Pictures from Christmas Day

Editor's Note: We had a wonderful chat with Rose on Christmas Day, it was so fantastic to speak with her! She had not yet received the packages Ann and I had sent to the mission home, but luckily Mom had mailed it direct to her apartment, and she got it because she happened to be home to receive it! So she had some presents to open Christmas morning! Following that she and her companion were invited to spend Christmas with some members in the ward, the Diciollas, and skyped home from their computer.

 S. Comollo, S. Roommate, S. Roommate, S. Preston

Letter #10 from Bari, Italy

Hey yall!!

I am so excited to talk with you, I am bouncing in my seat now as i write this :) I got permission from President Kelly to call and arrange so I called 30 minutes ago but NO ONE answers their phone! (Mom and DAD!) but Ann answered her cell phone :) But the first time she answered I did not know how to work it so she could hear me so she hung up!! My heart sunk but I called again and pushed a button so she could hear me and all is well. I told Ann the time and now I will tell you!

Pictures from P-day in Matera, Italy

Matera!!! Finally here they are!!!! We turned the corner and THIS is what we saw!

Pictures from P-day in Lecce

 A Windy Day in Lecce, Italy

Letter #9 and Pictures from Bari, Italy

Hello all!! 

Sorry that I did not get any pictures sent last time. We had to run to catch the train back to Bari :)

I just sent the Christmas packages today! I do not know if they will arrive on time but we can pray and hope :) Also I included candy bars! If they are smashed you can still lick them and enjoy :)

Mailing Christmas Packages Updated Info

Okay, so I have just now successfully mailed two packages for Christmas to Rose. I sent them in the flat rate overseas envelopes for $17 each, and I could cram alot into each envelope. Because they were on the larger side I sent them to the mission home, per the Mission President's instruction (basically anything that won't fit thru the mail slot into the mail box).

Letter #8 from Bari, Italy

Hello all!! I am so glad that the package arrived :) and right on time :) Also could you keep the gifts for Algot, Alisha, and Avery for Christmas. They are their Christmas presents and Algot's birthday present. If they are not coming up for christmas, could you send them their gifts ? It would help me a lot. Today or tomorrow, I am sending all the rest of your christmas presents!! Yay so expect that in 3 weeks. You cannot open them till christmas so leave the boxes shut!!! I am not going to individually wrap each one. Mailing is actually extremely cheap from Italy.  Just three 60cent stamps and then stuff it in the red box :)

Random Pictures from Bari

We were at a contacts house and their parrot just flew and perched on Sorella comollo’s shoulder. He would not leave the whole time we were there. When we left we saw he had pooped on her coat.

Letter #7 and Pictures from Bari, Italy

Hey everyone!!

These week has been crazy but amazing. Last Wednesday we went to Polignano. I will attach photos at end :) It is this tiny town. but I had the best pizza I have had yet in Italy and the best gelato. IT WAS SO GOOD! We went with the 2 other Sorelle invece of the Wednesday before when we went to the grottes alone :) Polignano is beautiful. They have the most picturesque città vecchia (The old of the city) It looked like I entered a movie. I could not believe that people lived there :) 

More Random Pictures from Bari

Funny, random pictures from in and around Bari, Italy

I love this sign - it is so funny. It says "There is Only ONE TRUE LOVE. Philadelphia-One and Irreplaceable.”

Letter #6 and Pictures From Bari, Italy

Hello all,

I wish to apologize for my lame-o message last week. We were coming back on the train from Putignano and I was getting a headache ( I never get head-aches). We went to the internet point immediately to write our emails and I kept feeling sicker. I couldn't think straight :) Then I said to my companion, "Excuse me, i will be right back I just need to go throw up" Which I then went and did in a Bangledeshan internet point, with no running water or toilet paper in their bathroom. They also did not have a mirror so I came back and Slla comollo, "What's on your face" My reply, "Probably vomit :)" So we closed our computers and went home. I slept the rest of the evening and felt great the next day. We have no idea why I got sick but all is well now :)

Sending Christmas Packages

To all who want to send Sister Preston a Christmas package!

First, use the address on the home page of this blog at the top left.  This section will always display her current street address in Italy. 2nd - get moving on it! Plan on 2-3 weeks for a flat-rate package to get to Italy from here, and if you can get in the mail any earlier than that, it's probably better. The cheapest way to send anything is to use a flat-rate envelope or a small flat-rate box (which can both be obtained at the post office or requested online for free delivery to your street address by USPS - you can also schedule a free pickup online at the USPS website!). The flat-rate cardboard envelope and the small flat-rate box both mail for $17-$18 to Italy, regardless of weight. The next size up mails for $47...so I'd recommend small items - :).  If you are mailing something that weighs less than 2 pds, it is cheaper to mail in your own packaging.

Letter #5 From Bari, Italy

Hello all!!!

I am excited to get the chance to write you and tell you about my week :) Also Dad what was your address when you were here in Bari. Sorella Bellomo wants to know!! Mom I showed your mystery woman picture to sorella Gallone and she remembered her. Her name is Tonia Abbadessa. She married Fratello Curci but she died a few years ago. She had a stroke and recovered from it all by herself but then she had a second one. She was in a coma for about 4 days and then she passed away. Sorella Gallone told me about the funeral. She said it was beautiful. And Tonia seemed so happy and peaceful. It was a very good story. Nicola Virgiglio was the person you think he was. He was here at the time and he says he remembers you a little.

Letter #4 And Pictures from Bari, Italy

I am almost done with my first transfer, I cant believe it :) I love it here and I am glad because the mission president hinted that me and my trainer will stay together this next transfer!!! This week has been so amazing but first i will do business:

Letter # 3 and Pictures From Bari, Italy

Hello all. I cannot believe I have already been here a month. It goes so fast!!This week has been wonderful and our investigators are amazing! But information first

1) I went last Wednesday and got a mold for my retainers and I am picking them up this next Monday November 5th!!

2) Letty, Thank you doing such a good job on my blog. I have not seen it, but Sorella Wightman's Mom wrote her and told her it was beautiful ;) I knew it would be

Sister Rosa Magno Sends a Message to Sister Preston's Parents

On Monday, Sister Preston and her companion, Sister Comollo visited at the home of a member in Bari who knew our parents when they were in Italy, Sister Rosa Magno. (She is Rose's namesake). Sister Magno took these pictures and attached them to the following email with a short message Rose typed at the end.

First Pictures From Italy!

Bari beautiful sunset

Letter #2 From Bari, Italy

Ciao Cari!

This week has been wonderful :) I have loved every minute of it! The members love hearing about mom and dad. They would like to see some of your mission pictures if you could send them. Grazia Bellomo sees me on sundays and she calls me over saying, "sorella Preston, Vieni vieni!" She loves saying my name.

Last Pictures From the MTC

These are the last of the pictures Rose sent from the MTC! She left the MTC on the same bus as one of her good friends from home!

Letter #1 From Bari, Italy

Hello everyone, I still love Italy. I was talking with my companion and she pointed out how I have not really had a culture shock:) I think it is because I have heard mom and dada stories growing up and have studied the culture so I knew a little what to expect :)

First Letter From Italy!!

Hello all

I loved getting all of your emails. It was so nice to hear about what is going on and to hear your testimonies.I am getting used to using an italian keyboard they look a little different but I like it! After I called you I had a wonderful flight to London and then we got on the plane to Rome.

Rose Arrives in Italy!

Dear Families,

Just wanted to share this photo! I'm sorry that it's taken my a couple of days to get it out. We've had a busy week with 18 new missionaries and 16 returning to their families! We are so thankful for this great group of missionaries. Thank you for sending them to Italy!

Rose Calls From the Airport

This Tuesday afternoon Rose had the opportunity to call home from the airport during her layover in Chicago. It was a nice unexpected bonus, because usually they only have permission to call home on Christmas and Mother's Day. I guess because they are discouraging families from showing up at the airport post-MTC but pre-Mission field they give the missionaries permission to call home during a layover.

Last MTC Letter - #8

Hello Everyone,

I hope everyone is having a great week. I am loving it here. My last week here at the MTC has been wonderful full of many memories! One being, this monday we were playing sand volleyball and then we looked to the right and a cloud and sheet of rain was coming toward us. It was uphill and the sun was up so you could see the rain coming. We were able to play the last 10 minutes in the rain and then run home in it. It was soo much fun :)

More Pictures From the MTC

I got Rose's camera card last week, but things have been so crazy this is the first chance I have had to upload anything. Sorry for the delay! These are the final pictures from the MTC- I can't wait to get some from Italy!

-Letty

The video is of the Italian speaking Elder's on their way to do laundry.

MTC Letter #7

Cara Famiglia ed amici,

Come state voi!! I am doing wonderful! I am loved your thoughtful letters I received this week. I am excited to leave for Italy in less than 2 weeks. I cannot believe how fast the time has gone by. I am nervous but all will be well. But since I am leaving for Italy in 2 weeksish if you want to write me or anything, I would do it now when it is free using dear elder. After that it is a lot harder :) 

MTC Letter #6

Hey everyone,

 

I hope everyone has had a great week. And happy late birthday to my nephew Emerson! Please give him hugs and kisses from me :)

 

I have been having a great time here at the MTC this week. I can't believe I only have 19 days left here. I am almost in Italy :)

MTC Letter #5

Hey Yall!!

 

I hope you are all  doing well. I had a great week and I wanted to thank you all for your letters and packages. Letty thank you for the pictures you sent me a while ago. I did get them and I loved them. I gave the copies to the girls in my room and next door! It was wonderful and a great surprise. Mom, I got your package yesterday. It took a while because of the post offfice hours at the MTC.  Also only the DL can go get the mail from the mailbox, and he forgot the package slip in his room for a day or two. BUT I GOT IT !! and I loved it. I love the watch it is soo cute. and the pants are perfect. Letty thank you for the lotion it has been wonderful. Yesterday, I also got a digital camera in the mail!!! I don't know from whom but i just wanted to thank whoever sent it. My camera I had would work but I didn't have an instruction manual and such. Now I have a new camera to take beautiful pictures of ITALY!! If any of you sent it, THANK YOU! I almost started screaming when I opened it! Also thank Aunt donna and Uncle David for all their letters. I love them :) 

Rose's Pictures Now Have Names!

Hello all- Rose's MTC pictures from the earlier post now have names identifying the missionaries going to Italy with her! (She finally got me a letter naming them!)

Letty

MTC Letter #4

Hello all!!

I am can't believe it is p-day and I get to email you again. Time flies!! I wanted to thank you for all the letters and packages. They were wonderful. Mom I love the angel reminder you sent me, It is beautiful. Also I am completely healthy and well :) I wanted to tell you all about my week and schedule at the MTC I realized I forgot to and I also assumed that everyone already knows what we do. So ann thank you for reminding me.

MTC Letter #3

Hey Everyone!

Time is flying by here at the MTC. I love it and I am getting over my cold! :) We are teaching 2 progressive investigators regularly now (my teachers) and at the TRC every Monday. I love it and I am learning so much.

MTC Letter #2

Hello all!!!

I love you so much and I have loved all the emails and letters and packages I have received. This past week has been wonderful filled with amazing experiencing. I have a slight cold but it is getting better. Hooray for Sudafed!!!

My district is amazing I am sure I have raved about them a lot. I have not told you all who they are.

Pictures from the MTC!

Sorella Brown, Sorella Durfee, Sorella Preston

Since there is no time (or method?) to upload pictures at the MTC, Rose sent me her SD card so we can get a look at her first week in the MTC!

Thursday: Letter #1

It is my first P-day! I love it here. I only have 30 minutes on the computer to read and write emails so sorry if they are rushed :( please forward these email to the rest of the family. I love you all so much. I am loving the MTC everything here is so wonderful. The spirit is so strong. They have increased security and you need to use a card to enter any building. Also they have just thrown us in. I love it.

Send Rose an MTC Care Package!

For those of you who have asked about sending Rose a care package or treats direct to the MTC, I've researched it and the following links appear to be the best, BYU Bookstore being the cheapest usually.  Of course, if you have the time, home-grown care packages are always awesome, but for those of us for whom clicking and buying is the more-likely-to-happen method, these are some awesome options.

http://www.byubookstore.com/ePOS/form=item.html&item=W40283&store=439

http://www.called2serve.com/

http://www.dearelder.com/index.php

Rose's MTC Address!

Sister Elna Rose Preston
Missionary Training Center
ITA-ROM 1003 MTC Mailbox #233
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, Utah 84604

Rose is Officially a Missionary!

And Grandma Took the Best Picture of the Day!

Hello friends! This is Letty, Rose's sister.  She entered the Missionary Training Center at 1:25 PM today! We started the day with some last minute shopping due to a clothing mishap (yes, you can sprint thru a mall in heels) and then ran back to Grandma's house to pick up everyone else. Mom, Dad, Me and our 93 year old Grandma headed down to Provo to drop Rose off at the MTC, where she will spend the next 9 weeks learning Italian and missionary teaching skills.

Off to the MTC

This is my final post on my blog! Tomorrow, I will be set apart as a representative of Jesus Christ and His church. Then, my family and I will leave for Utah where I will enter the Missionary Training Center (MTC) on August 1st. I will be at the MTC for 9 weeks until I leave for Italy beginning of October. Once set apart as a missionary, my internet usage will be limited to emailing my family once a week. I will include a letter and pictures for this blog in my family email and my sister Letty will manage this blog for me. Letty will also have my current address for anyone who wants to write me via regular mail. I would love to hear from you and will respond as soon as possible. God bless you all until I see in a year and a half! :)

So Excited for My New Blog!

I am preparing to leave in about a month. It is hectic but wonderful! I have been getting my vaccinations, buying good walking shows, and working a lot. I am trying to learn lots of the LDS hymns in Italian. I still have a lot of preparation and my family is helping me a ton. I am trying to spend as much time with my family as possible before I leave.