"Dare to believe in miracles"

One of the missionaries summarized this week best when she excitedly exclaimed, "Dare to believe in miracles!" Many years of prayer and faithfulness from the saints in northern Italy combined with the consecration and hard work of thousands of missionaries over the years has been rewarded this past Sunday with the announcement of a temple in the Milan Italy area. The missionaries showed their faith by fasting and praying for this miracle the 40 days leading up to general conference, and it 'came to pass'. When we served here in the 90's we never would've imagined a temple coming here in our lifetime... let alone that we might be here when it was announced.  It was so special to see the raw heartfelt emotion from President and Sorella Wood. Watch the live reaction here: https://youtu.be/JKoTg8pCqy4

As a missionary it is such a blessing to be able to recharge by being spiritually fed for 2 days straight with General Conference. Another missionary compared General Conference weekend to Super Bowl weekend. President Wood asked the missionaries to watch all 5 sessions of conference and even allowed them to stay up until midnight Sunday night just in case a Milan Italy temple was announced. As we listened from a missionary perspective we found so many messages that directly apply to this season of our lives. The highlight for us had to be this powerful testimony of our 100 year old prophet:

"Jesus Christ took upon Himself your sins, your pains, your heartaches, and your infirmities. You do not have to bear them alone! He will forgive you as you repent. He will bless you with what you need. He will heal your wounded soul. As you yoke yourself to Him, your burdens will feel lighter. If you will make and keep covenants to follow Jesus Christ, you will find that the painful moments of your life are temporary. Your afflictions will be 'swallowed up in the joy of Christ' [Alma 31:38]."

Invitation: Review the prophet's message for our time: 

Participating in General Conference as a missionary was truly special. We were able to watch the Sunday sessions in the mission home where the office missionaries brought Steve a conference puzzle page to keep him entertained and awake. We enjoyed the Saturday sessions relaxing in our apartment where Laura provided a snack pack to help keep Steve entertained and awake.

Laura has loved trying out new recipes here in Italy. These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies were a huge hit with the missionaries in our zone. The secret ingredient: Love🫰 

We have learned that Italians do not grow GMO produce, but we were not aware that this ban apparently does not apply to rabbits. During one of our walks, we happened upon this rabbit-zilla outside of a school of all places. In other news, children attending this school report higher rates of Paschakounephobia - fear of the Easter Bunny. (Who knew there was a word for that?)

Nothing better than those crisp, damp, autumn runs through the fields of the local farm

Mystery solved! While carrying dense IKEA furniture up the narrow winding staircases of various missionary apartments, we often wonder why we don't ever see Italians doing the same. Apparently they subscribe to the principle of working smart rather than hard.

Steve is so thankful for a gelateria that stays open until 11pm for when those late night cravings inspirations hit

On occasion missionaries have jokingly asked if we are going to homecoming since we often dress alike. In this picture a neighbor caught us leaving and volunteered to take our picture since we were dressed like gemelli (twins). 

When we get separated at the grocery store, Laura knows she will usually find Steve mesmerized by the video showing how chocolate is made.

In order to pump us up for the last few weeks of the transfer, our fearless district leader Anziano Hettinger channeled his inner Moroni by 'renting' his shirt and writing "Find" (Italian), "Teach" (Spanish) and "Baptize" (Arabic) in the various languages of the our most recent converts. Alma 46:12–13

Steve hoped that avoiding home repairs would be one of the 'blessings' of missionary service. Although a few have popped up, we are happy to report that most repairs have been greatly reduced. 

With the weather starting to cool off, Laura has volunteered to take on the arduous task of finding the best dense Italian hot chocolate in our area.  This first cup from the Lindt store left a strong impression on her tongue and face

Steve has moved on from testing couches to bathtubs. Or maybe it is just pure exhaustion from trying to solve the world's biggest escape room known as IKEA.  😵‍💫