was able to understand them enough to respond. So that was just a real blessing and I know that Heavenly Father really does hear and answer our prayers. After church we came home, ate pronzo, did personal language study, and then went over to Chimi's house. We shared a lesson with her and then she made a pretty big pan of pasta al forno for us to take home. Then Catia had called us because she had just got back into town, here sister in law had just passed away. We went over to visit her, it was really good to see her. I love her so much, she has been through a lot but she is so sweet and so helpful. I have a really good relationship with her, I feel comfortable and loved around her. I love interacting with her. Then we came home and did our calls for the week and at the pasta al forno that Chimi sent home with us, which was so good!
I wanted to share just a couple last things. I read a conference talk entitled "Forget Me Not" by Dieter F. Uchtdorf and I encourage all those who read my blog to look it up and read it. It is so good! He says "There are five things we would be wise to never forget. First, forget not to be patient with yourself. God knows we are not perfect, he knows nobody is. Don't compare your weaknesses with others strengths. Many of you are endlessly compassionate and patient with the weaknesses of others and you also need to be with yourself. Be thankful for all of the small successes, God notices them and they are not small to Him. Our journey toward perfection is long but we can find wonder and delight even in the tiniest steps in that journey. Second, forget not the difference between a good and foolish sacrifice. An acceptable sacrifice is when we give up something good for something of far greater worth." And then he asked the question;  "Am I committing my time and energies to the things that matter most?" That was a really good reminder for me. He goes on to say; "Our Heavenly Father is most pleased when we sacrifice something good for something far greater with an eternal perspective. Third, forget not to be happy now. If we spend our days waiting for fabulous roses we could miss the beauty and wonder of the tiny forget-me-nots all around us. Never stop striving for the best or hoping for all the righteous desires of your heart but don't close your eyes and hearts to the simple and elegant beauties of each day. Fourth, forget not the why of the gospel. We focus on what the Lord wants us to do and how we might do it but we sometimes forget the why. The eternal fire and majesty of the gospel springs from the why. When we understand why our Heavenly Father has given us this pattern for living, when we remember why we committed to making it a foundational part of our lives the gospel ceases to become a burden and instead becomes a joy and a delight. It becomes precious and sweet. The what and how of obedience marks the way and keeps us on the right path, the why of obedience sanctifies our actions transforming the mundane into majestic. Fifth, forget not that the Lord loves you, you are not forgotten. Heavenly Father has not forgotten you in fact he loves you with an infinite love. God loves you because you are His child, He loves you even though at times you may feel lonely or make mistakes. The love of God and the power of the restored gospel are redemptive and saving, if you will only allow His divine love into your life it can dress any wound, heal any hurt, and soften any sorrow. He who created and knows the stars knows you and your name, you are the daughters and sons of His kingdom." I really loved that talk, it is such a good reminder.

I am really grateful for all that I have been blessed with, especially over this Christmas season. And for the love that I have felt for the people and from the people here.

I love you all!!
Ciao Ciao

Sorella Acton

plate of food after already eating appetizers

and a huge plate of pasta.

After eating pronzo with the

Mauricci's. I thought I was

going to die!

cute Christmas gift from Arlinda

Caroling

Left to Right

Sorella Barnes, me, the Mauricci's, Sorella Castagnata,

Bishop's wife and Bishop, the Simoncini's and their grandkids

Eating pasta al forno 

on the floor of our apartment

Week 12 Merry Christmas

Wednesday December 25, 2019

Monday was my last p-day with Sorella Johnson. We went and played laser tag with the Anziani, which was super fun. It was also our last day with one of the Anziani as well so we hung out with them and got in some last errands. Later that night we started packing for Sorella Johnson. We stayed up pretty late because she was leaving soon.
Tuesday we got up and had our last District Council all together which was really fun. After that we went and had pranzo at a member's house so they could say good bye to Sorella Johnson. We went and said goodbye to a few more people and then Tuesday night we had English Course. We also stayed up late finishing packing and having our last night together.
Wednesday we woke up at 5:30, got ready, and then went to the train station. Sorella Johnson got on the train at 7:20 and headed to Rome. I waited around at the station with a couple missionaries until my new companion arrived. She got there around 9:30. She and I and another Sorella that was waiting for her new companion (she wasn't going to arrive until the evening) went to our apartment and had lunch, unpacked a little bit, did some contacting, and then we went back to the station to pick up the other Sorella's companion.
Thursday we had studies and then from Thursday thru Sunday we did a lot of inactive member finding. We are trying really hard to get through the member list. We tried to visit people and introduce them to Sorella Barnes, who is my new companion. Sorella Johnson also trained Sorella Barnes so that makes us "Mission Sisters", which is cool.
Sunday was church and then we went and had pranzo with a couple members. That night we went and did caroling with just all the missionaries here in Palermo. It was a lot of fun and a really good moment for me. Usually we have other members there who lead the music and join us in singing, but none of them came because it has been really bad weather. Another Sorella and I were switching off with leading and at one point I was leading the music. I was leading all these missionaries in the songs in front of this really pretty building and with all the lights right in the center of Palermo. I was just overcome with gratitude and joy because it was so beautiful and I felt so grateful to be here and to be spending my Christmas here. There was a lot of people who stopped and sang a long with us and watched us and took videos. I was really happy and definitely needed that moment.
Monday wasn't our p-day because our p-day was going to be Christmas Day. We did some contacting, and went to a couple lessons.
Tuesday we had District Council and went down to the Center and we were going to do some more caroling but the weather was really bad and there weren't very many people out so we just did some finding. We walked down the streets talking to people along the way. It was so beautiful with all of the lights and the people are all so happy and friendly this time of year.  My companion and I went and bought each other gifts and put them in stockings for Christmas, just trying to feel more at home. We went to an old folks home and sang to them, which was really nice to be with them on Christmas Eve. After that we walked around for three hours doing some more contacting. My feet were very tired.
This morning we woke up and opened our little stockings and then we went and watched "It's A Wonderful Life" with the Anziani at the church. It was really good! Then we went over to Bishop's house today for Christmas pranzo and there was so much food. There was like four different courses. I was so full but it was a lot of fun. We were there with Bishop and his wife and his sister and her husband and their two kids. It was so much fun, they joke around a lot and made me feel right at home. I am so grateful for the people here and for the Lord and for what He has done to bless me.
Merry Christmas!! Love you all!
Vi Voglio bene!

Sorella Acton

My new companion, Sorella Barnes

Caroling at the 

Teatro Massimo in Palermo

 The streets of Palermo

Christmas Morning

Week 11 Sweet Reunions

Monday December 16, 2019

Monday was p-day, we cleaned the house and did some grocery shopping. It was raining and that always makes shopping a bit more difficult. After that we had district p-day, we went with the Anziani and walked around Palermo and did some more shopping. Then we got lunch and went to the church to play fuse ball and call our families. After that we went bowling which was a lot fun. I won the first round and the second round my score was in the hundreds. After that we had District Council, we usually have council on Tuesdays but since our District Leader and his companion were already in Palermo for p-day we just decided to have it since they have to travel down from Trapani. I did my first addestramento, which is the lesson, or training, for District Council. I gave it on how to have effective studies and it went really well.

Tuesday we got up and did studies, contacting and then went to a member's house for pranzo. She made us pistachio pasta, it was so yummy. Then she gave us another course, which was some meat, and then dolce. We were super full. After pranzo we went to the train station and Sorella Valinga and I traveled to the airport and met up with Anziano Officer and Andersen and we all got on the plane to Rome. When we landed it was really cold and the AP's and the Catani missionaries were there to pick us up. We drove to the Villa and Sorella Smith, the President's wife had made us grilled cheese sandwiches and home made tomato soup, which was so amazing. I have definitely missed those. It was so nice to be around a "mom" again. We talked and they have a beautiful tree set up in the living room for Christmas and it was really nice to be at the Villa with President and his wife and Sorella Morgan, which is my friend from my MTC district.

Wednesday we woke up and had breakfast and then hung out in the Villa for a little while until it was time to leave. Then we went to the Visitor Center and the Stake Center, which are all right there on Temple grounds. I got to the see the Visitor Center all it up with the Christmas trees for Christmas. We were hanging out in the Visitor Center playing the temple game when my MTC companion walked by, Sorella Deschaine, and she walked past the window outside and she did a double take and then her jaw dropped and we both ran to each other and hugged each other and cried. It's been almost 9 months since we have seen each other. It really was a tender moment. It was so incredible to see her and hug her and talk with her. I am so grateful that the Lord gave me that blessing to go to Rome and to see her. After that we walked around talking to other missionaries and we walked up to a big group and I saw Sorella Fangu, another one of my friends from my MTC district. We freaked out when we saw each other and had a huge embrace as well. I love them so much. Later I also Anziano Call from my MTC district who messaged me every week when I was home for the six months before I came back out. He is a really good friend and it was so amazing to see all of them and to be around them. Later that day we had a technology conference and learned how to use technology more in our finding. We are also going to be using Facebook a lot more in our work. We met from 11:00-4:30 and then Sorella Morgan and I and the other Anziani that were staying at the Villa went back to the Villa with the AP's. We hung out, played the piano, and then started making dinner. President and Sorella Smith and two of the other sisters stayed for a baptism. We made hamburgers and ate dinner with President and his wife. Afterwards we sang Christmas songs while Sorella Smith played the guitar, which was so amazing. It was really nice to just sit and visit with each other. The whole day was amazing, just so much love-it was so good to see people from my MTC group and then to spend time in the Villa with President and Sorella Smith because they are just incredible.

Thursday we woke up and had breakfast and talked with each other a little bit more. It was funny, we had a couple rap battles and Sorella Smith actually joined in-it was super fun! Then we were all in the living room talking with President Smith and he told us that the time for living on borrowed light is over. I loved this, it is so true. It is so important for us to build our own testimonies and to learn how to receive personal revelation and to feel the spirit on our own. We can't rely on others testimonies any more we have to create our own.  After that we left and went back to the airport, it was a two and a half hour wait until boarded our plane. We ate at McDonalds and played fuse ball since there was a fuse ball table there in the airport. We boarded the plane, flew back to Sicily and then took the train back to Palermo. We got back around 5pm and then I had to go to English Course. It was nice to be back in Palermo with all "my people."

Friday was a bit of a long day, we had a lot of things to do. We did weekly planning, we did our studies and we ran some errands. That evening we went to the Palermo II area for a baptism. When we arrived at the church there we found out that the guy who was going to be baptized was very nervous and didn't want to follow through with the baptism that night. He wanted to wait a couple more weeks. We were sad but it's something that you can't rush and we totally understand that. We wanted him to have a very strong testimony before he gets baptized and he is still working on that.

On our way home a big storm was coming in, the wind was so crazy and it was raining super hard. 

Saturday we woke up and the storm was still raging outside. We did studies, searching for inactive members and contacting. We have our huge member list and we are going through that and trying to find all the inactive members and see who is interested in meeting with us. For pranzo we made chicken legs and potatoes. It was very yummy and we felt like good cooks, lol. Afterwards we did some more studies and then headed out to a lesson with a lady named, Anaze. She made us some hot chocolate and it was delicious. We taught her from the Book of Mormon and answered a bunch of questions that she had in regards to her son. It went really well. Then we went over to Bernadette's house and got in the car with her mom and her brother to go pick Bernadette up from work. Unfortunately, that was a mistake. We got in the car at 7:30 and they did not get us home until 10:05 and we are suppose to be home at 9:30 at the latest when we are with an appointment. But we did everything that we could and they are just very stubborn. When we got home Sorella Johnson read me a Christmas story and had me color like we do at home. It was so sweet and I loved it!

Sunday we woke up and went to church. It was the primary program and the children are so precious and so cute. We had an inactive member come to church and a non-member, so we had two people in church to see the Primary Program and it was incredible! After church we went to Bishop's house for pranzo and ate so much food. I've never been so full in my life. I've had some pretty crazy pranzo's but that's the most I've ever eaten. He literally gave me portions of food like my Dad eats and it was 3 courses of that much food. I thought I was going to die! After that we went caroling at Teatro Massimo again for an hour and a half. We talked to some people, tried to find people that were interested in our message. Then we went home and I was feeling very sick, I threw up. We were going to go bed early but Sorella Johnson is leaving for home in three days so we needed to stay up and get some stuff done for her.

That was my week, it was so incredible and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to go to Rome. Something that I wanted to share for a spiritual message this week; In my letter to President Smith this week he sent me back an email that said; "Thank you for your positive attitude through the hard and difficult times. I always feel a sense of gratitude in your letters. I think it is true, you are only as happy as you are grateful. You have the spiritual gift of a grateful heart, what a great gift." That was really precious to get that from my Mission President. It's something that I didn't really realize that I had, so it was really cool to hear that from him. Also, I was reading in Ether 12:27 and it says "I give men weaknesses that they may be humble, for if they humble themselves before me and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." As I read that, I know that I can turn my weaknesses into strengths with humility and help from the Savior. A lot of times we think of our weaknesses as a trial but it's actually a blessing because it's the way the Lord is humbling us so he can use us in His work. I am very grateful to be here. I just got my transfer call this morning and I will be staying here in Palermo for another seven weeks. I will be getting a new companion, Sorella Barnes.

Love you all,

Sorella Acton

My Comp, Sorella Johnson

My MTC Companion

Reunion in Rome

Sorella Fangu, Sorella Deschaine, and me

Week 10 Little Miracles

Monday December 9, 2019

Monday we had p-day and did some grocery shopping and then we went and played calcio (soccer) with the whole zone and it was really fun. We showed up a little late but we still had about and hour and a half to play so that was nice. After that we all went and got lunch as a zone and then our district went and played fuse ball at the church. After p-day was over we went and helped put up a Christmas tree with two of the young women in our ward and we made brownies.
Tuesday we got up and did our normal routine and then we went out to an area we had done some finding in last week. We went to see some people that said we could come back and visit with them. We talked to one of the ladies through her window; we showed her a video for Christmas and explained to her about the Book of Mormon and then gave her one. She said we could come back another time and meet with her again so that was a really cool miracle. And then we went to visit another lady that had said we could come back and we showed her a video as well. After we had pranzo and did our studies we went to Bernadette's house and visited her and her mom. They are going through a hard time right now so we showed them a talk from Elder Holland that was really good. After that we went to English course and it's awesome because now with Christmas time we can teach things about Christmas for English course. We sang some Christmas songs together. And then after English course was over we walked out and saw some Anziani from another area and were like, "Why are you guys here?" Unfortunately one of the Elders was having to home. We went and got some gelato with them and I was able to talk with him and share my experience with him and give some advice. He asked a lot of questions and I was able to be there for him and help him. It was nice to be able to have my situation of going home help someone else out and give them encouragement. I let him know that he would be able to make it through this hard time and overcome. So that was really nice.
Wednesday we woke up and went to District Council and talked about the importance of Book of Mormon and how it is the keystone in our religion. I love District Council because it is fun to be with our district and I also am uplifted at the same time. After that we went and had district pranzo which was fun. We had a kbob which is kind of like a gyro. Then we went home and did some more studies and then visited with a less active member and talked with her for a while. We answered some of her questions and then taught her a lesson about the importance of reading the scriptures, going to church, praying and just doing the little things. How doing the little things can save us and make us stronger. We taught her how even though sometimes it is easy to forget the little things, just how important they really are. Her husband came in and we talked with him as well and answered some of his questions. Then we had a prayer and I asked to bear my testimony real quick before we left since I didn't get much of a chance to contribute to the lesson since I don't know the language as well. So I bore my testimony which was really nice because it touched them and it touched me as well. I was able to share that and she told me to not worry because for only being here for two months I was doing really good with the language. That was nice to hear from someone we were teaching. Then we got to talking a little bit more and we shared a scripture with them and substituted her husband's name into the scripture. It was a really spiritual experience and I think all of us in the room were feeling the spirit so that was really cool. Then we went and had cena (dinner) with a couple in our ward. I was feeling kind of sick that night so I wasn't able to eat as much and I felt bad about that because she had cooked for us. We showed them the nativity video which is so beautiful.
Thursday I had a scambio (exchange) with the Sorella from P-2 (Palermo 2 district). We did some finding and then we had English Course, it was kind of a busy day.
Friday we were finishing up the scambio and we had a lesson with somebody that the Anziani are actually teaching. We talked with her and I think it was good for her to talk things through with us. We were able to answer a lot of her questions and told her that we're not here to persuade people to join the church or to pressure people. We are just here to invite others to come unto Christ and it's all on their terms. We are just here as guides. It was nice to talk with her.
Friday, Sorella Johnson and I went to Casa de Nina, which is the house for those with special needs. We were able to spend time with them and its always a really fun time to be with them. They all just have such special spirits. After that we went and had pranza and did some studies. And then I had a bit of a breakdown. I was just having a hard time to understand about how God feels about me because of what I've gone through in my life. I was feeling really inadequate. My companion helped talk me through that and then I went and got a blessing. I have such a strong testimony of the priesthood and priesthood blessings. It's really incredible and such a gift to have that and be able to receive a blessing from a worthy priesthood holder who has a direct line with God. That was something I really needed and was so grateful for.
Saturday we got up and went to Bernadette's house again and helped her mom do some cleaning. We actually did a lot of cleaning which was actually very therapeutic for me. I was able to be by myself in the kitchen washing cupboards and countertops and to have time to reflect and be still. So it was a nice blessing for me. Afterwards we went home for pranzo and studies and then went to go do some finding. I really struggle with finding it is something that is really hard for me. I get really anxious having to go up and talk to people that I don't know especially since I don't know the language as well as I would like. Unfortunately, I let that get in the way of my mood. I wasn't in the best mood at first and Sorella Johnson was the one doing most of the talking. She wanted to just turn around and go up to go home but I said I think we should go down this street a little farther and then turn and go back up to go home. So that is what we did and we actually ran into this man. At first we thought he was a bit creepy and he asked to come and get gelato with us. But for some reason we felt like we should say "yes" even though it was so weird. We went and got gelato with him and talked about the Book of Mormon. He told us about how he became to believe in God. He told us that he is Catholic but there are a lot of things that don't really make sense to him in the Catholic Church right now. He asked us a lot of questions about what we believe and we taught him about the Plan of Salvation. We ended up giving him a Book of Mormon and we are hoping to meet with him again soon. That was a miracle of finding. Even though it is hard for me to go up and start a conversation, I can still be led by the spirit. It helped me gain some courage and then I was able to talk to two people and they were good conversations.
Sunday we woke up and went to church. We had one of our investigators come to church which was awesome and she actually paid tithing. After church we had pranzo at our ward mission leader's house with his family. It was so nice to be with his family. It was him and his wife and their daughter and her three children. It was so nice to be in a home with them and play with the kids and be in a family setting. It was definitely a blessing. We shared part of the nativity with them as well. There is a part in the nativity video where the wise men are presenting their gifts to Christ and it is so touching. It makes me excited for when I can be in front of my Savior and be thanking Him for all that He has done for me. And the blessing His Atonement has been in my life. It gets me teary every time I watch it. Afterwards we went home and did some studies and weekly planning and then we went down to the Teatro Massimo which is the big opera house in Palermo and we did caroling with all of the other missionaries here in Palermo and also with the ward members as well. The streets are all lit up now. Today was festa which is when everyone sets up for Christmas and then all go out in the streets. The streets were super busy and all the lights were up and the Teatro Massimo was so beautiful. It was so much fun to be feeling the Christmas spirit and be out caroling surrounded by so many beautiful Christmas lights.
This week for something that I learned, I read a talk that my mom suggested. It said that when we have taken the correct steps to be forgiven, God does forgive us and he remembers those sins no more. But we will still remember them because they are what help us not to make that same mistake again and to just help us to grow. Even though I may still remember things of my past they can actually be a strength instead of a weakness. Christ's Atonement is so deep and so beautiful and if we just focus on that aspect of it then the things that we have done in the past can be a strength instead of a weakness. I also studied about how important personal study is. We can have faith in Christ but we need to be doing the little things every day like reading our scriptures and saying our prayers and studying the words of the prophets and apostles. That is what will keep us rooted in the gospel. As we keep doing those studies and learning about Christ then no matter what any one else says or the trials that we have in our lives we are rooted in the gospel and nothing will be able to uproot us. It's just like a seed, when you plant it as you keep watering it, the roots grow stronger and stronger until it can withstand those winds. And it can't be knocked down.
It is so beautiful now that everything is set up for Christmas. There are vendors all along the streets with nativities and Christmas lights and other things for Christmas. It's different being away from home but there are so many beautiful things so I'm just trying to find the joy in each day.

Love you!
Sorella Acton

 Zone Calcio (Soccer)

Just for fun

 Pastries

Caroling with Missionaries 

and

Ward Members

Teatro Massimo all decorated for

Christmas

Week 9 in Palermo

Monday December 2, 2019

Monday was p-day and both my companion and I woke up feeling pretty sick.  There's a lot of people around us that have a cold and it got us. We had a lazy start for our p-day but eventually we got up and ate some breakfast, did a little bit of cleaning, and went grocery shopping. We also did some studies and sent some emails and then we went to the church to play fuse ball with the Anziani (Elders). I think it is becoming our new tradition. It is a lot of fun, however it is definitely a game that gets quite competitive. Then we went to McDonalds because the church's wifi isn't working and that is the only place that we can find free wifi without having to ask for it. We talked to our families and then afterwards we went and bought a Christmas tree for our apartment and stopped by the pharmacy to get some medicine for our colds. We finished the day with some contacting and preparations for the work this week.
On Tuesdays we have District Council and Sorella Johnson and I had made some pumpkin bread in the morning because two of the Anziani had birthdays coming up this week. We went to the doctors so my companion could have some blood tests and then we went to District Council, which is always really good and inspiring. We ended the meeting with making snowflakes and talking about how we are all different, mainly because Sorella Johnson and I wanted some snowflakes to decorate our apartment. Unfortunately, the pumpkin bread did not turn out the way we wanted it to. It was still very gooey in the middle, but we just got some spoons and ate it with spoons. After that we had pranzo and studies and then went to a less active's house and helped her clean. That night we had English Course. When we get home in the evenings we are suppose to contact our District Leader and let him know that we made it safely. Sorella Johnson and I have been trying to learn how to rap better so we made a rap and sent it to our District Leader to let him know we made it to our apartment safely. Then that turned into some rap battles.
Wednesday woke up, had to take another test to the doctor and then we went and did some finding. It was really fun because we had three people tell us that they would like for us to come back and teach them. We are planning to do that this week sometime. Also one guy we were having a conversation with said he would come to church because he has been looking for something more and he liked the things we had shared with him. So, we'll see if he ever comes. After that we got on the train and went to Agrigento which is about a 2 hour train ride from our area. We missed the first train so, of course, we had to stop by the McDonald's and get an ice cream and do some contacting while we waited for the next rain. Once we were on the train and in Agrigento, I went on a scambio with Sorella Malingo which she is in her third transfer so she just got done with training. We went around and dropped off flyers for English Course at different stores and then went to do service at a place that serves dinner every evening  to those who don't have food. All 15 of them were men, so of course that's always an adventure here in Italy. But it was nice to help there. We helped make the food, serve it, and then cleaned up at the end. After that we had a lesson with a man from Africa which was a lot of fun. He was really nice and we had a good lesson about family with him. We then went home and of course when you are having a scambio with two other Sorelli you have to have a night where you just stay up and talk. So we talked for a while and go to know each other a little more and that is always fun to spend time with some other girls.
Thursday we finished up with our scambio. Sorella Malingo and I did some finding. It was thanksgiving so we walked around and told people that it was Thanksgiving in America and asked them what they were grateful for and what makes them happy. We had a lot of fun with that because both of us are still trying to get the language down and it made us feel independent for a while. We just did our best and we had some good conversations. We had lunch and then we went back home. We met with a couple of members and had a lesson then left and called family for Thanksgiving. After that we went to English Course, which is always a lot of fun. The Anziani had made hats for everyone; either a pilgrim, Indian, or turkey. We talked about Thanksgiving and we had everyone write what they were thankful for on the board and then we went and had pizza with a couple of the people from English Course.
Friday we woke up and did some studies and then headed to a lady who we have been teaching for a while. At one point she was on date for baptism but her family is not supportive of her decision and is keeping her from progressing. She made us home made ravioli and it was so yummy! We had a lesson with her and talked with her for about one and a half to two hours. And then her husband came home and we ate the homemade ravioli for pranzo. It reminded me a lot of being home which was nice. After that we came home and did weekly planning and then Sorella Johnson and I had a dance party to break things up a bit.
Saturday was a pretty cool day. We did studies in the morning and then we said a prayer that we would be able to accomplish some of our goals for November. We needed to find one more new person to teach and there were two less active members we needed to contact. We prayed that we would be able to find a family to teach. We left for the day and had an appointment with our friend, Angela, and we had met her and had a lesson with her before. She wasn't super interested but she said we could meet with her again. So, we went to her mom's house and they made us a super yummy carbonara. It was a very intense pranzo, she made us a mountain of pasta to eat and then she had a meat course, which was a breaded meat-either like chicken or beef and then they bread it and fry it. And she gave us each a whole loaf of bread, it was a skinny loaf of bread but it was still a lot. And then we had salad and fruit. Everything was really yummy but we were so full. After pranzo we showed her the video for Christmas; "The First Gift."  She said she was interested to learn more and wanted to have us over again. So, guess what? Our goal was accomplished, we got a new person to teach. After that we went and visited Giovanna and her husband and to invite them to church and then we went to leave a note at a less active's house. On our way back from there we met a really cool and really sweet family who said we could exchange numbers so that was awesome. We talked about our church and she really liked everything that we shared. That was a miracle. It was crazy that we had prayed for certain things in the morning and had said these are the things we really hope to have happen but if not, well then we will continue on in faith. And then the Lord made those things happen for us. It was amazing to see. Then we went home and the lady that lives below us in our apartment building, she is a member, had locked her keys inside her house and our landlord was gone. She was going to be locked out of her house for a day and a half and she was really worried about it. She came up and asked if there was anything that we could do. We found a key that was similar to the one that unlocks her door and went down to see if it would work. We eventually got her door unlocked and she was so cute and so grateful. She was jumping up and down and thanking the Lord and hugging us. That was a miracle for her. After that we went and had a gesso, which these are always hard for me because I get overwhelmed with finding in such big groups of people, but it went alright. It was really amazing to see all of the incredible miracles that happened today.
Sunday was Fast Sunday, I always love Fast Sundays. After church we went to Catia's house, she's a member, with Arlinda and Ricardo. He brought homemade arancini from his Grandma and it was so delicious! And then we ate pasta with shrimp, tomatoes, zucchini and pana (cream) which was also yummy. And then we had some breaded chicken that was made with lemon, rosemary, and olive oil and then we had salad. It was a lot of fun and really nice to spend time with them. Arlinda likes to call us her children, she is the sweetest little lady. After that we headed out to a lesson with a family and we were teaching them about Lehi's vision. We tried to establish what they want from meeting with us and if they were interested in continuing to meet with us. They like having us over and talking about the gospel so we are still going to visit with them once in a while. I'm still trying to get over my cold.
The spiritual thought that I would like to include with my weekly this week is a talk from Elder Holland that was so perfect for me this week it is entitled "Be Ye Therefore Perfect, Eventually." He says "if we persevere then somewhere in eternity our refinement will be finished and complete. Yet surely the Lord would never give us a commandment he knew we could not keep. As children of God we should not demean or vilify ourselves. As if beating up on ourselves is somehow going to make us the person God wants us to become." I love this because as a missionary there is a lot of times where you do kind of beat on yourself and feel like you're not doing enough. Or that you don't have as much worth, but it says that's not going to help us become what God wants us to become. So we need to stop it. He continues to say "to put this issue in context may I remind all of us that we live in a fallen world and for now we are a fallen people. We are in the telestial kingdom, that is spelled with a "t" not a "c". As President Russell M. Nelson has taught, here in mortality perfection is still pending." I really love that! I actually made it into a little quote and put it on my wall where I do my studies. It was a really good reminder that we are told to become perfect as Christ, but it's not going to happen in this life. We need to do our best but we need to not put ourselves down when we aren't reaching that, because perfection is still pending. Then there was this really cool quote that I liked that was relatable to us as missionaries as well. In this story there was a priest that was being persecuted because he wasn't living the things he taught perfectly. And the people were saying why should you be a priest teaching these things when you don't even live them perfectly yourself. Then he said "Attack me if you wish, I do this myself, but don't attack the path I follow. If I know the way home but am walking along it drunkenly, is it any less the right way simply because I am staggering from side to side. Do not gleefully shout 'Look at him, there he is crawling into a bog.' No, do not gloat but give your help to anyone trying to walk the road back to God." I love that because sometimes as people in leadership positions in the church or us, as missionaries, or even just as Latter-day Saints. Or even just people trying to live a good life, sometimes we get persecuted for not being perfect. Especially if we are teaching these things. So, I really liked this quote because we teach the gospel because we know it is true and it's going to make us happy and it's going to help us get closer to God. But we're not perfect and we are never going to be perfect in this life so it is just a good reminder that we need to keep in mind that even the prophet, though he seems dang near perfect to us, he still isn't perfect and that's just because we are still in a fallen world. So, we need to help everyone who is on the path back to God and to not judge those who still struggle.

Love you!
Sorella Acton

 Trying to make our apartment festive

 Our Christmas tree

 Dance Party to break up 

the evening of planning

 From the train on our way to Agrigento

Homemade Ravioli

Pizza

Week 8 Finding Joy in the Journey

Monday November 25, 2019

This week went by super quick! We had a lot going on, and honestly I feel like the week just started-I can't believe it is already P-day.
Tuesday I had to go the questura again and finally this time I got my permesso finger prints done, so I don't have to go back there until it is time to pick up my actual card that says I can live here. We did some contacting, some studies and then that night we had English Course, which is always a lot of fun. As I was doing my studies, I realized how weak I am and how I really need to strive a lot harder to have charity and treat all of God's children with kindness. Also, my companion and I waxed our "mustaches" and it hurt sooo bad. But ya know, you gotta do what you gotta do for "comp" bonding, right?!
Wednesday was Mission Tour and oh my gosh it was AMAZING!! Elder and Sister Sabin came, he is  an area authority of the seventy here. They came and they taught a couple lessons to us which were literally so perfect. I felt the spirit so strong. A lot of what they said motivated me to become a better missionary. Also, our Mission President and his wife gave a lesson; they taught a lot about becoming "the one" and finding "the one." And how we need to obtain Christ-like characteristics. There's a couple of things that I want to share that I really liked from those talks. Our Mission President's wife talked a lot about "one by one" and the "Light the World" that is going to be coming up now that Christmas is coming around. She told us that we need to watch "The Christ Child" videos. Then our Mission President, President Smith, talked about being spiritually self-reliant to become life long disciples of Christ. And how instead of having specific rules given to us he wants to give us principles and have us be self-reliant and follow those. He believes that principles are eternal truths framed in a way to promote maximum agency. We talked about better ways to teach and then he also told us that if we truly loved our Heavenly Father we wouldn't need rules because we would have that desire to do all we can to be close to Him to where we needn't rules outlined for us. That was a big roast. Then Elder Sabin got up and he talked about how there was a lot more time than the here and now; there's a hereafter. And that much more then what we say is what we are, which was really good for me to hear since I am not able to say as much as I would like because of the language barrier. We also talked about more joy and that having joy is a choice. The most important thing we can do and learn is how to recognize the spirit and have the courage to follow it. We can receive revelation at any time as long as we have faith. That was really good to hear; to really find joy in the moment. Then Sister Sabin got up and she talked about how we need a Savior and that there is opposition in all things. And where there are weaknesses there can be strengths. I really appreciated that because especially as a new missionary you realize how weak you are and how many weaknesses and imperfections you have but where there are weaknesses there can be strengths. As long as we rely on our Savior, He can turn our weaknesses into strengths. Faith is trust that leads to action, faith is physical or mental stretching. She also talked about joy, she said serve joyfully and let the stress go focus totally on the work and have faith. Faith is doing what the Lord wants us to do without seeing the outcome. Because sometimes we can have a lot of faith and we may not see the outcome; true faith and trust in the Lord is by continuing to follow Him even though we might not see the outcomes of our work. Then we had lunch and afterwards Elder Sabin talked to us again. There was a question that he asked us that I really liked and want to focus on that says "What does He want you to become?" Our true identity and worth is the most profound, simple, and misunderstood truth in the world today. We need to make sure that we are teaching the people we find what their identity is; everyone is a child of God. Then he talked about how happiness is a journey not just a destination so find joy in the journey. There is something in each day to enjoy and cherish. Take a moment and be grateful for all the things you are blessed with. You will never be more happy than you are grateful. That was perfect especially now that it is around Thanksgiving. It was a good reminder to me that I need to be looking for miracles and noticing the happiness and joy that I find in each one of my days. He continued to go on and talk about never forget who you are and never forget the work of the Savior. And then something I really liked that he told us was that when he was a Mission President and had missionaries coming home he had them write a whole list of all of their blessings starting with the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Resurrection and then he had them write another list of things they would never do. I really liked that and I want to apply that in my life because if we sit down and write out a list of all of our blessings then on those days that are a little bit harder we can go back and we can look at all of our blessings and realize that God's hand is in our lives. And that he really does loves us and we have a lot of things we are blessed with and maybe we are just overlooking them and taking things for granted, so it's a really good reminder. And then also its cool to write a list of things that you would never do, then you can go back and look at those in times where you're struggling and remember the things that are important to you. Then he also talked about how most of our challenges in life are great blessings in disguise, which is so true.  I think it is important that we look at every trial and challenge in our life and try to find the blessings that can come through that; whether it be strength or whether it be that our testimony of the Savior can grow stronger through it. He also said that our mission is life long and then he shared with us that there are angels round about us and he promised us that they truly are round about us, bearing us up. That was really touching to me because of having family from here in Palermo. That was really special to think there are angels around me bearing me up and that they could be our family members. Some other thoughts from his talk that stood out to me were; Live with an eternal perspective, tough times is when you are learning. Joy has everything to do with the focus of our lives. Replace the words "if only" with "because of". He doesn't care where you've been but where you are going. How will you always remember Him. We will be measured by the work we do. We need to teach to the people's needs and have the courage to ask inspired questions. The main statement that he left us with was "Don't fear, just live right. We become better by wanting to." I really liked that and Mission Tour was everything that we needed. We were all very uplifted. It was amazing that Elder Sabin and his wife came to our Mission not knowing us but pointed out all the things that we needed to hear.  That night we went and got gelato with a less active and her mom.
Thursday when I woke up I wasn't feeling all that well because we got flu shots the day before at Mission Tour. We had some other sisters staying with us that had come for Mission Tour. The other thing that Elder Sabin talked to us about on Wednesday was the importance of waking up right at 6:30 and how important it is to work out and it's not a work out unless we break a sweat. So even though we were all feeling sick we got up and did quite the ab workout. Later that morning, Sorella Johnson and I went out to visit a lady in our ward and her area was so beautiful. It was really good to go out there and visit her, she is pretty lonely. Afterwards, the two sisters that were staying at our apartment and my companion had to leave to go to Rome for a Mission Training Conference since they are all STL's. I went and joined the Sorelli from the Palermo II area and we were in a trio.  Thursday night we had English course which was really fun. We had five new people come so we had them introduce themselves and it was a lot of fun. That night we went over and had dinner with the member that lives right below us in our apartment.
Friday we woke up and went over to the other sister's house and did some studies and had pranzo and then we went out to a lesson. We were teaching the Restoration. We did role plays and I was able to actually contribute a good amount to the lesson so I felt really good about that. We did some finding and then we went to reward ourselves with some dessert and we ended up talking with the guys that were in the bakery for about 45 minutes. That was cool to realize that no matter where you go, the Lord can put people in your path. That was really fun. After that we went to another appointment with a family from Africa. They were so fun and so cute. I had "fufu" for the first time, which was really yummy. I will include some pictures with my email. We taught them about families and showed them an object lesson about how when we are alone we are weaker but if we are together we are stronger. I really enjoyed being with them and I love seeing the Lord's hand in our lives, every single day.
Saturday, not a lot happened. We had a lot of running around and errands to do; picking Sorella Johnson up from the station and then that night we had a gesso. I had a little bit of time to do some reflecting and realized that I need to not get discouraged when I'm feeling weak because God does like to choose the weak and the simple to do His work. I just need to have courage and really trust in Him because that is the only way that I'm going to grow. We don't grow when we are in our comfort zone; that was a good reminder for me. It's a lot easier said than done, but it is something that I'm going to be trying to work on.
Sunday was amazing. We went to church, we were expecting one of the people that we have been teaching to show up so we were waiting around for her. It was time for church to start and she hadn't shown up yet, so we went and sat down. During the sacrament I prayed and asked Heavenly Father to please help us understand His will. I said to Him that I trust Him and knew that everything is on His timing. (In the Preach My Gospel manual we learn that having faith in Him means trust in His timing and that it's His will. And that miracles can be wrought through us, but its' according to his will). So, I just asked to please understand His will and that I was just going to keep having faith and trust in Him and maybe it just wasn't the right Sunday for her to come. After the sacrament was over we looked back and we saw her and also her husband and they were both able to get there in time for the sacrament. I went back and sat by her and was having to fight back tears because it was such a testimony builder for me. God really does know us, he knows our wants and our fears and as long as we keep having faith and trust in Him, miracles really do come to pass. She came to sacrament and said she thought it was beautiful and was a bit teary so we know she was able to feel the spirit. Afterwards she invited us to have pranzo with her and her husband. After pranzo they invited us to go up with them to see their house that is in the mountains. It was so beautiful. It was so much fun to get to spend time with them and get to know them better; they are really incredible. It helped me realize that if we are looking, we truly can see miracles every day.
This was a great week and I really appreciated the Mission Tour and the great reminders we received there.

Love you all

Sorella Acton

 At the questuro

eating cookies to pass the time

 Beautiful Sunday

 The Cure Family

 Fufu

Scambio with the Palermo II Sisters

My comp, Sorella Johnson, and me

 waxing="comp" bonding