The Highest and Noblest Work

Our prophet Russell M Nelson has taught that the highest and noblest work in this life is that of a mother. As we celebrate Mother's Day here in Italy, we are so thankful for the many women that have blessed our lives.

Of course we would've preferred to be with our family back home during Mother's Day, but it was a memorable day here in the mission...Including a sweet personal handwritten card from the primary, flowers from the ward, a homemade meal by Steve of fresh pasta meal and fancy grape juice, and an impromptu song with this sweet man in our ward.

Since Venice was one of the cities we visited during our honeymoon 32 years ago, we had to be sure to
 sneak in a day trip before we returned home. As we took in the beauty of this unique city, we reflected on how much has happened and how quickly time has passed since that first visit together.

After seeing the iconic Piazza di San Marco, we ventured off the traditional tourist path to see some hidden Venice gems. We had to turn sideways to walk down the narrowest street in Italy, so Steve found a clever way to let someone pass by from the other direction. This overstuffed bookstore with walls and staircases made from books is often referred to as one of the most beautiful in the world. Steve even put his fear of heights (and spending money) aside and agreed to pay to walk up the stairs of Palazzo del Bovolo in order to take in the view of the Venetian skyline

After 12 years and almost 100 missionaries living in this Cimiano apartment, the landlord reluctantly didn't renew our lease so his son could live in the apartment. He said he never had a problem with the missionaries and wished he could rent to us forever. We spent 3 days breaking down furniture, making trips to the dump, and cleaning the apartment from top to bottom. It turned out to be a great way to bond with the missionaries. We were especially touched when the Monza Sorelle gave up their PDay plans to help.

Gelato and missionaries just go together. Recently we were able to share this frozen nectar of the gods with the missionaries in Monza, Venice and the entire Milano West zone.

Laura was impressed with Steve's ability to translate the Sacrament meeting talks until she learned that he had no idea what was being said, so he just translated his own thoughts.

We are going to miss this cute city of Opera where we have made so many memories. Is there a better date night than sharing a pizza and gelato while taking in the downtown vibe?

The office missionaries learned about Steve's love for the fresh pasta lunches at Iper (Think Harmons), so they decided to tag along. Here the pasta lady is explaining to all of them why she had to change their orders to align with unwritten Italian culinary codes.

We found our neighbor changing the light bulb in the garden lamp outside. Steve may not be a tuttofare (handyman), but even he could tell that something was different between these bulbs 

We have loved trying many different types of cuisines while we have been here, but not everything. Tentacles: 8. Laura: 0  

Sorella Gardanier's mobile salon continues to thrive. Here she snuck a few sisters outside for a quick trim in-between interviews with the President.

The office anziani all lined up for the weekly Monday morning mezz'ora di miracoli meeting. Say that 5x fast.