Sorella Forbes, Italy Milan Mission: March 6, 2013 - Il giorno della famiglia "The day of the family"

That's what our Ward Mission Leader said as he stood up on Sunday to bear his testimony. It was the most BEAUTIFUL meeting ever! Let me tell ya about it...

We had the MOST beautiful sacrament meeting this Sunday. That in itself was such a miracle for everyone in attendance. Sometimes here couples go up and bear their testimonies together, but this Sunday entire families were getting up together! It was so beautiful! So much love! We had the Garcia family first, who are a re-activated family from last year who are so strong. Then we had a woman who usually has to go to church in Genova because of work but was here this Sunday. She and her daughter got up together. Then our WML and his wife. Then the Cantarella family... mamma mia! The spirit was so strong! This branch is doing so well and growing so fast! But the specific miracle was the Cantarella Family. The father has cancer and it has been a struggle. He and his wife have become kind of less active because of it. They can't make it to church every week and it's had a toll on them both. Their 10 year old daughter Linda was baptized last August. The mother's sister was baptized 3 weeks ago. They were all in church on Sunday with their 25 year old son Giorgio who is not a member. THey all got up as a family to bear their testimony. The father, Giuseppe, thanked Heavenly Father because they received news this week that his cancer has stopped and isn't advancing any more. The mother, Flor, gave thanks for the gospel blessing her family. The young daughter, Linda, bore her testimony about the truthfulness of the church and how there is more love in their family. Then the son Giorgio stood at the pulpit and said he wants to come closer to the Lord and recently he can feel Him more in his life, and that he wants to change his life and come closer to the church. Then the sister of the mother stood and bore her testimony of how her baptism has changed her life and how she loves the Book of Mormon so much and can't go throughout her day nor go to sleep without reading it. It was so wonderful! I love this family so much and we're so excited to really work with their son. Miracles!

So Giorgio is kind of our light in the darkness right now. We are struggling so much with finding! We have 2 numbers from our HOURS of finding we did last week. It's gotten increasingly worse! The cold hardened hearts of the people. It's because the Lord is hastening His work, so is Satan. And we are seeing it here! It's crazy! Bold statements and powerful testimonies won't do a whole lot anymore. We can't break through the ice! So we are really focusing on the members. Getting referrals from them. IT IS THE BEST WAY!!! We've knocked hundreds of doors and stopped hundreds of people this last week. NOTHING! It will get better. Good things are coming.

I'm in Genova right now! We are here doing a scambio. I have been with Sorella Gomez and she is WONDERFUL! I am learning so much from her. She is the definition of a Forever Finder! I love her so much. She's from Mexico City. We have been talking about how old we are. She is two transfers behind me. In two weeks I will be the oldest sorella in the mission along with Sorelle Bush and Bunker. That is just crazy... NON CI CREDO! (I do not believe) 15 new Sorelle are coming in in 2 weeks. I think I'l probably train and die in Savona.

Guess where we went today... I'll give you a hint: Mom and Dad, you LOVE this place. It's on the Italian riviera. You have a painting of it in your room....

PORTOFINO!!!!

Oh mamma I love that place. It was a bad day though because it was poring rain. I want to go back when it is dry and sunny. Here are some pictures. I have so many more that I wish I could send. Non c'è tempo. Beh. (no time, oh well) I'll send you a cd.

I'm doing well. My health has been restored and I'm feeling good. Our work in Savona is struggling a bit but we will keep working to build it up! Thanks for your love and support and prayers. I truly do feel them! Siete i migliori! (You are the best!)

Wish Preslee a Happy Birthday! Did she get my card?

Sorella Forbes