Greenie Magic March 11, 2015

Ciao tutti!!!!!

First of all, thank you dad for your email. I really appreciated what you said. I love you. Its funny, because I always heard your mission stories and loved them, and now they have more meaning to me, because I actually understand now. I didn't know that Elder Fry was your trainer though, or that you completely opened El Estor. That is so awesome.

It's definitely been a fun last few days here in Bergamo. Like I mentioned last week, there are three units here and we are in the only branch, and it's pretty small. Last week, we only had like 15 people in church. However, they are some powerful people. When I got to bear my testimony, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with how much the Lord loves this branch. I know that I need to be here. I also know that President Dibb is counting on me to help this branch and my new comp, Anz Lingardo. Now, a little about him. He's from Encintas, CA and he's a convert of about three years. He is the first and only member in his family. His father is 100% Italian, but born here in America so he's pretty much American. Anz Lingardo is a funny kid. He's actually kinda like me in a lot of ways. Mostly in the way he talks. He says a lot of the same things as me. haha. He's super goofy and fun to be around. It's pretty weird to have a second trainee, because I can kinda do a comparison with Anz Johnson to see how I'm doing. I definitely learned a lot training Anz Johnson (who I saw at transfers), and as a zone leader. This kid is going to be a super missionary. He's definitely got the desire and the greenie magic.

We're quickly learning the city after getting lost the first few days. haha. Unfortunately, we have not had a lot of luck teaching our investigators because they are busy, or don't answer, or don't show up. However, we have seen a lot of success in finding work these past few days. We have received multiple phone numbers each day and so we have some potentials in the work. We are also seeing success is working with members. We went and visited a less active family and after having a great lesson on the plan of salvation, we asked for referrals and without hesitation, they gave us five or six names. We are going to their house next week to meet some of these people.

Last night, on our way to an appointment, I was on the phone so we walked father than we should have. When I got off the phone, we turned around and starting walking back. In the distance, I saw a man walking towards us. We were running a little late, but I felt like I needed to talk to him, so I did. We had a great conversation there on the street, said a prayer, got his phone number, and set up a return appointment. It was so cool! We are definitely seeing many miracles here in Bergamo.

I'm excited to work with our branch and help reactivate a lot of our less active members to grow our small branch, because there are a lot of less active members. I actually found an old email you sent to me dad at the beginning of my mission. You talked about teaching gospel principles to less actives and them naturally giving us referrals. I've always remembered that email, but I'm pretty sure it is specifically for our branch here in Bergamo. Anz Lingardo is doing well. He is a little shy to talk to people, but as I encourage him, he fearlessly tries to stop each person that walks by. We are also seeing success from bus contacting, which is something that I really wanted to get better at.

So, a little more about Bergamo. We are literally the city center and that's it. That is our area. haha. It's way bigger than I expected. It takes a while to get places because the bus routes are really windy. There is a very high Bolivian population here in Bergamo, so that is really fun. I love south Americans. They are so elect! The city is divided into a lower and upper half. Città alta (the upper half) is the old city that was built on the top of a hill to protect it from being invaded. It's super cool. This morning we went up to watch the sunset (too smoggy today though) with the other anziani and it was really cool to look out over the city. I will take more pictures and send them to you guys. There are also a lot of missionaries here in Bergamo, so referrals get passed around a lot. Pretty much every other day we get a referral from another coppia. It's awesome.

In other news, since i don't think there will be a lot of chances for me to get mail from the mission home in these last few months, just send it directly here to Bergamo.

Eric Langlois

Via Vittorio Alfieri 6

24122 Bergamo

Italia

Thanks for the tips on stuff. I've already started to throw out/donate a couple things. Space is kinda tight and my suitcases get more and more broken every transfer. I think I will get at least one piece of good luggage. I will have to check prices.

Things are starting to warm up here in Bergamo. It's still pretty cold in the morning and at night, but in the sun its nice. I'm excited for spring. Back to our super bright short sleeve white shirts! haha

Well, if you have any more questions about Bergamo or whatever, just let me know.

I love you all so much and I really appreciate your support and prayers. I'm looking forward to seeing you all soon, but I've got a couple baptisms to do before that.

Pray that we can find the people that I know the Lord is preparing.

Sempre avanti!!!
Anziano Langlois