However, President Acerson and I were just realizing yesterday that today is July 1st. After today, we can no longer say we have one year left. Of course we can say, "Almost a year" or "just a little less than a year" but not for long. At the current rate at which time is speeding by, those phrases won't even be valid for much longer.
After a wonderful mission tour and visit by Elder Kopischke, we have been inspired to set some new goals. We are trying to work harder and be more efficient and effective with our time. Especially since we are running out of time.
With all due respect to our family who is waiting for us to come home, I just wanted to take this opportunity to share some pictures of things we love about being here (in no particular order). We will enjoy these things for "almost" another year.
Remember that you can click on a picture to enlarge it. Clicking on the Back button will then take you back to the blog.
Beautiful families with strong mothers (this one said about sharing the gospel with others, "I cannot stay silent any more.")
Hard working (and beautiful) sister missionaries
Zone Conferences
Picking up new missionaries
Lots of luggage
New missionaries with boundless energy and excitement in spite of jet lag!
Dropping off departing missionaries (my least favorite part – the only thing that makes it bearable is knowing what it's like to be a mom on the other end waiting for them to come home)
Grateful members who come to the airpot to say good-bye
Amazing and happy senior missionary couples who leave grandbabies behind (this couple represents five couples we have serving here)
Missionaries who smile
Napoli Pizza
Knowing you are in the presence of great men
Watching the departing missionaries try to figure out how they can take it all home!
Watching new missionaries head off to their new cities
Missionaries who sing
Preparation Day fun!
Knowing that your son has had amazing examples of how to be a great missionary!
Young Women who stay strong – even in an R-rated world
Missionaries who bring their eternal companion back for a visit
Amazing missionaries
Flowers and flowering trees and trees planted in rows
Weathered–but charming–old buildings
Adorable children
Things that don't match – love it!
Happy missionaries
Food
Great leaders
Beautiful families (the first couple met in the Switzerland temple as they were each accompanying brothers who were going through the temple before their missions – they were married a few months later – VERY unusual here in Italy). She’s expecting their fourth child. Beautiful.
Solid missionaries!
Good friends
Three-Month Conferences
Italians and their beloved dogs (yes, that's a real dog with a real hat and real sunglasses)
Guests for Sunday dinner
Stalwart Youth
New members who get involved
Young women who are striving to dress modestly
Christmas dinners
Good families
Sunsets
And baptisms!
And so much more.
Stay tuned. It's going to be a busy year but I'll try to find time to post a story or two once in a while. Buona giornata! (Have a good day!)
