I'm getting transferred to Busto !

DECEMBER 14th,2011

Ciao Family!

I'm sure the first thing you wanna know is where am I going!!! I'm going to a place far far away called Busto Arrizio!! Its right between Como and Milano. I'm going to be with an Anziano Mitchell, the ward there is about 70 people and apparently there was a death of someone in the bishopric like 5 weeks ago. He died of cancer, so I'm going to go and do my best to help the ward and the family out and get their fire back! I'm really grateful for the time I have had in Mantova. To tell you the truth I'm very sad I'm leaving, this has become my home and i've been here for about 7 months or so. Also the Dos Santos and Campos families have goten so close to me that it's going to be hard to say good bye. I know that I'm meant to go to Busto and to help the ward there. I'm happy with the work I've done here in Mantova and I know that the Lord will continue to bless me as I work hard.

This week Clifton got baptized!!!! I'm really happy for him he's going to do great!! I just love seeing someone enter the waters of baptism just willing to do anything to follow Christ. Unfortunately Clovis didn't get baptized, I did all I could but of course I feel like should have done more. I know I taught him well, and to his needs, in the end it was up to him. The good news to that he still comes to church and is still willing to learn he really does want to be baptized but he just has a problem with commitment.  I know that one day he will make the right choice and be baptized.

Friday the day before Clifton's baptism, he was getting cold feet and talking about how he wasn't ready...boy is a mission stressful. What would you do in a situation like that? You are 20 years old this is not your mother language you have a companion whose a great teacher but doesn't know the language as well, and someone says they can't get baptized the next day... Man the mission is stressful but with the Lord and His spirit all things are possible. We were able to get to the problem and set up a return appointment for the next day before his baptism  and to bring Cyro because he speaks Portuguese. Anyway in the end everything worked out and I know its because of your prayers.

I love the mission and I'm grateful for the growth I'm able to under go here. I've really learned how to adapt to situations and to just make things work. I like to think of myself as a "problem solver and not a problem identifier" Anyone can say "oh man my bike has a flat tire" but nothing will change until you get on your knees take out the flat tire and put in a new one. I think in the world there are too many people like that, that just identify problems and don't solve them. I know the mission helps people be better and helps people grow personally. I know that this church is true, and that this work is of God and that EVERY YOUNG MAN needs to serve a mission what's not for EVERY YOUNG MAN is to be unworthy! This is Christ's church and we are literally led by Him.

Love you and talk to you from Busto next week!

Love Anziano Glowa

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

As for my health, I'm healthy, I would say I'm 95%.

DECEMBER 7th,2011

Caio Family,

My ward members have told me that there was a post on facebook about how I'm sick and how everyone prayed and fasted for me. Thank you for all your prayers but I'm not that sick any more. Yes I've been sick but I've been working and its nothing I'm going to die from, haha. I'm sure the ward could have fasted for something more important then me, haha but I'm glad that I have this love from you my family and from the ward backhome. As for my health, I'm healthy, I would say I'm 95%. I finished the medicine and felt way better, I think it will just take time to get completely better. Just know that I'm healthy and you can tell people that I'm fine and not to worry :)

as for this week...

Due to the fact that I don't have that much time to email I won't be doing a day to day thing. I'm sorry its been like this, just know that I'm working hard and having fun :)

Pretty much our work is going well. We have 2 baptisms this Saturday, Clifton I'm 100% sure he'll get baptized he is so awesome and just has grown so much. It's so awesome to see the change in people as they accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. As for Clovis its more of a 50/50 kinda thing. It's so hard with him. He is just afraid of commitment but I know he's ready for baptism, and I know he knows that he's ready for baptism. Sunday night, Anziano Dunshee from Verona came to do a baptism interview for Clovis. Before the interview we had a lesson, and Clovis tried saying how he "wasn't ready" but we taught him so well. I've never felt the spirit so strong when teaching, I felt like I was speaking with the tough of angels it was intense! In the end he passed the interview with the exception that he has to say that he will keep the word of wisdom. I'll explain, when he was asked to keep it in the interview he said " I'll try" and he couldn't give a yes or a no. If it comes to the day of this baptism and he feels the spirit when Clifton is baptized and he decides to be baptized we'll have to call Anziano Dunshee and Clovis will have to tell him his definite answer.  He's so ready he's almost at that point, where he knows everything and if he doesn't get baptized this week I dont know when he will. He's at his peak and if he doesn't get in the water he'll keep going down.... I love this family so much and I just want to make them eternal. He's so ready I just want Heavenly Father to enlighten him or something or perform some kind of miracle but in the end Clovis has his free agency...We will just have to let him make his decision in the end. 

We are trying to do more casa and look for other investigators we have this cool Brazilian family. They are in their late 20s and have a baby girl. They are so awesome and we have an appointment with them tonight, they live right near the church so it should be easy to get them to come. His name is Juliano and her name is Paola. It's hard to find a lot of time to do casa this week, because we have to built a baptismal font thing because we want to do it in Mantova instead of going to Verona for the baptism. We also have to make the invites to give to family members and we have to make the program and on top of that we still have to meet our investigators this is the most important week. If we let down just a little Satan will just come right on in and destroy everything but we are doing good at daily contact.

I'm 100% sure that I'm getting transferred. President told me twice already, early in the transfer my companion was talking to another missionary about how I've been in Mantova for 5 transfers and he's been with me for 3 and he was joking and said that he thinks I'll be here another transfer. And president was there and said that I was for sure out of here haha. Then another time we called him to ask something and my comp asked jokingly if I was going to stay and President again said I was going haha. According to me it will be good to leave, I've goten really comfortable here in terms of with the branch and the area and everything. I think I will be good to go but at the same time this city is my favourite, the members are awesome and I'm going to be sad to go. Any guesses to where I'm going? I'm going to make 2 guesses, Mesrte and Florence :) hahaha those are my guesses.

Anyways that's it I got. I love you all so much thank you for your prayers and fasts, just know that I'm healthy now and that I'm working harder then ever for these people :)

Love Anziano Glowa

I found out that I've been sick for a month.

November 30th,2011

This was a good week!!!

I found out that I've been sick for a month. No wonder I've been so tired haha! I got used to being sick so I was working like I wasn’t and it has been destroying my body. Haha I have lost the will to eat so for the past few weeks at members’ houses I've said that I can’t eat a lot because I had a stomach ache. After 3 weeks, Fatima Campos asked me if everything was okay because for the past 3 weeks I've been saying the same thing. Anyways I called Sorella Wolfgramm and told her about my symptoms and she told me I have Giardia, which is a parasite in my small intestine...no wonder I've just been so out of energy. But I just kept working, thinking that it was just Satan trying to get me not to work. Anyways I got some medicine and for now things have gotten just a little worse. I have head aches and my stomach goes crazy. I finish my medicine on Saturday and if things don’t change I’ll go to the doctor. I'm not worried because I'm still working hard. Don’t think this will get Anziano Glowa down! I can see how the mission has changed me because before the mission, I would use any excuse to not go to school but I've been sick for a month and nothing has slowed me down! Haha the Lord does amazing things to his missionaries. 

I don’t have too much time to email Ill just tell you that we are dropping Stefania because she is not progressing and she didn’t come to church. I had a lot of faith in her but she has her own free will. Anyways,Clifton is doing great!!! He came to church for the 3rd time in a row and is pumped about his baptism and he is just such great friends with the members. And Clovis is doing great also he came to church and is really willing to change and be baptized. We just need to have faith in him. The branch is doing a fast this Sunday for our baptisms. They are pumped! I love it when the members are on board and help us a lot. If you would like to join us in this fast I wouldn’t oppose it. :) Things are going great.

We have progressing investigators but the tricky thing now is instead of just focusing on them is we still have to find other people so that we can have more investigators and baptize people after these baptisms. The trouble with missionaries is that they are usually in a finding mood, a teaching mood, or a baptizing mood. In order to be a good missionary you need to learn how to find, teach and baptize all at the same time so we need to get out there and knock and talk to as many people as the Lord puts in our path.

I'm sorry this email is shorter. Just know that I need to work hard and do the will of the Lord. Mom I really loved your talk; it meant a lot to me and I know that Lord has given me my arks in life. I love you all! Just know that Satan can’t get me down with this sickness and I’ll work till I die! I'm no longer Ben Glowa, I'm Anziano Glowa! 

I love you all so much! I have your package all ready to send off. Ill send it off this week or next. Did you like the photos I sent Courtney? 

LOVE YOU

Love Anziano Glowa

Please pray for these people.

November 23th,2011



Hey!

This week...

THURSDAY- we did some casa but had no luck. We had lessons with Clifton and Stefania and we gave them both baptismal dates for the 10th of December. The lessons were very powerful and I know that as they keep there commitments they will be baptized!

FRIDAY- we did more finding work. We went to our branch president’s house to eat and boy was it good! You can’t beat a good Italian lunch appointment. :) Anyways it was a pretty slow day. We worked hard but the people here seem to be getting colder and colder, maybe it’s because of the weather haha. No I know it’s because the Lord is just helping us move fast through those that aren’t ready in order to help us find those that are.

SATURDAY- we had English class today and we did some casa and found this cool Brazilian guy. He is about 25 and is married with a baby girl; they are a perfect new family. He was really sincere and said he would come to church the next day to see how things were. We taught him the restoration and I asked him if it was true what it would mean for him and his family. He said it would mean everything. He was just a really cool guy. I hope he gets baptized.

SUNDAY- CLIFTON came to church for the second week in a row! He is progressing so well!!! And CLOVIS came to church too! He is making some awesome changes and is just becoming more interested. Sadly Stefania didn’t come so we will have to move her baptismal date but Clifton is still on track and he is doing awesome. That night we went to the Dos Santos house and we gave Clovis a baptismal date for the 10th of December. I know that as he follows his baptismal calendar that we made for him and as he keeps his commitments he will get baptized. It would be awesome if he got baptized before I left because I would have completed that which I started when I first came to Mantova. Please pray for these people. I know that they need your prayers and that they will get baptized.

MONDAY- We went to District meeting but we didn’t do a scambi so I came back with Anziano Strong. Our branch gave us about 13 less actives to go visit so we did those but no one was home. We made some progress figuring out that some people moved and didn’t live there anymore. And by talking to the neighbours, I found out that one of them was arrested for drugs so we don’t even know where he is. Anyways that night we went to the Campos house and had a family night. We invited the Dos Santos and Clifton to strengthen there friendship. He came and it was a good fun night! The lesson was on prayer and we had games after and sweets. It was a good evening and I know that he is progressing.

Our week went really well this week. We want to focus on finding more people but our investigators are progressing well. Stefania has slowed down a little but we are still working with her. Clifton is on fire and I know he will get baptized on the 10th of December and I have a lot of faith for Clovis also. I love you all!! Have a great week!!

Love Anziano Glowa

We Taught 26 Lessons This Week!!

Hey all!

For this week....

We worked our butts off!!!! We taught 26 lessons; it was crazy we just did lots of casa and taught our investigators. I’m sorry I didn’t write about the work last week, but you guys are way behind. I’ll catch you guys up by talking about our most legit investigators. First there is Clifton, who is an 18 year old Brazilian. He is very open and even came to church. Then there is Stefania. She is a 30 something year old Italian who loves the book of Mormon. She has already read over 30 pages and has seen so many blessings. She knows it’s the book of Mormon and this church that is changing her life and she understands the need for baptism. We are getting really excited about her. Clovis, the Dos Santos dad came to church for the first time since his family got baptized in the end of June so things are picking up. Those are our biggest investigators. We have other people that we have found and we will see how they progress. On with the week...

THURSDAY- We taught Clifton with Bruna. He has only been in Italy for less than 2 years and doesn’t speak Italian that much and I don’t know how much he understands. So we bring Bruna to translate. Anyways we taught the restoration and he is open to learning more. He is just a humble guy but he’s shy and doesn’t talk a lot. Anyways he wants to come to church. Then we taught Stefania. We brought Pablo because there is no male at home. We taught about prayer, reading, and going to church and how to grow our faith and how to know if these things are true. She has already read up to 2 Nephi 13. When I was talking about and explaining the book of Mormon better, and using the Moroni’s promise, she interrupted me and asked if it was the same Moroni that appeared to Joseph Smith 4 times... I was like ummm how do you know that?? Haha she didn’t just start reading the book of Mormon but read all the testimonies so she understands everything super well. We didn’t even ask her to read that. she is just such a miracle to our work here.

FRIDAY- We just did a lot of finding work. We got in multiple times but just no solid investigators. It’s good because we are teaching but we need to move fast to find elect people and not waste time. I’ve really learned how to continue to grow my love for casa. It’s something that I’m good at. I remember when everything was so hard because of the language and not knowing what to say and just being awkward. Now it’s just like second nature, especially the language. I love just being able to talk and not think. It’s so sweet and for sure just a gift from God. Obviously when its late and I’m really tired my brain sometimes doesn’t work and I make so many mistakes or just words don’t come to mind. I know that I need to stay humble because the Lord sometimes does that to show me that I’m nothing without Him. Haha I love it. 

SATURDAY- We taught Stefania again with Pablo. It was good! We went over the restoration again, and she understood everything. At the end I committed her to be baptized, and she said that when she knows it’s true she’ll do it. So we asked her to pray and read and ask if this is what she needs to do. I was going to give her a date to prepare for but her friend walked in and was being loud and the spirit just left so we didn’t, but we know that she has a desire and I know that she will receive her answers. Then we went to the Dos Santos house and taught about going to church and really committed Clovis to come. He gave an indirect answer like “I’ll try”, and I just was super bold and direct (obviously following the sprit) and I was like if you don’t want to come you don’t have to. Just tell us but if you want to come say yes. And he said okay tonight I’ll really think about coming. I felt in his voice that he was being serious and that he was really going to think about it.

SUNDAY- CLIFTON CAME TO CHURCH!!! He came for sacrament and met all the Brazilians and they shook his hand and made friends and everything it was sweet. He loved it and I know he felt the spirit. ThenClovis came to church, which was such a great blessing. He loved it too and I know he loved being with his family and I know he felt the spirit. Sadly Stefania didn’t come. She called and said she fell and hurt herself so she couldn’t come. I didn’t talk to her because I was teaching the YM so my comp was the one who talked to her. So sadly she didn’t come but we still had a great Sabbath.

MONDAY-TUESDAY- I did a scambi in Verona with Anziano Webb. He’s a cool guy and is 3 months under me. We worked really hard and did a lot of contacting. We found this super cool guy who is on the search. We found him Monday night and set up an appointment Tuesday with him and then for the appointment we taught the restoration better and watched the movie. He said he felt something and said that he felt that he was like Joseph Smith (in case you don’t know: that’s what you want evert investigator to say!) It was so awesome. I really felt the spirit, and I just had one of those moments, like I know that happened and how great is it to say I know Christ lives because I KNOW Joseph Smith saw him and talked to him. I just love this church so much and I’m so grateful for your example, for your testimonies that helped me search for myself. Dad, thanks for making that promise to yourself that you would never fall, because of that I too made that promise. When I heard you tell stories of grandma and grandpa suffering because of your brothers and sisters, I remember telling myself that I never wanted you guys feel like that and I made a promise to myself that I would never fall. So you would never have to worry about me, and I hope you don’t have to worry about me because I’m on a mission. I’m serving the Lord and I’m trying my hardest to forget everything. I know the blessing from doing such because this week, I worked hard just leaving everything behind and I saw so many blessings and so many miracles. I know the Lord is guiding his work and I’m just an instrument in his hands. This is the church of Jesus Chris. I know it is because I have prayed and searched for myself. We are not here to convince people (that is IMPOSSIBLE!) we are here to only invite people to do the same thing we have done to know that this is true. And to read the Book of Mormon and to pray and if we do that with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, we will feel the Holy Ghost bear testimony to us that this is true and by the power of the Holy Ghost we can know the truth of all things (Moroni 10:4-5). I love this church with all my heart. I know that this work is true and these 2 years are not a sacrifice; they are 2 years of eternal blessings.

Young Men’s is going good. We have Cyro who is 17 years old and pablo who is 12. We are making a program where they come with us missionaries 1 hour a week at least to work by teaching lessons or by doing casa. We have fun, spiritual activities and I know they are thinking about missions. I know that Cyro is going to serve a mission. These young men are awesome and are changing my life. It’s so humbling to have a calling and be a missionary. I have no time but I have all the time. As I said before, this week we taught 26 lessons and miracles are happening because I am forgetting myself and going to work. I love this work.

I love you all and I’m trying to make the most of this last year. I’ve felt the increase of the spirit in my life while being on a mission. It’s weird I’m the same old Benda Boy but at the same time I’m a representative of the Saviour and I take that calling very sacred. This is the best thing that ANY YOUNG MAN CAN DO! I love you all

Love Anziano Glowa

I know that the Lord is blessing us as we use out times wisely!

October, 12th 2011

CIAO!!!!!

AUGURI!!!!! In Italiano "Thanksgiving day" si chiama "Giorno di Ringraziamento" anyways sadly I didn't do anything special but I was grateful :)  Maybe I'll do something next week haha to be honest I'm like super busy all the time hahaha I CANT BELIEVE JASON COMES HOME NEXT WEEK!!!! you HAVE to send pictures to me hahaha I'm so excited for him!!! haha I like the ark I idea, I never thought about what my ark is.... I'll have to get back to you on that one, sounds good? when are you going to California to visit Jason's mission? Are you going to wait for me to come home?? I think its only fair... because I know for a fact Jason's going to come to Italy haha so you should wait for me I think haha but whatever works best for you all :)

this week....

So I dont really have a lot of time haha I'm sorry but I'll do my best to talk about all the good stuff that happened. We had 2 investigators come to church, so a couple of weeks ago we dropped some investigators because they weren't doing anything, this week they called us and said they wanted to come to church. So we met with them had a hard lesson about how they need to keep commitments and they said they were ready to commit, so they came to church stayed the whole time and accepted baptismal dates for the 5th of November. Their names are Anthony and Godwin, they are doing a lot better and progressing which is nice. 

This week we have done more casa, its hard to find the time but we are doing our best to maximize all the time we have its not the easiest but its the best. This Sunday was so busy though, because both of our investigators don't speak Italian we have to have a separate class for them... so I taught YMs the first hour and then taught them the 2nd hour and then bore testimony in fast and testimony meeting. haha It was a good Sunday.

What else happened ?.... Saturday there was an activity for the youth in Verona so I went to that with them it was cool a ward had made a musical and invited us to go see it. We couldn't watch the whole thing due to time but it was fun. I know that the Lord is blessing us as we use out times wisely, as we are trying to do more casa its not always easiest to find time to do it. Yesterday we had 45 mins before an appointment and instead of wasting time or making excuses to do something else, we went to the area we had planned to work in and in 45 mins we were able to teach 2 lessons in one building which is a miracle. Because I've had some weeks in my mission where I didn't teach any lessons because no one wants to listen. We only had this 45 mins to work and we taught 2 lessons, the Lord is guiding our work and is helping us balance our callings. I know that the Lord lives and loves us and that he is guiding his work all over the world. I'm sorry I didn't have much time to write this week I will next week I promise and I'll even do a day to day thing make sure you send me pics of my brother hugging all you guys hahaha 

I love you all

love anziano Glowa :)

Another week goes by in beautiful Italy.

October 5th,2011

Hey!!!

Another week goes by in beautiful Italy...just to let you know our week was pretty intense this week, in terms of finding work, we finally dropped like all our investigators so we just looked for new people and there was Conference...long story short we still have a lot of finding work to do :) But I love it with all my heart, I really do, I can't imagine Jason right now, he must be freaking out I don't know what I'm going to do when I go home. I know I'll be happy but I won't be able to represent the Saviour like I have been and  I won't have that Authority. It'll feel weird, I'm not looking forward for that day, sorry to tell you guys, that's why I'm probably going to extend haha :)

so for this week...

THURSDAY- We did a butt load of casa got in a few times and found this 17 year old named Filipo, Bruna our new convert was doing casa with us so it was cool that he got to see a young member working with us and to see that it was normal to believe in Christ :) I love working so much it just makes me feel like I'm completing my purpose :)

FRIDAY- again a lot of finding work, little success but I know that the Lord is just getting us ready for a family to find. He wants to see our faith and wants to see how bad we want to find the elect. We are doing more casa then parco because it seems like we find more legit people when we do casa. I still love doing casa, but its also way too easy to find people that just want to listen because they have nothing to do but they wont commit. You never know who you'll find though so we are still doing parco and we are just going through investigators faster so we don't waste 3 weeks with them, we just move through people way faster then stay with them, the work is going great.

SATURDAY- We had English class in the morning and then I had to go to Verona for conference. So I got to listen to Saturday morning session, at 6 pm Saturday night with our new converts. I loved Elder Packers talk the most, I listened to half the conference in Italian because the English wasn't working. But I've been here long enough that I understood it, but its still better in English, you know have the original language. Anyways then we had to leave half hour before so we could get a train back to Mantova, so I missed President Uchdorfs talk which I heard was amazing. I'll have to listen to it later, but I liked Elder Packer's a lot, it was so powerful and I hope a lot of our youth were listening to it. I know our youth were and our new converts loved it.

SUNDAY- FULL DAY OF CONFERENCE it was DOPEEEEEE we took the morning train and got there at 10 in Verona. We listened to Priesthood session at 11 in the morning till 1 then at 2 to 4 we got Saturday evening and then 6 to 8 we got Sunday morning. We didn't get Sunday afternoon but I'll have to watch that on a p-day or something. I LOVED the Sunday morning session, it was soooo awesome I loved the talk on the Book of Mormon it was so powerful. I loved Elder Hales talk, I had no idea he was in sick, poor guy looks so different, but I like his talk on over coming trials and stuff I think he really related to it. And for me it was just so clear, that him an Apostle, could have such health trials and that it was for his growth just like all the trials we encounter in this life. Also I LOVED Elder Ballard's talk, I just love to think of my mission like a war against Satan and I'm on the front lines and I was saved for these last days because im one of his best haha not to be prideful . But I like to think about it this way and I just loved his talk to powerful :) it was just such a good day of conference, I was spiritually filled :)

MONDAY and TUESDAY- had district meeting and did a scambi in Verona with Anziano Dunshee, I love that guy he's so cool and we are the best of friends. I'm totally going to hang out with him after the mission, we just worked hard, had appointments, and talked about life and stuff and conference, it was awesome

It was a good week, I didn't get to work too much in my city after Friday but I feel conference gave me a boost to find and baptize, but it was a good week :) also can you tell Courtney that I got my year mark letter from her right on my year mark it was awesome and I got our Anniversary card from her today she's good I was very happy and impressed :) haha I LOVE HER SO MUCH!!! 

So my calling is going well we are going to meet tomorrow night to talk about activities and stuff but it was a very good week. I feel like I'm growing and learning from my mistakes and that im a true disciple of Jesus Christ :)

Sorry this email isn't longer, also dad I can't send you a tie because I don't have one because I haven't been to Firenze but I know they are good quality but do you think it will work this business do I have you on my team, partner? haha love you guys so much!!!!!!

I KNOW that this church is true, Christ Lives, we are LITERALLY guided by him through a living prophet. I KNOW that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and his son Jesus Christ. I LOVE this gospel so much and I'm so grateful for eternal families. I really am and I'm so grateful that I didn't fall away from this church in my youth, so that I can be here. And so can so I can be with my family for ever. FOR THE YOUTH READ THIS TO THEM IN SEMINARY, DONT SCREW UP! and if you do REPENT, its all about repentance, we are not perfect and God knows that but that is no excuse, we need to use the ATONEMENT OF JESUS CHRIST. I've been off the path and I can tell you, and bear witness that true happiness is in the gospel with your family there is no grater happiness. I love this church and I know that sometimes it seems cooler to not believe or to pretend that you don't have a testimony but I promise you that if you hold true to what you believe in, you will change the lives of many people and your friends will respect you and want to know why you are different. This gospel is everything, any question you have or want answered can be answered with this gospel, you have great helpers that are leading you to do good, my parents, your teachers and more importantly your parents. If you have made mistakes, GO AND TALK TO THE BISPOP TOMORROW! I know I am being bold but that's the only way. I'm sick and tired of seeing people falling away and thinking that they can sin. YOU NEED TO CHANGE YOU NEED TO GET BETTER, stop being difficult teenagers and be examples of the believers and if you didn't hear Elder Packers talk in the Saturday morning session. GO HOME AND WATCH IT, I promise you if you heed the words I've spoken to you now, your life will change and your friends will be receptive to hearing the gospel through the full time missionaries. It's NEVER TOO LATE TO REPENT, NOTHING YOUVE DONE IS TOO BAD THAT YOU CAN REPENT; THAT IS ALL CHRIST WANTS FOR YOU TO COME BACK HOME SO GO BACK HOME EVERYONE CAN DO IT; I DID IT AND I KNOW IM WAY HAPPIER BECAUSE OF IT: I leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Please I beg you read this to your seminary class this whole paragraph, and don't change the words or make it less bold, I was filled with the spirit of the Lord while writing and if you read exactly what's there I promise you that at least one person in your class will go and talk to the bishop and change their life around. I KNOW THIS IS TRUE.

I love you so much and if there is anything I can do let me know I love you all have a great week.

Love Anziano Glowa

I had my first YM's activity !

September 28th,2011

SO THIS WEEK!!!!! not too much happened... SATURDAY- I had my first YM's activity well it was a stake activity. But theYM

president couldn't go and so she asked me to go. I was hoping I wouldn't have to go so I could get some work in but it didn't happen. The activity was cool the kids made cocktails, and then had to present them and they got judged according by presentation, creativity, and taste, it was a good activity. But because it was in Verona we spend a lot of time going and come back from there, anyways it was a good experience. This calling isn't going to be easy and I'm finding it hard to do both, and finding time to do everything that I want. Its nothing I can't handle and I'm not worried, about it because we still work and such, but its just going to have to take extra organizing and just sacrifice I think, I'I'llm excited :) 

SUNDAY- church was church it was awesome I love it in Italian I don't know what I'll do when I go home haha. Then I got sustained by the members but the setting apart will happen in 2 weeks. My comp isn't my counsellor because he is actually president of Sunday school. Technically my comp will be with me and will be my councillor but I don't know if he will be set apart as such. Anyways then we just went and worked our tails off to make up for a weird week and we taught 9 lessons in one day it was fun and we worked hard. Also in church I think it was one of my businesses Sundays for the 1st hour I taught the young men then the 2nd hour there was no one to teach the gospel principles class so I taught that and if I would have had a talk that would have been crazy but I didn't. I like teaching and I'm good at it so I don't mind doing it :)

MONDAY- We had district meeting!!! so because of my new calling as YMs president. My mission President made Anziano Dunshee District leader which is awesome. I love him so much and I think I could have done it all but I know that president is inspired and I'm glad that I can focus more on Mantova and the YM's and not have to worry about being district leader.  Anziano Dunshee is awesome he's starting his transfer 13 and we're just a bunch of bros haha he's so awesome. Then after I did a scambi with anziano Hill he's cool. He's new like anziano strong, oh and there is this new sister in my district named sorella Hank and she told me that Phil was her district leader in the MTC isn't that crazy! she knows Phil!!!!! so crazy!!! anyways we had our first branch youth activity, we did a bike ride, it was fun and we rode forever long haha. It was fun to be with the youth and to be an example for them, it was weird being the leader in the situation, like if something bad happened it would have been my fault haha anyways it all went good and we had a fun time!!!! 

TUESDAY- anziano Hill and I tore it up and just worked, we had a great study together and talked about some things that we really want to work on and change. There are a few things that I really need to change, I've done a year of my mission, half way, this is like game time. Like I just need to run faster, I can't just stay at the same pace or slow down I need to GO GO GO and I love it! It's going to be fun and hard, there are some things that I want to get better at. I love the mission for that, I change everyday. I get hard on myself when I mess up but when I take a step back and look at the situation I know that Heavenly Father, is just so happy that I'm here and that I try everyday to be better :) I love this church so much and I love this gospel! 

In terms of a Christmas package, just candy and cereal and peanut butter haha I can't really think of anything else, because some money so I can buy some sweet white shirts or something but nothing big or anything :) 

Just know that this week was a good learning work and that I'm going to be better and try my headrest to be what Heavenly Father wants me to be I love this gospel and I love this work and I'm so happy that I'm growing and changing everyday its the best feeling to know that im not the same person I was, well I am in a sense but im also way different.

LOVE YOU ALL

Love Anziano Glowa

I am the new YM's president in the branch !!!!

September 21st,2011

Hey!!!!!!!

So I wont be doing a day to day, but I will talk about some awesome things that happened, this week. I think my high light of this week was zone conference, on Friday, it was amazing. I went with a question in mind that I wanted answered, and I got that questions answered over and over again. It was just so nice to know what I need to do now haha. It was so amazing, the zone conference was on acting or being acted upon, and when we act, to act and choose the Lord and not the Natural man. Anyways I just took really good notes and everything that was being said just seemed that it was all for me. I love it when that happens :) it was just a very spiritual and uplifting zone conference.  

There was also transfers, this all starts with Sunday, so we had church like normal and then it was a potluck so we all stayed and ate. Then we had a type of ward council. We were all talking and one of our members who was the young men's president moved and wouldn't be coming back . Anyways they were talking about possible people and then they all looked at me and thought it would be a great idea if I was the young men's president. I had no problem with it. Actually if anything I would say I was excited out of my mind. The only thing is that transfers was that weekend, so I gave president Wolfgramms phone number to my branch President to call President Wolfgramm. He wanted to talk to President Wolfgramm to explain the situation and ask if I could stay in Mantova. Later that evening I got a call from President Wolfgramm. He talked about the conversation he had with my branch president and he told me that when he heard he wanted to make me young men's president he was totally against it at first but then got recommended by the spirit and changed his mind and just felt it was right. He didn't say whether he had me transferred already of not but pretty much just called me to give me his blessing that I could accept the calling. I was so happy, because I get to stay in Mantova and be the YM's president. President explained some other stuff like obviously I'm a missionary first and YM's president second and that I'm just going to have to work extra hard to have time to do both things. But I'm so up for it, and not to be pridefull  or think I'm amazing or anything but president did say that he felt really comfortable with me and he doesn't know if he would have accepted the idea if it wasn't me. He said he'd never really done this or allowed this before so if it goes well he might recommend wards and branches to do the same. He said he trusted me a lot because of my past experiences with callings like being in the elders quorum. I'm just excited to serve and really make a difference in this branch and also the lives of these young men and find other young men.

The week went pretty normally, we taught found and it was fun. This week we are dropping a lot of our investigators and are just going to start off new finding other people instead of wasting time with those who aren't progressing. I like the box idea dad and I'll do that with the people I think can really benefit from it. I like the idea alot and I know that it will help the work alot. So this next week, aside from doing YM activities. We will be doing a lot of finding work looking for more legit people to teach and the baptize, I really want to baptized another family and I know that it will be possible. 

I love this work and I love this church, the his the church of Jesus Christ and I know that we are literally lead by Him through living Apostles and Prophets. I love this gospel so much and I know I can be the difference in someone life. I love you all and I'm sorry my emails are shorter but don't worry they will be longer, just bear with me okay! I promise they wont be like this for the rest of my mission. I love you all so much!!!!!

Love Anziano Glowa

Sorry I don't have too much time this week.... I know that sounds like Jason !!!! Haha

September 14th,2011

Hey!! 

Sorry I don't have too much time this week.... I know that sounds like Jason but trust me on this one, also this week nothing special happened, it was just kinda like the same thing haha. We are teaching quite a few people but the problem we are facing right now isn't so much finding people  its more committing people, or getting people to commit to come to church. Read the book of Mormon, stuff like that. I teach everyone and we continue to see the people that are interested. I stop and talk to everyone but I teach those that are interested.

We have a few potentials, there is Jimmy, Kenedy, Anthony, and Godwin, they are all friends and all live together, the most legit of all these people I think is Godwin. He is just the most sincere of all of them, he asks good questions, has real concerns, and keeps our commitments. He told me he stayed up till 12, two nights ago just praying and searching for an answer, I know that if he continues like this and shows his faith, by praying, but also by reading he will get an answer. Because we know that "faith without works is dead" James 2:17  and I know that if he is only praying but not "working" and reading he wont get an answer, but I know that he will keep our commitments. 

A lot of our lessons, are in a park where the Dos Santos live, so we have been bringing Pablo and Bruna to lessons with us, they don't speak English too well but they speak Italian and I translate. I think they are a huge help, just for our investigators to see members, young members, that got baptized only like 2 months ago, and to see them bear there testimonies I think it really helps. I know that if we keep bringing Pablo and Bruna our investigators will create friendships and when they get baptized they will stay active.  

Its just awesome to see how to much is going well, but at the same time I know that work could be going a lot better. I guess that's just normal to think. Like what can I do more, or what can I do better, I know that if I always have that mentality in mind the Lord will help me be better and do what I need to do and He will bless me with success :). In terms of Juciara and Roberto, we haven't heard from them in a while...they work till late at night and they haven't been answering there phone. I know that Roberto went over to Cyro's house last Sunday and Cyro talked to him a little bit I hope that helped. But if they don't continue to answer our phone calls I think I'll just drop by and bring them brownies or something and just explain that if they don't want to meet with us anymore that's fine and just express my love for them and invite them to come to church and to call the missionaries when they are ready. I think that would be better then just leaving the situation how it is :) 

Our other investigator Enzo, we also have not met with him but we have an appointment with him tomorrow I believe. I'll have to check but he's a cool guy, I think he likes having us over more for a social gathering and less of a religious gathering. But if he is willing to keep commitments we will continue to go over to his house, haha. If now we will do the same kinda thing well do with Juciara and Roberto. Anyways that was my week pretty much, just teaching and finding and teaching and finding and then finding and teaching and then more teaching and more finding oh and then there is also some teaching in there with a bit of finding but then there is more finding with less teaching. Then teaching and finding, haha no but for real I love teaching people and finding them :) I love you my family you have a great week, don't get too trunky for Jason haha. You'll see him soon enough :) I still have to wait another year to see my only brother... but its all worth is for the Lord. I love you!

Love Anziano Glowa

I can't believe I'm almost half way done,

September 7th,2011

Hello my family!!!

so I don't have my planner with me but I'll try my best to remember the week okay :) and don't worry you're getting pictures also :) 

THURSDAY- we just taught lessons, it was a good day and I felt busy which is good. The thing we are struggling with is getting legit people. We have no problem teaching people but then they just are hard to get a hold of or just they don't keep commitments. I know that we just have to continue and the Lord will see our faith and lead us to those that are really searching. I do see how I've improved in my finding activities and also teaching abilities. I love growing, I can't believe that I've been on a mission for almost a year. I've grown so much!"!!! Our newest investigator (investigator is Italian is called simpatizzanti) is called Enzo he's 50 and he's autistic but its obvious that he's searching for something. He's semi interested, he doesn't want to commit too much but he wants to listen, if he doesn't keep commitments then we'll drop him but we'll give him a shot. 

FRIDAY- today I'm not going to lie we didn't do too much, well we did but at the same time I had to go to Verona again to do  baptismal interview, my districts on fire!! haha I love it so we went to Verona and then the zone leaders came back with us to do a scambi but by the time we got home it was 9:30 so we didn't have time to do any work oh and by the way the zone leaders in Verona got a car!! haha lucky bums!! haha oh well so they came over and then we just talked and went to bed.

SATURDAY- today we taught English it went really well, and then we did a bunch of crazy finding work and taught 5 lessons doing casa and parco. I love talking to people, its so natural now, you know like no awkwardness...for me at least haha it just feels so right and there are no more awkward moments, haha its not like how it used to be....for an example about how natural I make it...if I see someone reading a book I'll ask them what book there reading, if they like reading and then tell them I have a book that will change there life haha. It doesn't always work out like that but I just love contacting people because I'm good at it now haha. I'm not being boastful because I know it's only because of the Lord I'm awesome :) Sadly we had an appointment to teach Juciara and Roberto but they cancelled on us...

SUNDAY- today we went to church it was a very good testimony meeting, the same people went up as usual haha. We are a branch of only like 30 people haha. I went up and bore testimony haha sadly Juciara and Roberto didn't come... but it was a good Sunday. I  felt the spirit and I just like going and taking the sacrament :) Then we went to Cyro's house to have lunch and we were able to leave after but I felt the spirit telling me to stay a bit longer. I didn't know why but I did haha and then Juciara and Roberto came over... So we were able to talk to them a bit and ask them why they didn't come and if they've prayed to know if these things are true and they didn't...its so simple but they just won't do it so we bore strong testimony and committed them to do it again... we will see what they do :) it was a good Sabbath.

MONDAY- went to Verona for district meeting. I did it on prayer. I'm just really trying to find the best way to pray. I don't think that I  not pray well, I just feel that they are a little repetitive. I'm really trying to learn how to make it a better communication and less of like a pizza order or something haha. I am just trying to find ways to get better haha. I've come to that part in my mission where if I'm not doing anything I feel like I'm wasting time... did you ever feel like that dad during you mission? Like I'll be at the kitchen table and I will just think I need to write in my journal or I need to work out or I need to clean this up or I need to study this or that haha. I just can not do nothing haha but I guess that's a good thing. Anyways after district meeting for the first time  I took the wrong train home... so annoying we had to get off wait for a train to go back to Verona and then wait to get the train to get to mantova it was a 4 hour process haha oh fun!! haha. Then we came home and taught Enzo and gave him a book of Mormon, he promised he'd read it i think he really liked it and liked how we presented it haha then we went over to the dos santos family for a FHE it was fun and the food was amazing!! :) 

TUESDAY- we were going to go to a members house but there was a bus strike so we had to move it to another time.... Then we went to fix an old bike we had because Sandra Dos Santos got her bike stolen. And had to walk to work . So we did like half of it, the bike was in really bad shape anyways when we bought all the stuff and had the bike half way fixed we got a call and she said someone else had already goten her a bike... anyways its the thought that counts right !!!! Anyways then Pablo has a talk to give and didn't know how to do one because he's a new member so we went over to help him with it. Then we went and taught brother Singh and his family, they are doing much better!!! They are so amazing I love them we taught them about charity and then we went to Cyro's house to talk about the missionary work. We just have a problem with not finding legit people but we just have to continue and go forward :) 

WEDNESDAY- today we went to the Ferrari factory to actually see the factory and not just drive... I didn't drive the Ferrari again my companion did but I didn't anyways it was way fun and it was a good day. Pablo and Bruna came, it was so fun, we will have to go together after the mission.

I love the mission and I love working,  I can't believe I'm almost half way done, I can't imagine what Jason is feeling right now, haha I love you all so much!!!! 

Love Anziano Glowa

My companion and I taught a lot of lessons.

September 24th,2011

Ciao Famiglia Mia! :)

THURSDAY- My companion and I taught a lot of lessons. We just went crazy on casa and parco and we are just teaching so much. Which is really good for my companion because he is learning fast, he is really good. I remember when I was at his age and its weird to think that I've been here almost a year... Scary but we are having fun, I'm more tired then ever just because of the heat too it get to like 35 degrees and then like 100% humidity its crazy!! But I know that the Lord will protect us from dying haha. I love working, its not always the easiest but it is the most rewarding and I love going out working really hard and just feeling good at the end of the day even if we don't find someone, I know the Lord is happy with our efforts.

FRIDAY- today we had a training at Verona, it was really well done, we worked on asking more questions and on doing role plays to practice. It was really good and I always feel so enlightened after those meetings. Also something crazy happened, its something new that the first presidency is doing, every companionship in the world is getting a portable DVD player. It's a risky move for those missionaries less obedient but its a great tool because we can watch practice dvds to help us improve our teaching. We had a lot of rules for them which is good because if we didn't things would get abused. I know that the Prophet is inspired and if this is going to help the work then so be it, but i wouldn't be surprised in 5 years if every missionary couple gets an iphone haha. We'll see I guess. Then after we blitz in Verona to help the work because they were down on numbers. 

SATURDAY- we taught English class, nothing new or exciting we are doing more stuff like translating English to Italian to help the students and also us understand more haha its fun. We were planning to go to a baptism in Verona with an investigator but he didn't show up, instead we found another one of our "regulars" and started talking. He never really got serious about the gospel but he was really humble, and just sincere, and so we taught him the restoration and the Book of Mormon again. He seemed really interested we felt impressed to give him a baptismal date and he accepted, he is from Nigeria and his name is Sylvester, please pray for him, he is so amazing and just really humble.

SUNDAY- we went to church and it was good, our branch is small but there is always just such a great spirit when we go there, I love the members, then after church we went to Cyro's house for lunch. I really love that family and they are such a great help to the ward and to our missionary work in Mantova. They're amazing.  Then we had a lesson with Sylvester and he brought 2 of his friends, Frank and Mike. We taught about the coming of Jesus in America (the book of Mormon) and of baptism. We invited his friends to be baptized and they accepted it was awesome! soo now we have 3 legit bap dates for this transfer and that's our vision lets see how many more we can get :) 

MONDAY- we had district meeting and I taught about using the Book of Mormon more in our teaching and helping people keep commitments that we leave them. Then we did role plays to practice it went really well. I love our district its so fun being 8 missionaries, just more input and I get to scambi with more missionaries and help them and get help from them its awesome. Then after I did a scambi with Anziano Dunshee he is awesome. We stayed in Verona and our two greenies went to Mantova. I think it was a good growing experience and helped them understand a lot and helped them learn the things they need to learn, they did great. I mean they have only been in Italy 2 weeks they did awesome, with Anziano Dunshee we worked really hard and we found amazing people. I'm in the habit of letting people know how purpose by inviting them as soon as possible if we feel the spirit. We invited 6 people to baptism and they all accepted, so now the missionaries in Verona have 6 baptismal dates, they are awesome. It was such a fun scambi and I really learned a lot from Anziano Dunshee, we share a companion. He had Anziano Zippro when he was in his 3rd just like me haha crazy, anyways we are just way good friends and are going to hang out after the mission, haha

TUESDAY- we re-scambied and I had to go to mantova with Anziano Dunshee to teach one of our new converts. 

This was a good week, we worked hard, did some scambio, I know that the Lord is growing me everyday and that this mission has changed my life, and will continue to change my life, I love the mission so much and I love you all sooooo much!!!!! thank you for all you do and for your love! 

Love Anziano Glowa

The most amazing thing happened...

August 31st,2011

Hey!!!

this was a pretty good week :)

THURSDAY- we worked hard trying to teach as many lessons as possible we did casa and parco. We were able to teach 4 lessons, it was a good day. We taught one of our friends Sylvester. He is from Nigeria and it really interested in changing his life, we invited him to come with us to Verona for a baptism to see how a baptism works, he agreed, it was a good day.

FRIDAY- we went to Present Zambonini's house (branch president) and I told him everything that happened to brother Singh, he said he would talk to him and help the situation. It was a good lunch, the food there is always good :) Then we came back and had to get a train to Verona and Sylvester met us at the station. It was awesome that he came. On the way there we taught him about the Word of Wisdom and taught him that through reading, praying and going to church he can get help and grow his faith. Sylvester was so excited to go to Verona because he had never gone there and he thought it was so beautiful. The baptism was amazing, he made so many friends it was awesome the person getting baptized is also from Nigeria. Anyways it was so spiritual and amazing truly an amazing evening. On the way back on the train we read 3 nephi 27 with him, he really felt the spirit. I hope he pulls through, he does have a baptismal date. Now he just has to come to church 3 times in a row, if not we have to push his date back but lets pray for him :)

SATURDAY- the best part about Saturday was the evening, we went to Roberto and Juciara's house, the man is Italian and the wife is Brazilian. They are not married, but they have a 4 year old daughter, they are really cool. I don't remember if I've talked about them before. So we went to their house and they had dinner ready for us, so we ate. Then I was talking to Roberto about clothes and he said he had a really cool looking tight fitted yellow button shirt and so he made me try it on and he gave it to me haha. I told him  I would have to wait till after the mission to wear it haha. We were going to talk about the plan of salvation, but Juciara had some questions about coffee and stuff so we changed and taught the word of wisdom. It went really well and then we talked about how reading and praying and going to church will strengthen there testimony of these things. When I mentioned church Juciara said she didn't like church last week. Our branch is only 30 people and we meet in a small room and we have  3 families with little children...so its loud and the spirit is hard to feel. Anyways I promised her that if they would come this Sunday they would see a change and gain answers to there questions and they will know what they want. It was pretty cool to give a promise like that, but I had faith that the Lord would make this promise come to pass.

SUNDAY- we had church, sadly Sylvester didn't come so we will have to change his baptismal date. Juciara and Roberto came to church, and the most amazing thing happened...It was quite, there wasn't one screaming child. It was completely silent, it was awesome the spirit was so strong.The people giving talks were my companion, me and Cyro anyways it was awesome. I gave my talk just to them and the spirit was so strong, I know that the Lord helped my promise come to pass it was soooo legit. Then after church we worked hard to get our 20 lessons for the week and we got it!!!! I know that the work will just continue to explode and that miracles will happen :) 

MONDAY- we had district meeting, and this time I asked everyone to pick a favourite scripture and to bear testimony on it. It was nice it was like a little testimony meeting it was really spiritual. Then we came home and had lunch, then we did some parco and met a kid named Anthony. He is also from Nigeria and has a great desire to follow Christ, we'll see how legit he is :) then we had dinner at Dos Santos family. We went over and taught them about faith and about continuing in reading everyday and the importance about that, it was a nice evening.

TUESDAY- we taught Anthony again, and taught him the plan of salvation, we felt inspired to give him a baptismal date for the 23rd of September, he is awesome. Then we taught the Singh family, and they are way better, he talked to the branch president and everything is much better. We taught on the atonement, it was awesome I love the atonement :) then we went to cyros house to talk about the missionary work.

It was a great week, I'm glad you were all able to have a good vacation, I love you all and next week I'm for sure going to send pictures I'm sorry its been a while again. I'm trying to find the best store where I can put all the pictures on a cd :) or I might just buy a USB and mail that to you we will see but next email there will be pictures :) I love you all sooooo much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love Anziano Glowa :)

Some good trainer I am right??

Hey Everyone!! :)

I’m sorry, sorry, sorry but this email is going to be a little short. I've only done that once in about 10 months and don’t think that this is a routine. Hahaha trust me it will happen very few times...

THURSDAY- I got my greenie; his name is Anziano Strong. So together we make...STRONG GLOWA!!!!!!!! Hahaha anyway he's a really cool kid. He's from Idaho and he is about my height (my first companion that I'm taller than). Haha he has a great spirit and he is ready to work. It was weird because I've already trained before but I wasn’t nervous at all. I am getting that tiredness back; the same one you get when you train, but I guess that’s normal. My comp is a really good guy and I know that together we will baptize. The people I have in my new district are as follows: zone leaders.... Anziani Anderson and Armenize, Anziani Dunshee and Hill (Hill is a greenie too), Sorelle WIlly and Cazier and then there is Anziano Strong and me. We are going to just tear things apart! I'm so excited! :) After getting my greenie, we went to Cyro's house to play a little game with my greenie. Hahaha I didn’t do this to my first child but I had to for my second. So we went and pretended Cyro was an investigator that we taught once. We walked in and sat down and he started bringing up anti Mormon stuff. I looked at my companion to try to get him to explain haha. It didn’t go well so Cyro got up and started making orzo (fake coffee) and gave it to me and my comp. Then he gave us beer (non alcoholic which my comp didn’t know) and he wanted us to drink it. My comp stayed strong and tried to teach the word of wisdom but me on the other hand, tried to make a deal with Cyro. I tried telling him if we drank the beer that he would stop drinking beer and get baptized in 3 weeks. He agreed and I tried telling and convincing my companion that we needed to drink it but he wouldn’t do it.... so I just grabbed the beer and chugged it. Hahaha you should have seen the look on my companion’s face! Then Cyro started saying how I'm a fake missionary and he couldn’t get baptized by people like me. I got "mad" and stood up and pushed back my chair and started yelling at Cyro. Then Cyro and his son stood up and ran to the table to grab butcher knives. I like looked at my companion and told him to RUNNNN!!!!!!!! Fatima was there not letting me run because I was behind the table but my companion just booked it, leaving me to fend for myself.... good thing it wasn’t real. I would have died. I finally got out and ran to my companion just to tell him in a nice soft voice.... just kidding hahahaha. Oh he was so mad at first but in the end he saw the humor in it. Anyways it was a good joke...not bad eh?? Haha what do you guys think? Some good trainer I am right?? Hahaha! 

I have been on a train ever since Thursday... so Thursday I went to Milano...2 hours on train there and back. Then Friday I had to do a baptismal interview for the sorelle. On Saturday I had to come back to do one for the zone leaders. We stayed the night and took the train back on Sunday. Then Monday we had district meeting and did a scambi. So Tuesday we had to re meet up and then today we are in Verona to hang out with the other missionaries. Haha it has just been a busy week that’s for sure! But it’s been good to teach my greenie how to do missionary work and to be a good example. I'm learning a lot from my greenie and I'm grateful for this time the Lord has given me to train and to help someone start off his mission properly. 

So, you don’t like my Ferrari driving skills?? I'm not going to lie, I haven’t driven for 10 months so I was a little hesitant at first but I got used to it. I think I should do it again just because this time I would go twice as fast! :) Haha it was so awesome! You should tell Cody to email me and I can write letters back to him. I miss him and want to know how he’s doing.

I love you all so much and I'm really sorry  that I don’t have a lot of time to write you all. I'm sure this is still longer than Jason’s email and has more detail haha. Anyways I love you all so much and I'm so grateful for you and for all of you love for me. I LOVE YOU SOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!!

Love Anziano Glowa

"I felt like Ricky Bobby!"

Hello all!!!!

So I’ll just start with transfers; Anziano Reynoso is going to Milano!!!!! And the Lord has called me to have another baby... I'm training again! :) I'm way excited! I cant wait to get him and help him start off his mission well. I kind of feel bad for him though because I plan on playing a few jokes with him, like going to a member’s house pretending it’s an investigator and just cause trouble... should be funny haha I love mission stories. :) And also they are opening up a companionship in Verona so now I'm a district leader to 8 missionaries. It should be a great transfer! I don’t know who my greenie is but I’ll find out and tell you more about him next week. So if you have any questions, let me know… :)

On with the week...

THURSDAY- We had a few lessons planned. We taught Merlain and he is just growing so fast. I'm so happy for him and that he accepted the gospel. :) Then we taught our other new converts: the dos Santos. Their cousins they have a 20-year-old son and his name is Carlos. He is awesome and he just opened up completely saying how he wants to change his life and how he needs our help so we are excited for him. :) And then we had a lesson with our other new converts: the Signhs. They are awesome and are just continuing in faith and just being a great example for the branch. 

FRIDAY- We had weekly planning and planned out an amazing week full of success. =) We had a lesson with some referrals from our member Wener. The referral is for a Brazilian family: Jucirara and Roberto, the girl is Brazilian and the guy is Italian. They have a 4-year-old daughter. The only thing is that they are not married...yet. So no worries, well get them. :) We taught them the restoration and they took it really well. They talked about how they feel a hole in their lives and we are helping them to see how this can fill that hole. We invited them to read the Book of Mormon and to pray and to see for themselves the truth of what we speak. It was just a really good lesson and I'm just so excited for them! :)

SATURDAY- We taught English class; it was nothing new or exciting but we were behind on lessons and we need to get at least 20 lessons so we went and just destroyed! We went and taught 8 lessons. It was awesome just stopping person after person and finding people that were willing to listen and talk and pray and commit. It was awesome. I love doing missionary work. It’s something I like to do and I’m good at it (not to be prideful). I know that the Lord has given me a portion of his spirit to work with and I’m only a good teacher because of him. I just love teaching to gospel, English or Italian, it’s all the same for me :)

SUNDAY- Sadly we didn’t have the people we were hoping to come to church. We wanted Carlos to come and Juciara and Roberto to come but they didn’t. That just means we have to work harder for next time. I love the gospel because I learn so much from it, even though I teach it I feel I learn way more then anyone else. Haha it’s awesome! After we went to a BBQ at Juciara and Roberto’s house and spoke about meeting with them and having a family night to watch the restoration at Cyro's house. We will get them to commit to church more fully next time. After the BBQ we went and taught some lessons and we had 21 lessons at the end of the week...AWESOME!!!! I love going past or goals it makes me feel so good. :) 

MONDAY- A new rule came out from the mission president. The last Monday of every transfer we need to take the morning off and clean our apartment. So we cleaned in the morning time; it didn’t take that long because our place was pretty clean because we clean regularly. :) Then we went to Verona and had a district meeting. The President called the zone leaders because one of them (Anziano Nielsen) is going to Torino. Anyway when he was talking to president I signaled at him to ask about Mantova so we could find out what was happening to us. He asked if Anziano Glowa would still be their district leader and then President said yes and explained what was happening. So that’s how we found out about transfers. Because Anziano Reynoso is leaving we went to Cyro's house with Cyro and Wener's families and had dinner and they had FHE so we got to play games with them it was sooooo fun. Reminds me back to when we would do FHE...3 times a year...joking joking haha but it was really fun.

TUESDAY- We went to our branch president’s house for lunch and then we didn’t know this but because it’s August the buses don’t pass as often...don’t you just love Italy haha! Anyway our bus didn’t come for 2 hours, so we decided to save time and that we would hitchhike...great idea right? Well it was but not for the first hour because we didn’t get picked up forever! And it was hot and the sun was terrible because it was +40 haha! But then we finally got picked up and brought to Mantova. I thanked the Lord after that one. :) Haha and then we went to Cyro's house for the family night with Juciara and Roberto and it went really well. We watched the movie and talked about it and talked more about the importance of reading and praying to know they both promised they'd do it so we will see on Friday because that’s our next appointment with them. Then we ate and talked and decided what to do for P-day. We decided that we would go to Modena and go see the Ferrari Factory.

WEDNESDAY- TODAY WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! First I want to say sorry for spending a lot of money but I want to say thank you, thank you, and thank you because it was all worth it; it was so awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll explain, so we got picked up at our house at like 9 by Cyro and Fatima. They took us to Modena and we took a lot of pictures more than 200 I think! And I bought a Ferrari Hat and I got post cards and then we were going to go to the museum but we saw a sign that said "test drive" and we saw that you could drive a Ferrari for 10 minutes only for £50. So I decided to do it... you may be thinking, but your driver’s license is expired, I was lucky enough that they didn’t check/care. I got to drive a friggen Ferrari!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was awesome!!!!!! I went fast then like 200km!! It was sooooo fun and fast! I felt like Ricky Bobby! It was for sure worth it and now I will have that memory forever!!! It was sooo much fun I can’t explain it to you. You will have to come and try it but I want to thank you for putting money on my card and for letting me to do that. You will see pictures and I bought the video they took of me and I’ll send that to you. It was sooo much fun!!!!!!!! It was a good P-day; the best one I've had so far that’s for sure! :) I’ll have to go back to actually see the museum because we didn’t have time afterwards haha. Then we went to the worse McDonalds ever! This place didn’t even look like one from the outside. They didn’t have Big Macs and didn’t take credit card and they didn’t have ice cream or Mcflurry. It was the worst one ever. Anyway besides McDonalds this day was awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You’ll see the pictures soon! :) And I wasn’t too rusty at driving because I haven’t driven in 10 months haha not bad ;)

I love you all so much and I’m so grateful for you all! I love you sooooo much!!!!!! Have a great week. :)

LOVE YOU

Anziano Glowa