FLORENCE here I come!!

Ciao tutti,

Well I am leaving Vicenza. So weird. I love the people here so
much...they will always have a place in my heart. I had little things
throughout the week confirm that this place was where I was needed but
my work in Vicenza is done for now. I saw friends on buses and on
streets and felt so complete and blessed. This joy comes from doing
the lords work. Can't completely describe it.

Well where am I headed? I feel so happy to say I am headed to Firenze
or Florence!!! I am going to miss sorella back but I know that the
lord needs me in this new place.

I know from this week that the Holy Ghost will bring random things to
our minds such as a scriptures to share with a friend in need. I
learned even if it sounds strange to act on that prompting if it's a
good thought...do it! The Holy Ghost is a gift that I treasure and am
so happy to have. I know that if we are doing our best the help will
be given to us in the very minute we need it.

Quote of the week...ciao bella-drunk guy...me-I know he was drunk but
that meant a lot to me. My companion--me too. Haha

Oh the small and simple things. They make a difference. Be the ciao
Bella in a persons day. Count those small blessings. Be grateful for
what you have and don't compare.


Love Sorella Skinner

Open Heart

Ciao Tutti,

I pray and hope that all my friends and family are doing well. 

This week: Honestly it was pretty hard. Many of our good friends are not wanting to meet with us anymore and that is so sad. I know that this gospel brings the fullness of joy!!! So it is sad when others dont want it. This week I asked my companion why I cant just shove the feelings in their heart. Well it doesnt work that way. It can be frustrating but I know why I am here. As Elder Bednar informed us...we are here to share our testimony through the Holy Ghost and try to crack the heart a little...we cannot force our testimonies or feelings on anyone. 

I know I have a loving Father in Heaven. He knows my thoughts and heart perfectly. Sometimes it is hard to feel His presence. Sometimes we may feel like he is playing hide and seek with us. That can be frustrating but I know that our answers will come with time. I know our hearts have to be open to receive an answer. And answers do not always come in the obvious ways. We are agents not objects as Elder Bednar said. He have to act and do our part or we will receive nothing in return. 

Acts 17:29

Miracle: It was beautiful to have some of our great friends in church this week and how open their heart was to the spirit of God. 

Another miracle: Koffi John will be baptized this Saturday. He is a friend of our investigator Mary. One day we were going to the park...we saw Mary and Bimbo about 50 yards away and we just started running and yelling for them. We then walked with them in the park and met Koffi John, one of the happiest people in the world. We are so excited to see him make this amazing covenant with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. His heart was opened and now he will have even more joy!!!! 

Hope you all have a great week!!! Keep finding those miracles. 

Love Sorella Skinner 

Mustard Seed

Ciao Tutti,

 

How amazing it was to get to talk to my cute Skinner gang this Sunday for Mothers Day. I feel so blessed. #blessed or whatever haha. 

 

One goal that I have made for my mission and my life I hope is to always find miracles. Every day. Big or small, I believe miracles are hug from our Heavenly Father. We choose whether to find these miracles and they start like Jesus says by having faith the size of a mustard seed. Thats pretty small but that is all we need!! 

 

Matthew 17:20

 

Mormon 9:14 one thing...if we choose to be happy now we can continue to be happy. We cant afford to wait. Time is precious!!! A gift. 

 

Miracles: This week we met great people. I know that the Lord has led me to a few people and it hasnt quite made sense but then they introduce us to another person. I am grateful for this. We met a man yesterday named Robi from Bangladesh. The only thing I know about there is that they have the longest beach in the world. So I tried to talk to him about that. He spoke barely any English or Italian but we tried. I was a little sad as I asked him if he believed in Christ or God and pointed to heaven and he responded..6 months. Obviously didnt understand unless he meant oh maybe in 6 months. Well I shared with him the He lives film and he just smiled and although we couldnt communicate I know God sent the message into his heart letting him know that he does have a God who loves him. 

I also had about 3 Africans kind of yelling at me yesterday. I could have said oh scary but it may have been the funnest thing ever! In the end they accepted the video cards for #BecauseHeLives.

I love you all and I hope you can find that little mustard seed to help you see this small hugs from God every day.

 

Sorella Skinner 

 

PS Picture for the week. I found this street named Bonamico (good friend). Loved it!

 

Possibility

Ciao Tutti!!

This week we met some great people in the park and had great discussions. I love Vicenza. I love the people here both members of the church and nonmembers. Cool things...my Bishop lives in a cave. Dream made by me and my companion..we want to find an investigator who is as hungry for the gospel as Brucie in Matilda! ( YOU CAN DO IT BRUCIE!) 

This week I have thought about my loving Heavenly Father. I have talked to those who dont believe He is there. I feel sad. I think how can there be nothing after this life. Arent we special? My answer and the answer the gospel gives is yes. We are special. I want to ask you to think about a hard time when you needed help. Then i want you to think about Christ. Think about how you feel when someone understands you. Take 5 minutes and just think. 

Knowing that I have a Savior has given me the possibility to know that someone understands me completely and that I have a purpose. My journey is different than your journey. I have trials you dont have. But I do have someone who makes it easier during those challenges and struggles. I know that Moses 1:39 is Gods purpose and we are of value to Him. 

I know that we have possibility and doors opened as we are opened to know about Christ and putting to the test if God is there. Our knowledge doesnt have to stop at a certain age. I know that the Bible is the word of God, I know also the Book of Mormon is the word of God. We can read and ask if they are true and be given further light from God!  I know He answers prayers and if we are sincere like a little child he will answer.

I hope you all have a great week!!! And remember to take those 5 minutes. 

Love Sorella Skinner

 

I know who I am!

Ciao Tutti,

This week has been great! On Monday we heard from Elder Bednar as he came to visit our mission. I am not going to tell you all that he said but it was a beautiful experience that I will never forget. 

One phrase he said that I loved and want to share is that... We only fall away from the gospel when we stop continuing to seek. 

This week we met a man in the park who was talking lots about science. ( A Nacho Libre quote again...I only believe in science) It was hard to know all he was saying because I didnt understand all the words in Italian. But really I thought it was sad how he was just using others thoughts to form what he believed. Only what is right in that way. I believe that we can know things for ourself and that knowledge comes through a higher plan and higher person. We can ask God in sincere prayer for help and guide.

I am forever grateful for this gospel and I know that it is true.

I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I know who I am, I know Gods plan. 

Those are two very important things to me. I know who I am and I know Gods plan not because scientific tests have been done, not because a smart person told me but because I have prayed and received answers to important questions that matter to me. I am felt that love from my Father above, and that is greater than anything else! 

Have a great week everyone!

Love Sorella Skinner