It's all about the people...come meet our friends!

We love our friends here in Italy. Their love and faith inspire us; their friendships lift us, and their examples of Christlike humility, meekness and service remind us of the importance of following our greatest example of charity - our Savior Jesus Christ. The Lord brings people into our lives to bless and helps us, and for us to bless and help them. This simple, yet profound statement is actually life changing. Surely our lives have been changed by these good people we want you to meet. This quote from Elder Henry B. Eyring, of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles rings true to us, "And all of us need true friends to love us, to listen to us, to show us the way, and to testify of truth to us so that we retain the companionship of the Holy Ghost. You must be such a true friend."

Meet President and Sorella Morris. Everyone in the GIRM,"Great Italy Rome Mission" (ourselves included) is blessed by these two incredible, capable, wise and loving mission leaders! They are truly FANTASTIC leaders - prepared and reserved to lead this mission at this time.

Pictured: The Whitings, the Petersens, and the Montagnolis. The Petersens (center) are over almost 60 YSA Senior Couples in the Europe Central Area. They stepped into this role sprinting, using their top notch leadership, development and financial skills to get everyone organized and on the same page. Talk about a great blessing! The Whitings are our dearest friends and cohorts in shadow leadership for the YSAs. We love them! They have hosted us in Rome many times, and we lean on each other, as we are all trying to figure out the best way to fulfill our rolls. They live in Rome and are assigned to bless the GANS (YSA, young single adults) who attend the "Gathering Place Center" in downtown Rome.

We introduced you to the Castellanos last week. They are like our wiser, more mature siblings - constant and steady in good advice, friendship, and love right when we need it! They jump in and help us when we need to be in two places at one time; they are a breath of fresh air! We can't imagine our mission without them - and the fact they live so close is so perfect!

Pictured above are YSA Senior Couples from Malta, Rome, Slovenia, Croatia, Germany, and Campania at dinner in Rome - with sweet Sorella Roney, recovering from surgery. There's something to say about meeting in person; it's bonding, connecting and rejuvenating. I'm sure that's why the scriptures teach us to meet together often, "having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another." Mosiah 18:21 "And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls. And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus." Moroni 6:5-6

Meet our YSA Committe Group from Campania! Paolo, Luisa, Rosa, Kekko and Anna. (Missing are Angy and Gabriella, who we will talk about in our next post.) We work for them! Each one is stalwart, faithful, and filled with love for the Gospel. We are so proud of each one of them and have grown to truly love and appreciate them. We always tell them that they are the "HOPE of Israel" and the future leaders of the Church. They will have a special role to play in the winding up scenes of the gathering of Israel.

This is our AMAZING Campania Zone. We love these missionaries so much!

Our YSA Valentine Activity. Lucia sent me her crumble sugar cookie recipe, and it worked! We had so much fun after Institute decorating sugar cookies. I know I say it over and over again, but we just love each of our wonderful GANS and our faithful, diligent missionaries.

These are some of the most incredible people you'd ever meet. Peter's adventurous life story would be an epic movie. He is the ward mission leader, the ward organist, and he makes the coolest ties you've ever seen! He's pictured with his girlfriend Martina, who we absolutely LOVE! She is receiving the missionary lessons. She's also a hairstylist and is going to give me a much needed hair trim. Joel is a new convert and is so kind, humble and patient - especially as he learns Italian.

Kindness, goodness and love are words we'd best use to describe our beautiful Anna. She is so supportive of everything we do, and that means so much to us! She is over all the GANS publicity and is so dependable. She has an artistic gift and loves making our fliers every week. She was so thoughtful to make special Valentine cookies for us! She is an amazing person and we love her so much!

We always tell her, "We came on our mission, just for you!" We mean it. Heavenly Father places people in our lives to bless us. The blessings go both ways! We hope each of our GANS knows how special they are and how much they have enriched our lives. They have become our dearest, eternal friends!

We spend lots of time gathering in this kitchen in Napoli. You can feel the fun we had by looking at this picture! This is why we came on a mission - to love and support these FABULOUS young adults (and Isamar's cute little niece, my assistant that day)! Somna, in the braid, is the sweetest girl from Romania. She has gone back to her country, but we hope she felt our love while she was living in Napoli.

Meet Roberta, Luisa and Isamar - three lovely angels who have a special place in our hearts! We'll tell you more in this post about Roberta and Luisa; now, we want to tell you about Isamar (Isa). She is a bright light! She makes me laugh, which is a gift. Coming out of a heavy season of life, overcoming cancer and the negative effects of all the treatments, Isamar is just what the doctor ordered! I needed to laugh more, and Isamar fills my soul. Just seeing her makes me happy.

Another one who makes us happy is Gabino. He was baptized shortly after we arrived. We have watched his countenance change as he has embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Isn't that the most beautiful thing, to "Come unto Christ and be perfected in Him." Gabino reminds of us of beautiful Gospel truths found in scriptures. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30.

Musical chairs at the Naples Ward Valentine's party was an experience. It really was a crack up! We would have never imagined that musical chairs could be so lively and fun, for everyone of all ages!

This was a special p-day with Sorella Slöef and Sorella Petty - the reward for sending us daily zoom cleaning videos as part of our mission initiative, 100% Clean! These sisters are capable, thoughtful, truly on-the-ball, and know how to get things done!

We love these sisters, and it was a pleasure to spend the day together!

After their 2 week cleaning, they made a cute incentive video we shared on a mission call yesterday.

All of our missionaries do a terrific job with their English classes. We caught the tail end of the Castellamare class, to say goodbye to Sorella Demmerly, getting transferred. Boy will we miss her! Talk about being placed in the right place at the right time... for me personally, during the holidays, they added so much to my mother heart.

We LOVE these GANS! We all helped our wonderful friend Roberta decorate for the ward Valentine's party. We can always count on our GANS to make things so much more fun! Angy was a total natural as the MC for the games. Her magnetic personality is so alive! Kekko, Angy and Anna coordinate our weekly Institute and activity gatherings. Kekko is the head of the Rome West GANS committee, and he is really stretching himself as he's growing into a mature, natural leader - one we can all count on. No doubt these stellar GANS will go on to do GREAT things in their lives!

For maybe 9 or 10 years, Cliff had a cardiology conference in Rome around Valentine's Day. I would tag along or fly in to meet him. It became a fabulous tradition we cherished. We absolutely loved it when the Petersens (from the Area Office in Frankfurt) asked us to come up to meet together with some of the amazing YSA Senior Couples in Europe.

We had so much fun watching ward members and missionaries celebrate!

This was such a meaningful gift we will forever treasure! One of our GANS friends, Alexandra, gave us a special gift - key chains from her home country of Peru, and a canvas painting of us, from our Facebook profile picture. As she gave us these gifts, she told us she will be getting baptized! She is so lovely and so good, and we are so very happy for her to take this important step. More to come this week... Her baptism is tomorrow!

When we are in Rome, we always stop by our favorite sandwich shop, Panizzo.

We were on a walk during Valentine's week, and thought this photo was so fun!

We really love these fantastic elders in Pozzuoli! Cliff has spent so much time lately fixing leaks, toilets, and various other apartment issues. The missionaries are always so grateful!

What a treat it was while in Rome, to run into our former Bishop (Pagnani) and his lovely wife. Nicoletta and I served together in Young Women's when we lived in Rome with our family in 2009/2010. We have learned so much from them and love them with all our hearts!

If you're wondering why Cliff's name tag is crooked, he ordered the magnet kind when we first arrived five 1/2 months ago. We just found out they finally arrived! We LOVE our "neighbors" and dearest friends the Castellanos, serving a Family Search mission.

We really enjoyed taking a walk through Rome with some of the other European YSA and Senior couples.

Every single Senior missionary couple we have meet is truly INCREDIBLE! They are life-long disciples of Jesus Christ, inspiring, committed, and ALL IN!

The Trevi Fountain had never looked so good! It was recently cleaned for the Jubilee Year.

We were so proud of our GANS (YSA) leader Luisa. She is a super rock star! She is in the Stake Relief Society Presidency and recently put on an incredibly successful stake activity in Rome. She translates every week for the expat Americans in her ward in Pozzuoli. It's amazing to watch her in action. She's as sweet as she is talented, and we love her so much!

We met the most amazing people while giving service in Caserta. They are Christ-like faithful members of the Catholic church. We loved serving together and are still in touch.

The Bishop of the Caserta ward and his family are so inspiring! We loved seeing them be so supportive of our newly baptized GANS, Emanuela - who is top-notch all the way! When people talk about "the elect" who have been prepared and are ready to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that's Emanuela. She's a remarkable person, who is so full of love, wisdom and light. The Bishop's son Paolo (grey tie) is one of our fabulous GANS leaders; we are so proud of him! He has jumped right in as a diligent GANS leader in his ward and will no doubt bless our Stake GANS Committee. He's steady and true, faithful and good, and we love him so much!

Another incredible family we have met is the Smiths. Brother Smith baptized Emanuela, and his family is supportive of everyone, always. They are the ones who opened their hearts to Luke when Lucia and family came to visit. We had a wonderful 5th birthday party at their home, and they will always be special to us.

This picture is my sweet, faithful mom - in her home, being visited by our precious daughters Lucia and Francesca, and our lovely, wonderful niece Nicole. I put this photo in, because my heart has been tender this month, missing them. In February, my mom, Nicole, and Lucia had their birthdays. (My mom turned 85.) Francesca has her birthday in less than two weeks. It is hard sometimes to be away from family, but I know we were called to this mission, at this time, for specific reasons - some which we already know; others, I'm sure we will discover. I guess it's okay to say I am ALL IN, very tenderly. Francesca taught me a lesson last week; it's okay to say I have been homesick. I do LOVE being a missionary, I LOVE my people here, and I have the BEST companion in the whole entire world!

By divine design, these two adorable sisters (Sorella Austin and Sorella Demmerly) - who live near us, have filled our hearts. We love them forever!

On that same vein, our 100% ALL IN almost GANS, Roberta, our first friend when we arrived, continues to help, support, and love us, and we will love her forever for all those reasons and more! If we need anything at anytime, Roberta is "johnny on the spot." She's amazingly talented, super smart, very capable - obviously, because she has the keys to everything!

Roberta painted this beautiful canvas of the Savior as a Christmas gift. She is as thoughtful as she is good. When we are walking together, she takes whatever I'm carrying and literally "lifts my burdens."

We had to bring our friends (YSA Couple in Bari) to meet the "Maradona della Pizza" - who is a complete and total crack up. When we walk in, he is always so excited to see us - "M O N T A G N O L I", he says in accented English, "I Mormoni, so glad to see you!" This was Sorella Morris's birthday, and we filmed him singing to her. Just the thought will make us smile forever!

This is faithful Peter with one of his cool, beaded ties! He's one sharp dresser!

I had to throw in a couple of fun Christmas photos. This was in Pompei, which was so beautifully decorated on the tourist side of the city. I am finally catching up on our blog, and the photos will soon appear in the right season!

These are the finest people you will ever meet! The Caputo family and their "adopted daughter" Paola, are kind, faithful, helpful, constant, inspiring, dedicated members of the Church and are our dearest friends! They will never know how much their continued love means to us! On our first Sunday as missionaries, they genuinely loved us and made us feel so welcomed. They are examples of what Elder Eyring spoke of in his talk, True Friends. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2002/04/true-friends?lang=eng

Speaking of dearest friends, I had the pleasure and extreme honor of serving on the Seminaries & Institutes International Research Committee at Church Headquarters for about 6 years. I could write a whole novel about that amazing experience; let's just say, these lovely people are forever disciples of Jesus Christ and are my dearest, treasured friends. I obviously was released from that calling, as were many in this group; some are newly called. Eric Rogers, who led the committee in the last years, and is soon retiring, put together a past and present committee member reunion. Along with a few others, I got to participate virtually (in the middle of the night), which filled my heart! When I think of a calling that has stretched me the most, where I learned the most, it is definitely that one. My perspective for the Global Church completely changed. I ALWAYS felt the love and desire of the Church, led by a living Prophet and 12 Apostles, to meet the needs of every child of God, in every country, culture, and language in the world. My testimony of the divinely led, Restored Church of Jesus Christ completely grew. I know it is led by a living Prophet, Russel M. Nelson. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgcgILm8iRE

This beautiful person is Alexandra, who will be baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints tomorrow! We love her so much. Can't you just see the beautiful light in her eyes! Look forward to pictures of her baptism.

More pics of our adventurous p-day this week!

Isn't this sticker fun; it says God loves you!

This beautiful sister is Sorella Gillins. We share the love of cleaning and have bonded as we put together a mission initiative, "100% Clean!" I love this sweet missionary who is so very dear to my heart! She was just transferred to Bari, and we know she is in good hands and will love her experience in Puglia.

The toll booths are our least favorite thing about our mission. (And the mosquitoes.)

Our life has now changed. Because of the many hats we wear, we go through tolls throughout the day, every day. Because we always had to wait in line, and our toll booths don't take a credit card, we always had to have coins, the stop and go process was so time consuming; it was a constant source of stress. Our most favorite friends changed this, Sorella Leavitt (over finances for the office) and our long-time friend, Vescovo Calabrese (who has always run so many things in the mission); they got us a TelePass. This was the greatest desire of my heart. We would have gotten it sooner, but you need to have an Italian bank account to qualify. We will ALWAYS call their names blessed! I've never really had anxiety, but I feel like this process was giving it to me! BLESS THEM FOREVER!

And bless this good man, who loves me, and bought me a ridiculously over priced Valentine's Day present - that makes me so happy! It's our "love plant."

And bless him for dancing with me, especially when we were the only ones dancing at the party.

And bless my wonderful helper Michele. We really love him. He likes people to think he's not paying attention or participating, but his heart is really ALL IN. He has never missed one Institute class or activity we have organized. He will pop in, just in the right moment, help me set the table and get everything ready. He appreciates the food we make, which makes us happy.

We had to capture this frequent moment. Castellamare, the town we go into that's closest to our house, has paid parking. They are very serious about it, and you always see the parking authorities making their rounds.

We love Angela! She is a long-time member from Castellamare who is so sweet, so kind us, and is such an example of faith.

These pics are obviously not in any order. Hopefully from now on, things will appear chronologically! We took a day after Christmas to run up to Bari to see our family friends, the Valentinis. They are so important to our life story! When we were young missionaries, Cliff and I both served in Bari, but two years apart. When Cliff served there in 1987, he always played soccer with Ettore on p-day. I ended my mission in Bari in 1989 and did so much member missionary work with two of the Valentini daughters, Lucia and Cristina. At the end of July 1989, Ettore and Lucia fulfilled one of their dreams, to vacation in America - and see many of the missionaries they had known. They stayed with me, and Ettore invited Cliff to my house, to a barbecue to welcome them. All we needed was an introduction; we have been together ever since!

We had to capture the picture of this gelateria, because this gelato literally was the best we have ever eaten! Valeria, Ettore's daughter is pictured here, with his mother, Anna. In 2016, Valeria came to live with us for a year as a foreign exchange student. She attended American Heritage, near our home in American Fork, UT. That same year, I was called to serve on the S&I International Research Committee, and Ettore (who had just started working as an S&I Coordinator in Puglia) was assigned as my in-country liaison. I was the representative for Italy.

Who would have ever known that this beautiful family would be so integral in our life story. Ettore married Gabriella, and they are just like family. We feel so close to Anna; she is one classy lady - a confidant, a mother figure, and a treasure of faith, fortitude, wisdom and Christlike love.

Lucia Valentini is forever a personal treasure. She is so important to us - we named our daughter after her. Our Lucia is named, "Anna Lucia" - after Anna and Lucia Valentini. Our daughter Francesca (named after my maternal grandmother Frances) named her son Avi Gustavo, after Anna's late husband, Gustavo Valentini. He was larger than life, so dear to us, and his legend forever lives on. Gustavo's granddaughter Valeria was actually living with us when he passed away in the fall of 2016. During trying times of infertility, both Rhett and Francesca felt Gustavo's heavenly guidance and support. I believe divine guardian angels are more prevalent in our lives than we could ever imagine, assisting and loving us from heaven.

Last, but not least, is Marco, Ettore and Gabriella Valentini's son. During the years when Cliff traveled so often in Europe (for about 15 years), he would come down to Bari for the weekend, to be with "family" and attend Church. They always teased him that they were going to give him a calling. Marco grew up loving his fun American "zio." We love that our friends the Jepsons are serving as YSA leaders in Bari and get to also love Marco. They went to college with our neighbor friends, the Fillmores; what a small world!

Speaking of a small world, one of the sisters Cliff served with was Teresa Parisi. Apparently, we looked alike, because when I entered the mission, everyone always told me I was her American twin. We actually got to meet in the fall in Rome, because we were both asked to help with a YSA Conference. She and her wonderful husband live in Milano. We learned Teresa's mother lives in Pozzuoli, which is one of the wards in our Campania region. We loved meeting her; she is the loveliest woman! She and her husband are stalwart legends in the Flegreo ward. In fact, we plan to ask if we can meet with them to get their help in reaching out to YSA friends who might want to join in on some of our activities.

Meet Pasquale. He was recently baptized in Castellamare. He is one of those truly elect persons who has been prepared his whole life to accept the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The "dream team". No words needed!

These are our BELOVED grandkids and their letters/kisses! If it were not for FaceTime, we would not be able to be away from them for a year and a half. Bless FaceTime! The other day Luke asked us if we were still at our house in Italy. Then he asked, "So, will you still be there 2 or 3 more days, or maybe even 10?" I think it's nice that littles can't yet conceive time, but they do conceive love. They know we LOVE them, and they know we LOVE serving God and being representatives of Jesus Christ.

This is adorable Sorella Austin, making cookies for their friends at our house, since they don't have an oven.

These are some of their friends who own a bakery in Castellamare and make the VERY YUMMIEST bread!

Speaking of yummy, this is my new favorite meal. Tortellini and broccoli.

This is the greatest three generation picture of Rosa, with her mom and grandmother. When we first arrived and were looking at lists of our GANS (YSA), Rosa's name stood out to us. For months we had her name written on our white board, with a star. Through a series of hit and miss, we didn't actually meet her until January.

Now we know why her name jumped out! We had an immediate connection and just LOVE her! She is our YSA leader in her ward in Flegreo. She's a baker, and we're all so excited to get together; Rosa plans to share some of her yummy secrets! Rosa will play an integral part in our Rome West Stake GANS Committee!

Forever, we have been recognized as Francesca or Lucia's parents. It was so fun to have that happen in the Rome Temple Visitor's Center. "Are you the parents of the Sorella Montagnoli who served in Brescia?"

This great man and dear friend is Giulio Celestini. He was our Bishop when we lived in Rome (after Bishop Pagnani). His faith is on fire! He has a clear, alive vision of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. He now serves in the Stake Presidency of the Rome East Stake. He is an example of putting faith into action. We love him, his family, and his testimony. He and his amazing wife Laura (who is the manager of the laundry facilities at the Rome Temple) have 6 kids; 5 boys and a beautiful youngest daughter, Emma. Two sons, Claudio and Paolo have spent time with us at our home in Utah, as have their parents. They are also friends who feel like family. We love each member of their family with all our hearts!

Back to the small world, Cliff served with Sorella Rosalia Bosco, pictured in the pink, with the black sweater. She was a mission legend and was so full of life and love for everyone. It was so fun to attend the S&I (Seminaries & Institutes) training in Rome and rekindle that love and friendship. We have had the pleasure of spending time with her and her husband over the years.

This is our beloved and courageous Sorella Roney. Her appendix ruptured, and she had to have surgery, then she had some complications and was recovering with the Whitings, our YSA friends. Because we were in Rome for three weekends in a row, we got to spend time with her. It was so sweet how the whole mission was praying for her, ourselves included.

Speaking of courage, this is our Alessandra. To her and her husband Michele, we are "Zia" and "Zio." I was Alessandra's young woman's leader when we lived in Rome. She was so instrumental in our daughters having a good experience. She really went all out to love and include them. We call her name blessed. Our lives were supposed to intersect. She is a Seminary Supervisor, and she did part of the training we attended. Michele is in the Bishopric, so he attended as well.

There's nothing we wouldn't do for Alessandra and Michele. Some of my favorite memories together have been her fairy-God-mother bridal shower at Silvia Guidara's and the start to finish experience of being their wedding planner. We will champion this wonderful couple forever!

This amazing couple serves at the Visitor's Center. The Chipmans hosted us our first night in the mission. We love them! They have planned an amazing Senior Couple's Retreat in April. We are so grateful for all the incredible Senior Couples serving - who completely enrich our lives!

Each Senior Couple brings their unique experiences and talents to the table - and boy is it quite a feast! Meet the Youngs; they have become our dearest friends! They serve in the Family History Center at the Rome Temple Square. When we were in Rome for three weekends in a row, they hosted us in their home. We love them and are so grateful to them for opening their hearts to us!

Can we even just mention how fun it has been to so often see our neighbor from American Fork, UT - the lovely Rosie Baxter! She is doing so well, is a blessing to our mission, and we are so proud of her!

For all those from home who are interested, Sorella Baxter is a rock star missionary and is having a wonderful experience!

Meet Michele. He was just a shy little boy when we lived in Rome; now he has grown into an amazing man, returned missionary (served in WA state), and now helps his dad Emanuele with his Europe Tour Planner travel guide business. Next to him is Giorgia, who is the Institute Coordinator we work with. She is NEXT LEVEL AMAZING! More to come...

Can I just share how much I love this good man! Always the first to help set up and the last to help take down, he is authentic and steady with a smile. He is GOODNESS and I am so blessed to share this mission experience together.

Back to Giorgia. We are all blessed with spiritual gifts. Hers is the gift of teaching. She has a remarkable way of connecting and reaching others - whether students or seasoned leaders. She takes Gospel material and seeps it into your soul. Being taught by Giorgia is an experience, and we are so blessed to work with her and learn from her.

I throw in this photo - because pasta. Everyone should see the art of freshly-made pasta. Like learning from Giorgia, pasta here in Italy is an artful experience.

We hope we have captured the experience we are enjoying - as we have introduced you to "our people." Whether missionaries, young members, convert members, non members, or lifetime members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, these people are our friends. They are our "WHY!"

In this photo, you'll see our missionaries and our GANS (YSAs) showing their literal support, when Alexandra told them she was being baptized. Oh how we LOVE our people! On the end with the hat on is Andres. He has been faithfully coming to Institute and activities since we arrived close to 6 months ago. His parents have asked him to wait to be baptized until he graduates from high school. He is respectful of their decision, yet we see in him a yearning to make covenants with God. He's a good and special person, and we love him! Next to Gabino in the dark green turtle neck is Angela (blue shirt), who lives in Rome, but is from Naples. We love her and are so happy when she pops in! Next to her is our beloved Paola (former Sorella Areatano) who just completed her mission. She has a beautiful light and love for others. She served a faithful mission and was a very dedicated, hard-working missionary. She never let us do the dishes; she's a woman who knows her way around the kitchen! We already miss her so much! She was so thoughtful of me when walking down stairs or uneven surfaces; she never wanted me to trip or fall. She's our forever friend!

These are "OUR" missionaries, and we truly love them! They are dedicated, Christ-like, and genuinely desire to bring peace and joy into the lives of others, as they teach them to "Come unto Christ."

In this blog post, you've met many of our friends. These friends have written their names across our hearts. They have served us, and we have served them. We have worked together, endured trials together, laughed together and cried together. Our link is the through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng

You can go anywhere in the world and find this kind of love, a sense of family and belonging, and a people who are not perfect, but are trying to live the teachings of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. A family who has blessed us forever is pictured above - Carolina, Silvia and Olivia Guidara. Silvia was the Young Women's President when we lived in Rome. Her husband is Emanuele, who has the tour guide business. Olivia was a tiny baby when we moved to Italy for Cliff's work. They wrapped their arms around us with their love, and that friendship will endure the test of time. They are our people.

Our Rome West stake covers the vast area North of Rome, down the west coast to Napoli, then to Salerno, and encompasses the island of Sardegna. As sisters in Relief Society, we came together in Rome (many virtually on Zoom) to celebrate the sisterhood we share. Each ward/branch prepared a square of this quilt, telling the story of their area and their strengths. We are bonded in our purpose as disciples of Jesus Christ, doing our best to live His teachings and take part in the "Gathering of Israel" - preparatory for the Savior's return.

What a beautiful purpose - to participate in the work of salvation.

I happened to snatch this picture of Cliff teaching about the ways we can help one another. He is wearing a "Light the World" scarf, which is our next post.

We love serving the Lord! The joy can't be hidden. It feels good to be out doing something good. To bring this post full circle, I'd like to conclude with the words of Elder Henry B. Eyring. "I can still remember, as if it were today, friends who touched my life for good long ago. They are gone, but the memory of their love, example, faith, and testimony still lifts me. And your friendship to even one new member may, in this life and in the next, cause hundreds or even thousands of their ancestors and their descendants to call you blessed.

This is the true Church of Jesus Christ. He lives. He loves you, and He loves those whom you must serve and who will become your true friends forever."

We love you forever,

La Coppia Montagnoli

Martha and Cliff