March 4, 2023

February was indeed a short month.  After returning from Rome for our Humanitarian Services Conference, we spent much of our time following up on projects and with organizations. We even took time to celebrate Becky's birthday, going to the top of the Duomo in Milan, and having lunch at a little restaurant overlooking the Duomo.  


 

                                Left: Becky at lunch in Milan by the Duomo, on her birthday, 2.11.23                                             Right:: Becky, on the roof of the Duomo in Milan, on her birthday, 2.11.23

The following week we visited an organization in Pistoia, just north of Florence and Prato, Italy which houses 130-140 refugees from Senegal, Gambia, Nigeria, Ghana,  and other African countries.  Don Massimo, the priest at Vicofaro Parish, houses these refugees and gives them food, shelter, Italian language classes and the opportunity to receive their documents to remain in Italy.  Don Massimo has his arms outstretched to help these refugees under difficult circumstances.  The Communication Director of the Florence Stake met with us and translated for us.



               Vicofaro Parish, with 3 of the 140-175 African refugees there, With Don Massimo, the priest.  
                       The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints helps with food for the refugees.  

After our visit with Don Massimo, we drove to Padova in dense fog to attend a Zone Conference the following day.  We spent the day receiving instruction and guidance from our amazing Mission President, Ritch and Rebecca Wood.  They are tremendous leaders and teachers.  We are blessed to received their instruction in this mission.  The enthusiasm of the missionaries is always a joy to be around.


       Zone Conference in Padova, for the Verona Zone.  Becky and Bryan on the 2nd row, right side.  2.17.23

On February the 24th we had the opportunity to visit The Nigerian Refugee Association in Valbondione, near the Swiss/Austrian border.  Jessica, the founder of this Association helps refugees receive their paper work, work and other necessities.  The sister missionaries who live below us were able to go with us to meet Jessica.  We left Jessica with a donation of clothes and a spiritual thought.  Jessica was grateful for the visit and the donation.  She has a big heart.

 
        Left: Becky & Bryan, with Jessica, in Valbondione (Dossi), at the Nigerian Refugee Association.  2.24.23
      Right: Lake and falls in Alzano Lombardo, with lots of waterfowl

We occasionally take a Preparation day.  On Wednesday, March 1 we met two other couples from our mission at our apartment and took them on a walking tour of Alzano Lombardo.  This small city we live in is a typical, small Italian town with narrow streets, colorful homes and friendly people.  There is a lake nearby where many ducks, geese and seagulls congregate.  Following our walk through Alzano Lombardo. we all went to Citta Alta, an old city built in the 1300's and is situated on a hill above Bergamo.  Citta Alta is one of our favorite Italian cities.  



  
                 Left: Becky & Bryan, with 2 other senior couples, in Citta Alta, above Bergamo. 3.1.23                                Right: Pizza shop in Citta Alta that we like. 3.1.23

The day before our Mission Conference on our way to Pistoia, we stopped at a small city called Sirmione.  It was built in the 1200's, and has an old castle that is open to the public.  We didn't have a lot of time, but after our visit to the castle we bought a gelato at a store that had 100 flavors of gelato.  They gave huge scoops, almost more than a person could (or should) eat.  We recommend Sirmione on Lago di Garda for a visit anytime.  (The picture at the beginning of this blog entry was taken in Sirmione, on Lake Garda, 2.16.23.)

 

                                  Left:  Bryan & Becky at the castle in Sirmione, from 1277.  2.16.23                                             Right:  Ice cream shop (gelataria) in Sirmione, with 100 flavors).  2.16.23


As we were looking for a place in Bergamo we passed what appeared to be a huge gate.  We parked the car to see what it was and found that it was the entrance into a cemetery.  It was an amazing cemetery.  As we looked at many of the monuments on the graves, we thought of the many people who love the Savior and wanted to honor Him on their graves.

                   Becky, at entrance to the Bergamo cemetery.  The monument in front is immense, 3.3.23

We are so grateful for the lessons we have learned while serving here in Italy.  We are grateful to see the generosity of many people in wanting to help those in need.  We know that Christ knows each one of His children and wants each of us to serve where we are at in whatever ways we can. We are His hands.

Love,

Bryan and Becky




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