December 9, 2022

                                     Becky & Bryan, in Porto Venere, on the coast of the Ligurian Sea

Dear Family and Friends,

On November 25th, our son Stephen and his wife, Lindsay were blessed with a beautiful baby girl, and gave us our 28th grandchild, Ivy Faith Gerritsen.  Her middle name is Faith because it took a lot of Faith to get her here.  We are so grateful she is healthy and well.  Steve and Lindsay are so incredibly happy, as are we.

 
Left: Steve & Lindsay, with newborn Ivy Faith, born 11.25.22
Right, Steve & Ivy

We traveled to Firenze (Florence) on November 22, to deliver medications for 120 refugee children, mainly from Ukraine and Peru. These are dispensed by an organization called MEDU.  MEDU is comprised of 30 volunteer doctors and 14 other volunteers.  The doctors work in their practices in the day, then one or two evenings a week they volunteer to help refugee families and children who need medical assistance.  This is the same organization that we met with and helped at the Italian/French border about a week earlier, and which we discussed in our last blog. These doctors and other volunteers do an amazing work and warm our hearts as we see such Christ-like love among them.  We were honored to partner with them to help in a small way.  

                          Becky, and women from MEDU, in Florence, with medications for refugee children

The following day, we were in Bologna for a Mission Conference where Elder De Feo, president of the Europe West Area visited and taught us.  It was a wonderful conference.  To be around 80 or more young Elders and Sisters filled with the Spirit brought much joy.  We are so grateful to be a part of this great work in Italy.  Our President and his wife, President and Sister Wood always inspire us.  They are amazing leaders, and we are privileged to be serving under them.

Mission Conference, with Elder De Feo, in Bologna, 11.23.22

On Thanksgiving evening we were invited to a dinner at the Bergamo ward, where a Ukrainian family prepared a Thanksgiving meal.  Ukrainian food made from the heart, and these very kind people provided a delightful evening.  We were blessed to feel of their spirit and goodness.  The day after Thanksgiving we shared a Thanksgiving dinner with our neighbors and their parents, and the two sets of missionaries that live in Bergamo.  It was a privilege to have these good people share dinner with us as we gave thanks for the many blessings we have been given.

                              
                                   Don Massimo, with refugees from Africa, at Vicofaro Parish, in Pistoia.                                                                                                We had a project for food for the refugees.

December 1 found us back in the Florence area in Pistoia, meeting with a priest named Don Massimo.  Don Massimo houses approximately 200 refugees, mostly from Africa.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has helped with food to help feed the refugees. It is sobering to see the needs of so many, and we wish that we could do more.  Don Massimo told us how one of the young men has worked very diligently, and two days before we came, he flew back home to Gambia to see his family.  He had come on a boat with nothing, and now returned on his own, not in a boat, but on a plane.  This warms the soul to see that with a little help and direction, they can become self-sufficient.  

                 
                        Bryan and Becky, doing our best to hold up the Leaning Tower of Pisa, 12.2.22

Pistoia is near Florence, Pisa, Livorno and Porto Venere.  We made short visits to see these amazing places, while we were nearby in Pistoia working with refugees.  Italy truly is a beautiful country, no matter where you go.  We have been very  blessed to serve here these last 10 months.

                          Left: Becky, in Pisa, at Santa Maria Cathedral, Baptistry, and (Leaning) Tower
Right: Becky, in Porto Venere, on the Ligurian Sea

As Christmas approaches, our thoughts are turned to the Savior and his humble birth and life.  We hope that in this season, we can each take time to "Hear Him," and serve others as He would want us to.  The Savior certainly set the example for each of us to become better and do better each day.  May the Lord bless each of you this wonderful Christmas season.


                                             
                                                    Porto Venere, on the Ligurian Sea, 11.30.22

Love, 

Bryan and Becky

Comments

  1. Daniel GrossmannJanuary 13, 2023 at 4:20 AM

    I loved everything but the pictures you took with the Pisa tower was amazing. :)

    ReplyDelete

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