Bryan and Becky Gerritsen in Italy

  March 22, 2022 Hello to all of our family and friends, These last two weeks have been full.  We have seen the agencies that we work with turning all of their energies into helping the people fleeing Ukraine.  First, our Church is at the forefront, helping at the border of Poland and Ukraine, taking food, clothing, sim cards, shuttling people to train stations where the refugees can get on a train and travel to family members throughout Europe.  Latter-day Saint Charities is also helping with many organizations who are taking food, clothing, blankets, sleeping bags and other necessities into Ukraine and the 4 surrounding countries.  There are so many good people who want to serve those in need. This organization we work with (see below) delivers needed items to Siret, Romania, 1 km from the Ukraine border, and plans to take food directly into Ukraine.                      Food, clothing, & other it...

Report from Italy We arrived in Italy three weeks ago today.  The time seems to go quite fast.  We are still getting acquainted with the area we live in.  Driving is a whole other story.  I don't know if we will ever feel comfortable on the roads.  It takes both of us to drive, Bryan at the wheel, and I have to watch the WAZE app on the phone constantly.  Italy has round-abouts instead of stop lights in most cases.  As you go through the round-about you have to count the exits to know which one to take.  Sadly, we have taken the wrong exit at times.  We are learning and are feeling more comfortable getting around. Yesterday we met with some partners at an organization called La Rotonda.  This organization helps immigrants, and others who need to learn  daily living skills.  There is a room with a number of sewing machines where qualified instructors teach men and women to make clothing and other items.  Those in need are g...