August 6, 2022

                   Becky & Bryan, in Valbondione, enroute to the Nigerian Association, Aug. 5, 2022

Dear Family and Friends,

As missionaries, we not only do Humanitarian work, but we also are a part of the Mission, and have assignments in our Mission.  We are asked to help in wards and stakes.  Our assignment is with a ward located in Lecco, Italy, located on the eastern shores of Lake Como.  Our ward has an Italian speaking group and an English speaking group.  Bryan has been asked to help our English speaking members, who are mostly members from Nigeria and other African countries.  In addition to being 1st Counselor in the Bishopric, we help plan a Sunday School and a Sacrament meeting in English each Sunday.  On August 15th we will take the train and travel with some of these Nigerian members to the Rome Temple for three days, for their first time to a temple, as well as our first time to the Rome Temple. We are looking forward to being with these great people for 3 days, and doing temple work together.  One Nigerian couple will be endowed and sealed, along with their 2 year old daughter!  Their original marriage document went overboard as they traveled here from Africa, and is at the bottom of the ocean, along with all their clothing, food, and other personal items.   

       Bryan & Monday, in Lecco.  Monday & his wife, Peace, will be sealed in the temple in Rome on Aug. 16

Our new Mission President, Ritch and Rebecca Wood, arrived the end of June. To get to know the couples in the mission, the President arranged a senior couples activity in Como, Bellagio, and the Mission Home.  We were able to travel from Milan to Como in 3 vans on Tuesday, July 26th.  Time was allowed for us to walk in Como Centro, where we saw churches and shops, and mingled with each other.  We caught the fast boat to Bellagio, arriving around 1:00 PM, and had a very nice lunch together.  We enjoyed being able to mingle with all of the senior couples serving throughout northern Italy in various assignments, and getting to know them. 

         Becky, Bryan, with Pres. & Sister Wood & some of the other senior couples, in  Como, IT, July 26

Bellagio is an incredibly beautiful city looking north on Lake Como, where the two forks of the lake come together.  The Alps and mountains are so beautiful.  It was like being in a little bit of heaven that day.  It is a small city, but so much fun.  We loved our time there.

 

                                                    Becky & Bryan, in Bellagio, IT, July 26, 2022

On Wednesday, July 27th, all of the couples met at the Mission Home where we had instructions given to us on how we can best help the young missionaries.  One of our assignments is to review their apartments and help the young Elders and Sisters keep their apartments clean and in good repair.  This next week we will be reviewing the apartments with these young missionaries in Bergamo, Merate, Lecco, and Como Italy, and also in Lugano, Switzerland.  It is a privilege to visit these missionaries and to help in any way possible.  Just this week we have had to purchase and replace an oven for the sisters who live in the same apartment building as us.  A set of elders finally had their faucet repaired, after several months of trying to get it done.  And we have helped arrange for the sisters' apartment in Lugano, Switzerland to be painted in August. 

  Becky & Bryan, with Pres. & Sister Wood & the other senior couples, in Milan, IT at the Mission home, 7.27.22

We continue to work on 13 Humanitarian projects for refugees throughout northern Italy, and with good organizations that we partner with to assist refugees and the poor.  We greatly enjoy all the different aspects of our calling here in Italy.  We send you our love and best wishes.

Bryan and Becky Gerritsen


Comments

  1. Johelen BivenAugust 6, 2022 at 3:05 PM

    What beautiful photos-- and beautiful work you are doing :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. MumzieAugust 6, 2022 at 3:38 PM

    What a beautiful part of the world you are in!!! And the great work you are doing, the wonderful friends you are making, and the way you continue to grow in the gospel is turning this into a truly great experience for you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Grandpa JohnAugust 6, 2022 at 7:07 PM

    We very much enjoy following your tracks through the various assignments, cities, and experiences. Every time you put up a photo it shows such beautiful surroundings. Thank you for being so faithful in making entries in your journal/blog. We feel close to what you are doing. You are in our thoughts and prayers frequently. Lots of Love, John and Janice

    ReplyDelete
  4. Grandpa JohnAugust 6, 2022 at 7:08 PM

    I don't know where the "Grandpa John" title came upon our entry. John :-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. GrandmaAugust 8, 2022 at 10:26 PM

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful mission with us! As we found, each one is so unique! They are so fortunate to have you both there. May The Lord continue to bless you in all your endeavors! Love, Rowena

    ReplyDelete

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