The Spirit of God Like a Fire Is Burning...

The words to this hymn have never been more relevant. And although I am certain that this is only the beginning of what we have yet to see in the Lord's work in this part of the vineyard, I am overwhelmed at the miracles and blessings that we are seeing poured out from Heaven here in Sicily.

First I want to explain the photo. It was done by a dear brother here in Siracusa. I have known of him for years. I taught his brother's family in Palermo thirty years ago. I know his son in Salt Lake City. In March of this year I met him and his wife for the first time. We have gotten to know them well since arriving here in Siracusa. We enjoy and value their friendship. We love them. Last Sunday he presented this amazing piece of work to us. I could not hold back the tears. A snapshot from my iPhone does not do this piece justice. The image is burned in wood. Did you ever have a wood burning tool as a child? Well, I did. I had fun with it but my designs were elementary at best. Each line, dot, element of shading, is carefully burned into the wood. It takes many many hours to complete a picture. The amazing thing is that this dear brother is afflicted with cataracts. He will have surgery later this year to correct the cataracts, but for now he uses a huge magnifying glass to see his own work. When we leave Italy in two years (I hate to even think about that), I will carefully carry it home on my lap. I am sure it will solicit comments from other passengers. What a great way to share the gospel :) I would carry it on the streets of Siracusa and share it with all who would like to stop and admire it, but I am afraid of it being damaged or lost. Hmmm... there is an idea.... a display of some of his works in a square somewhere... street tracting! Michael likes the idea.

We are working closely with the awesome missionaries here. Anziani Quiroz and Migliori are from Peru. Sorelle Stebar and Nufer are from Georgia and Utah. I have been out working with the sisters several times and feel as though we are just a threesome of sister missionaries.

They have all become dear to our family and with transfer calls due tonight... well... we are all a bit nervous. Everyone is working hard to move the work forward. We have prayed as missionaries together and feel the that the Lord has prepared a family of five that is ready to hear the gospel. We are visiting the members and they are being great about helping us identify who they are, as well as committing to select a less-active family which they can strengthen and support.

We LOVE working with the Young Single Adults! We are amazed at their love for the gospel and their strong testimonies. Their enthusiasm is infectious! This last Wednesday was our third FHE with the Siracusa group. There were sixteen people in attendance! (including the missionaries, of course) It hardly seems like missionary WORK. They are so fun to be with and their faith is inspiring.

Last evening we were in Messina with the young adults there. We had an activity on the beach. Besides the beautiful surroundings, we were blessed to get to know some of the good members in Messina. We were having a great time with the young adults, and were later joined by several of the adult couples - Adriana Lanza, the Calipristis, and the Maggettis. It was especially fun to see the Maggettis again, as I had known them 31 years ago in Palermo, when they lived there.

It was an evening of old friendships renewed and new ones created. I am continually amazed and inspired when they share their stories of life after having joined the Church. Challenges are often greater but their ability to overcome is fortified by their faith. I am learning so much from them.

We have a game we like to play with the young people that involves toilet paper and helps us all get to know each other. Soon after the game started, it turned into a testimony meeting. We heard such deep, heartfelt, sincere, and profound sentiments about their love for the gospel and for the Savior and His atonement. As I sat there on the dark beach (a patient young man held up a lantern the entire time so that we could see each other's faces), occasionally looking upward at the beautiful stars, and hearing powerful testimonies, I was made acutely aware that I was the one being blessed by this missionary service. I still can't believe I get to be a part of this.

Earlier in the day we traveled over the Messina strait onto the mainland to Reggio Calabria. This city is important to me. it wasn't open 31 years ago, but our son Daniel served there almost two years ago. He was in the right place at the right time. A young woman there was looking to improve her English. She had heard about an English class taught by Americans and decided to attend. She wasn't looking for anything but English... or so she thought. One day she stopped the missionaries on the street. Our son, Elder Kinzie was one of them. After getting the information she needed, she attended her first English class. She felt something powerful when the Elders spoke and stayed after to ask if she could know more. she was baptized in the sea between the mainland of Italy and Sicily. Her name is Sabrina and we spent the morning with her yesterday. She told me everything about her conversion. She showed us the piazza where she regularly met with our son and his companion to hear the truths of the gospel. She showed us his apartment. She shared her testimony with me. She is converted - truly converted. As Elder Kinzie's mother I was proud - or pleased is maybe the better word... pleased that he had made good choices to serve the Lord. What if he had chosen not to accept his call? I know our son is a better man for having gone and shared the gospel. I know he is better for having known Sabrina. You can't spend any amount of time with her and not be made better by her love and testimony. How many mom's get to experience something like that - getting to know the people with whom your children shared the gospel. Not all great rewards are reserved for after this life. Once in a while we get a glimpse of them right here.

Tonight we are traveling back to Messina. A 13 year old boy is being baptized. His brother was baptized two weeks ago. They live in the same building as the Elders and admired them. They wanted to know more. One night at 10:00, their father knocked on the Elders' door and asked if they could teach his sons!

Miracles are happening here in Italy. We just have to find them, or notice them in the moment they are occurring. The greatest blessing is when we are privileged to participate in them!!!

I still cannot believe sometimes that our prayers were answered and we are here. The gospel is true. Missionary work is the greatest, second only to raising a family - which is actually missionary work to the people closest to you!

Until next week...
Hurrah for Israel!!!
Sorella Adams (officially)