First off: we got transfer calls! I am happy to announce that I will be staying with Sorella Nordlin here in Caserta another transfer!! 😊
This week was only like four days since we had P-Day on Wednesday. However, it felt like a whole seven day week. Almost every day has just been pouring. I'm looking to invest in some rain boots. We had exchanges this week, so I went to Pozzuoli with Sorella Sullivan. Was so much fun, and I learned a lot. I ate two pizzas that day. ✌🏼 Haha pizza is the thing to do here. But I enjoyed that. And we met some amazing people on the train, one who lives in Caserta and we will be meeting with this week! Also, Pozzuoli has the most beautiful coast I have literally ever seen. Especially from the church. I'll include the pictures.
So my two miracles this week! First is Sara. Her grandma is a member and her mom is against the church. But Sara, who is only 13, is doing everything in her power to be baptized. She went online and found the Primary manual, printed it out and told her family they needed to start doing FHE. She learned the piano to play the hymns in church, and she is just just so amazing. So we officially started teaching her this week, and are so excited for her. The second miracle is Anthony!! I mentioned how he came to church last week. Well we invited him again, and he was like "I liked being with the people there . So yeah I'll come." When we showed up to church, he was already there, talking to a member family, and holding hands with this little girl who has some mental handicaps. She is just always so loving and trying to hold people's hands. But it's like he has already been so embraced by the ward. But we sent him off to Young Men's by himself. Bishop was teaching and taught the story of Joseph Smith. Afterwards I asked him what he thought. (before he has said he doesn't believe in God, so I was a little worried) What he responded with was "Penso che sia vero." or I think it's true. I was worried I hadn't understood him right so I made him say it again. He then pointed to my Book of Mormon and was like "I have one of these at home, I need to read it to see if it's true." So we gave him the 21 day challenge (which is just 21 questions of the soul with Book of Mormon scriptures that answer them) and are meeting with him this week to explain more. And as the ward members were saying goodbye to him, he said he would see them next week. So, looks like Anthony will be coming again!
Those were my two big miracles. We went and saw Wosa this week too and he told us how he got here from Nigeria. He crossed the Sahara Desert, was thrown in prison several times, almost sold into slavery and had to cross the ocean in a little boat. He told us he knew God was there because there is no way he could have made that on his own. I have always felt sympathy for these refugees, but hearing the first person account from someone we love so much, made it so much more real. It makes me so grateful for the blessings I've had in my life. I've lived a life very easy and carefree, where my big concerns were whether I would pass a class or not. I've never had to worry about if I would live the next day. It really put things into perspective.
This transfer I have been trying to finish the Book of Mormon, and tomorrow I will read the last 10 pages. It was my birthday gift to myself. So I thought I would just share some of the testimony that I've received while reading this transfer. One thing that has stuck out to me is how present God is. He is always watching or speaking to His people. He is always trying to warn them, give them a second chance, and then welcome them home when the people finally choose Him. I've seen that in my mission, especially these last few weeks. As I've really really tried to give each day to Him, strived to remember my blessings, He is more present. I feel the warnings of the spirit easier, the promptings in general. And I find I have more strength. One of my favorite scriptures this transfer has been Alma 26:27: "Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success."
As I have diligently read the Book of Mormon every day, and as I've tried to apply the things I've read to my life, I've seen this scripture become true for me. My challenge to you this week is to read the Book of Mormon every day. Read to find strength, not to check off a task. Read to show God you are listening to Him. And I promise you will start to feel a the weight on your shoulders more easy to bear. Will you do it?
I love you all so much, and I hope this week you see God help you do hard things!
Love,
Sorella Thorup
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