READ THIS ONE

I am sure many of my family and friends are like me. As in I did not read like any missionary emails at home. But if I could recommend reading one of mine. THIS is the one.

I had a rather great email all typed out and ready to go. The stories were vivid, the descriptions immaculate, the knowledge of Shakespeare evident. But then I got transfer news yesterday and I knew the whole focus of my email was going to change.I will quickly recap the week: 

Thursday drove to Verona. My bed was two chairs put together. I did not sleep well. Training was great (more on that later). Saturday we got to see Denis again, and had dinner with the Bazan's (amazing family love them and the food). Sunday was amazing too. For the first time ever we had people come to church with us! Only took 3 months. We had our friend Gulia and our less active, Massimiliano. They both stayed for second hour (Gulia did have to have a little smoke after Sacrament meeting, but still stayed). 
Now the bigger news:
On Friday I was in Bergamo for training. We hiked to Città Alta, then Città Alta Alta. During the walk I got to talk to president for a bit (don't mean to brag but I was the first person he talked to). During our walk he said that it wasn't set in stone (as he said the Lord hadn't confirmed it yet) but that I was going to be transferred and given an amazing opportunity. 
Now. Let me share what I thought then.
I was excited. Being transferred right after training is not normal in our mission. I was fully expecting to stay in Rimini at least another transfer. And was happy to do so. But with this piece of news I got excited. But then I thought I was making too big a deal. Every transfer is probably considered an "amazing opportunity". Then at the end of the day I heard how one Elder was told he was going to become a branch President, and another (my friend Elder Evans) was being transferred to a town where church is held in German. So then I felt like I was going to be transferred and probably the biggest news would be that maybe I'd train or something.
I was wrong. In fact, I'm going to be Elder Evans companion! We're going to Bressanone, a town close to the Austrian border. The northern most area in our mission. Where yes church is in German, as well as the rest of the town. I'll be nearly an hour closer to Munich than I will be to Milano. We're also whitewashing. The area is losing Sorelle (sisters) and we'll be replacing them. So neither of us know the area.
I cannot express how excited I am. And terrified. I don't actually know how many people speak German vs Italian. I could be over reacting. But knowing church is going to be in German I'm assuming I will have to learn quite a bit. It's daunting especially considering I feel like I'm still just getting started in Italian, not ready for another language! 
Never has 1 Nephi 3:7 been so personal:
"And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."
Luckily Elder Evans does speak some German, and I am sure that a lot of people speak Italian or even English too. But I'm also looking forward to this challenge. It will not be easy. Quite possibly the hardest thing in my life up to this point. But I know where to put my trust. During the second hour with Gulia we talked with her and the Bishop's wife. She was able to share some of her conversion story and her testimony about the gospel of Jesus Christ. And what it's meant in her life. Even helping her overcome a smoking habit of 20+ years. I too know that through him we can accomplish the hardest of task, overcome the greatest challenges & trials. 
Before my mission many family and friends (even doctors and church leaders) asked where my dream mission would be. And I said the Alpine German Speaking mission. The week before getting my call, I was making guessing on where I'll go. I said that with my luck I'm going to get a mission right next to it. And I looked and they all seemed pretty cool. A couple in France, a different German one possibly, and of course the Milan Italy Mission. It has been confirmed to me time after time how divine this mission call is. And now to be serving in the area that boarders my 'dream' mission, and in a ward/city that speaks the language I've wanted to learn since middle school feels surreal. Prayers are always appreciated but I try to think about how much of a sign of God's love and knowledge of me this is when I feel the pressure of what is to come.
And as a final cherry on top I was told that we'll have a car which I'll get to drive :). I've missed MINI, we'll see how well this Toyota Carolla drives in the Alps.



These pictures are from the training mentioned above. 
Mom pulled them off the mission Facebook page:
We always look forward to our 12 week off site training. We love gathering them all together in Bergamo. We climb up to Citta Alta where we reflect on their growth and share testimonies. It turns out to be six miles round trip and the missionaries love it. Even in the rain, this group of 21 and their trainers, had a wonderful time.



















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