July 7, 2022

    Becky & Bryan, in Ugovizzia (near Tarvisio), in NE Italy, where we greeted refugees from Ukraine, 7.5.22

Our Humanitarian Services has taken us about 1,800 km the last 5 days. Following a Zone Conference in Verona (described below), we drove to Bologna, then to Pistoia, to help refugees from Africa.  Vicofaro Parrish houses 175 refugees (in a space that should only hold about 25).  Most are young men from Senegal, Gambia, Nigeria, or Ghana, and have nothing of this world's goods.  They came north across Africa, then by boat to Sicily, then north to Pistoia (north of Florence).  We are designing a new project to help them with food.  Don Massimo, the leader, and his volunteers help the refugees with Italian language instruction, job skills, and skills to move out and be on their own, as new refugees arrive.  We asked two young missionaries to accompany us, and one said that they had never seen such poverty as this, and had never imagined that there would be conditions like this in Italy.  One elder asked, "Is this what you do for your mission?"  

                     Vicofaro Parish, housing & refugees        Painting by refugee at Vicofaro Parish, of men on boat from Africa 

After returning to Alzano Lombardo Saturday night, we left again Monday morning, July 4th, for the NE border areas by Slovenia and Austria.  We met with Terre des Hommes, a marvelous organization that helps refugees not only in Italy, but also in Africa, India, Peru, Columbia, and many other countries.   We and Latter Day Saint Charities have partnered with Terre des Hommes in Italy to provide help for refugees from Ukraine.  In the city of Udine, we saw their "Hub" for health care and counseling, as well as their school for Italian language instruction.  Two days a week they provide lessons in Italian for refugees from Ukraine, and 3 days a week instruction is given for refugees from all other countries.  In the basement they store supplies purchased by Latter Day Saint Charities and some other donors.  On July 5th we positioned with them in the small border town of Ugovizzia, near Tarvisio.  At the nearby border crossings for Slovenia and Austria, friendly police check their documents, then direct Ukrainian refugees to this Welcome Center in nearby Ugovizzia. In about 2.5 hours there, we met 6 families (about 30 people) from Ukraine who arrived there.  

 

Refugee children from Ukraine, getting kits, stuffed animals, and snacks on the Italian border, 7.5.22

We spoke with each of the adults, and also greeted the children. We learned about which cities they came from, some of the conditions there, their former jobs, and a little of their destinations or plans.  Each were given a hygiene kit, snacks and water, and Phrasebooks, printed by Latter Day Saint Charities.  The Phrasebooks contain common phrases and words to help them communicate, and is divided into 3 columns--Ukrainian, Italian, and English.  The children were also given stuffed animals or small toys.  They hugged us and thanked us.  One man had tears, and said how appreciative he was.  Representatives from "Save the Children" and Unicef were also there, and were so kind.  What a marvelous experience for us.  Who would have thought 6 months ago that we would be doing this, with these marvelous, choice people from Ukraine.  It almost brought tears to our eyes.  

 

Two families from Ukraine, arriving at the Italian border in Ugovizzia, Italy, July 5, 2022

At dinner we sat next to a beautiful family from Poland.  Our conversations and time with them was so memorable.  The wonderful volunteers from Terre des Hommes, Save the Children, and even some refugees from Ukraine who are now serving as volunteers and welcome hosts, will always be in our hearts.  And this does not even count the incredible Italian Alps and stunning beauty of that area, which won our hearts as our favorite place in Italy thus far.  We were in awe the whole time we were there.  

                            Becky, in Tarvisio, IT, near the Austrian & Slovenian border.  July 4, 2022

On July 1st we met our new Mission President, President and Sister Wood at the Zone Conference in Verona. They are an amazing couple, and brought a great spirit and excitement to the work here in Italy.  President Wood was CEO of NuSkin, Int. before retiring a year ago.  They had amazing stories to tell, which reminded us how our Father in Heaven knows each one of us and will guide us if we will listen to the His promptings.  We must keep our lives in tune by following the  commandments.  We were sorry to see President and Sister Browning return home after three years of helping the work through the "Covid" years, which was no easy feat.  We are blessed with great leaders.

On Sunday, June 26th we were asked to speak at a Young Adult Devotional in Milan.  We both wrote our talks then translated them to Italian, then spoke in Italian for both of our talks.  Becky went next door to her friend Monica, who helped her with corrections and pronunciation.  It was a challenge, but we did it.  

Our next door neighbor whose family who own the apartments we live in, invited us to her birthday lunch on June 22.  Becky was thrilled, as June 22 is her mother's birthday as well.  She felt like she was celebrating her Mom's birthday, along with Monica and her father.  The lunch was amazing.  The Italians eat in courses. The first course is usually cheeses, salads, sliced meats, pastas, and other items. Then comes another "plate," such as pastas, followed by another plate of food, and then followed by sweets.  You never walk away from a meal here wanting more food.  One course (plate) was a huge bowl of spaghetti with giant shrimps.  It was good, as were the five sweets: fruit pie, apple pie, a cream dessert, and two others.

We are very grateful to serve as Humanitarian Services missionaries.  There is so much good among the bad in this world today.  We send our love and best wishes.

Becky & Bryan Gerritsen