The Master Sculptor

This week we experienced the excitement of our first Zone Conference in the mission. Not only did we get to physically feed 48 missionaries, but we were privileged to be spiritually fed by our Mission Leaders. Sorella Wood taught us that the miracle of the mission is that as we faithfully consecrate ourselves, we will be molded by the Savior. With only 14 weeks into our mission, we can testify that this has been true for us! 

In Doctrine and Covenants 88:63 Christ promises us that as we,"Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." 

Sorella Wood shared three ways we can draw near unto the Lord: 

1. Search the scriptures diligently
• Study
• Pray earnestly
• Ask for divine help
2. Pray
• Improve your relationship with God
• Continual prayer
• Daily walk with God
3. Obey God's Commandments
• Observe missionary standards
• Obedience isn't a punishment but as a liberating path to our divine destiny

The prophet Ezra Taft Benson taught that, "Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can." In this beautiful country known for it's incredible art and sculptures, we are trying to more fully consecrate ourselves so that we can be sculpted by our Savior.

Invitation: 

• Read or listen to President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's April 2016 Conference talk, "He Will Place You on His Shoulders and Carry You Home."
• Write down your testimony of Christ so your posterity will know of your conversion

Meagan Wood, our Mission Leader's daughter who recently returned from her mission in Canada, was a giant help as we served a Cafe Rio style lunch finishing with Tres Leches cake. After making homemade evaporated milk, we found a store that actually sells it! 

We met up at Burger King with our Milano "Est" Zone.

While passing through Italy with only a few hours before their flight to Portugal, Jenny Oaks Baker and her children performed an inspiring musical fireside.

Jenny Oaks Baker asked if we could provide a cello, so we brought 2. Maybe we could tip the 2nd one on its side and "cello, you got a bass"

We had a great PDay in the cute city of Lecco (a sister city / lake to the more famous Lake Como). We enjoyed a scenic hike to a beautiful waterfall, and then took Sorella Hawkins and Sorella Johnson out to lunch.  Seriously, this is a mission!!

During our hike we were fortunate to get to know this amazing group of Jehova's Witnesses. Seriously, they could not have been more kind and complimentary of us. We exchanged numbers and look forward to keeping in touch.

We were honored to be invited over to dinner at the Reyes home.  Laura's grandma skills were an instant hit with their 3 sweet daughters. Brother Reyes was an 8 year old in the Monza ward when Steve served there 30+ years ago.