Thanksgiving has passed...

[Letter from 11/30/11]

Okay...so I don't feel like writing very much, so I am sending alot of pictures. And the first one is of the Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Nicolas. Pretty crazy.


ANd the second picture is the Chiesa Russa (russian church) sign. Both of these pictures are for all of my friends out there who served your missions in Russia. I get Russian religion too without the cold snow! Haha.


The next picture is Sorella Hicks and I eating hot dogs American style. We found this stand by the main train station and they sold hot dogs american style. So we just had to try. They still weren't as good...wait, I don't really even like hot dogs. I guess I just miss America. Ha But it was a good change from Pasta and Pizza all the time.


This is in Foggia on our way to the baptism there. The Anziani in Foggia (our district) had a baptism and the convert now (Salvatore) wanted us Sorelle to sing for his baptism, so we went. But this is a gas station with that wierd tower thing...we called it their Rameumptom. Ha Oh the jokes we make as missionaries...so pathetic. I always told myself I wouldn't become a dorky missionary with horrible style and bad humor...but a third of the way in and I am exactly that. THe worst part, which hurts me inside all the time, is wearing the same shoes every day even when they don't match very well. I wear my black comfortable shoes because they are the best for walking. I can't wait to have my shoe collection back and not have to wear flats with a skirt anymore. So yeah...the Rameumptom!


The next 4 pictures were in this glass display case also on our way to Foggia's baptism. These are all things made from cardboard boxes and paper bags. How awesome is that? I think they are amazing!! I don't know who did it or why, but it is cool. Some people are so talented. There is a violin, a couch, sheet music, a coat hanger, a dress, a tv with speakers, some tennis shoes, etc. Enjoy!








Then the other two are from english course on Thanksgiving. We (Slla Hicks and I) made thanksgiving dinner for our students and for the Anziani. The Turkey whole was impossible to find, so we got 4 drumsticks and two wings. They turned out yummy! But there were a few feathers on them still and the skin from around the ankles. It was REALLY gross! And we baked an apple pie, had rolls, and mashed potatoes and gravy. We had a lesson on gratitude and shared our blessings. It was really powerful with the spirit and all. Really great thanksgiving and the students were amazed!




Well we also set a baptismal date with the aunt of our bishop. It is for January 7th. Her name is Dora. More info to come!

Love you all,
Sorella Heiner

We are God's Army

[Letter from 11/23/11]

Cari Tutti...

So do you all remember how Stefania was supposed to get baptized on the 26th? Ya, well, we got a call on this last friday the 18th around noon telling us that she wants to do it a week earlier so she can go in the temple this week. So...we agreed and well, Stefania got baptized and confirmed this week...which makes us SO happy!! She is now at the temple doing baptisms for the dead. She looked so happy. And the coolest thing, was that she told her family the night before her baptism that she moved her date up a week. And they were NOT happy at all. And so Saturday morning she left a note for her family and then left for work and then came to get stuff ready with us and was fasting and praying that her family would change their hearts and come to her baptism. And as we were making sure everything was ready to start, in walks her parents and her sister. Stefania was almost in tears. She ran to greet them and then had us come and meet them. They seemed a little aprehensive, but by the end of the baptism, they seemed at peace. And Stefania was glowing. Not only was it a miracle that Stefania finally got baptized, but that her whole family came to support her. It was amazing!! And I sang at her baptism with three other Sorelle. I was nervous, but it actually was really powerful and caused Stefania to tear up. And then the bishop's wife asked us to sing it again Sunday at her daughter's baptism. So we did. And then an investigator for some other Anziani was there at the baptism and wants us to sing it at his baptism this Saturday the 26th. So we are pretty much the baptism singers now. Ha

We have been working alot with Angelo (the new convert) and by working with him, I mean he has come with us the last two mondays to do house. He has been bringing us to all his friends houses too. We have been getting so many referrals and potential investigators thanks to him. And the great thing, is that he gets even more excited about the gospel when he shares it with others. He keeps calling us God's Army. His testimony is growing as he helps us with this work.He was a little down at the beginning because we kept getting shut down, but we told him that even though they say no right now, we are planting seeds and in a few years when they meet missionaries again, they will remember us. And then he smiled and led the way with a light. And a few minutes later, we ran into a friend of his who is actually really intersted. He said after that he prayed we would find someone he knew and then there was the answer. He said he is sort of used to miracles now.


I recieved a letter from a man back home in another ward who was visiting our ward and felt prompted to write me. So he sent me this letter and a picture of Christ on the cross between the two other men with the crowd below. This whole letter was about how looking at Christ, many people thought he was losing at that moment, but in reality, he was winning because he was overcoming everything for us. He was accomplishing the plan perfectly as God planned it. And so he invited me to look at that picture and think of myself as a missionary, and think...am I winning? Or am I making the difficulties and challenges make me think I am losing? I now think about that every day and I feel more desire to keep working hard because I know that as long as I do everything the Lord asks of me the best I can, I will be winning. No matter how many lessons I teach or how many baptisms I get. When Christ looked to be losing and in the worst situation ever...was when he was at the peak of success in his life. And thanks to that...we have the Atonement. The most powerful and amazing thing ever. The guy was Dave Bang...so if you know him mom or dad...tell him thanks for me and it was incredible.

Never lose sight of what Christ did for us. During this Thanksgiving season, we have one thing we can always be thankful for and it is God's love. It is emminant in everything around us and the strongest sign of his love is the Atonement. I am grateful we have the sacrament every week to remind us of his love. And I am grateful to be walking among these Italian people with that message.

Thanks for everything you all do. I love you all and pray for you!

Love always,
Sorella Heiner

***

Okay the first one is Stefania and her boyfriend Ettore with us.


Then there is Stefania with her family.


Then the other oone is Stefania with the Valentini family. They are practically family to her and helped us with all the lessons with her and everything...The Valentini family is like the heartbeat of the church down here in the Puglia. They are awesome.


Then that is me with the baptismal font when we were filling it...the water ended up being boiling hot. Oh well...better than too cold right? Ha. Or we tried to do baptism by water and fire at the same time. Ha just kidding!


Then there are the other two sorelle with us and Angelo and Marinella. My first Sunday in Bari. Angelo is ALWAYS talking. They are both great and Angelo is a hair stylist...he did my hair yesterday. Just a trim.


THen there is the picture of Sorella Hicks and I.


Then focaccia! Yummy!! It isn't usually that thick, but this place makes it like that and it was so yummy. My favorite one. It is just bread with tomatoes and olives and baked.


Enjoy the pictures!

And the work is gaining momentum...

Ciao!

Okay, first things first...HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!! LOVE YOU!!! I can't
believe you just turned 25! So proud of my momma...growing up so fast!
Ha I actually got you a birthday present, but I sent it with some
shoes I bought to the mission home to be stored for safe keeping til I
finish. SO you won't get it for awhile. Sorry.

Garrett is now a missionary. So strange. I hope he adapts well. It's a
really tough transition. But he is doing the right thing.

So the baptism for Stefania is still happening. She is so great. She
wants Sorella HIcks and I to say the opening and closing prayers
because she says we bring the spirit so much when we pray. Super cute!
And her boyfriend is going to baptize her and this member who has
helped us with our lessons (fratello Valentini) is going to confirm
her. Yesterday when she asked him to do it, he said he was so honored
and flattered. She answered saying that this whole program was
something she already knew. Which means she was dreaming about this
the whole time. Also, Sunday she talked with her parents about the
baptism. She told us that earlier, her mom wouldn't even talk to her
for awhile after she came home from church and was not super happy
about her taking part in our church stuff. So we were praying for her
all week. And Sunday she talked to them and said that they were both
okay with it. Not happy, but not against her. They said that as long
as she is doing it for herself and not her boyfriend, then they are
okay with it. Now we are all praying that they will come to her
baptism. She isn't sure if they'll come or not. Us four sorelle are
going to do the musical number too...with one of the Anziani playing
the piano (Anziano Mickelson). We are going to sing the words to
Joseph Smith's first Prayer to the tune of Come Thou Fount (yep
sorella foote...I suggested it and we're gonna do it). We will do the
first and last verses in italian and the middle two in english. I am
nervous but excited. I wish I could actually sing well...but oh well.
Italians can't really sing so they won't know any better.

Thursday we got DRENCHED in the rain. It just poured and my shoes are
STILL wet. It was a fun adventure. I sure felt like a missionary that
day. Outside, doing finding, in the cold rain.

Friday we did finding the whole day. It was interesting because it
seemed to be the day when all the creepy men were around. We were
stopped by like 4 men who gave us their information but I think it was
mostly because they weren't interested in the gospel. One of them kept
asking if we were allowed to go take strolls at night. So we are going
to set up an appointment with him at the church and bring the Anziani
and do a trade off and let the Anziani teach him if he really is
interested. We also met this lady from Colombia who was a TJ (Jehovas
Witness) and we talked to her for awhile. She tried to kind of bash
with us but wasn't very good at it and seemed really confused on the
things she was saying. LIke she was trying to just spit out things she
has heard them say. We ended up getting her to talk a Plan of
Salvation pamphlet and said we could come back again...but to keep in
mind that she is a TJ. Ha I think she isn't content in her religion
but is in denial.

Sunday Angelo and Marinella got the Holy Ghost. And then Angelo got
the priesthood. He called us right after that and told us it was so
special and that he felt so great and happy. He said they even took
him into a special room to give him the priesthood (the kitchen haha).
He is so great! Oh man.

So Monday we did finding in the evening and invited Angelo (the brand
new convert) to come with us. We did casa. He was so excited to come.
Oh and he was fasting ALL day monday and planned to just read the Book
of Mormon all day because it was his day off of work. He's this cute
65 year old man. SO great! He acts and is a hair stylist. So we meet
at his hair salon and do a mini training and act out a door scene and
then we go. We tell him the street we want to do and he says he has
friends who live there that he wants to visit. So off we go. This was
the best 2 hours of finding ever!! Angelo took us to meet 5 of his
friends and he introduced us as his sorelle and tells his conversion
story and invites them to church then gets them to give us their
numbers. THen he would do the door approach perfectly and introduce us
as all missionaries for the church. It was great. Then he would share
is his testimony and get numbers and ask if we can come back. We got
like 10 phone numbers. We also rang someone's intercom thing and told
them why we are here and she let us come in. It was a 23 year old girl
from Ghana. So we did the intro lesson in english and translated for
angelo. He again bore his testimony. She wants us to come back next
week too...so new investigator! so fuN! Angelo kept calling us God's
team and told us that he is going to come with us to do this every
monday and this next monday he will come prepared with a list of
referrals for us. He is a perfect example for a member missionary and
is a dream! It is amazing! And he is so fun too!

Okay and last story...yesterday, we had to go to lunch at this
member's house. She is pretty old, lives alone with her cats. never
been married. She is sweet, but it was a terror. She is one of those
people I heard about up in Rome...the cat lady. So we went...luckily
with the Anziani. There was cat hair EVERYWHERE. I inhaled so much
hair. the dishes were all covered in hair. Our clothes got covered in
hair. There was hair in the food. I just want to throw up thinking
about all of this. But we politely sucked it up and ate. While eating,
one of the cats jumps onto the table from the cabinet behind me and i
screamed. It scared me so bad and grossed me out. And guess what, she
just let it sit there for like 5 minutes. SO gross!! And when I put my
jacket on, it had cat prints on it. Worst meal appointment of my life.
Now I REALLY don't like cats!! Oh bless her heart. But it was sure an
experience to remember. The anziani promised to make us brownies
tonight because they are the ones who got us sucked into this thing. I
just hope I don't have to go back.

Well that is it for now,
I am super tired and my back and head hurt. SO today we're just going
to rest in the apartment. Oh and transfers are 10 days before
Christmas. How sad is that? I'm pretty sure president won't change
Sorella Hicks and I though, but who knows.

Love always,
Sorella Heiner

Letter from down in La Puglia

[Letter from 11/9/11]

Hey...

So here is my new address:

Sorella Heiner
Via Giulio Petroni 99B
70124 Bari
Italia

And no, I haven't recieve any mail within the last 2.5 weeks, but one of the Anziani who we work with here is Zone Leader and he is going to Rome for Conference with the Zone Leaders next week so I told Sorella Buma to bring them into Rome and he will bring stuff back for me. ALso...I forgot my retainer at Ladispoli. So asked Sorella Buma to send it and I still don't have it. So I am nervous about that. I do NOT want my teeth to get crooked.

But Bari...it's cool. It's a HUGE city, Kind of feels like what New York would be like or something. There are 8 missionaries in Bari. Two wards with a set of elders and a set of sisters in each. Our ward is great. THey are al SOO excited to have sisters. They said they haven't had sorelle in over 13 years. And every sunday after church, a family in the ward feeds the missionaries. This last sunday we went to
bishop's house. They are really great. The food is yummy, but they said they eat more seafood here in Bari. I haven't had any yet. Rumor has it that they eat liver alot here and HORSE. Gross!! I do not want to have that, but if they feed it to us, I guess I have to at least try it. My favorite food here is either the Panzarotti or Focaccia. Panzarotti are like giant hot pockets deep fried or baked. They are way yummy. And Focaccia is like really think pizza with just tomatoes and olives and seasonings on top.

I had to take the train down to Bari with 2 greenies. So they were depending on me to make sure we got there. I was really nervous, but we did fine. And on the train I made friends with two guys from Bari. One was a dad with two daughters around my age and the other was only 26...studying to become a priest who approves divorces for the
Catholic church. I talked with them about pretty much everything for the full 4 hours in ITALIAN. And I translated for the greenies so they could know what they were saying. I was quite surprised with my language skill. I guess I couldn't depend on Sorella Foote anymore, so it forced me to use it. It was fun though. and I am proud of myself.

Sunday night there were 2 baptisms for the other ward in Bari. It was an old couple, Angelo and Marinella. Sorella Hicks taught them with Sorella Ashman last transfer. So we ended us splitting the numbers so we each had one baptism. Ha our district leader laughed when we did it. But it just felt good. The baptism was beautiful and they looked so happy. A great addition to the church.

We have been doing ALOT of finding. Actually, pretty much all we do is finding. But when planning for yesterday, we looked at our map and the same street stood out to us. So we did finding on that street and were trying a new approach of singing I am a Child of God for people. No one had time or was even home, but this one door. A man opened it and let us in because he didn't live there, was just the cable guy and the owner can't walk really, so we walked in to talk with her. She was SO depressed and didn't want anything to do with us. SO I started small talk like where she was from and how I just got to Bari and such. She told us how she lost her husband and her son and now is all alone and has no desire to continue living. She said she just sits and watches tv all day. So we shared a little of the plan of salvation and just
testified to her of God's love for her and how Christ suffered specifically for her and knows how she feels. Then we asked to say a prayer with her and did that. Then she let us sing and by the end of the visit, was smiling. She invited us to come back anytime we want because she's always home. Her name is Jenny (spelling italian way I am not sure...if it even exists). She is 90 years old. And we know for a fact that we went on that street to find her and bring her a piece of joy. It was the best feeling ever!! I just love her so much already and want her to feel happy.

And then we had anothing really big exciting miracle Tuesday....WE SET A BAPTISMAL DATE!!! So the anziani told us about this young girl Stefania who is not a member, but comes to church and institute and everything as though she is already a member and she is dating an RM from another city close to here. So we went to church and this Stefania (23 years old) came up to us and started talking to us. And kind of hovered around us for awhile, so Sorella Hicks just asked her if we could meet with her sometime this week to teach her. She said yes, gave us number and address and exact time and set up herself for us to do it at a members house who lives near her. Then Monday she even called the members to confirm and called us right before we could call her to confirm. How great is that? So we had been praying for this lesson. We didn't want to mess it up. And we felt like November 26 would be good. So we went to the lesson, found out she read the BOM twice already. And has read the Bible. Has a testimony of it. Was quoting the BOM and everything. So the moment of truth came. We invited her to be baptized on the 26th and the first thing she said
was that she would be at the temple in Switzerland. Then the father of the member family in the lesson with us was backing us up completely about how great he feels about that date for a goal and it's a perfect time. So she agreed and is going to be at the temple (hanging around outside and doing geneology while the members are in it) that whole week before and then come home the morning of the 26th and be baptized
that evening. And we have about 4 lessons with her to teach her everything before she has to have her interview which we planned too. Everything is just set. It was like she was just waiting, begging us to ask her. We are so excited. The Anziani tried to meet with her and she wouldn't take the lessons. We think it is because they are guys and she felt wierd or something. Who knows, but she is on date. I am
so happy!

This opening up an area is weird. But liberating at the same time. I have never felt more guided by the spirit than right now. Neither of us know the area or the members, but we just follow any promptings we get. I still wonder why I got put here with such a great responsibility, because I don't feel capable. But the Lord must have some plan. The first part was to help Stefania to baptism. The next is a blank page, waiting to be filled. We called this a transfer of miracles...and in the first week, it already is. Love this work. Love the book of mormon. Love the savior. Love these crazy italian people. And love all of you back home.

Love you all,
Sorella Heiner

Transfers!

[Letter from 11/2/11]

Ciao Tutti!

Well, the big news of this week is that I am being transferred to Bari. Down in La Puglia (the heel of the boot of Italy). I leave tomorrow on the train with two greenies for 4 ish hours. There are two wards in Bari and only one of them had Sorelle for the last couple years, but now my companion (Sorella Hicks) and I will be opening this other ward and area with Sorelle. It already has Anziani. Sorella
Hicks in 2 transfers older than me and sounds really great. Everyone says they want to serve with her. So I'm excited. But I am super sad to leave everyone in Ladispoli. And I haven't seen everything in Rome yet. So I have a large to-do list still. But Sorella Foote served in Bari and said it's great. They speak Barese in Bari and when people would try to mimic it, they sounded like the Brooklyn version of
Italian. So should be an adventure. And also, the wards in Bari are big they said. Around 200 members in each with an actually chapel. As close to being like America as I can get I guess. Ha. AND...each city has their Saint...like a mascot. And Bari's is Saint Nicolas...AKA SANTA CLAUS!! And that is most likely where I will spend Christmas. Pretty sweet huh? Haha I think so. Quindi...I don't know my address
yet, so if you are dying to send me anything, send to the mission home and I will get it at Zone Conference or wait and I will tell you my address when I get there.

So now for my week...Yesterday was the day from the glutenous gods. Haha jk but because both Sorella Foote and I are leaving, everyone wanted to see us and feed us. So we went to see Francesca in the morning. She was very weak and tired. I feel like she doesn't have much time left. But at least I didn't have to be in Ladispoli when she dies. That would be too hard. But we left Francesca's to go to the Torelli Family's house in Bracciano (beautiful town). They have 10 kids...most not active, btu the parents are amazing people. And we ate with them. We had antipasta stuff, which was yummy. Like cheese, ham, bruschetta, and fried olives. Then we had lasagna with sausage. The portions were HUGE. It was like at least an inch thick and filled the WHOLE plate. I was going to die from eating it. But I accomplished that. And then they brought out big slices of meat and big sausages. And we had to eat one of each. Oh man. And also had some peas and salad. THen we had a yummy cake for dessert. I felt like giong into a food coma. It was yummy, but boy do these people eat alot. So after we ate enough for an army, literally, we went to visit another family in theward to say bye and give a spiritual thought. The dad isn't a member, but eventually.

Then we went to the church and tought English class. All of my students were so sad that I was leaving. They seriously were just so sad. But I gave them my full name so they could add me on facebook. So mom or brit, if you could send me a list of all friend requests, then I could tell you who you can accept. But in my english class, there is this couple. They are so great. And the guy doesn't have work right now but LOVES cooking and they are really fun. And they invited us over for dinner and we told them we have to be in early. So the girl came to corso d'inglese, while the guy stayed home and prepared dinner. And she gave us a ride to their place and we walked into their apartment full of their relatives. They were all just waiting for us and it was the best most italian welcome ever. And we hurried and ate and ate and ate. The food was SOO good, but we all were just praying for the Lord to expand our stomachs so we can eat it all. He actually was a REALLY good cook. And it looked so beautiful too. They were great. Unfortuately, this couple lives together and isn't
married. But they are building this relationship with our church so we can start teaching them. I told Sorella Buma to take good care of them beacuse I just love them. And Simona (the girl) works at the Nike store in Rome. I need to pay her a visit when i get back to Rome.

Um....so after all that eating, we have a lunch appointment right after this with the Del Core family. And we have another one tonight I think. I am definitely gaining weight. It sucks so bad. But we can't offend these people AND the food is SO good! It's a curse. So when I get home, for Christmas I would like a gym membership and maybe even a personal trainer. And I am dead serious.

The work in Ladispoli is great. Sorella Buma is going to be training and is nervous for that, but she will do great. The ward is super sad to be losing two of their missionaries at once, but I told them I would come back at the end with my family. There are so many great people here and if they just had the gospel, they would be near perfect.

Gotta go, I love you all. Thanks for all you do.

Love always,
Sorella Heiner

P.S. We got to see the model of the Rome temple grounds. It is 15 square acres, which is 5 bigger than Salt Lake Temple Square. It looks amazing and I am so excited!! They might even have that temple visitors center be an actual mission. But who knows. They are done with the foundations. And President said that pouring the cement for the foundation of the Hostile took 8 hours with a huge cement truck
arriving to be poured every 5 minutes straight. He said it was incredible to watch. So this is a BIG DEAL!! :-)

"I used to be a PRAYER WARRIOR!!" --Patience from Nigeria

[Letter from 10/26/11]

Ciao Tutti!

So I got a package with letters from some of the Young Women in the ward! It was fabulous. And they sent me a toothbrush which came at the perfect time because I was about to go buy a new one. They were definitely inspired. It was great to get this from them, and I will write them back soon. But tell them I got it and thanks. They are all so sweet. And also tell them I say they need to share their testimony of the Book of Mormon with one of their friends. Okay? THanks.

So Thursday we went to Rome for Zone Conference and it was amazing! President is so great. I learned alot and found more enthusiasm to work hard. On the way there though, it started raining like crazy! The train we were on had electricity go out 3 times on the way there. The busses were PACKED with people and everyone was freaking out. It was super fun though. They said it was the worst rain storm they have seen
in years. It was so bad that the metros were flooded. A great adventure though!

Friday we made lasagna ourselves. It was my first time making lasagna and was pretty yummy. The trick is making the sauce. I've never liked lasagna until I got here. And here it is probably my favorite thing. We also taught Andreina and she commited to praying about the BOM and coming to church. She also gave us a bunch of paintings that she did. SHe is a really great artist and has her walls at home covered with
them. It's so cute. I will probably send some home. SHe has a talent. We also commited Rosaria to pray about the BOM. WE just made copies of the Moroni's Promise thing from the October ENsign and gave it to them. It is so great. And we found out that Rosaria and her boyfriend broke up. Sad thing, but good because now she has more time to see us and if he was a negative opinion about the baptism thing, it is now gone. So we'll see how that goes.

Saturday we went to visit this Less active Paola in Anguilara. It is a beautiful little town by Bracciano Lake. Super cute. Poor Paola is so far away from the truth now. We read from the BOM with her and she was saying how she doesn't understand why Christ had to come to the Americas. That question has come up alot this week alone. Everyone is curious now as to why Christ visited the Americas if there were people
all over the world. I'm not sure why it's come up now, but now I need to really figure out a solid way to answer that. Sorella Foote said it was like the Americas is like one half of the world and Jarusalem was like the other half. But if anyone has any better 'evidence' or answer, that would be great to have. But Paola said one thing that just hurt so bad...she was talking and referred to this church as 'your church' instead of 'our church'. She is a member, but doesn't accept it anymore. So sad when someone goes that far. And this is all because she found out her husband had another family, so she left him and the church. Now she has nothing, it seems.

So we were at church in Relief Society, and Raffaella was there with us because she loves coming to church. And in walks Andreina!! All three of us were on the verge of crying because it was so great seeing her. She has 84 years and is just so tender! It was the best thing ever. Seriously, I was so happy. And our lesson was on President Monson's talk about the temple. She had so many questions for us, so we taught her a lesson on temples on Monday and she seems super excited about the Rome temple being built. But she left before Sacrament meeting...so that was a bummer. But piano piano...she will get there. I just hope she gets baptized before she dies. Haha

We did finding sunday night by singing I am a Child of God for people and people actually really liked it. We got a couple numbers from it and people who want us to come back.

We sang the National Anthem before going to bed the other night....Proud to be an American!! Ha but really, we did. It was fun.

Also, we teach English Course and I teach advanced class and they were telling me about a company of chocolate here called Parugina Chocolate and it's supposedly the best. So this class they presented me with a chocolate candy from there. It was so kind and made me so happy! Ha and there is this couple there who live together and the boyfriend loves to cook. So they want us to come over for dinner on Saturday. I
am quite excited for that one! My favorite thing is to teach English Course because these people get to realize how normal we are and it is a great way to accustom them to the gospel. Love it and Love them! They are all so funny and great!

Well, gotta go. I am happy and working hard and love hearing from all of you.

Be happy and safe,
Love always,
Sorella Heiner

P.S. Congrats on going through the temple Garrett! You better at least send me one e-mail about what you thought of it and before you leave for your mission! I love you! And good luck out there!

Ciao, my exclamation button on the keyboard doesn't work so i imagine everything being read in a monotonous way....like a robot. HA

[Letter from 10/19/11 - sorry I fell behind, everyone!]

Hey everyone,

So biggest news I have for you all is the on Monday we recieved a third companion. Sorella Chelsea Buma from Sandy, Utah. She was serving in Catania. So now we are in a trio. We don't know exactly why president wanted her here, but she is great and we are happy to have her. She is about halfway through her mission. Sorella Foote goes home at the end of this transfer too...but we don't talk about that. It is a sensitive topic.

So we have this somewhat investigator named Tiziana. And we watched the Restoration with her and then talked about Joseph Smith. She has already been taught everything awhile ago. She told us that she sees Joseph Smith and Moses as exactly the same thing. She doesn't think there is a difference between them. We were thinking, EXACTLY. So then we asked her if there really was a prophet on the Earth today, what
would she change. She said nothing. Haha She doesn't understand the restoration...but at least she somewhat understands that Joseph Smith is a big deal like Moses.

Rosaria is not on date for baptism anymore. She was set for the 22nd, but isn't ready. We are teaching her when she has time, but it's really slow right now. Really sad because she was so solid.

An old investigator with Sorella Foote before I came, named Cristian, was on date for baptism with them but then moved to Spain. Well...he's back in Ladispoli. But he didn't get baptized because he couldn't get to church on time for Sacrament meeting in Spain and he got scared. So we are meeting with him again. THe missionaries who taught him in Madrid were also sisters and one of them was SOrella Clark. Who is
from Bedford and was in the room right next to me at the MTC. Small world huh?

Speaking of small world, we were in the city where the cruise port is, Civitavecchia, and were walking towards the train station to go home and I told Sorella Foote that I would just love it if some American member going on a cruise would recognize us and just yell, 'HEY SISTERS'. Well about 30 seconds later we hear, HEY SISTERS. Haha I could not believe it. It was a couple from Salt Lake City waiting for their shuttle to the hotel before the start their cruise the next day.
It was so funny. The Lord is definitely a God of miracles and looks to bless us with the most ridiculous tiny things. Now I would love to see someone I know from back home. Haha. Vediamo.

That's all I can think about right now. But thanks for everything. You all are great.

Love you,
Sorella Heiner

P.S. MOM...I need you to send me a bunch of Reece's cups for my English Course students. I was telling them all about Reece's cups and they want to try them. There are about 20 students or so, so if you could get some to me, that would be great. If not, don't sweat it. THanks. Love you.

And Hayley, thanks for the pictures and email last week. Amira is growing so fast. I hope you are healthy and not too sick. Two more months. yay.

And BRITTANY...Happy Birthday...Remember a year ago when we were at disneyland? Ya I miss that. I can't wait to go when I get back. But I hope you have a great birthday. Love you.

Happy Birthday to Jonathan Blomquist too. You are getting so old. Watch out for gray hairs. Haha

***

These pictures are old. The first one is the seafood I ate my first monday here. It's squid, octopus, shrimp, and clams. Not my favorite at all. But I tried it.


next is the swiss alps when we flew over them to get to Rome.


Then the Vatican...San Pietro Basilica. It's the Pope's home.


Then Sorella Foote and I inside the Sisten Chapel. You can't tell that is where we are, but it is.


Those water things are everywhere. It is safe water. usually we fill our water bottles with is, but it is fun to drink out of it directly.


The Colloseo...obviously.


This is in front of the Spanish Steps, which are behind me. This is supposed to be the sweetest water in Rome or the world or something. there was a huge line to drink from it. Tasted like normal water to me and probably wasn't very sanitary. Oh well.


Trevi Fountain....yes, i threw a coin in and made a wish. But I don't remember what I wished for. Ha


Pantheon. Really cool, inside and out.


That's all I have time for now...but just know that this is only a little taste of how beautiful these things are. Can't believe I am living here and see it all the time.