July 21, 2022

                                                    Becky & Bryan, in Genova, IT, July 14, 2022

These past two weeks were quite amazing.  On July 4 and 5, we had the opportunity to assist a partner organization, Terre des Hommes, in Tarvisio, Italy on the Austrian and Slovenian borders.  Then on July 16, we were across the country in Ventimiglia, on the French border, with another partner organization, Baobab Experience.  In both areas and border crossings, the projects with those organizations were to help refugees from Ukraine.  We met and visited with some wonderful refugees from Ukraine, who had left their homes and country, and were enroute to various destinations.  We also helped unload boxes of shoes, sleeping bags, hygiene kits, etc. that Latter Day Saint Charities had provided for the refugees and these projects, and helped distribute the kits.  

One thing to note is that the director and all persons working with Baobab Experience are completely volunteers, donating their time and efforts, with no pay.  A young female attorney that we spent time with from Baobab told us that she spends 2 weeks a month helping refugees through Baobab--for free.  The other 2 weeks each month she works with refugees through "Save the Children," and she is paid well for her services and time by them.  (She explains that they have lots of funding and monies.)  But interestingly, she said that she greatly prefers to work for Baobab Experience, where everyone donates their time and services, because of the good feeling everyone has, and their sincere love for people in need.  We explained to her that we love that, and that similarly, people assisting with Latter Day Saint Charities are also unpaid volunteers, and we also have a great love for the poor, for refugees, and those in need.

         Building by Progetto Arca in Milan, with new canteen, food, & clothing market for refugees & the poor

On Tuesday of this week, one of our good partners, Progetto Arca, had a dedication in Milan.  They opened a canteen/cafeteria, a small food market, and a clothing store for refugees, the homeless, and disadvantaged persons.  Latter Day Saint Charities helped pay for the professional refrigerators, ovens, cooking equipment, and other items for the cafeteria and the small food market for the refugees, homeless persons, and the poor.  After the Director of Progetto Arca spoke, he asked Bryan to give a few remarks, representing Latter Day Saint Charities and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Many people from the press were there.

 

Opening of the Clothing and Food markets at Progetto Arca, with Bryan & Francesca Vitiello, 7.19.22,

Progetto Arca also has housing for homeless individuals next to the new cafeteria and markets.  By giving these persons a place to live, and help with clothes and food, their hopes and dreams begin to increase.  They are willing to work and start providing for themselves.  It is like teaching a man to fish, rather than giving them a fish.  Progetto Arca hopes that the help they give will instill in people the desire to provide for themselves and give them the confidence to do so.  It was gratifying to see what was once a dream come true, and to have Latter Day Saint Charities be such a big part to help make this dream a reality.

Today we worked in Lecco, with another organization called Caritas Ambrosiana.  They are doing a very similar project in Lecco for the homeless, poor, and refugees, with funding and help from Latter Day Saint Charities.  We viewed the progress on the housing, the nice cafeteria and kitchen, and the small food and clothing markets.  Organizations give a card to persons they serve, to use when shopping for the food or clothes.  The card has points loaded onto it, determined by their needs and the number of persons in their family.  This operation is set to open in September or October.  We told our host today of the many Nigerian members of our church in Lecco, who currently live in the refugee "camp" nearby. She offered to help some of these Nigerians at this very nice new center, which would be a marvelous improvement from their current conditions and situations.

       

   Becky, in Riomaggiore, & Manarola, two of the 5 "Cinque Terre" cities on the west coast of Italy, 7.15.22

Last week, on July 12, we went to a Zone Conference in Verona (half-way to Venice). Our new Mission President, President and Sister Wood are marvelous. They gave great counsel and teachings. We loved their messages that we are to focus on the Savior and His teachings.  The young missionaries who are leaders were amazing in presenting the Mission focus, goals, and expectations of the missionaries.  We were asked to supply the lunch for 25 people.  That was a fun challenge and it actually turned out ok.  Becky made brownies for the dessert, to go along with the sandwiches and 5 kinds and helpings of fruit that we provided.  We look forward to our Zone Conferences.  

         Zone Conference in Verona, Italy, with the Gerritsen's on the right, & Pres. & Sister Wood in the middle

In August, we will take about 10 Nigerian members of our Church in Lecco to Rome to the Temple for their first time, and to do ordinances there.  The logistics are not easy, and without a dear friend, Marco dal Zatto, we couldn't have arranged for the train tickets and other details.  We are looking forward to taking these new members to the Temple.