A (Long) (Insane) Week

Last Tuesday we went to Firenze for an exchange, Wednesday last we
went to Siena, then Thursday we were told by the mission to clean all
day to have a perfectly clean apartment then had English class (it
went well). And then Sunday rolled around; the ticket bought us
tickets to Milano (a massive train ride, may I say?) and we arrived in
the Lampugnano area chapel to hear from one of our beloved Apostles,
Elder Holland.
No, I didn't get a photo of him, but I can testify how strongly he
brought the spirit. Elder Holland shared about how strongly his
mission affected his life and gave us a lot of good counsel. I don't
have lots of time, but I will say that he advised us to be obedient so
that we might have the Spirit. The Holy Ghost is the third member of
the godhead, and sometimes we take that for granted.
He also reminded us that we missionaries are apostolic. Like him,
we are called representatives of Christ and his gospel. That is our
Full Time calling.
He finished, he shook all of the missionary's hands (actually he shook
our hands before the opening prayer), and then the meeting was over.
The office had prepared for us sack lunches. Our train left at 5, but
we missed it, and had to take the next one, which was at 6. The office
had also chosen this train for us...and it was WAY to long of a trip.
We endured another 5 hours on that train and got home after 11pm.
Yuck.
Most of our appointments have fallen through, we don't have many
lessons, and we have to spend long durations being clever in how to
contact people. Anyway, I know this mission is the best for me. It's
really hard but the 'salvation of a soul is the most important thing
any person can participate in'.(Elder Holland).
love you all!
--Anziano Benge
(Our district after a long day and hike: Freckleton, Carter, Johnson, Me)

I was was lost but now I'm

Still lost, I haven't been sleeping well even when taking melatonin.
My head is swimming and normal cognitive abilities are a bit
difficult. But that is all good, it only means that today's email will
be short.
Thursday, we had a lesson planned, and he didn't show. We did finding
and then had English class which we have now started on Thursdays not
just Tuesday. Nobody showed to my base class.
Friday, two potential investigators didn't show up to our lessons. Two
more bidone, it's quite annoying. I'm losing hope to ever see anyone
progress in this city, but I just need to wash the slate clean and
start over. Before me there was a lot of disorganization going on and
even our 'strongest' investigators have no personal testimony they
just sit in on lessons and go back to their normal life afterwards.
Saturday, the summer holidays are officially 100% over. I don't think
we did anything memorable.
Sunday, Robert came to church which is good and I had to do
translation for him and a visitor from Rexburg. The rest of the day
was habitual proselyting with no recognizable success (although one
man and his wife did want to come to English: fast forward to
Tuesday--)
Monday: An awesome district meeting, I absolutely love this district.
Sorella Carter is the chill person that you just have to respect and a
really great missionary even though she's a greenie. Sorella Johnson,
the life of the party and the ward and everything. She's hilarious.
Anziano Freckleton is a great guy and just knows what to do, and gets
it done (or at least he calls those he remembers even if nobody
answers) and he keeps good discussions rolling. What a great district
Tuesday, like I said. Emily and Aldo came to English class and as I
taught them they became interested in my calling and the gospel. And
like that: restoration lesson

So, that's all, sorry. And no photos either. Love you all, stay strong
in the faith!
--Anziano Benge