Oh the Places We Will Go!: God loves us update for Jessica 7/2/14

This week has been so amazing! We had some crazy little adventures! So the new missionaries were delayed in Provo so I had to go up to Milano and work in a trio for a day. It was really fun because I got to work with my old companion Sorella Nelson! I have never really spent to much time in Milano outside of transit and the church so it was fun to see the city a lesson. We ended up meeting someone who lives her in Italy but was raised in Springville, UT. Then we had some lessons with members and I already loved them ha ha. But Milano is way to big for me. I am happy in my teeny tiny San Giovanni, population less than Verona, VA.

One Friday we got to go to the mission home and office. Because the group I came in with was so big I have never seen them before so it was super exciting. The four trainers and President had a meeting in the mission home before going over to meet the trainees. So much anxiety ha ha ha. We talked about how this group is so special because it's so small. President told us that the biggest group we had was from last summer and there were 32 missionaries. We said finding trainers for 32 missionaries is hard but finding trainers for 4 was easy. I was so grateful to hear that. Sometimes ya just kinda wonder if you're doing a good job. And it really made me want to live up to that trust.

And my new companion is...Sorella Hamblin! She is from Allen, TX and is 19 years old. I never felt old until now. Training is probably my favorite thing ever. It is the least stressful thing I have ever done! And we're just so happy all the time! It's weird haha I just love her so much and just want her to love her missionary! I feel like I tried to get in all her first experiences in 1 week and, being in Italy, most of that involves food haha. So, I'm pretty sure I've gained 10 pounds this week. Sorella Hamblin speaks amazingly well. Literally, I was stunned for a new missionary. And she learns so fast! These youngins. She is so humbled and ready to learn and serve. And we have already seen amazing miracles! On Tuesday we had to start the process of her documents and when I did that the first time we waited 2 hours. I was really worried because we had one hour till our train. We were in and out in 30 minutes and the man was so nice to us. We had enough time to get a gelato :)

Then we went to a lesson with an investigator and before we even starting the lesson she asked us how she could get baptized. Well, we can help with that... We had an awesome lesson with our new convert doing some family history work and then went to catch the train home. We got on the train with one of our investigators and were able to have a lesson with her! Then as we got off the train there was a woman struggling with a stroller. We offered to help but she said she was fine. But then farther ahead there was an underpassage with lots of stairs and I said, "Ok, this time we're not taking no for an answer." So we helped her down and then back out. Turns out she lives only about 2 minutes from us. She invited us to her home where we met her family and were able to teach all of them together. My goodness. Could we ask for anything more!?

This week has been really special because I have been able to steal from my companion's new missionary enthusiasm. I've been able to remember how I felt at the beginning, especially when I couldn't speak the language. It's reminded me how to take it back to the basics. To focus on what is important. And that is that God loves us. He loves us so much that He called a prophet to restore the Church of Jesus Christ to the earth. The priesthood has been restored and we can all enjoy the promise of saving ordinances and the knowledge of the Plan of Happiness.

It's so great! All of it!

Love you all!

Sorella Jarvis