Lifted By the Next Generation

With mixed emotions, we boarded a flight home to our dear family—exactly one year to the day after arriving in Italy. As the plane lifted off and Milan faded into the distance, the tears came easily.

We didn’t fully know what to expect when we accepted the call to serve, but we now return changed—transformed by the grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

We are living witnesses of this testimony of President Russell M. Nelson:
“When we bring souls unto Jesus Christ, we honor Him in the most meaningful way. We also strengthen our own faith and deepen our conversion.”

Over the past year, we’ve grown closer as a couple, deepened our testimonies, witnessed miracles, seen prophecy become history, and been blessed with lifelong friendships.

When we were considering a mission, President Wood challenged us to "Come help the next generation." Looking back, we realize he might have said it better:
"Come let the next generation help you."

We were filled with emotion as we spoke one last time in our beloved Lodi ward. The faith, sacrifice, and service of these sweet members continue to inspire us.

Attending the Rome Temple one last time with this strong and faithful group of missionaries was the perfect way to end an unforgettable chapter of our lives

It was a tender mercy to run into Sorella Oliver at the Rome Temple—who served with Sorella Gardanier over 30 years ago during their youth missions. What a sweet reunion between two lifelong disciples of Christ. 

Three generations of service in one photo. We were lucky to meet the beloved Miles, who paved the way before us, and it’s bittersweet as we now pass the torch to the Lows—an amazing couple who will take things even further.

This photo perfectly captures our mission in Italy. We came hoping to support the missionaries—but in truth, they were the ones who lifted and carried us. The relationships we built will forever hold a special place in our hearts. 

We were so blessed to serve alongside Clara and Dennis as stake YSA co-chairs. Their dedication and strength are a powerful reminder that the Church in Italy is in very good hands.

With full hearts, we took one last photo in our little Italian apartment—a place that holds a thousand memories and a piece of our hearts

Our final homemade meal at Zone Conference was one last chance to show our love to the missionaries—and to officially pass the spatula to the Lows (both of them!). Surely having two amazing couples with the same last name won’t cause any confusion at all.

Our last act of service in Milan? Making sure no gelateria felt forgotten. The sweet scoops reminded us of the countless sweet memories we’ve shared with so many incredible missionaries. 

Sorella Gardanier has spent the past year building Christlike patience—as evidenced by her continued endurance of Anziano Gardanier’s shenanigans. 

For our final week in Italy, we moved into a strategically located Airbnb. From the bedroom window, Sorella Gardanier spotted Anziano Gardanier giving in to the siren song of our favorite gelateria.

We stopped by to say a quick goodbye to one neighbor—and within minutes, they’d gathered others for a spontaneous farewell. We feel so grateful to have lived among such kind and thoughtful people.