TODAY I have been in the mission for 18 months. WOW!!!!
This past week has flown by so incredibly fast. :) I remember waking up on Saturday morning and thinking to myself "Wow!! It has been a whole week since our baptism with Mauro!" Then I realized that the following Saturday I would wake up in AMERICA!!!! AHHH I go through moments of excitement, anxiety, nervousness, happiness, etc. Truth be told, the last week, I have woken up every morning, STANCA MORTA (dead tired), and thought to myself "Ohhhhh mamma mia... only X days until I get to sleep in." I haven't slept in past 6:30 (with the occasional 7:00 by permission or mistake) for 18 months. Pheeeeew! Hahahaha :)
For some reason, our Thursdays are always packed, a little crazy, but always full of miracles. Last Thursday we had planned on seeing many people but everything got turned upside down. Three appointments all wanted to see us at 5 pm. Oh mamma mia... it was stressful! But we got to see EVERYONE that we had planned on seeing. N and A in the morning loved our lesson and Alberto said "Quasi, quasi divento un mormone." (Almost, almost become a Mormon) :) Later, after another lesson, we visited our precious referral F and had an amazing lesson with her before she left for vacation (she has been texting us since). To finish, we had a member present lesson with another referral who we haven't been able to see in awhile. As we were talking, L (simpatizzante) expressed how much she LOVED the Book of Mormon. Last time that we saw her, we had invited her to read Mosiah 2-4 and she has read those chapters several times since. Miracles are happening here in Busto!! :)
On Sunday I gave my final testimony in Italiano here in Italia as a missionary. As I was walking back to my seat, I realized how incredible it was to share my beliefs, joy, and testimony with the Italian people in this people's country. Not only the Italians but all of the South Americans and Africans too. Sorella McPeek put her arm around me as I started to cry. It was a little heart breaking. That being said, I thought about sharing my testimony in my own beautiful country and it made my heart lift up with joy. One thing that I have learned on my mission is just how EASY it is to share the Gospel with others. Just live what you believe, open your mouth and share the love you feel, and never be afraid to say that you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. :)
Monday came around and EVERYONE wanted to feed us. We ate 5 meals. FIVE!!! We had Brazilian food, Peruvian food, Filipino Food, and Italian food. Mamma mia. Luckily I had the excuse that I couldn't eat a lot because I was feeling nervous about leaving. True story. :)
Today I am going to spend all day with our favorite member family and we are going to make Italian food!!! I have always wanted to do this and now I can :) I love being a missionary soooo much. It has been the BEST decision that I have made in my life to this point. A member asked me what my favorite part was about my mission and told him that it was inviting people to come unto Christ, especially myself, to feel of His LOVE and HELP. I LOVE my Savior soooo much and I love my Heavenly Father. My relationship with them has been amazing in my time of service. Now I hope to continue it. :)
I love you so much!!! I cannot believe that it is time to come home. :)
VI VOGLIO BENE!!!
Sorella Jameon :)
