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

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.

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!! :-)