I apologize for not writing last week, sometimes I get just half an
hour at the end of Pday to write and I use it for rest time. We do so
much walking here, because it's the safest and fastest, I get
charley-horses in my feet every night, but you know, there's nothing
wrong with just walking. There's always a thousand new people to stop
or hand pamphlets to.
The biggest news you missed out on was that we contacted a potential
named Malu, and her boyfriend Paolo. She is a Brazilian woman who
adores missionaries because her son his far from her in Brazil, and
he's a member. She's been investigating the church for over 25 years,
and then when the branches became a ward here, she just disappeared
until we found her.
Her 'companion' does optics for eyeglasses, he loves sports and
Americans, but knows nothing about the church (well, now he does),
they both love birds (they have like 50), they want to get married,
they hopefully will be baptized immediately after, and they give us
loads of food every time we stop by. Last Sunday she gave us both
really nice haircuts for service because we 'needed them'. And they
look good. They are pretty well off, and have an exciting house in
centro.
Alex hasn't come to church yet, though he commits every single time.
We are waiting for that before we reset the baptdate
Alessandro and Manuela haven't come, and our member present lesson
fell through, but since she's pregnant, they're hesitantly doing
nothing with only minor commitment.
We are having a great time here in Firenze. Anz. Harris and I get
along really well. We laugh, we bought a cactus and did finding with
it, we are happy and busy.
Yesterday we did a 'scambio', Harris didn't like it a ton, but I went
down to Montevarchi. Castronovo and I made our way in train down to
Castiglion Fiorentino (the best), and I interviewed Kenneth for
baptism. He's totally ready and I realized what good friends Nigerians
are. If you don't have any African friends, go get some, because they
rock.
I am learning to speak pigeon English.
:)
Vi voglio bene
--Anziano Benge
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Ahimè, I am Training
I am training a 'greenie' here in Firenze. His name is Anziano Connor Harris straight outta Utah (Brigham City). We get along quite nicely, and Training really isn't that bad. He doesn't speak a lick of Italian, but that was expected, and I already know how to deal with that; Language study, talking on the streets, constructive criticiscm.
It's been raining a lot, but its fine. Before I picked Harris up in Milano, I stopped by in Padova to grab my long-awaited Permesso. I finally have it! (Except it expires in the first week of May) I have to start the reapplication process over AGAIN this coming week.
The first day with Harris, we finally got a hold of a man named Alessandro, an Ex-Investigator who had stopped meeting the missionaries a year ago. He invited us over, and so we went to Scandicci, found his house, and he let us in. His wife is pregnant, and they are really nice people! Even better, they had realized that they were happier when they had been meeting with us and they'd been praying for recontact. They've read the entire Book of Mormon, they want to relearn all the discussions, they missed us a lot! That was awesome.
I am still the District leader here in Firenze. The new District is Harris and I, Anz. Kenny and Taylor (the Zone Leaders), Sorella Hogan and Taylor, and also the Montevarchi missionaries: Stanley and Castronovo, and Sorella D'Aleo and Castro. The district is large, and we had District meeting all the way down in San Giovanni Valdarno because the Firenze Training Sisters and 'Capi Zona' (ZLs) were in Milano for a conference.
All of our contacts seemed to have evaporated again. I really have no idea why nobody answers their phones. Alex was too shy to come to church again, so we postponed the Baptism. Life is changing, and it's good!
We found a villa, we did finding at it (success!)
(Harris and I with Fratello Forni, Festa Carnivale)
Last night Harris and I went to dinner with Riccardo (the blind and deaf member whom I love), and his family and friends. We ate some good food and brought a 'CioccoSalame' for desert. (100g Melted chocolate, 150g crushed cookies, 50g butter, an egg, some 25g of sugar or so, cooled into a roll shape)
I'm not 100% sure what 'Carnivale' is, but it's some Italian celebration that is known especially in Venezia or something. Anyway, we are happy and we love ITALY!
Remember Heavenly Father's love for you! Remember His Son's atoning sacrifice. Remember Faith, Love, and Charity!
See you next year!
-- Anziano Isaac Benge
ps: Anziano Harris' dad served in Italy. His last area was Firenze. Harris is beginning where his dad left off!
pps: He also plays soccer
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Fiesole, That's Where I Went Today
Pday! We went to a small town called Fiesole, over looking Firenze. There was an antique ampitheater of ruins. There was beauty all around. There was greatness. There was a tower. Here is an okay photo of one of the views:
If you look closely you can see the Arno River.
Another great part of this week was that Fratello Brighella had his 50th Birthday party at the church. He wanted us to help him set it up, because he's blind and deaf, so that was fun. I don't speak Italian sign language that well, but it was alright. It only took 3 hours to set up, and I got a chunk taken out of my leg. Italians are pretty stuborn and OCD on how things should be. This Fratello was perhaps even more OCD and everything had to be perfect. In the end, the party was fun and the food was great. I was totally exhausted.
None of our investigators came to church. In fact, nobody came to church including members really.
We have done a lot of finding lately, but everyone that seems willing in the end are either Muslims (who drop us after they find out we are teaching them not vice versa), or women that we have to refer to the Sister missionaries. Oh well.
This is all I have time for today. I'm really sorry. Love you all!
Another great part of this week was that Fratello Brighella had his 50th Birthday party at the church. He wanted us to help him set it up, because he's blind and deaf, so that was fun. I don't speak Italian sign language that well, but it was alright. It only took 3 hours to set up, and I got a chunk taken out of my leg. Italians are pretty stuborn and OCD on how things should be. This Fratello was perhaps even more OCD and everything had to be perfect. In the end, the party was fun and the food was great. I was totally exhausted.
None of our investigators came to church. In fact, nobody came to church including members really.
We have done a lot of finding lately, but everyone that seems willing in the end are either Muslims (who drop us after they find out we are teaching them not vice versa), or women that we have to refer to the Sister missionaries. Oh well.
This is all I have time for today. I'm really sorry. Love you all!
Anziano Isaac Benge
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Fwd: Buon Anno: 2016
----------
--
--
....
It rained today.
It also rained yesterday.
Oh yes, it is also a New Year, so Happy New year y'all. For our celebration, a Moldovan (who fortunatel spoke English and not just Romanian) called us up, and asked to meet with us. He is an investigator, that was touring Firenze and he LOVES the missionaries, he travels the whole world looking for them and talking with them. We showed him around, and even better, he brought two of his friends (both Moldovan ladies) and we taught them some stuff. They had fun and hopefully we planted some great seeds.
(the other friend is taking the photo)
We did a scambio two days back, I was with Anziano Brown, and we started the day off with a lunch with Riccardo. He is deaf, and 89% blind or so. I barely speak any Italian sign language, but I said the prayer, but it was a very very very very quiet meal. It was fun and I am content.
The work has slowly picked up, people answer their phones, people want to meet. It is all cool (cold) and yeah!
We had to let Chelazzi go, he owns a tie and shirt shop, which is cool, but he told us that he really isn't that interested. We tried to finish the restoration, but he had none of it. We invited him to consider studying, we prayed, but that was it. We will pass by him in a week or two... but, yeah....
I am looking forward to this work, not the rain too much, and everything is great!
Read the scriptures, it will do you well!
So che nostro Salvatore vive e che la nostra chiesa è diretto da Gesù Cristo, nostro pietra angolare. Abbiamo profeti viventi, gli apostoli che ricevano ispirazione; Thomas S. Monson è un profeta e rivelatore!
vi voglio tanto bene
ci sentiamo
--
Anziano Isaac Benge
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
What a Very Merry Christmas
As you all hopefully know, on Christmas day, missionaries are all allowed to Skype or Facetime or whatever (or call) home. This was, of course, the highlight of the week. I will now describe the WHOLE week, very briefly with lots of parenthesis---
The week, starting today and running backwards:
Today we tried to find a way into a castle, the door had construction blocking it, and there was no other way in, so that didn't work. But we DID see the Galileo Galilei Museum here on the River Arno. It wasn't as cool as the Uffizi Gallery, but any scientist would enjoy it.
Yesterday: We recieved two cancellations of our appointments (we were 'Bedoned' (trashed)) we had a fun lunch with Mauro (talked about the Plan of Salvation over Pizza). At night, we met with the new convert Iyke, who we love and he is totally awesome in every way.
Monday: a few other Bedones, and we had a good lesson with a few people (Lo Priore family, and John Bravo (who always makes us Ecuadorian snacks or meals))
The week, starting today and running backwards:
Today we tried to find a way into a castle, the door had construction blocking it, and there was no other way in, so that didn't work. But we DID see the Galileo Galilei Museum here on the River Arno. It wasn't as cool as the Uffizi Gallery, but any scientist would enjoy it.
Yesterday: We recieved two cancellations of our appointments (we were 'Bedoned' (trashed)) we had a fun lunch with Mauro (talked about the Plan of Salvation over Pizza). At night, we met with the new convert Iyke, who we love and he is totally awesome in every way.
Monday: a few other Bedones, and we had a good lesson with a few people (Lo Priore family, and John Bravo (who always makes us Ecuadorian snacks or meals))
Sunday: We were supposed to all have talks as missionaries. The bishop scheduled us all to give 5 minute talks about missionary work with members, christlike attributes, etc. He told me that I would fill in whatever time there was remaining. I figured Anziano Hansen and Castronovo would just give 2 minute talks (they don't speak italian because they are new), I was afraid I would have to give a 15 minute talk or something. Instead, the Sorelle talked over 5 minutes each, and I gave a 2 minute talk at the end instead. Yeah!
Saturday: hmmm, don't remember really. We do Correlation at out Ward Mission Leader's house every saturday (His name is Cristian and his house is along a beautiful ride near Arno), we speak of our goals, investigators, lessons, families, etc. We did a few pass bys and had success with one who wants to meet us later this week. We worked on one street in the Fog... it would have been more beautiful but we couldn't see much. Check it out on street view? Viadi Santa Margherita a Montici.
Saturday: hmmm, don't remember really. We do Correlation at out Ward Mission Leader's house every saturday (His name is Cristian and his house is along a beautiful ride near Arno), we speak of our goals, investigators, lessons, families, etc. We did a few pass bys and had success with one who wants to meet us later this week. We worked on one street in the Fog... it would have been more beautiful but we couldn't see much. Check it out on street view? Viadi Santa Margherita a Montici.
Friday: Christmas, we had a luscious Peruvian lunch with the Cabezas family (another breathtaking ride), we watched Big Hero 6, then went to the church to talk with our families. They are doing well... So am I
Thursday: We had a dinner with some great people (an American guy from Livorno dating a Sister Boschi here in Firenze) the food was great, the hospitality was amazing, we are grateful to the fullest degree. I am happy.
Sorry, no photos again. I am a little lame at that, but sometimes it is hard to send them.
Love all of you, gotta go!
Thursday: We had a dinner with some great people (an American guy from Livorno dating a Sister Boschi here in Firenze) the food was great, the hospitality was amazing, we are grateful to the fullest degree. I am happy.
Sorry, no photos again. I am a little lame at that, but sometimes it is hard to send them.
Love all of you, gotta go!
Anziano Isaac Benge
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Buon Natale Tutti e Tanti Auguri
Happy Holidays everyone, This week is very very busy with Christmas and we've been trying to hand out so many 'E Nato un Salvatore' cards. We go caroling all the time, we give the cards out to members, and yet we still have thousands to give in just a few short days... Not. Christmas lasts here until January 6th and they celebrate it the whole way. (Not really Christ's birth, just celebrating in general.)
A main part of this week, yesterday, was Zone Training Christmas. It was a normal zone training, and then at the end we had some wonderful homemade eggnog from the Sorelle missionaries and chocolate mousse. There was also a gift exchange (secret santa) and I got Dutch waffles, and gave a famous Firenze tie and some Top Ramen. Yeah! And yes, I got my mail.. yay!
It's been overcast, but I love the weather. The people aren't really friendly, but I love being a missionary!!! I hope I don't forget to write about Christmas, that would be awkward, but I am really excited because we have awesomeness planned.
Another weird thing. We went to the Istituto Prosperius to set an appointment for an MRI on my companions back, but they couldn't schedule one except the day of... so we worked out the insurance (in Italian) and then scheduled an MRI for 2 hours later (in italian). Let's just say that I grew my vocabulary a lot on Monday. We did the MRI and we get the results tomorrow.
I am very grateful to be here in Firenze this Christmas, (although I also have to give a talk next sunday, darn). I love the mission, I love the people. I love Austin and Iyke, I love Mauro (who got the priesthood last sunday!). I love Italy.
A main part of this week, yesterday, was Zone Training Christmas. It was a normal zone training, and then at the end we had some wonderful homemade eggnog from the Sorelle missionaries and chocolate mousse. There was also a gift exchange (secret santa) and I got Dutch waffles, and gave a famous Firenze tie and some Top Ramen. Yeah! And yes, I got my mail.. yay!
It's been overcast, but I love the weather. The people aren't really friendly, but I love being a missionary!!! I hope I don't forget to write about Christmas, that would be awkward, but I am really excited because we have awesomeness planned.
Another weird thing. We went to the Istituto Prosperius to set an appointment for an MRI on my companions back, but they couldn't schedule one except the day of... so we worked out the insurance (in Italian) and then scheduled an MRI for 2 hours later (in italian). Let's just say that I grew my vocabulary a lot on Monday. We did the MRI and we get the results tomorrow.
I am very grateful to be here in Firenze this Christmas, (although I also have to give a talk next sunday, darn). I love the mission, I love the people. I love Austin and Iyke, I love Mauro (who got the priesthood last sunday!). I love Italy.
Questions, comments, ideas, I'm always here:
-- isaac.benge@myldsmail.netAnziano Isaac Benge
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Florentino Fun
I definately sent an email last week; where it went, I know not.
Anyway, the good news for this week is that I am in Florence, (Firenze) and that we got transfer calls, and Anziano Hansen and I will be both staying here. Joyous news!
Other really goodnessess: Mauro is being baptized this Saturday by Anz. Hansen because he's been interviewed (surprise) and everything was just thrown together, but here we are! That will be great to see.
Good news: Tomorrow I should have my Permesso di Soggiorno again, I'll be heading up to Padova really early in the morning to get my replacement. It will be so nice not to worry about that! Friday we have a doctor appointment for Hansen's knee, and hopefully that will happen and we can figure that all out too.
The work is really steaming down the track, we get wrapped up tight and do work in the cold and it's so fun and happy. truly
We meet with Fratello Bravo, he's from Ecuador and we made him American Bacon Jalepeno Burgers with Scamorza Affumciata as the cheese. That was super good! I miss burgers sometimes. I bore my testimony in church. Pdays we visit museums (like: The Uffizi and Piazza Vecchia and Galleria Accademia), I couldn't be happier.
Tuscany is amazing, the people are amazing. The mission is amazing.
This week the Sorrelle Missionarie had a really good idea, they decided to wrap our Christmas Bigliettini (pass along cards) in gold wrapping paper, tied with a silver bow. The message is of Christ: christmas.mormon.org
or here: natale.mormon.org
and we took the Gift of Christmas to Piazza Sant'Ambroggio and did some caroling in Italian! We handed out so many of those gold wrapped cards! It was amazing and spiritual, the best part was that 2 random men jumped in and sang with us on one of the Italian hymns. We are definitely doing that every Sunday night now! Very effective and heart-warming.
Shout out to Anz. Hansen's mom who gave us 25 small gifts for Christmas, we open one every day as directed and it makes our mornings!
I love you all, I hope I explained enough because I gotta go! Any questions, ire, comments, or rhetorics?
--
Anyway, the good news for this week is that I am in Florence, (Firenze) and that we got transfer calls, and Anziano Hansen and I will be both staying here. Joyous news!
Other really goodnessess: Mauro is being baptized this Saturday by Anz. Hansen because he's been interviewed (surprise) and everything was just thrown together, but here we are! That will be great to see.
Good news: Tomorrow I should have my Permesso di Soggiorno again, I'll be heading up to Padova really early in the morning to get my replacement. It will be so nice not to worry about that! Friday we have a doctor appointment for Hansen's knee, and hopefully that will happen and we can figure that all out too.
The work is really steaming down the track, we get wrapped up tight and do work in the cold and it's so fun and happy. truly
We meet with Fratello Bravo, he's from Ecuador and we made him American Bacon Jalepeno Burgers with Scamorza Affumciata as the cheese. That was super good! I miss burgers sometimes. I bore my testimony in church. Pdays we visit museums (like: The Uffizi and Piazza Vecchia and Galleria Accademia), I couldn't be happier.
Tuscany is amazing, the people are amazing. The mission is amazing.
This week the Sorrelle Missionarie had a really good idea, they decided to wrap our Christmas Bigliettini (pass along cards) in gold wrapping paper, tied with a silver bow. The message is of Christ: christmas.mormon.org
or here: natale.mormon.org
and we took the Gift of Christmas to Piazza Sant'Ambroggio and did some caroling in Italian! We handed out so many of those gold wrapped cards! It was amazing and spiritual, the best part was that 2 random men jumped in and sang with us on one of the Italian hymns. We are definitely doing that every Sunday night now! Very effective and heart-warming.
Shout out to Anz. Hansen's mom who gave us 25 small gifts for Christmas, we open one every day as directed and it makes our mornings!
I love you all, I hope I explained enough because I gotta go! Any questions, ire, comments, or rhetorics?
Anziano Isaac Benge
The Uffizi museum
other casual famousness at the Galleria Accademia
the Cathedral from vantage of the tallest tower at the 'Town Hall'
The Uffizi museum
other casual famousness at the Galleria Accademia
the Cathedral from vantage of the tallest tower at the 'Town Hall'
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