Sister Anderson Mission Blog: Last Week of May

This week was a weird one because we had some unexpected things go on. Sorella Lo Russo, who is serving in a different ward in Milano, broke her ankle playing soccer. She was taken to the hospital and found out that she had to have surgery. But she stayed in the hospital Saturday and Sunday until on Monday when they finally decided to take her out. The hospital wasn't a very good one and they didn't trust them. So during those days we were visiting with her a lot in the hospital because she was all alone in a crazy hospital and her companion was put with us. Her companion came to church with us. Her name is Sorella Tullis, man it was so nice to have her with us at church. We need an extra set of hands! Sorella Lo Russo is okay now though and she will be getting surgery today or tomorrow.

I went to Claudio and Victoria's baptism on Saturday in Muggiò. It was such a good thing for them and they were so happy. Juana didn't get baptized but I'm sure that it's in her future. It was so hard for her that she wasn't able to be baptized with them. This family is such a strong family and I know that this will only bring them added blessings. Not even a day after Claudio's mom passed away. She's been sick for a long time but its still been so hard for them. Claudio is happy for the knowledge he has now, though. Keep them in your prayers if you can!

We did a scambio with the other Genova Sorelle, Sorella McCormick and Teague. It went well. Sorella Teague was a trooper as we did pass bys all morning. Luckily that night before we got to go see Mama and the girls were there too. We had a good lesson about gratitude with them.

George and Tina took us up the Regione Lombardia Tower because it’s free on certain days and it’s one of the tallest in Milan. The elevator is so fast too! We had to pop our ears at the top and everything. It goes 39 floors in 25 seconds. It was beautiful to see the entire city and we even ran into the tour Italy bike race/tour. I don't even know! But it was cool to watch for a few minutes.

We met with Chiara, Rosella's daughter because she recently found out that she was pregnant and she wanted to meet with us. Chiara is 22 and the sweetest girl ever. It was just Rosella, Chiara, Denise (Chiara's friend who is completely hilarious), and us. It was good to talk to her, give advice, and help her feel more confident in the situation. Especially because she is in the position where she could be doing this all on her own.

We met a super good potential as we had just been stood up for an appointment. We were able to teach her the entire restoration on the metro. It was awesome because usually the metro is so crazy that you never get the opportunity to. So hopefully we can set up an appointment with her for later this week.

Marilena came to church! It was so perfect. It was like all the lessons were specifically talking to her. She is progressing and loving the church. She participated so much and she's making some really good friends who will be able to help her.

In the end, I'm so happy that Sorella Lo Russo is being taken care of and that she is out of that hospital. It was hard because there was not very much space, air conditioning was bad, and it was under staffed. She will be better taken care of in the mission home until she can get her surgery. The work is doing so well. It's amazing to look around and see all the miracles around you, all the answered prayers, and all the people you love so much.

I found this quote this week by President Henry B. Eyring from the talk "Mountains to Climb". It's a really good talk and it even has a Mormon message to go along with it. It's one of my favorite videos so you guys should watch it.

"It is never too late to strengthen the foundation of faith. There is always time. With faith in the Savior, you can repent and plead for forgiveness. There is someone you can forgive. There is someone you can thank. There is someone you can serve and lift. You can do it wherever you are and however alone and deserted you may feel."

I love this because we are faced with trials that can cause our faith to shake. We may feel that the world is falling down around us. Maybe we feel that we are too far gone and our faith has long since faded. Like the quote says, it’s never too late. We can take the small baby steps that are necessary to build that foundation strong. If we continue to build our faith even during our trials, then our faith will come out stronger than it ever was before.

I love you all so much and hope you have a wonderful week!

Claudio and Victoria's Baptism