More Updates From Patti

Dear Family and Friends,
We are finally settled in Siracusa. Every morning when I wake up, I have to pinch myself... am I really here? We love our home, we love the work, and we love the people here. So far, our work is as follows:
We are working with the Young Single Adults and the Institute and Seminary Program. Our leaders are Maurizio Bellomo and Felice Lotito, Michael's Mission President. We had a training with both of them the first week we were here and have met again with Maurizio (Pres. Bellomo). Michael has been called as the institute Director for eastern Sicily. This includes Gela, Ragusa, Siracusa, Catania, Sigonella, and Messina. We travel a LOT back and forth and it is so fun to get to know the members in ALL of these areas. This year Italy moves to a daily seminary program instead of once a week and I will be teaching daily seminary in Siracusa. Wow, what a stretch!! Although I have taught seminary before, I have never done in in Italian! The language is slowly coming back, though. I hope it arrives before classes begin in September :) Michael will be teaching an Institute class. We will both be teaching the Old Testament. I am excited!

We are assisting in setting up an official Outreach Center for young single adults in Catania. The Franceschinis are the official head couple there, but they leave the mission field in October. Most of our time is spent in trainings, traveling between cities and YSA activities, meeting with bishoprics, and searching out inactive young adults. It is such a sweet experience when we get one of them to agree to come to an activity and be with the other young people.

We also find time to go out with the anziani e sorelle. There are two of each here in Siracusa. Last week we attended our first Zone Conference which consisted of Ragusa, Siracusa, Catania, Messina, and Reggio Calabria. About 14 missionaries in all - 16, counting us. What an amazing experience it is to be involved with this work again on a full-time basis!!!

Last week we had our first YSA activity in Siracusa. They have had them before, but this one put us on the path to an official Young Adult Center. The purpose is to provide a place where the young people can come together in an environment that is spiritually uplifting and gives them the opportunity to meet others of their faith. Too often they marry outside the Church and struggle to maintain activity. We are so impressed with all of them. They are strong and have burning testimonies. This is such a critical age and the Church wants to do all possible to keep them strong, as they will be the future leaders of the Church.

Today I am in the house with Katie. A trip to a beautiful beach here in Siracusa the other day resulted in some serious sunburn, so we are recovering a bit. :(

We love you all. Hurrah for Israel!

Sorella Patti Landes Adams