Dear Family and Friends,
You are never going to believe it! Sorella Mikesell has been transferred in the middle of the transfer to Palermo, right before Christmas. Both our minds are blown. I no longer have any idea of what to do and cannot think straight! President Waddoups did a normal transfer 2 weeks ago, and he felt good about where people were. But then he told us afterwards, God let him know that 8 people needed to be transferred before Christmas! Sorella Mikesell was one! She is excited because she always wanted to serve in Palermo and Napoli, but neither was open to sisters until 2 transfers ago when they opened Palermo!! Whoohoo!
My new collega will be Sorella Foster from Albuquerque New Mexico! This is her 3rd Transfer. I've heard that she is super sweet! She does not know it yet, but she is going to have the best Christmas EVER! I want to help her feel comfortable and happy. Not only is she away from her family, but she just got surprised transferred away from her trainer and all of her member friends in Rome. But the members here in Bari are so loving and they are just going to love her to death!
Mikesell leaves Wednesday morning, so tomorrow we are going to have a mini-Christmas, and open presents and such!
I am only sad that I don't get to meet Sorella Mikesell's family on skype! For those of you who have served a mission you will understand that one of the highlights is being able to meet your companion's family!!! Oh well I am excited to meet Sorella Foster's parents even though they have NO IDEA who I am :)
Mom and Dad I have some notes for you
1) I GOT YOUR PACKAGE WITH THE CD! I love how you both know me soo well. You send me a Natalie Cole christmas CD. She sings "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" And "The Christmas song" In tribute to her father and Andy Williams!! I have been loving it. I just got it today!
2) I asked about Irma Giacolli. I heard from Sorella Magno that she died 2 years ago. I am so sorry that I am the one who has to bear the bad news. Sono l'uccellino della Maledizione. She was inactive before her death so most members do not know who she is. But I am going to ask around and make sure she actually died.
3) Dad, Fratello vito Caricola wanted to ask you if you knew Anziano Michael Anderson. He served in Bari around the same time as you and baptized Fratello Caricola. He just wanted to know if you knew him.
Now back to relevant things such as Christmas and the miracles we saw this week.
I think one of the biggest miracles we saw this week was that we finally contacted one of our investigators after 2 weeks. She would not answer the phone but she finally did. She apologized for being busy and we tried to set up an appoinment. Purtroppo none of our times worked but she promised to come to church. We tried to call her Saturday and remind her but she did not answer. Then she miraculously came to church this sunday. She brought her husband and her son, a new convert of 4 months. They came for Gospel Principles and Sacrament Meeting!!! It was so wonderful!
Marina also came to church this sunday! she is progressing so much. She had a few questions about 1 Nefi 4 and why God would command to kill someone. But it gave us a great opportunity to talk about personal revelation and invite her to ask God herself. We have an appointment to go to her house and visit with her and her husband this week. I am so excited.
I feel so blessed to be here! Just the other day I was thinking about how cool missionary work is. I heard someone say this Sunday that if God wanted something done, He could just do it! He does not need us, but He allows us to be His hands. He allows us to grow and to serve others. By doing His will, we slowly become more like Him and develop Christ-like attributes. I have been trying to remind myself recently to think less of myself and to focus on "being his Hands."
Love you all so much,
Sorella Preston
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