Lifelong Discipleship

The emotional and spiritual lift we feel as we unite with missionaries at Zone Conference is always a highlight of our 6 week transfer cycle. This transfer we were asked to share some thoughts on lifelong discipleship. (You know you are a senior missionary when you are asked to speak on topics that include words like 'lifelong' in the title.)

We testified to the missionaries that we have found this quote from our prophet to be absolutely true:

"The joy we feel has little do to with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives"
    -- President Russell M Nelson

Even though life comes with trials and disappointment, we know that when we focus on "the Savior with full purpose of heart" (2 Nephi 31:13) we can have an enduring joy that transcends difficult times. We are so thankful to have had the foundation of the gospel of Jesus Christ to help us raise our family and the restored covenants and ordinances that give us the opportunity to be together as a family after this life. We are honored to be able to try to pay it forward in this part of the Lord's vineyard so the good people of Italy may have that same knowledge of Jesus Christ to help them in their lives.

Although on a 40 day sugar fast, Laura tested her resolve by baking these delicious snickerdoodle and Oreo Crumbl-like cookies for Zone Conference. Steve was thrilled to be promoted to the role of interim taste tester   

After living in Milano for over 9 months, we finally took the Duomo tour we've recommended to all who have come to visit. The spectacular Milan gothic cathedral took almost 600 years to complete (1386 - 1965). Inside the Duomo we were amazed by the stunning marble floors and stained glass windows. Beneath the Duomo we witnessed the historic archeology ruins from a prior church dating back to 300AD. And Steve put his fear of healthy respect for heights to the test as we explored the roof of the Duomo.

During the excavation of a new subway line in the 1960's, construction came to a stop when ancient ruins including this baptismal font from 310 AD were discovered. It was a 'pinch me' moment to be able to be in person to see and touch something so historic.

We love to stop at Gino's pizzeria in Milan whenever we can. Although most people in Italy order an entire pizza on their own, we like to share one so we have room for a little extra gelato later.  Clearly our Italian is still a little rusty, as we thought we asked to be seated at a table with a vase full of flowers, but apparently we asked for a table with a pallet full of flour. I hope they didn't set it all up special for us

We were spoiled when these sisters from our zone chose to spend P-day hanging out with us lifelongers. As we walked around the mall we met this sweet lady from Brazil who wants to start coming to church with us. Unfortunately for Anziano Gardanier, 'mall finding' instantly became Sorella Gardanier's favorite form of missionary work.

Occasionally during lunch, Steve enjoys sneaking over to Iper (think Harmons) to enjoy some fresh pasta and the sauce of the day. The ladies at the counter love to give him a hard time about the improper way he pairs sauces with different types of pasta. In fact, they often change his order without even asking him to make sure he doesn't violate any Italian cuisine laws. This Gnocchi Amatriciana was a hit. Having said that, we are starting to wonder if most of our pictures / posts are food related.