Well, we had a lovely general conference weekend! We got to
watch most of the sessions. The spirit I felt as I watched the prophets and
apostles and leaders of the church speak to us, was so strong! I personally
received several answers to questions that I had, and it was incredible to
watch as others received their answers as well. We invited several people to
come with questions prepared. One of our less active members came with a couple
of specific questions. As we watched the women's conference together, her eyes
filled with tears and she began to sob. She had almost immediately received two
of the answers that she had been searching for. God truly does speak to us
through his called and assigned servants. He loves His children and He will not
leave us without a guide and a help.
We had interviews with president and we had zone training.
We lost a lot of time in our city this past week being on trains back and forth
to Genova two different days. But it was great! We talked a lot about
continuing to work well together in our cities and the importance and
significance of our own personal proselyting areas.
We also had the huge miracle of setting two baptismal dates
this past week. A woman named Marlene from Peru accepted the invitation to be
baptized on the 5th of October, as well as Marina who accepted the date of
November 8th. Both are truly seeking and striving to follow and obey God's
commandments. They are willing to sacrifice and change their lives to live in
harmony with the teachings of the Savior. They inspire me!
Alessandro has picked a new date of the 24th of October. He
read the scriptures for the first time by himself this past week. MIRACLE. He
has a real desire to do what's right. It's not easy. But it is absolutely
possible and absolutely worth it.
Yesterday was my companion's birthday and we worked hard
every single second of it. We had appointments every hour of the day and we
even had to do a split during the afternoon because we had to much work to do.
It was great! And we also ate like a week's worth of food. I made her a special
birthday breakfast, and then we went to a member's house for lunch: gigantic
bowl of pasta, another gigantic plate of vegetables and an egg type thing, and
then bread, and cake and a bowl full of straight cream. We almost died. Then we
went to get gelato with a new convert. And then we had family home evening with
a less active family who cooked us santo domingan food: potatoes, some yummy
fried thing, fried banana stuff, SO MUCH RICE, chicken, and insalata russa. So.
Much. Food. We still aren't really even hungry today... hahah. It was
great.
We are continuing to work hard and we're really trying to
let the Lord guide His work here. It is so important in our lives and
especially on the mission, that we can learn how to get out of The Lord's way.
He is so much smarter, so much more capable, and so much better than we will
ever be. When we can just turn ourselves over to Him and let Him work through
us and truly guide every footstep, amazing things will happen!
There is a lot of work to do in Sanremo. I am getting
nervous that my time here might be coming to an end. Of course, nothing is
final or decided yet, but I know that it's not very common for missionaries to
stay in the same city for more than 6 months. This transfer makes 6 months of
serving here in Sanremo. There is a lot left to do here and I'm not sure if
I'll ever feel like I've done enough. But I am truly grateful for all of the
growth and experience that I have gained thus far.
God loves us. He guides us. He takes care of us. As we seek
to do His will and just get out of the way, we will see miracles and we will
feel His power and presence in our lives.
Today marks my official halfway point in the mission... It
is unreal to me that the time is going by so fast. I had a dream this week that
I finished my mission and I went home. I saw my mom, and I ran to her to hug
her. I cried with happiness. But after a second, I stepped away and said, Wait
a minute... This isn't right... I need to be back in Italy! I need to still be
a missionary! I don't want to be home!
It was the strangest sensation... To know that it was over,
and that I couldn't go back, but longing so badly to return and be a missionary
again. It taught me the important lesson of just enjoying every moment that I
have here. The mission is truly an incredible and life changing experience. I
wouldn't trade it for the world. I love it even when I hate it. It's the best
thing that I have ever done. Prepare yourselves now for the various missions
you will serve throughout your lives!!!!! Study Preach My Gospel. Follow the
promptings of the spirit. Study the atonement. Do all that you can to share the
gospel with those around you.
The restored gospel of Jesus Christ is true. It blesses
families. It changes lives. I see it every single day. I love my Savior and I
love my Heavenly Father.
Make good choices! I love you all.
Love,
Sorella Tokarski
