January 13, 2023
As we begin the New Year in Italy, we realize how quickly time passes. Our little granddaughter whose birth we waited for throughout the year became a reality on November 25. We are so grateful for little Ivy Faith, and for each of our 28 grandchildren. Even during the holidays we worked on Humanitarian projects each day until at least 3 PM, but on 8 different days we took a little time in the late afternoons or evenings to visit a few nearby cities and see their Christmas markets and decorations. They were simple yet so beautiful. Our own town, Alzano Lombardo, had pony rides for children, train rides, small booths, hot scones with Nutella, and a band walking the narrow streets playing Christmas music. Each musician was dressed in a Santa suit. We asked them if we could take their picture, and they asked where we are from. They then played a little bit of our national anthem, then continued with beautiful Italian Christmas music for 20+ minutes. Each town's manger scenes were amazing. One old Duomo in Brescia had 49 manger scenes displayed, each so different, but each one celebrating the birth of our Savior. No matter where we go, we find people with a love for the Savior. It is marvelous.
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We have been able to work on humanitarian projects even though much of Italy takes time off during the week after Christmas and after New Years. There are still the poor among us who need assistance. We currently have 12 active humanitarian projects to help refugees in several cities. One new one is to help refugees on the borders in Trieste near Slovenia, and Ventimiglia near France, with basic needs as they enter and leave Italy, and try to find a permanent home and work.
From Becky: "On Christmas day a couple from our ward invited us to dinner. We were particularly touched when we entered their humble home. The man turned on a recording of my dad giving his talk, "Come What May and Love It." This good man has sorrowed for many years because his children disowned him when he joined the Church. When he heard my father speak, the Spirit spoke to him. He found comfort and reason to move forward and to trust in God. This good man is humble and shy and serves as a counselor to the Bishop in the ward. As we travel and meet members, I am amazed at how many lives my father and mother touched in their own service to the Lord while here in Europe and Italy."
This past week we met with all of the Senior Couples in our Mission to learn how to better help the young Missionaries in keeping apartments clean and organized, so that they can feel the Spirit in their apartments. We also said good-bye to an amazing couple who served tirelessly helping the Young Single Adults. Spencer and Maria Hockett left their hearts in Italy as they returned home to their family. They helped us many times as our language skills are lacking and theirs were amazing. Our President and his wife also met with us and inspired us. President and Sister Wood give their all. They are sterling examples of how the Savior would want us to be. We are so grateful for the many good people we are surrounded with in the Italy Milan mission.
Left: Senior couples in the Italy Milan Mission, taken Jan. 7, 2023
Right: Pres. & Sister
Wood, Mission Leaders
On January 11 we met with two organizations, one in Milan and one in Como. In Milan, we visited Banco Farmaceutico, who helps collect unused medicines that are unused and still current, then distributes them to 19 organizations who serve refugees and the poor. They have done an incredible work in making necessary medications available to those who simply cannot afford them They planned on helping 25,000 persons in 2022, but actually assisted 46,000, and far exceeded their goals. The church provided funds to assist in this effort, and we will continue working together with them to assist those in need to obtain medicines.
This week we bought 15 large boxes of diapers and 200, 10-roll packages of toilet paper to donate to Ukrainian refugees in Como. Those items filled our small car 4 times. In addition, the Church donated 400 hygiene kits for the 100 Ukrainians for this project, and 8,000 Euros of fruits and vegetables, to help feed them over a period of 4 months. Banco di Solidarietà di Como is an all volunteer organization that distributes food and other necessities to families in need. Currently, they are helping refugees from Ukraine. The beneficiaries actually come to the organization to help pack the food and distribute it. In the next week or two we will continue the project by helping the Ukrainian children with basic school supplies they need.
Between appointments, we had a few hours where we could not call on anyone. We took the opportunity to drive to Brunate, where a funicular takes people up and down the mountain to Como. The 6 km extremely narrow road was winding with about 40 hairpin turns. What a memory. The view of Como was spectacular and well worth taking the time to see.
We are so grateful to be working with great organizations who serve the refugees in Italy in so many different ways. We have met amazing people with hearts of gold. We are grateful for this opportunity to serve.
Happy New Year to our favorite missionaries! Much love!
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