Buon Giorno once again!! I hope er'body had a marvelous week! I had a grand one indeed. Have I mentioned how much I love and adore the fact that Josef exists in my life?!? Oh my stars he just might be one of my favorite human beings. We've seen him several times this week and er...last week my companion mentioned that I'm going home. (Yeah, I hadn't told anybody) He was really upset. It was really sad. I was sitting by him in sacrament meeting and was asking him how the other meetings had gone and he said, "I can't even look at you." It was the saddest thing. He's not mad at me or anything but he's just sad. On Monday when we were at his house he was like, "I've never told you guys this but I always wanted a daughter and you guys are like daughters to me." He is wonderful. We have an appointment with him in like an hour. He's been doing well but for some reason he's still having trouble praying and asking God if this is the true church. We've been trying to work with him and figure out what his concerns are but it's been difficult for him. Tonight we're going to talk about the Atonement and repentance. Sunday was my birthday and had several surprises in store. One was the fact that I had to give a "farewell" testimony in church. It was completely bizarre. I feel very blessed to have been able to learn and love these people with the only 6 weeks that I've been with them. It has been a huge blessing to feel such a love for them and love from them in return. Isn't it marvelous that you can know someone for only 6 weeks and already love them? My companion was really sweet for my birthday. She made me crepes for breakfast. :) And she made a birthday cake for a member appointment that we had after church. (Somehow she did all of this when I was in the shower. Magician that one.) It was a fun birthday indeed...besides the fact that I'm a year closer to being elderly! But until then, I'll continue to enjoy all of the Italians telling me how young I am. It's rather nice. :) Tomorrow morning really early I have to go to the Mission Home and have a testimony meeting with everybody, I'll sleep there that night and then the next morning I get on a plane. I think I almost just threw up a little bit. I have been doing very good to shove it out of my mind. The fact that it's practically here makes me ...not really sure what to do with myself. ha ha I think everything will be fine. I am happy to come home. I know that the Lord called me to serve for a year and a half. That's what He wanted. I'm happy that I was blessed with the opportunity to do it. I will miss Italy terribly--obviously. I have a family of Italians here that I love so much. i have learned so much from them and the Lord has taught me a great deal since I've been here. But I also have developed a greater love for my family and I am excited to be able to see them and you all again. I really do know that this is the true church of Jesus Christ. I have been blessed out of my mind to have been able to teach the message of the gospel for a year and a half. Jeffrey R. Holland was right. I am my best convert. I had my own plans instead of a mission but in the end I'm glad I didn't do them. I know that God wanted me here to help His children here in Italy. He wanted me here to convert ME to the gospel. I love the gospel. I have seen time and time again how obedience to the commandments brings immense joy and convert. Why would you not be all over that?!? I love you all and can't wait to see you and give you a big hug.
A wallop of Italian love,
Sorella Mallory Hansen