This week we had mission conference, which was absolutely incredible. (More on lessons learned later) Almost all do the missionaries came up to Rome, so I got to see most of my old districts and companions! I realized how much like family they are to me. I'm so grateful for the friendships I've made in the mission, both with the Italians and the people I've served with. Another thing I learned is that being and STL in the center of Rome makes you the hotel for any sisters that need to come through. So this week we had 8 sisters in our apartment. And it was a mad house. On top of that, Sorella Decker and I were gone for Mission Leadership Conference, leaving behind two brand new missionaries to take care of 6 sisters. We were very proud of how well they seemed to be handling it, until about halfway through our lunch we got a call saying that they'd lost a sister at the biggest train station in Rome, and after an hour and a half they still couldn't find her. We found the sister and everything turned out ok, but I felt like a mom who kept getting phone calls from the babysitter to tell her that there was absolute chaos in the house.
After Mission Conference both Sorella Brooks and I felt like we should give our house to house find one more try before referring her to the temple sisters in April. We found her a couple weeks ago, but she lives far enoug away that going to her house is a big time investment. So we fasted and prayed throughout the week in hopes that she would be home. And she was!! And better than that, she let us in and we got to teach her the restoration! She's watched the temple construction for 10 years and was so curious to know what it was about. We're so excited to go back and continue teaching her!!
I feel so blessed to be serving in a place where there's a new temple. I have never had easier finding! People are so curious about the temple and so interested to know why we're building one. These past weeks have been filled with finding where we bear our testimonies about eternal families and all the blessings we recieve when we follow Heavenly Father's plan. The temple brings such an incredible spirit to this whole city, and I can't wait to be able to go inside again.
On Thursday we got to hear from Elder Massimo De Feo!! Our ITALIAN general authority! We were feeling pretty blessed because we heard from someone who served in our mission, then lived in our mission as a stake president. His comments and trainings were so helpful. He first talked about the Mantle of a Missionary. He said the worst thing we can do is try to cut and paste the Mantle to make it fit us. Instead we have to improve, find a higher plane of thought, and use the enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to try and grow to fit the mantle. So it's never about "What more can I do?" It's about "What more can I become?" This is so applicable to everything we do in this life! Our purpose here is to prepare to meet Heavenly Father and become as much like Jesus Christ as we can. So it's really not about cramming our schedules full of every possible activity so we can be busy and therefore successful. It's more about focusing on how we can grow and who we can become! I know that the way we can become happier, more hopeful, and generally better people is by following the example of Jesus Christ. I'm so grateful for His life and His example.
I love you all!
Sorella Maxfield
No comments:
Post a Comment