Palermo. Is. Cool. Thats all I have to say ladies and gents!

A Festivale for a Saint.

I am absolutley loving this city... A couple cool things happened this week. First, we were able to meet the family of our most promising investigator who has a baptismal date. They were way cool and could be interested in the gospel as well. We should have a appointment set up for this upcoming week. Second, Bagheria (a city in my district) had a baptism this last Saturday! We were all pretty excited. He was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Sunday morning. It was a really incredible experience. Seeing someone make the commitment to be a disciple of Christ never gets old. He is a cool kid and will do some pretty cool things. 

We also went to bishop Pulvirenti's for lunch today. They are honestly one of the funnest families I know. They remind me a ton of my family. They have a 6 year old boy who is a carbon copy of Raife. Its awesome! 

I have been able to study a the life and attributes of Christ this week. The more we are able to study His life and His actions, the more capable we will be to become like Him. Christ's invite to His apostles "follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19) is extended to all of us. I encourage you to look for ways that you can follow Him and become more like Him. 

Love you guys! Hope you guys have a great week!

Anziano Andersen 🚀
Romans 1: 15&16    🌍

Well it was quite a warm week here in Palermo. I feel cheated in a way, because I feel like winter just forgot about us and never came. I do miss the snow. On the bright side it has been some perfect weather, not too hot but not too cold. Which is great until March rolls around and your wishing you were doing the polar bear challenge you did when you were a Boy Scout.

The work it's going great! We were able to sit down with one of our awesome simps who is reading Book of Mormon, coming to church and has committed to a baptismal date. Nothing is set in stone, but we're hopeful that we'll get the chance to walk him into that font. Then I packed my bags for a night and headed up to Mistretta to do a scambio (Split). Let's just say we did some really good finding and met some really interesting people. I think I'll just leave it at that. 

In this day and age, when we are so busy and full of commitments, it gets hard to stay focused on the gospel and it's teachings. Especially with so many things that require our attention like work, friends, family, sports, etc. 3 Nephi 3:33 says "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you". If we can always remember to put God first then the rest will come! He will bless our lives and we will find the time to do the things that are important. Much love everyone! 

Anziano Andersen 🚀
Romans 1: 15&16    🌍

It's been a quiet week here.....

but we've had transfers once again. I'm excited I get to stay with my companion Anziano Atanasio here in Palermo. Which I am totally fine with, because he's a great guy. It's a great area and I'm loving it down here.  The other day we were doing some finding and we ended up stopping this man, who just found a Book of Mormon in the park one day. It kind of took me back. If this guy ends up getting baptized we could probably end up making it into a movie! I know, I know a lot has to to happen before that happens, bit it was a really cool experience. For P-day we took a train to Cefalù! we enjoyed amazing cathedrals and the beautiful Sicilian shores. 

Well today I wanted to share a couple scriptures that I like to use a lot as a missionary. They are among the scriptures that tie the Book of Mormon together.   John 10:16 it says "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd" Jesus talking to his disciples said that He had other "sheep" that where not there that he needed to visit. If we hope on over to 3 Nephi 15:17 it says "And verily I say unto you, that ye are they of whom I said: Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." The nephites where among those other sheep, as well as others. The Book of Mormon is true! Much love everyone.

Anziano Andersen 🚀
Romans 1: 15&16    🌍

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year....

Well guys, I know you haven't heard from me since last year, but I'm gonna have to keep this one a little short. This week was amazing with Christmas, New Years and all of the good stuff in between. We were able to eat at our bishop's house both Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, and I think thats where I have had some of the best pasta on the mission. It was just too amazing to describe. Anziano Atanasio and I had a good New Years even though we were supposed to be in by dark here in Palermo. People start throwing stuff out their windows and I guess President doesn't want us to get hit by anything haha.

Speaking of New Years, it's a perfect time to make some goals! It's also a good time for a self examination, a 'look in the mirror' kind of thing, to see where you are in your life, and then where you would like to be. Elder Uchtdorf once said "May I suggest that the holy scriptures and the talks given at general conference are an effective mirror we can hold up for self-examination” With the scriptures and modern day revelation we can see how we are doing along this journey of life, and if needs be readjust. This year use these tools that we have so easily accessed to us and watch your year turn into something amazing! Love you all, and have a happy New Year!

Anziano Andersen 🚀
Romans 1: 15&16    🌍