[Email from 1/4/12]
Hello everyone...
So, New year's eve, we had to be in our apartments at 6 p.m. So we were out working and heading home just before then, when we saw these guys in an intersection stopping traffic. Then laying boxes of fireworks in the middle. So we stayed at watched. These guys launched off tons and tons of HUGE fireworks in the middle of an intersection. At one of these corners was a gas station. It was crazy and ridiculous. And some people in their cars just went right around these fireworks. It was so dangerous. I recorded all of it on my camera...but I don't think I can send it through e'mail. BUt it was funny. And then when we were in our apartment trying to go to bed and such, all we heard were loud cannon sounds of fireworks. We felt like we were in a war zone. It was like the cannon sounds from Pirates of the Caribbean on the Black Pearl. I am surprised I was able to sleep at all, but I managed. Apparently the thing most common for Italy for New Years is fireworks. This year they were supposed to be illegal, but they were everywhere, so there must not have been any cops working. ha But there were some deaths because of fireworks in Napoli or Taranto. And a Palazza caught on fire and killed and injured alot of people too. That is because they launch these big fireworks in small streets lined with apartments everywhere. It is crazy. And another tradition, is people throw furniture and dishes and things from the old year out their windows and get new ones for the new year. It is interesting. Ha and now I understand why we needed to be inside so early.
Dora called us yesterday and told us she doesn't know if she can get baptized because she doesn't feel secure yet and that she doesn't want to be a difficulty for us by making us keep visiting her. She actually tried that one on us once before... we tell her that we are here for her personally. And that we are happier when we get to see her. So she agreed to let us see her Thursday night. I know she is going to feel happy again when she meets with us. Because of the Holidays we haven't seen her for a week. And because of the holidays, she has missed 2 times of church. SO i think she is just missing the constant nourishment of the good word and spirit of god. So she will feel better once she gets back in the habit of seeing us and coming to church. But she needs alot of prayers because this is difficult for her. Pray for her.
Today we went to Matera for p'day. It was really cool. It is where they filmed Passion of Christ with Mel Gibson...well that's the rumor through missionaries. It was really pretty though. Old town Italy for sure. I took alot of pictures.
Love you all,
Sorella Heiner
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Christmas has passed
[Email from 12/28/11]
So getting to skype the family was absolutely awesome. I was really nervous that you would be able to tell all the weight I have gained, but I guess it is just my pasta belly that I have. Um everyone seems great and Keightley is super tiny. I wish I could hold her. I miss holding babies and playing with little kids. We aren't allowed to do that for liability reasons.
I got the two packages that arrived at the Mission Office in Rome. The CDs from Ian (I assume you are my secret santa by the verbage of the letter) and the one from mom with make up and such. It is all great and I am excited to listen to the stuff. Also...mom, when you send me another package, there is one thing I REALLY need. You seem to forget this one every time. It is LIQUID CONSEALER by CoverGirl. Ask Brittany if you don't know what I am talking about. It has a blue handle and is the color Buff Beige.
Parker, I have not recieved your package yet, but I am keeping my eyes peeled for it. THanks in advance.
So for dinner Christmas Eve, we ate lots of seafood!! Yuck!! For one of our appetizers, we had raw salmon on slices of bread with mayo. Then the first course was spaghetti noodles with lots of seafood stuff. Like crab arms, mussels, shrimp with shell on and some with shell off, little squids, some slices of octopus, and other nasty sea creatuers I can't remember. It was aweful, but everything was cooked.
Then the next course was these big red shrimp things...WHOLE. Legs, eyes, tail, everything. Cooked also. We had to peel them ourselves and touching them freaked me out really bad. I was like shaking the whole time from touching them. Then we had whole fish...pink fish. With eyes, fins, and bones and everything. And I asked, WHY IS THIS FISH PINK? and the dad of the house said, BECAUSE IT IS A PINK FISH! It was really funny, and I was slightly embarrassed. THen we had our fruit course. THen dessert. It was really bad...but an experience of a lifetime. Only Bari eats like this for Christmas. I heard the rest of Italy eats normalish stuff. Still think I live a charmed life mom? Ha Oh and I told them that dad really likes seafood and so they said they will make sure to make something for him when he comes. Also, everyone sets off fireworks on Christmas Eve. It kept us up past 1 in the morning. It was really annoying. And I kept having nightmares of those shrimp running all over me. Not a weekend of alot of sleep.
Christmas day we had church all together with the other ward. THen members brought food for us and we remained at church and ate with the missionaries. We had way too much food, which we are still living on today.
Monday was a holiday here, and so we got a missionary holiday, We were allowed to watch a movie. So we watched Tangled and Up. Oh man...I miss movies...but while watching the second movie, I kept thinking about how I want to go out and teach people. It is strange how the mission changes your way of thinking.
Well I am going to attach the pictures from this weekend, so gotta go. Love you all and have a great New Year. I will hear from you in 2012!
Love always,
Sorella Heiner
=====================
Christmas Eve Dinner!
Here is all the food we ate.
Here is a nativity scene we have in our church. A member made it. THis
is pretty much how all of the nativity scenes here are like. Can you
find the important part with Mary, Joseph and Jesus? Haha
So getting to skype the family was absolutely awesome. I was really nervous that you would be able to tell all the weight I have gained, but I guess it is just my pasta belly that I have. Um everyone seems great and Keightley is super tiny. I wish I could hold her. I miss holding babies and playing with little kids. We aren't allowed to do that for liability reasons.
I got the two packages that arrived at the Mission Office in Rome. The CDs from Ian (I assume you are my secret santa by the verbage of the letter) and the one from mom with make up and such. It is all great and I am excited to listen to the stuff. Also...mom, when you send me another package, there is one thing I REALLY need. You seem to forget this one every time. It is LIQUID CONSEALER by CoverGirl. Ask Brittany if you don't know what I am talking about. It has a blue handle and is the color Buff Beige.
Parker, I have not recieved your package yet, but I am keeping my eyes peeled for it. THanks in advance.
So for dinner Christmas Eve, we ate lots of seafood!! Yuck!! For one of our appetizers, we had raw salmon on slices of bread with mayo. Then the first course was spaghetti noodles with lots of seafood stuff. Like crab arms, mussels, shrimp with shell on and some with shell off, little squids, some slices of octopus, and other nasty sea creatuers I can't remember. It was aweful, but everything was cooked.
Then the next course was these big red shrimp things...WHOLE. Legs, eyes, tail, everything. Cooked also. We had to peel them ourselves and touching them freaked me out really bad. I was like shaking the whole time from touching them. Then we had whole fish...pink fish. With eyes, fins, and bones and everything. And I asked, WHY IS THIS FISH PINK? and the dad of the house said, BECAUSE IT IS A PINK FISH! It was really funny, and I was slightly embarrassed. THen we had our fruit course. THen dessert. It was really bad...but an experience of a lifetime. Only Bari eats like this for Christmas. I heard the rest of Italy eats normalish stuff. Still think I live a charmed life mom? Ha Oh and I told them that dad really likes seafood and so they said they will make sure to make something for him when he comes. Also, everyone sets off fireworks on Christmas Eve. It kept us up past 1 in the morning. It was really annoying. And I kept having nightmares of those shrimp running all over me. Not a weekend of alot of sleep.
Christmas day we had church all together with the other ward. THen members brought food for us and we remained at church and ate with the missionaries. We had way too much food, which we are still living on today.
Monday was a holiday here, and so we got a missionary holiday, We were allowed to watch a movie. So we watched Tangled and Up. Oh man...I miss movies...but while watching the second movie, I kept thinking about how I want to go out and teach people. It is strange how the mission changes your way of thinking.
Well I am going to attach the pictures from this weekend, so gotta go. Love you all and have a great New Year. I will hear from you in 2012!
Love always,
Sorella Heiner
=====================
Christmas Eve Dinner!
Here is all the food we ate.
Here is a nativity scene we have in our church. A member made it. THis
is pretty much how all of the nativity scenes here are like. Can you
find the important part with Mary, Joseph and Jesus? Haha
Oh man...I am out of time!
[Email from 12/21/11]
Okay, I just don't have much time.
It's my birthday today...thanks for all the birthday wishes. I am supposed to go celebrate it tomorrow at lunch with the nasty cat lady in my ward. Well she isn't nasty, but her house and food are. We don't really have the time so we are planning to cancel or something. She wants to make me a cake. Yuck. I got a phone call from Sorella Kelly and she wished me happy birthday. THat was nice. Anziano mickelsen gave me a bottle of almond syrup for making almond milk because I have been wanting to try it.
In church, we had two TJ's show up in our gospel principles lesson. I was really nervous because we were teaching. Anz. Mickelsen invited them to come to church. They made him really mad after because they were telling us that we should not be teaching about Charity but should teach about Love. So confused.
I was sick yesterday and stayed in all day. Sorella Kelly told me to stay in today too, but we'll see.
Dora is just glowing everytime we see her. She loves the gospel, prayer, and the scriptures. She has gradually changed into a new person with a light about her. She is so beautiful when she glows. I can't wait for her to be baptized.
Angelo is struggling with smoking...he doesn't know that we know, but we have been hinting and he talked with bishop last week. Pray for him because he is really struggling.
Gotta go, I will talk to you on Saturday!
Love you all,
Sorella Heiner
Um...I will try to call at 5 or 5:30 on Saturday night my time. Sorella Hicks can't get ahold of her family to change times with them, so hopefully everything works out. But dad said 7 will not work anymore, so see you all at 5.
Okay, I just don't have much time.
It's my birthday today...thanks for all the birthday wishes. I am supposed to go celebrate it tomorrow at lunch with the nasty cat lady in my ward. Well she isn't nasty, but her house and food are. We don't really have the time so we are planning to cancel or something. She wants to make me a cake. Yuck. I got a phone call from Sorella Kelly and she wished me happy birthday. THat was nice. Anziano mickelsen gave me a bottle of almond syrup for making almond milk because I have been wanting to try it.
In church, we had two TJ's show up in our gospel principles lesson. I was really nervous because we were teaching. Anz. Mickelsen invited them to come to church. They made him really mad after because they were telling us that we should not be teaching about Charity but should teach about Love. So confused.
I was sick yesterday and stayed in all day. Sorella Kelly told me to stay in today too, but we'll see.
Dora is just glowing everytime we see her. She loves the gospel, prayer, and the scriptures. She has gradually changed into a new person with a light about her. She is so beautiful when she glows. I can't wait for her to be baptized.
Angelo is struggling with smoking...he doesn't know that we know, but we have been hinting and he talked with bishop last week. Pray for him because he is really struggling.
Gotta go, I will talk to you on Saturday!
Love you all,
Sorella Heiner
Um...I will try to call at 5 or 5:30 on Saturday night my time. Sorella Hicks can't get ahold of her family to change times with them, so hopefully everything works out. But dad said 7 will not work anymore, so see you all at 5.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Another week
[Letter from 12/14/11]
Ciao!
So I first need to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMIRA!!! You are such a big girl now! 3 years old...that is so big! Be a good girl and enjoy your birthday!
Okay, I was sick almost all last week. We stayed in two days and I just slept and slept and slept. I think I had some form of the flu. It was not fun, but my companion was able to pretty much finish Jesus the Christ. Ha she was happy about that. And Thursday (A day I was in) was a holiday. Apparently it was Imacolatta which is the immaculous conception of Mary into the womb of her mother. Because in order for her to be without sin to concieve Jesus, she too had to be concieved immaculously. Something like that. Everyone had a different interpretation, but it is something like that. I keep learning all these new things about the bible that I never new before. Ha. Oh it is so sad how lost people can be because people twist doctrine. But there were like big fires everywhere and fireworks and such. Pretty interesting.
Friday night we went to the talent show for the other ward in Bari. THere were some really good people there. Some sang, played violin, piano, and other stuff. It was really good. But there was this member, Fratello Curci, who likes to write music but is tone deaf and a little crazy. He wrote this song and made us sing background with him. It was horrible and some people were trying hard not to laugh at us. But it made his night and he was happy. So we did it for him. THe things missionaries do for people. Anziano Mickelsen performed a song from his opera he wrote. It was really good. Probably the best thing of the night. SOrella Ashman sang a song while Anz. Mickelsen played the piano. That also was really good.
Sunday we had to sing a song in sacrament meeting and then present a little Christmas devotional thing. I can't believe how much I have had to sing in front of the people here...only for the mission for sure. We watched the Christmas devotional from the first presidency Sunday night. That was great, but I miss hearing their voices.
Monday night we went to have FHE with the Valentini family. It was just the mom and dad. We watched Anziano Mickelsen's opera and had dinner and did the MAN CHALLENGE. Fratello Valentini always has elders over and feeds them something really gross to have them prove they are men. Ha and Sorella Hicks and I ended up doing it too. It was Tripe this time. Not the best thing I have eaten, but it wasn't as bad this way than when I had it with Matthew and Patience in Ladispoli. Italians prepare it better than Africans (no offense braden). Ha Anziano Mickelsen was about to throw up though and that was funny. I took a video of it, so you can see it when I get home in a year.
Sorella Hicks got really sick last night. She was throwing up in the bathroom while I was teaching English course. It was sad, but she feels better today. Maybe it was from eating the tripe. We'll see. I wouldn't be surprised if she is sick from what I had...but I never threw up. So who knows.
Well gotta go, love you all.
Sorella Heiner
Ciao!
So I first need to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMIRA!!! You are such a big girl now! 3 years old...that is so big! Be a good girl and enjoy your birthday!
Okay, I was sick almost all last week. We stayed in two days and I just slept and slept and slept. I think I had some form of the flu. It was not fun, but my companion was able to pretty much finish Jesus the Christ. Ha she was happy about that. And Thursday (A day I was in) was a holiday. Apparently it was Imacolatta which is the immaculous conception of Mary into the womb of her mother. Because in order for her to be without sin to concieve Jesus, she too had to be concieved immaculously. Something like that. Everyone had a different interpretation, but it is something like that. I keep learning all these new things about the bible that I never new before. Ha. Oh it is so sad how lost people can be because people twist doctrine. But there were like big fires everywhere and fireworks and such. Pretty interesting.
Friday night we went to the talent show for the other ward in Bari. THere were some really good people there. Some sang, played violin, piano, and other stuff. It was really good. But there was this member, Fratello Curci, who likes to write music but is tone deaf and a little crazy. He wrote this song and made us sing background with him. It was horrible and some people were trying hard not to laugh at us. But it made his night and he was happy. So we did it for him. THe things missionaries do for people. Anziano Mickelsen performed a song from his opera he wrote. It was really good. Probably the best thing of the night. SOrella Ashman sang a song while Anz. Mickelsen played the piano. That also was really good.
Sunday we had to sing a song in sacrament meeting and then present a little Christmas devotional thing. I can't believe how much I have had to sing in front of the people here...only for the mission for sure. We watched the Christmas devotional from the first presidency Sunday night. That was great, but I miss hearing their voices.
Monday night we went to have FHE with the Valentini family. It was just the mom and dad. We watched Anziano Mickelsen's opera and had dinner and did the MAN CHALLENGE. Fratello Valentini always has elders over and feeds them something really gross to have them prove they are men. Ha and Sorella Hicks and I ended up doing it too. It was Tripe this time. Not the best thing I have eaten, but it wasn't as bad this way than when I had it with Matthew and Patience in Ladispoli. Italians prepare it better than Africans (no offense braden). Ha Anziano Mickelsen was about to throw up though and that was funny. I took a video of it, so you can see it when I get home in a year.
Sorella Hicks got really sick last night. She was throwing up in the bathroom while I was teaching English course. It was sad, but she feels better today. Maybe it was from eating the tripe. We'll see. I wouldn't be surprised if she is sick from what I had...but I never threw up. So who knows.
Well gotta go, love you all.
Sorella Heiner
6 Months already...
[Letter from 12/7/11]
Ciao!!
Yes, tomorrow is my 6 month mark exactly...how crazy is that. Part of me feels like I just started, but part of me feels like it has been the span of a whole lifetime.
Some great news!! We set a baptismal date with Dora (Who is one of our new investigators and the aunt of our bishop) for January 7, 2012. She has met with missionaries already, but dropped them a few months ago. We have been meeting with her at the house of her sister in law and she even came to church. When we talk about baptism, she gets really happy and smiles and wants it really bad. She is just recovering from depression and a hard life and so she is timid to do make big steps
but by loving her and making her feel confident about what she is doing, then she will enter into the waters of baptism on 7 Jan.
We also have begun teaching an investigator of the anziani, Carmella. Her husband doesn't like her letting any missionaries in their home so we meet with her in front of her door. We are going to try to see if she will meet with us in the church so we can really start progressing with her. When we saw her on Monday, we talked about prayer and then at the end, asked if she had any questions. So she says that she always asks herself why there are so many churches if there is only one God. And we both smiled and looked at each other and told her that we had the answer but it needed more time to share it so we gave her the Restoration Pamphlet and are going to teach her about the Restoration on Monday.
And then...Thursday evening. We were given the assignment to make Christmas Jello for Zone Conference which was in 3 layers. We only had an hour before we had to get back home to add the next layer and so we said, let's find a new investigator before zone conference. So we went out to do finding and the third door we knocked on was opened and we were warmly welcomed into the home of MariLu. We taught her about the Book of Mormon. She said she loves learning about religions and would love for us to come back. We went back and brought her a copy of the book of mormon and read 3 Nephi 11 with her. She believes it, but kind of openly accepts anything, so we are going to teach her the Restoration next and help her see how this is the only true church on the earth. She also wants her 22 year old daughter to meet with us.
Zone Conference was awesome...we acted out the Nativity Scene in Italian and I got to be the Angel/Star. We also got stockings delivered to us from "Santa" who was just President with a Santa hat on. But it was really fun. Oh and about the Jello we made for Zone Conference. It was a green layer, then white, then red. And we had the first two layers done and were about to layer the red one after it had set up a little in the fridge and we were in a hurry. So I grab the bowl of jello and put it on the table and grab a bag of rolls that was in the way and knocked the jello bowl over and it fell to the floor. I almost started crying. But then we kind of "saved" the jello and layered it on. I scanned that jello for anything gross for like 10 minutes and it cleared. We told some of the Anziani the next day and they were not happy. But oh well. We had to save it because you can't get jello here. Haha it was funny. Don't tell Sorella Kelly.
So I have been reading the Gospels in the New Testament along with Jesus the Christ. I am really learning and understanding the life of Jesus Christ. Oh man...it makes me so excited to see him again. And many times, I just wish I could have been alive when he was on the earth, but then I realize that I am so blessed to be here now in the latter days with his church fully restored and I get to be part of the movement of spreading this message to everyone. THe message of Peace on Earth from the angels concerning the birth of Christ is our same message today as missionaries. That through Jesus Christ and his restored Gospel the Earth will have complete Peace once again. It's totally
awesome!
Well gotta go, love you all and thanks for the prayers and support.
Sorella Heiner
P.S. Mom, I have no received that package you sent to Ladispoli with the Reece's cups. I would have assumed it would have come and Sorella Buma would have brought it to the office and they would have brought it down at zone conference, but it didn't some. I am really sad because I was expecting that for awhile. Do you know if it got lost
somewhere? WHat was in it?
ALSO...when would be good for me to call (or skype) home for Christmas? I have CHristmas day and the 26th to call. Are Parker and Brit coming home? Let me know a day and a time gap when would would for you all when everyone will be at home. Love you all and can't wait to talk to you! And does someone have a skype account that we can talk on? THat would be fun. If so, let me know all the details. If not, let me know how I can call without spending a ton of money.
Ciao!!
Yes, tomorrow is my 6 month mark exactly...how crazy is that. Part of me feels like I just started, but part of me feels like it has been the span of a whole lifetime.
Some great news!! We set a baptismal date with Dora (Who is one of our new investigators and the aunt of our bishop) for January 7, 2012. She has met with missionaries already, but dropped them a few months ago. We have been meeting with her at the house of her sister in law and she even came to church. When we talk about baptism, she gets really happy and smiles and wants it really bad. She is just recovering from depression and a hard life and so she is timid to do make big steps
but by loving her and making her feel confident about what she is doing, then she will enter into the waters of baptism on 7 Jan.
We also have begun teaching an investigator of the anziani, Carmella. Her husband doesn't like her letting any missionaries in their home so we meet with her in front of her door. We are going to try to see if she will meet with us in the church so we can really start progressing with her. When we saw her on Monday, we talked about prayer and then at the end, asked if she had any questions. So she says that she always asks herself why there are so many churches if there is only one God. And we both smiled and looked at each other and told her that we had the answer but it needed more time to share it so we gave her the Restoration Pamphlet and are going to teach her about the Restoration on Monday.
And then...Thursday evening. We were given the assignment to make Christmas Jello for Zone Conference which was in 3 layers. We only had an hour before we had to get back home to add the next layer and so we said, let's find a new investigator before zone conference. So we went out to do finding and the third door we knocked on was opened and we were warmly welcomed into the home of MariLu. We taught her about the Book of Mormon. She said she loves learning about religions and would love for us to come back. We went back and brought her a copy of the book of mormon and read 3 Nephi 11 with her. She believes it, but kind of openly accepts anything, so we are going to teach her the Restoration next and help her see how this is the only true church on the earth. She also wants her 22 year old daughter to meet with us.
Zone Conference was awesome...we acted out the Nativity Scene in Italian and I got to be the Angel/Star. We also got stockings delivered to us from "Santa" who was just President with a Santa hat on. But it was really fun. Oh and about the Jello we made for Zone Conference. It was a green layer, then white, then red. And we had the first two layers done and were about to layer the red one after it had set up a little in the fridge and we were in a hurry. So I grab the bowl of jello and put it on the table and grab a bag of rolls that was in the way and knocked the jello bowl over and it fell to the floor. I almost started crying. But then we kind of "saved" the jello and layered it on. I scanned that jello for anything gross for like 10 minutes and it cleared. We told some of the Anziani the next day and they were not happy. But oh well. We had to save it because you can't get jello here. Haha it was funny. Don't tell Sorella Kelly.
So I have been reading the Gospels in the New Testament along with Jesus the Christ. I am really learning and understanding the life of Jesus Christ. Oh man...it makes me so excited to see him again. And many times, I just wish I could have been alive when he was on the earth, but then I realize that I am so blessed to be here now in the latter days with his church fully restored and I get to be part of the movement of spreading this message to everyone. THe message of Peace on Earth from the angels concerning the birth of Christ is our same message today as missionaries. That through Jesus Christ and his restored Gospel the Earth will have complete Peace once again. It's totally
awesome!
Well gotta go, love you all and thanks for the prayers and support.
Sorella Heiner
P.S. Mom, I have no received that package you sent to Ladispoli with the Reece's cups. I would have assumed it would have come and Sorella Buma would have brought it to the office and they would have brought it down at zone conference, but it didn't some. I am really sad because I was expecting that for awhile. Do you know if it got lost
somewhere? WHat was in it?
ALSO...when would be good for me to call (or skype) home for Christmas? I have CHristmas day and the 26th to call. Are Parker and Brit coming home? Let me know a day and a time gap when would would for you all when everyone will be at home. Love you all and can't wait to talk to you! And does someone have a skype account that we can talk on? THat would be fun. If so, let me know all the details. If not, let me know how I can call without spending a ton of money.
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
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
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
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!
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!
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