Sunday August 11 -- Piacenza

And this is what this trip was all about. The people.

As soon as this sweet little boy saw that Jackson was at church he came and threw his head on Jackson’s lap. It’s been 7 weeks since he has seen Anziano Puzey and he was overcome with emotion to see him again. Jackson taught him, his mother and 2 brothers about Jesus Christ and the beautiful plan of salvation. After a few minutes Jackson lifted Micheal onto his lap where he sat without moving for the entire hour long meeting.

Tears flowed for both Doug and I as we saw first hand the impact our son has had on the people of Piacenza. This was the area Jackson was sent to Italy to serve. This was the part of the Lord’s vineyard he was meant to tend. This is why we sacrificed not seeing him for the last 2 years.

After church the members held a luncheon and we were able to meet and mingle with them. What an unforgettable experience. Our tour of the areas in Italy Jackson served during his mission could not have ended any sweeter ♥️

Temi, Michael, Rafael & Israel—Temi and Israel were baptized in June
Dritan—Jackson taught him and he was baptized after Jackson was transferred to a different area. He received the priesthood today and the Sister missionaries who now serve in this area told me he was overjoyed when he heard Jackson would be here today. Jackson participated in his ordination. When we walked into the church he was one of the first to greet Jackson and he hugged him and just held him in his arms with his eyes closed. He was so tender, you could tell his love for Jackson for bringing him to the waters of baptism runs deep.
Massimiliano—Jackson taught him and participated in his baptism in May
Enrica—a member who had Jackson to dinner often and makes the best tiramisu!
Gian Pietro—a member who babysat Oliver the Olive Tree for the last couple months until we could pick him up today
Paolo—non-member who had lunch with Jackson and his companion once a week because he likes to speak English with the missionaries :) but has never come to church. He came to church for the first time today because he heard Anziano Puzey would be there
Tony—we met him back at the church later in the day because he had to work and wasn’t able to attend church—remarkable conversation story. Jackson met him on the street near the church. Jackson taught him and baptized him in May.
We noted that even when people were not directly talking to Jackson, they would have their hand on his shoulder or his arm. The love that the people have for Jackson was palpable. We stood in awe as we saw the deep love for Jackson so fully on display. We know it is because Jackson first loved them. He represented Christ being brought into their lives and their gratitude for this was unashamed. 












Tonight we went to pick up Jackson’s extra luggage from the mission home. The last two pictures are of Jackson with the 2 office missionary couples who served with him. They also housed him while he was stranded when our flight was cancelled. They expressed to me their great love and admiration for Jackson. They too have attended church in Piacenza and spoke of the great love the people there have expressed for him. Anziano and Sorella Gardenier and Anziano and Sorella Nielson—missionary office couples.


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