New Things

Nín hǎo, en welkom, to so many, culture diverse. (Chinese, Afrikaans,
English, Italian)
I guess I'm working this week with Chinese, Italian, Dutch, South
African, Nigerian, Gambian, Republica Dominican, Peruvian, German, and
American people. It is very hard to keep a straight mind with so many
different views and languages and accents, but it's also super fun.
Saturday was the big day this week. President Dibb is no longer here
and on Saturday we were in a zone conference at Torino to meet
President Allen and his wife!! He is so very different from what you
normally see in important men; meek, mild, intelligent and he and his
wife 'wear the pants' together in the marriage.
They are from Salmon, Idaho and love outdoorsy things. He just retired
as a dentist and sold his boat and home to come out here. He served in
the Italy south mission forty-something years ago.
Sunday, both Ting and Maryke came to church and enjoyed it. Ester is
their mediator for Relief Society, but the whole ward loves both of
them. Maryke is thinking to be baptized the end of August if things
turn out.
Monday, was Independence Day!!! We had a delicious BBQ in Galliate
with Maryke and Serena and their families. There was pasta salad, made
by Anziano Jaques. All sorts of meat, provided by the amazing BBQ
chef, Hans Van Der Vliet. Sticky buns (gigantic leavened cinnamon
rolls, I could only eat half of one) baked by Serena. And ice cream
and drinks, lamely bought by lanky Anziano Benge. Afterward we had
some photos with an American flag.
It was a good week, and we taught a lot of lessons. We met many new
people and did some good. Love you all!
(A shout out to all the missionaries that are finishing their missions
soon! Finish STRONG)
--Anziano Benge
A) the Allens
B) left, Afrikaans. Right, Dutch