Week 5 - Obedience and Virtue

We've had a gelato countdown going on our classroom board since week 1, and today we hit 10 days. HOW CRAZY IS THAT. I can't believe that I'm going to be in Italy in 10 days. I'm excited, but at the same time, I have no idea how I'm going to talk to people. I can use gospel words, but regular people conversations? no way. I can remember random words, such as brividi (goosebumps) but basically my conversational skills go from "Hi, what's your name? What do you like to do for fun?" to "Do you believe in God?" . I'll keep you all posted as to how that works out in Italy. But despite that, I'm very very excited to interact and learn from the people.

We've already had some pretty funny language mix-ups in our classroom and in our lessons. For example, during our lesson with Daniela this week, we were teaching her the importance of keeping commandments. I was giving my portion of the lesson and talking about how when we keep the commandments, we are blessed with the gift of the Holy Ghost, which comforts us and helps us learn. So I'm going on and on about "la donna dello Spirito Santo". Then afterwards, my companion decides to let me know that "la donna" means woman, and "il dono" means gift.... yep. I just preached some false doctrine about the Woman of the Holy Spirit, but hopefully the message got through anyway. 

Another highlight of this week was our Sunday Film. After every devotional, they show a couple different films you can choose between; different talks, old devotionals, Meet the Mormons, Book of Mormon movies, etc. This past Sunday somebody suggested Legacy, a movie about the pioneers. I don't know if I would recommend Legacy to anyone, but it was MUCH needed entertainment here. It was the closest thing we've had to a romcom in a month. Afterward all the girls in our district ate cookies and talked about the love story and it was great. 

This week our spiritual focus has been on Obedience and Virtue. I had an interesting thought during our devotional this week about virtuous thinking. Our speaker talked about the importance of optimism and being positive in how we view ourselves. I don't know why, but as I was taking notes, I was just thinking how connected optimism is to virtuous thinking. Complaining and having a negative mentality about everything keeps us from growing closer to God and focusing on becoming like Him. I've made it my goal to work on thinking positively and having an eternal perspective on things. 

Last, I just want to share this scripture with you all! I read it this morning while I was in the temple and I felt so much comfort and peace. 

2 Nephi 26:27-28

I love this church so much, and I love my Savior! I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be out here serving a mission.

I love you all!

-- 

Sorella Maxfield

p.s. shout out to my older brother for tying the knot today !! If anyone has funny stories or pictures from their wedding, please send them my way!!