A thousand fabulous treasures!

This post is so full of happy photos and unforgettable memories - true treasures we will forever cherish! Captured in this photo are my brother Rob and his son Carson - the night they arrived from the States, together with our beloved Castellamare sister missionaries and our dearest friend Renato, who was so excited to meet our family and tell them about his upcoming baptism. My brother had a heart attack this summer, and I was SO HAPPY to see for myself that he was okay. These moments sure remind you what is most important in life!

Knowing we had an upcoming big GANS (YSA) activity, a wedding of two of our beloved GANS (YSAs), Zone Conference - with food to prepare for 54, and a visit from our family, we made sure to be very organized! We took a trip into Napoli to map out everything for our GANS outdoor experience.

We have lived here almost 14 months, and Napoli is always a lively adventure!

We reserved the perfect pizza spot and planned our evening walk and possible place to have a devotional.

Designing decor is so relaxing to me and is one of my favorite hobbies. It took a minute to ensure each wedding area (to be decorated) was prepped and arranged in the right box. Our little apartment looked like a wedding factory. Very happy!

As I designed mock ups, Josy (our lovely bride) and I exchanged endless texts, making sure I knew her every wish and exact style.

We ran back down to Napoli to have lunch with some of our favorite, long-time friends, Kelly and Winn Rasband who had flown in for a vacation with some of their family. It's so nice to have those relationships that don't skip a beat, even though you haven't seen each other in years.

We had a special session of General Conference. Sorella Barcellos's father was speaking in Conference for the first time, so she had asked if we could watch it in English in our home. It was such a sweet experience! We were all cheering him on, and we loved watching her watch him!

Knowing we had so much going on, the Castellanos brought dinner, which was amazing! We don't know how we could live without them!

One of the treasures of serving a mission is the relationships you develop. I have always said that you grow to love those whom you serve. And boy do we love them! Our wonderful missionaries have such a special place in our hearts. We will truly love them forever!

Thank goodness for "Sister C" - as Anziano Castellano calls her. We tag team to come up with special Zone Conference meals. She took the lead on this one, and we were so grateful! Thanks to the help of some of our wonderful American friends, we were able to prepare a very tasty lunch of Mexican food.

We combined with the Puglia zone, which is always very fun.

One of our recurring mission highlights is singing the Rome Mission hymn, arm in arm.

We had some very happy missionaries, who really miss eating Mexican food!

We love reconnecting with missionaries who have served in Campania. Anziano Bischoff came back as our Zone Leader in Napoli, and we always love any opportunity to see Anziano Carrigan.

Anziano Gilardi is dear friends with our dear friends the Maglebys, which makes him feel like family! They served as senior missionaries in his homeland of Scotland.

We were supposed to all get flu shots, and fun Sorella Parker, our medical adviser, brought everything to have a Hawaiian luau - to lessen the stress for those who aren't fans of needles. It ended up just being a fun after conference party, because the clinic who supplied the nurse to administer the vaccines - didn't understand they were supposed to also supply the vaccines.

Missionaries from the Campania and Puglia zones; oh how we love them!

I'm not sure why the Castellanos aren't in these pics, because they were definitely there! They were most likely scurrying like the angels they are, perhaps cleaning in the kitchen. We wanted to be able to take President and Sister Walker on a little drive down the coast to Sorrento.

They loved it - and we never tire of driving in this breathtaking area.

We had dinner at the most interesting and unusual old monastery!

We treasure our mission friends!

The next day we picked up my brother and Carson from the airport in Napoli.

It is SO HAPPY to have family come visit, and to have memories of them in our missionary home. Our grandkids keep asking when we are going to come back to our real home. It's only a little more than 4 months!

Before heading to have a lesson and get gelato with Renato and the sister missionaries, the boys made a quick stop to Cliff's favorite kebab place in Castellamare.

We made the most of each day of their pretty short stay. We first headed to the Amalfi Coast.

Cliff dropped us off in Sorrento at the ferry, which we took to Amalfi. He then drove to Amalfi, where we met up.

That way they could both sail and drive the Amalfi Coast.

It did not disappoint!

This 9th century Roman Cathedral in Amalfi is dedicated to Saint Andrew the Apostle, whose relics were brought from Constantinople in 1206 and are housed in the crypt.

We are nearing the end of the Jubilee Year of Hope. It has been a treasure to join with others in renewing our hope and faith. We have loved our personal pilgrimage in this beautiful Christian country.

The ancient apostle Andrew, a fisherman from the village of Bethsaida - along the sea of Galilee, was a follower of John the Baptist. He brought his brother Simon (who later became known as Peter) to meet "The Messiah." Andrew was one of the original 12 Apostles. Matthew 18:19-21 reads: And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

Andrew had converted multitudes to Christianity throughout the Mediterranean, including the wife of a Roman provincial governor in southern Greece; the governor, in turn, immediately ordered Andrew to be scourged and then crucified. He is said to have chosen an X-shaped cross, because he felt unworthy to die on a cross identical to Jesus.

This crypt is said to contain relics of St. Andrew. It seems that at every turn, in every town here in Southern Italy, we find evidences of great Christian faith and devotion. Jesus Christ is literally everywhere - portrayed in paintings, sculptures, and the great books of the world, as well as written in the hearts of faithful people. His ancient apostles are remembered, revered and even prayed to. Today is actually "All Saints Day." For those perhaps wondering about the difference between the Roman Catholic faith and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, it is found in the Restoration. We believe that John the Baptist restored the Aaronic Priesthood and the ancient apostles Peter, James, and John restored the Melchezidec Priesthood. With the restoration of God's power and authority, the Church of Jesus Christ was once again restored upon the earth. Today it is led by a living Prophet, Dallin H. Oaks and 12 Apostles. If you would like to know more, you can click on this link: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng

After our whirlwind day in Amalfi, we changed our clothes and headed to the famous San Carlo Opera House in Napoli to check off our bucket list.

It was magnificent.

Next, we toured the boys through old Napoli.

We met up with our dearest friends, Tina and Rob Mihu, who were passing through on a bucket list vacation. We loved catching up and were reminded that it wasn't a coincidence when we were placed in each other's lives.

We ate at "Sorbillo" - certified pizza Napoletana" - which is always incredible.

Next we met up with our GANS (YSAs) to tour Castel Nuovo, built in the 1200's.

It sits on the sea and overlooks the cruise ships in port. You can see Mt. Vesuvius in the background; we live on the other side of the mountain in Pompei.

We ate pizza (again) - which is what you do in Napoli!

We were so happy our activity was so well attended! We love each of these wonderful young adults with all our hearts!

We gathered on the steps of the Cathedral, across from the Royal Palace.

Our GANS (YSA) leaders lead us in the sweetest devotional on faith. We are so touched by their great personal strength and devotion to God. They are so good - through and through!

Carson sang, "I Need thee Every Hour," and it was incredible! This was my great grandmother's favorite hymn. I'm sure Grammy (Callie Catherine Stephens) was smiling from above.

My brother then treated everyone to gelato. It was a perfect evening!

Sunday we headed to Church in Salerno. These beautiful sisters put together a surprise bridal shower for Josy after Church, which was so much fun!

We just love these beautiful YSAs from Salerno- Franca, Zaira, and Josy. They are cream of the crop - top notch all around!

The soon-to-be newlyweds were all smiles!

We love it when Claudia and her husband Stefano (Presidente Terralavoro/in the Rome West Stake Presidency) join us in Campania. They are one amazing couple, and we just love them!

After the bridal shower, we drove down to Paestum, the ancient city of Poseidon, built by the Greeks about 650 B.C.

Cliff and I sat listening to the street musicians while Rob and Carson walked around the temple ruins. It's not often we can enjoy sitting, doing the "dolce fare niente!" (the sweetness of doing nothing)

We drove home along the sea, chasing the sunset.

You can see the Amalfi Coast in the background. We live on the other side of it.

This may be my favorite sunset, ever! I've decided my mind will go here when I need to destress. I think this was one of Carson's highlights - sitting on the beach watching the sun set on the Amalfi Coast. What kept coming to my mind as I looked out on Carson was the words of the hymn, How Great Thou Art.

"O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds thy hands have made. I see the stars; I hear the rolling thunder, thy power throughout the universe displayed: Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee; How great thou art! How great thou art!

And when I think that God, his Son not sparing, sent him to die, I scarce can take it in. That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin.

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation, and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart! Then I shall bow in humble adoration, and there proclaim, My God, how great thou art!"

On Monday, we FINALLY went to see the Pompei ruins, which are literally just around the corner and up the street a few minutes.

We splurged a little and did a two hour highlight tour with an archeologist, which was very well worth it!

Many of the best photos are from Anziano Castellano. As you scroll through, you can feel like you've been to Pompei! Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. and covered the vast ancient city in ash.

It's amazing to view the well-preserved frescoes!

Another of Carson's highlights was holding my arm, as we strolled the cobblestone streets. I love that.

Our guide was hysterical; he called this the first drive through McDonalds.

Around noon on August 24, 79 A.D., a huge eruption from Mount Vesuvius showered volcanic debris over the city of Pompeii, followed the next day by clouds of blisteringly hot gases. Buildings were destroyed, the population was crushed or asphyxiated, and the city was buried beneath a blanket of ash and pumice. This final layer of ash, reaching up to 20 feet deep, entombed the city, preserving the remains of the victims in their final moments. Over time, bodies decayed, but the ash hardened, leaving voids that archaeologists later filled with plaster to create casts of the victims. 

Over 1/3 of Pompei is still being excavated. Just last year, they uncovered these pieces of jewelry. Pompei is truly unique and is so vast; it would take days to see everything.

We were all hungry after our tour. For lunch in our neck of the woods, you have the option of pizza, pasta, or a sandwich. Gino Sorbillo opened up a restaurant in the new mall by our house.

So pizza, it was!

Since we were at the mall, and my brother really wanted to buy Carson an Italian suit, we tagged along.

Carson found the perfect suit, some pants and a couple of classy Hugo Boss shirts!

The next day we headed to Rome, stopping in Piazza del Popolo (square of the people) before going to the Rome Temple.

We stopped to peek inside this beautiful Jubilee cathedral.

We arrived at the temple, and the words of a hymn scrolled through my mind, "It is well, with my soul; it is well, it is well, with my soul."

I loved watching Carson feel the peace of the Temple.

Above the temple doors it is written: Holiness to the Eternal; The House of the Lord. We love the temple and know it is a sacred House of God.

The purpose of temples is to provide a sacred space for worship, to draw closer to God, and to perform ordinances like eternal marriage and sealing families together forever. They are considered the most sacred places of worship on earth for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and are different from regular chapels, which are used for weekly services. Temples are where members can also perform saving ordinances in behalf of their deceased ancestors, such as baptism and confirmation. In the New Testament, 1st Corinthians 15: 29 states, "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?"

We then had a delicious dinner with President and Sorella Conforte, who were our Mission Leaders when we were young missionaries. We have talked about them in many blog posts.

We all enjoyed hearing their remarkable life experiences.

In their presence, the Spirit of the Lord is always so present. They mean everything to us. We are loved as their own; they have made all the difference in our lives.

Carson sang, "Nearer My God to Thee," which is President Conforte's favorite hymn. It was truly a beautiful moment.

He told Carson he would be his grandfather. He has definitely filled the father role for me, and for Cliff, he has been a spiritual pillar.

It has meant so much to us for our family to know the Confortes - as they play such an important role in our lives.

This pic is definitely another highlight!

My brother wanted to stay a night in historic Rome, near Castel St. Angelo and the famous angel bridge, so that we did!

The hotel is in the historic district, where you cannot drive. We pulled up as close as we could, and Cliff ferried our suitcases to the hotel. While Rob and Carson toured the Coliseum, we spent a couple of hours driving around and around, looking for a parking spot.

We loved the drive!

Around and around.

And we finally found a great spot along the Tiber river.

The boys took a cab back to our hotel, and we began our night stroll at Piazza Navona.

My favorite, the Pantheon.

The temple of Hadrian, from 145 A.D..

Nativities like this are traditional masterpieces crafted by local artisans.

We had never been in this Church, St. Ignazio di Loyola. Because of the Jubilee, all the major Churches have extended visiting hours. We love this representation of the Immaculate Conception.

This ceiling is truly magnificent!

The night ended with gelato at the Trevi fountain.

Their last day was a tour through St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museum/Sistine Chapel.

It was AMAZING how many people were on personal and/or group pilgrimages.

Cliff and I caught up on texts and missionary work, while thoroughly enjoying our surroundings.

We close with the very reason we are here in Italy as missionaries... Jesus Christ, Savior, Redeemer, Bread of Life, Lord, Creator, Son of the Living God, Only Begotten Son, Beloved Son, Holy one of Israel, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. He is why about 35 million people will visit Italy on Pilgrimages of Hope this Jubilee year. (every 25 years) This mosaic of our Savior in prayer is truly a masterpiece. If you focus on one small piece, it just looks like a bunch of little stones stuck together. Step back and focus, and you see the big picture. His Great Atoning Sacrifice that allows us to overcome sin and death is the big picture. His Gospel of peace, faith, and hope gives us the possibility of eternal life. As prophesied, He will return to the earth. Our humble desire is to be prepared to meet Him. We love Him and are blessed with a truly sacred call to serve Him, by serving the beautiful GANS (YSAs), missionaries, members and friends in the Campania region. They have etched their way into our hearts forever.

All our love,

Sorella & Anziano Montagnoli

Martha and Cliff