March 31. 2010 Life Is Bella

Subject: life is bella

Ciao famiglia

Mom i have not received the package, and probably wont for another week or so because the mission couple who is in our ward who work at the office, were gone last week, and we have general conference this week. sad. but thanks for your letter!

Dad, thank you so much for your letter. You have no idea how much I needed to hear some of those things that you said to me. I feel so often that I desire to teach with the spirit, but the language creates somewhat of a barrier sometimes. I often feel like I cant express myself the way I could if I were speaking in English, but I know Im capable of doing it.

Sorry I have absolutely no time this week to write a letter, I promise this wont happen again. Today we went to the most beautiful place I have ever seen in my life, google it. Taormina. AMAZING.

We are teaching a lady named concitta. we did our 3rd lesson with her this week with the bishops family. She was a referral from them. She is 30, and recently divorced. We watched The Restoration with her, and she told us she got goosebumps, and felt a lot of tranquility, in a time in her life when she just feels a lot of darrkness. It is an honor to be a messenger of true light. I remind myself every day of this, because its not something common.

It dawned on me the reality of our Savior's Atonement this week. What really was the purpose of his ministry? He performed countlesss miracles. He raised people from the dead, He had control over the very waves of the sea, He walked on water. He had to show people that He had the power to do literally anything. When you see His life, you begin to realze how much He VOLUNTARILY sacrificed to Atone for our sins. He loves us.

Im trying to teach more like him. Simply. In ways people understand. I finished the Book of Mormon this week. It truly brings us closer to God.

Jacob 4:10. Allowing our burdens to become blessings. It is humbling. It is so hard, but it is the reason we are here on this earth. not to ask why, but to ask what I can learn from the difficulty.

This week my most embarrassing moment was:

Tetto means roof. Titto means.. shall I say ...google it? haha Yeah, it was just a small group of people who witnessed my small mixup, and we'll just say it provided for a good laugh for everyone. haha

The weather is warming up. Im getting really sad to see sorella morgan leave me in a week or so. she has become an amazingly close friend. Lifelong for sure. I love you all. Joseph Smith is the prophet of the restoration. it all makes too much sense to not be true!!!!!!!!!

I love you all,

-Sorella Miller

March 24, 2010 "I will go and teach the Romans"

Subject: "...I will go and teach the Romans!"

Ciao!

ayyyy famiglia--tutti!

This will be kind of a quick e-mail this week, so ill try to get all the good stuff in here. Happy Bday Dad tomorrow, how old will you be? 57 or 58?...wow. Im glad you got the pics. I'll try to send more when I get a chance. . no mom, I still havent received the package!!! :( I was all stoked to go to Zone Conference, I went straight to the pile of goodies to hand out from the mission home (packages etc...) but I found nothing! Sad. Oh well, I got over it real quick.

Here we go...

So speaking of that, we had Zone conf on Monday up in the sweet city of Messina. It was an inspirational conference, and I truly am grateful for personal revelation. I know that when we diligently prepare, and seek answers to our questions, The Lord answers them.

A major theme of the Conference I picked up on was focusing on having an "eye of faith", as opposed to getting stuck behind negative "mindsets". We read an amazing chapter in Numbers chapter 13. They were all along being led by the Lord, and they were ultimately led to a wonderful place, but they lost the vision that the lord was directing them. They saw giants, and felt like "grasshoppers" Its easy to forget that The Lord is the one that directs this work. Disappointments come more often that not, sometimes it really does seem hard to believe that im doing this right, because sometimes people just peace out right when we get to the good stuff.... But I know it is all about having faith. Faith drives us to act, and we can do miracles with faith. An atheist woman this week we talked to told me --I believe in people, I believe in humanity. i dont belive there is a need for a God." It caused me to go home and wonder, is that really possible to just have "faith." We have to have faith in the Savior Jesus Christ- He is central to our HEavenly fathers beautiful and perfect plan for us. We cant do it alone. We have enough Faith in Christ, to obey what he asks of us. Its not always the easiest, or what we want, but thats why it requires faith.

I would challenge you all to start preparing for General Conference, what an amazing opportunity to hear from Living prophets in these days that speak to us according to what the Lord would have us hear, right here and right now.

Well, we found all these awesome people in the last few weeks, and now we are back down to people avoiding us, and not wanting to talk to us after one lesson. Not sure what happens. Kind of frustrating, especially when we walk out of the lesson thinking it went really well, and then they never answer our calls after that haha well, that is life I guess. PATIENCE. im learning that.

Here are a few scriptures fr you all to ponder on that have struck me lately.

DC 123 13-end. (vs 13 i apply to my shoes. Which are completely and UTTERLY destroyed and "worn out". I will be sure to photograf them haha its pretty funny)

DC 138 56

1 Peter 3:15

Moses 2:41

Tonight we are doing a second appointment with a referral we got from our bishop a few weeks ago. Last wed night we did a lesson at their house, and she realy enjoyed the Restoration. Her name is Concitta, she is recently divorced, and is lacking a lot of hope for a bright looking future. We are excited to leave her with Moroni 7, such a powerful chapter on hope.

This week, on MArch 26th, the Area presidency will be in Salt Lake deciding on whether they will create a stake here in sicily. Our branch will be doing a fast here.

i love you all, I know this gospel is true. i know Christ is our Savior. read the Book of Mormon, pray all the time. Obey the commandments, serve, and we are the most happy. There are a group of about 15 Sicilian men outside this internet point screaming in Sicilian right now. haha. I love these people. I love you all!

-Sorella Miller

Photos mailed home! March 20, 2010

View from our balcony. February 2010 Siracusa, ITALY

Sorella Musameci..a member we visit and work with her husband

In front of the church in Siracusa-a huge, beautiful building! Take note...white skirt ha ha

The Caraffa family. We work with his wife who is reactivating. He is amazing!

Anziano Alvarado, Pesci, Sorella Morgan, Sorella Miller District/Siracusa 2/10

March 17, 2010

Good Morning!

Hey everyone, its been a good week this week, we have had some really cool things happen. Hopefully you got the voice recording, I told all these stories in my own words and its probably a lot cooler to just listen, then read it.. But anyways. We called an Ex-Potential investigator fromthe area book last week in hopes of getting maybe an appointment. Her name is Rosa, and itsaid inthe area book that she had met missionaries about two years ago when she was visiting afriend in the hospital. So shockingly she said yes, and we went to track her down. We took our bikes and searched for her for a goodhour, and FINALLY we found her. We werent expecting a lot, because on the phone she just sounded like a sweet lady who maybe was alone and wanted a visit. SO we get there, and she is about 45, has three kids, the youngest is like 17. She was so sweet, and we began the lesson we had planned. As we started teaching, she stopped us, and just said she had to know some things. She first wanted to know why we called her?? And how we got her number. We told her we have a book with all of the contacts that missionaries have talked to in the past and we jsut saw her name and felt we should call her. She said she met the missionaries 2 years ago and they had never cometo see her. She said she had gone to our church a fewtimes, but could never find anyone there...Then she said, she had studied with a few different religions,Jehovahs witness being the main one. She said lately she is just really confused and wants answers. The Bible diesntmake sense to her because there are so many different translations. Sounds golden huh? Yea THEN she tells us that when we called her on the phone,she "felt" something inside her tell her to say yes. We were so excited to see that the Lord really led us to this woman who has truly been prepared to hear this message. We promised her we could answer her questions through the message of the Restoration,and that we have a book that clarifies and sustains the Bible. It was one of those experiences you dream of having as a missionary,and you think will never happen to you. This is the Lord work. no questions asked. She also stopped by the Baptism that was held on Friday for Ebineezer, the Anziani's investigator from Ghana, but unfortunately she had to leave to go to work, but she CAME! For like 5 minutes, we were able to introduce her to a few members and it was a really good 5minutes! She unfortunately took off this week to see her daughter up in Milan,but we weill teach her when she gets back. Pretty rad.

WE also found a golden FAMILY this week when we were doing park. They were just sitting on the bench watching their two little boys play and we went up and started talking to them about families. They were so cool. The husband started telling us how lately he has been really wanting to get connected with God, so he can raise his kids with some sort of "something" to ground them. It was incredible. He said they have never had this "feeling" before, or this need to come to a certainness that there is God until recently...Wow. Yeah, so they were willingly giving us their information and telling us to come over this next week and teach them, that is ALWAYS a goodsign.

We went the last few weeks not having a whole lot of people to teach,and now it seems that the Lord really is putting people in our path. Last week we saw the fruits of the work we have been doing with the members here, we got 7 referrals. That is like UN HEARD OF!!! haha I think we have only gotten like 3 the entire time I have been in SIracusa. we are pretty excited. Tonight we will be at our Bishops house with a girl he has given a Bookof Mormon to and doing a lessonwith her. So excited for what is happening here.

I am really trying to learn Sicilian. It is hard, but I want to learn it so bad. I dont want to be the missionary that tells people "I dont understand Sicilian" Its hard, but I love these people and want to become as Sicilian as I can, seeing that I will probly be here until the mission changes July 1st.

WEekly BiKE HIGHLIGHT= riding around the streets with groceries dangling from handle bars. WOO!!! haha its a blast. we had a little scare where we got seperated on our bikes from each other for like 5 minutes and it was a littlescary haha i dont know what i will do when i dont have a "companiion" after the mission,its scary to be alone!

I love these people somuch. I love the mission. The work is going forward here. WE did splits with the sisters inRagusa this week, 3 hour bus rides are brutal. I love you all, thanks I got the pictures thats always such a highlight. I sent a letter home that should get there today or tomorrow., I love you all and ill talk to you soon, love

Monica

March 10, 2010 Rain Rain Rain

Subject: rain rain rain

Ciao Tutti :)

This week it seems like we did something to scare away all of our investigators! It is probably hard for you all to imagine that the rain has such an intense effect on our work here, but it really does do some damage! I had said last week how we ran into Fabiana on the way to English course, and we were able to set an appointment with her. Well, we also had arrainged for a recent convert of about 3 years ago named Vanessa Tibulo to come with us to the lesson and we were way excited. Then Saturday night came, and neither of them showed up. Pretty Dissappointing. Well, every time we get rejected, I am able to experience a FRACTION of what The Savior's life was like. His entire life was these small experiences I have every day, times a million. I have come to appreciate The Atonement so much more as I have these struggles every day. I am grateful for his Sacrifice. His life was NEVER easy, why should we expect ours to be that way?? I have such a testimony that the best things are the hardest.

I am grateful for my weaknesses, because it gives me an opportunity to improve. It is for sure humbling, but it's absolutely necessary. At the end of the day each day, I really try to humbly and prayerfully aknowledge my billions of weaknesses, and pray for teh faith and strength to improve. I challenge you all to do the same. Be honest with yourselves. Life is not a competition with other people, its just such a process. You come to see on the mssion, that it's not ok to ever think we have done enough. If we aren't moving forward, we are surely drifting backwards. I'm learning to focus on the things I have control over, and not waste time stressing so much over the things that I DON'T have control over. We all have control over our thoughts, and ultimately the actions that come from those thoughts. I have control over the way I look at people, the vibe, If you will, that I give to people. The attitude I have, when everything seems to be horrible.

I have now officially turned into a "Nun on a Bike" WOOOO! Let me tell you, its HOTT!!! Dude, haha it is amazing having a bike!!! We used to spend 45 minutes walking to an appointment where we got stood up...Now we are able to get there in 10 minutes (looking fresh the whole way there I might add)...and do house in that area, with time to spare! Talk about efficiency!! It is the ultimate missionary experience. In fact, let me recount a story we had jus last night. We took out the Bici, and about two minutes later, it started POURRRRING. Haha we had an appointment that was like forever away, and there was just no turning back. Sicily doesnt have the best drainage systems I've ever seen, and so we ended up riding through flooded streets, with many people yelling at us to go inside because we were going to DIE basically. (keep in mind these people are INCREDIBLY supertitious).

This week we were invited to come to the ward council meeting, where we were given 5 new names of less active members. I feel that eventhouhg it is super hard to get investigators here to progress, I have been able to see at least one woman come back to the church after years of in-activity. I know that The Lord is just as thrilled to see one of his lost sheeo come back into the fold, as he is to see new ones come in. When I first got here to Siracusa she hadnt been to church in quite some time. We have been diligently working with Sorella Troja for about 3 months, and the last 3 weeks she has been in church for all 3 hours. It is beautiful to see how she has re-didscovered her testimony of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. She is know doing missionary work herself. I know this work is very important too. We should all reach out to those who for one reason or another are wandering. We can have an impact on these people. WE have to just always seek out opportunities to give of ourselves. Not just because we "should" But because we are talking about covenants that we have made with God. It is a big deal. When we really understand this principle, it becomes like Alma when he just cant stand the thought of any soul not hearing the truth...something like that haha I dont remember exactly, but you get it.

A guy named Ebineezer from Ghana will be baptized tomorrow. The Anziani have been teaching him. It is incredible how many people from Africa are joining the church. WE are basically in Africa here in Sicily, and so we see A LOT of immigrants who come looking for work. Ebineezer has been here for about 3 months, left his family ot find work, and is stilll without a job. I dont really know why people come here, because there are no jobs here either! We do translations at church for all the people from Africa, because most of them dont speak ITalian, just English. It makes a difficult integration into the BRanch for them. Haha Me and Sorellla Morgan will be doing a "Special" musical number at the baptism. As all of you know I am qiute a gifted singer...HAHA! OBVIOUSLY the branch is lacking musical ability if I am being asked to share my singing voice at such a treasured event as a Baptism!!!!

We had an AMAZING lesson with Massimo Italia this week with the Grasso family. It was seriously so cool, the spirit was so strong. We were sooooo excited after that lesson, SURE that he was going to call us the next day and ask us where the font was, but unfortunately we have not been able to get ahold of him this week, and he didnt come to English course....I dont know what happened. We will continue to pray for him anyways.

CHARLOTTE/MARK/CREW: Sounds as if the family is just growing and doing well! I would love to see pics of the lil' Bobby asap! How is he doing? Char how are you recovering from prego-ness?? I would love to hear stories from your mission Char, it would make my week!

BROCK/AMY/DEAGY BUM: How is the new job going? Wow, I am so sorry to hear about the incident with Brimmy and Blitzley and Raegan, that is so sad. I am sure that was such a hard decision, I hope that everything can work out for the best. I cried when I read that. I'm so sorry, but I'm sure you guys really thought about the decision, and did what was best. Brock, thank you so much for your e-mails. I have made it a point to talk to groups of young people, especially the ones that look at me and then whisper and laugh to their friends. I especially love the ones that yell "EE LOWVEH UU" (I love you, yelled in an Italian accent). And are you kidding me, of course I make is an absolute point to make a fool out of myself each day!!!! Haha no but really, I treasure your letters, I can tell you were an incredible missionary, I strive to be what you were, I'm sure. Thank you so much, kepp them coming whenever you have time. Im sorry I havnt individually responded, or even thanked you!!! Im sorry!I love you guys.

BECC/BRENT/ELL-BELL/PIP/EMMY: Rebecca that was pretty incredible. I totally agree with everything that was said. It makes me so sad to see so many people tell us each day that they don't have "time" to pray, go to church, or talk about these things. We really are so fortunate to have the Restored gospel, and IT IS THE ONLY true church on the earth. OF course we teach that! Your exactly right, why would there be any need for a restoration if all the churches were true. But they all only have a LITTLE bit of truth to them--and none have the AUTHORITY of the Priesthood.

DER: Got that letter from you guys this week. THANK YOU!! I lovedd getting that, definitely a highlight. Especially Chase's part written in Mad-Lib style. I heard some little FIAT blasting that super abnoxious song "CAll on meeeee, call on me, call on meeeeeee call on mee" the other night. I was singing it for the next like two days trying to remember where I had heard that song, then I realized it was that YouTube video of Chase I remember watching, with his mullet, doing some strange dance video or something, hahaha I laughed so hard, but was so happy to finally figure that out haha. But for reals, Im glad to hear you are doing well, love you big bwudder.

BRIMMY: GET WELL SOON BUDDY!!!! I CRIED SO HARD; but Im so glad the little champ is doing alright.

I love you all so much. This week in English course i was explaining "Contractions" like for example I'm, We're etc, and I said the wrong word, meaning Contractions when you are in labor, having a child, they all got a good little lauhg out of that! Hahaha but no, its all good, they love me and I love them so it all works out! Its been raining A TON this week, today was the first day the sun came out. We got sad news that our new mission presidents wife will not be allowing us to wear sandals when we become part of the Rome mission in July. BOO. oh well, ill live. I hope you all are doing well, Pray, read the scriptures, serve, trust in The Lord.

Tante Belle Cose,

-Sorella Miller

March 3, 2010 Bikes

Ciao Ciao tutti!

This week has served as another testimony that the mission is hard work here in Sicily, but the Lord does not cease to be incredibly involved in every aspect of the work! We talk to EVERYONE! Sunday night prostlyting in Ortiga is always a highlight for me. We are focusing on FAMILIES--We were able to get the phone numbers of 2 families, it was AWESOME!! To talk about how the family is seriously central to God's plan, and quickly relate it to The Restoration is optimal....But of course, every encounter is absolutely different from the next.

It is pretty funny to see how many people will refuse to talk to us becasue they think we are Jehovahs Witnesses, but as soon as we clarify we are NOT, they will gladly listen (even if it means only for 5 seconds...that is better than nothing!!!). I love talking to families, even if all we can say is that "Avete una BELLA famiglia!" (You have a beautiful family!) It is the most important thing in the world, and it makes me so happy just to see a Mom and Dad out strolling with their baby--I want that! What a beautiful opportunity God has given us to have families!

The other night in Ortiga we had an encounter with some kids from Spain. One of them was Italian, and the rest were Spaniards. I broke down in tears after our short encontro with them. I CANNOT speak Spanish anymore. I understood them, I knew what they were saying to me, but with all of my concentration, I couldn't seem to form sentences in Spanish, because my brain was thinking Italian! Ugh. Frustrating, haha. After a few minutes, I was able to laugh it off. I know the Lord has no need for me to know Spanish right now, these people don't speak Spanish. When I come home, we'll see what the Lord has in store for me. As for right now, I have time to NOT think about it.

Last night on the way to English course, we passed by our normal crew of Indie teen-agers outside this little cafe on the way to the church. As we were in a rush to get there on time, we heard someone yelling at us and chasing after us. We were pleasantly surprised to see Fabiana! This was the 17 year old we taught a few times, but we thought we had lost her after the lesson gone terribly wrong with our Sorella Reali that came with us. The catastrophe where when we were teaching the PRinciple of "The Gospel Blesses Families" --somehow it got carried away into Gay Marriage etc and she got super offended--Then she came to church and the lesson was a little intense on the 3 Degrees of glory --It was intense, and she had stopped answering our calls and was standing us up to all our appointments with her. Then she saw us when she was chilling at the Cafe we passed by, and chased us down! We got an appointment with her for Saturday, we are pretty stoked.

Massimo Italia who we found through English Course had been really sick for the last two weeks, but we were shocked to see him at English Course last night! He was actually telling the truth! haha We get used to people saying they are sick over the intercom when we show us for appointments WEEK after week! haha but he told us he has been reading the book of Mormon we gave him and is really enjoying it. He even offered to say the prayer in Engl course, and basically challenged everyone there to pray to God to know if our church was the true church! haha it was sweet. We are doing an appointment with him with a member and his wife this friday. He was baptized 2 years ago, and she was baptized 7 years ago, it will be a good opportunity for him to hear members' testimonies if The Book of Mormon first hand.

I feel like I am just coming to understand The Book of Mormon to it's fullest. It is so awesome and we are seriously so fortunate to have it. It really does provide for us the way to return to God.

We did splits in Catania last week with the sisters. It was good. Its funny how by the end of 24 hours you miss your city. Catania is huge, it takes a lot of energy to get around that place. There are tons of people everywhere, cars, bikes, foreigners, markets, busyness. I like Siracusa. yea, I didnt get transferred obviously. So this means that I will not only be here through the end of this transfer with Sorella Morgan, but probably until the Mission changes (July 1st) aka--two more transfers. Because I will have to train the new sister on the city, and then we are guessing that President wont be making too many changes that last Transfer he is here...A weird thought, I will likely spend 6 months of my mission here in Siracusa. I love this place though. I love the people. I love them, even when they say "Tutte le strade vanno a Roma!"--meaning, all streets lead to Rome...Meaning--It doesnt matter which path we take, we are all going back to God some way or another... Haha All we do is invite, they can choose.

This week I went out on a limb. I wore a WHITE skirt. ohhhhhhhh. In March!!!! So, basically I have turned extremely Italian and I wear all black, every day, and I blend in pretty well. Despite the fact that somehow, everyone recognizes us as Americans from miles away anyways...haha But anyways I wore a white skirt because I was sick of feeling so gothic every day. I went to church, got some glances, but it was all fine in the end. Then we went to visit our 100 year old friend that afternoon. She straight told me, as she was lying there in bed "I hate your skirt. It's ugly. You should have worn something darker. Black probably. You should never wear that again."

Uhhhh. HAha! I was already self-conscious having worn a skirt other than a long black one, and then this lady just straight CALLS ME OUT ON IT!!! Haha, never again. Not until at least JUNE. Italians and their black. they are obsessed! Not going to lie, I actually went home and changed my skirt after that. I felt too much out of the normal.

This Sunday we had an interesting Sunday School. A man came who comes occasionaly. We taught him twice in his suit tayloring shop, and it ended up just him wanting to bash with us (The same guy that made me feel like an idiot when he asked me all those questions about the PRiesthood that I wasn't quite able to answer with 100 % certainty...) So he randomly came to church last week and came to Gospel Principles. WE were talking about a Modern day Prophet, and he got all riled up and told everyone that HE was the prophet. It was interesting to say the least. The Elders had a small chat with him after church.

You may find this interesting. Here are a few of the questions I have been asked lately. A day in the life...

1- IF God is God, he would have had the power to take away the suffering that Jesus experienced. Why did he not take away the pain?

2- Jesus Christ was born in such humble conditions. Why then does the Pope live in such a place--a castle basically, with gold, and gems etc etc.

3- Who created God? Where did he come from?

4- Why do we confess to a Priest?

5- Do you pray to the Madonna? (The Virgin Mary)

6- Where are the Gold Plates now?

These are a few I wrote down, that I thought were interesting. I am grateful for the weeks that we have no investigators, no one in church, and TRY to talk to everyone, but then at the end of the day we do our numbers and see that somehow we only taught 2 lessons! Its hard!! HOWEVER, when you have these weeks of "famine" --It is then when you have an ex-investigator CHASE you down on the street, that you are able to really appreciate that ONE person, and see that the Lord really is aware of our prayers.

I KNOW there is a God. The other night as we were walking in Ortiga and I looked out at the sea and the full moon reflecting down on it, I had an overwhelming confirmation that God is real. We are not here by chance. The world was created for us, and God wants us to be happy and find joy. There is more to life than the things we so often get caught up in. There is just SO much more.

I was super touched by a talk I read this week by Sister Elaine S. Dalton. She told the story of her running a Marathon, and runnning up "Heartbreak Hill" I often feel that way here on the mission--I have family, faithful friends rooting for me, but at times I feel alone. Sometimes I feel like I'm on this tiny little island of Sicily, full of Catholics who never want to change, dont want to listen, and most definitely dont want to let me teach them. I THOUGHT I was prepared for the race before I came, but really, I had no idea.

"Fear not I am with thee, oh be not dismayed. For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid. I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand. Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand."

God lives. He hears our prayers. Every single one of them, even if we aren't kneeling, he hears them. He knows us, and he knows when we follow him with diligence, easiness, and willingness. When we simply obey because we trust him, he blesses us. We are so blessed to have a Savior that lived a life dedicated to fulfilling the will of his Father. We all can learn to live our lives in this way. Not thinking that we know what's best for us, but trusting that the hardest things bring us closer to God. I tell myself that every single day. My goal of this transfer is to smile and laugh :) Because it gets rough, but I am grateful for this time to dedicate just to the Lord. It is a unique priveledge, and I want to live it up! Love you all,

-Sorella Miller

ps. we found second hand bikes today for 40 Euro! WOOOOOOOOO Life is bella.