Fun week, Eddy and Mexican food!

I have great news this week! I don't even know where to start! So the first week I arrived in Taranto we met a guy named Eddy. We have been teaching him the past couple weeks and it's gone really well. He is so humble and willing to learn and pray about the things we teach him. He is so receptive to the spirit. We invited him to be baptized and he has accepted! So we will be working with him to get ready for baptism. He is so awesome and I have loved teaching him! 

Another fun thing that happened to us this week actually started  about two weeks ago. We were doing some finding and ran into a man from South America. He told us he was here for some carnival or something like that. We enjoyed our conversation with him, but didn't really think much more about it after we parted ways. Wednesday we were finding in the park again and there was a big South American food festival. Turns out that these guys travel all over the world and do this. Anyway, he saw us and told us come and get free food, so thats what we did! It was pretty good! We were really grateful.

This week I was listening to the song "He Sent His Son" and throughout the song it asks things like "What does the Father ask of us?" And "How could the Father show the world, the pathway we should go?" and after every question it says "He sent his son...". Jesus Christ came here and became the ultimate example of how we should live. We should all be striving to be like His Son. Thats how we can know Him. Then we can look to Him in everything. 

Thank you for all the love and support! You guys are great! 

Anziano Andersen 🚀
Romans 1: 15&16    🌍

Summer....

Hello everyone! I hope you're all well and enjoying thence weather. We are here in Italy, but Summer is just around the corner. Let me tell you guys, it literally gets so hot here. Think of a boiling desert with 1000000% humidity. Its pretty hot, but the work of the Lord will not cease. This week was quite interesting. On a quiet Thursday night we were walking out of the church when all of a sudden we see this car zooming past our church at about 40 mph. Now I know what your thinking right now, "what's the big deal?" Well, the big deal is that our church is on the corner of a dead end street. So with my own eyes I watched a car zoom past us and run right into the cement road block. It was a darn good thing my mom made me get my eagle scout, because I was prepared and I had my first aid merit badge. So we ran over to see how they were doing and luckily, I didn't have to use any of my skills, because they were all fine. Anyway, that was definetly the craziest thing that happened this week. 

This week I read in 2 Nephi 27:23 

"For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith."

God is a God of miracles and that will never change! Today is a day of miracles and the fact that we have the restored church on the earth today is an incredible miracle. How cool! Love you guys! 

Anziano Andersen 🚀
Romans 1: 15&16    🌍

First week in Taranto

After a week here in Taranto I am loving it! It is a lot like my first city, Brindisi, but on a bigger scale. We have our own church building, which isn't very common here in the south, so that is pretty nice. This week we had zone conference. Just when you think the mission couldn't change any more; it does! This zone conference they gave every companionship smart phones. Now this could seem pointless to some seeing how we have tablets. But over here in Italy the Italians (and practically all of Europe) use an app called "whatsapp" which allows people to text and call. The normal texting and calling here is a little expensive so that's why everyone uses the app. It will make getting numbers and staying in contact with investigators so much easier. 

Our topic in zone conference was by far one of my favorites. We talked about faith. Faith is the foundation of it all, it is so important. That's why it is the first principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ! We literally use it for every thing... the priesthood, miracles, and yes, the Atonement of Christ. Faith is pretty important!I was nice to be reminded of that and to focus more on strengthening my personal faith.

Well this week is a little bit more simple, but good non-the-less. I hope all of you guys have a good week. 

Anziano Andersen 🚀
Romans 1: 15&16    🌍

Taranto?

Well after transfer calls Monday night I found myself packing my bags getting ready to leave Palermo. 

Palermo

It was hard to leave, not just because it was a beautiful city and the ward was fantastic, but I had to say goodbye to Adriano. Saying goodbye never gets easy.... all I can say is its a good thing we have facebook in this day and age.

Kelvin and me

They ended up sending me to Taranto. The cool thing about this is I am about 45 minutes from my birth city. When I was there I came up to Taranto twice for baptisms, so I already knew some members. 

Because the branch in Brindisi was so small a member from Taranto was branch president. So on Sunday not only did I see the old branch president but, Kelvin came to church! He was my first baptism. It was so cool to see him again, he is such an awesome kid.

I am excited to see what we can do here. Although it was hard to leave Palermo I know that I am were I am supposed to be. 

Where going to go and try and find those who are ready for the gospel. D&C 29:7 states "And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts;". So thats what were gonna do here. Go get those who will listen to us and welcome them back home to a loving Heavenly Father. 

Thanks for all you guys do! Love you all!

Anziano Andersen 🚀
Romans 1: 15&16    🌍

Well another transfer has come and gone and this week we have our transfer calls once again. Atanasio and I came in at the same time and we have been here for 3 transfers, so one of us is gone for sure. I have really enjoyed Palermo and the work here, so I would love to stay. I guess we'll see what happens. Adriano is doing great, it's so cool to see how happy he is.

Of course all of us missionaries were just absolutely stoked for General Conference. We may not be able to watch the Olympics here but we sure can watch General Conference. Practically the same, right? 

Speaking of which one of my favorite talks was President Russell M. Nelson's talk at the end of Sunday Morning session. He talked about the importance of the Holy Ghost and receiving personal revelation. Even the disciples in 3 Nephi talk about the importance of having the Holy Ghost, "And they did pray for that which they most desired; and they desired that the Holy Ghost should be given unto them." (3 Nephi 19:9). The constant companion of the Holy Ghost will allow us to receive personal revelation. Personal revelation allows us to sift through the junk of the world, helping us to know what we need to do to stay on the straight and narrow path.

Anziano Andersen 🚀

Romans 1: 15&16    🌍