tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55852169846766121132024-03-13T11:34:19.404-07:00It's all about the foodElder Langlois' mission blog. Serving in the Milan, Italy mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585216984676612113.post-15750983899429539272015-05-28T10:37:00.001-07:002015-05-28T10:37:46.404-07:00Addio I'Italia May 27, 2015<div>
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Ciao tutti!!!</div>
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Well, this is it.
This is my last email from the mission field. Honestly, I can't describe
how I feel right now. On one hand, I'm super excited to come home. I
can't wait to see everyone and continue life. But on the other hand, I'm
super sad. I'm going to miss Italy so much. I'm going to miss the
Italian people so much. I'm really going to miss being the Lord's
personal representative. I never thought that it would be this hard to
leave. It still hasn't completely hit me yet, but its getting there.
Packing and running around saying goodbye to people is kinda freaking me
out. So much to do. So little time. <br /><br />It's really been such a
great week. Last p-day, we hiked to this waterfall that turned out to be
way bigger than we thought. It was super cool. And we only had to run
for about half of it to catch the bus back home. haha. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1653474925" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Saturday</span></span>
night while coming home, the elevator door opened up and our keys fell
literally down the crack into the elevator shaft. So we had to walk over
to the other Anziani's apartment and spent the night there. We then
went to church in the same clothes (gross) and I gave my last talk. They
turned the time over to me with 30 minutes left. I talked for 25 of
them. I thought it was a really good talk. A lot of members like it, so
that's a good sign. While getting pizza one night, we started talking to
the people inside the restaurant and after telling them multiple times
that I was from California, this old Italian man who had muttered
"mormoni" as soon as we walked in, grabbed my arm, looked me in the eye
and said "are you Italian?". I said no, and he then told me "No?!?!
Well, complimenti, you speak Italian perfectly". I know I know. Don't
worry, I didn't let it go to my head, but after 2 years of working hard
to learn this language, it was such a blessing to hear that. I never
would have expected it, and especially from that man. I love this
language so much. I'm really going to miss not hearing it all around me.
Guess I have to go find little Italy in LA! haha</div>
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After being locked out of our apartment all of Sunday, we spent the night with the other anziani again and we were able to get our keys retrieved by an elevator worker man <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1653474927" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Monday</span></span> morning. How grateful I was to be back in that apartment and to change clothes. haha.</div>
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Then
yesterday, we had one of the craziest experiences ever. I love the
mission. This might sound like a joke, but it seriously happened:<br /></div>
A Buddhist monk, a rogue Jew, a pseudo-atheist, and two Mormon
missionaries walk into a church....chaos ensues. It was literally the weirdest hour of my life. Not joking, they talked about (because they
pretty much wouldn't let us talk) binary Jesus, female donkeys, and
other crazy stuff. You guys have to see the picture. It's so funny. I
love the people you meet on the mission. This is way too much fun. <br /></div>
<br />This week we had some really good lessons
with our members and were able to get more names of their friends to
work with. In fact, we were able to meet with one of these referrals in
the home of their member friend and she told us that she's always wanted
to "convince herself" that the church is true, but every time, something
comes up and stops her. We testified of the Book of Mormon and its
power to give her spiritual strength to overcome the adversities that
there would be in her search for the truth and she committed to start
reading the Book of Mormon again. Then yesterday, we went to visit a new
convert and we had been trying to meet with his non member brother for
weeks, but we had never been able to. Without knowing it, we ran into
his brother outside his house and we were able to speak about the Book
of Mormon and how important it was to receive a testimony of the Lord's
restored church. The great news is that he told us that he has been
praying to know if this church is true, and he wants it to be true so he
can be united with his brother and mother who are both members. We then
had a great restoration lesson with him at his brother's home and we
committed him to read the Book of Mormon and because he lives outside of
our area, he agreed to meet with the missionaries of Bergamo 1. It truly was a great week of member work. <br /><div>
<br />I
just want to leave you all with my testimony. I know the Jesus Christ
lives. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is
His restored church on the earth. I know that it is guided by a living
prophet, Thomas S Monson. God is literally our father and He loves us.
He listens and answers our prayers. I know this because He has answered
mine, and He continues to speak to me through the scriptures. Especially
the Book of Mormon. This book with bring any man closer to God than any
other book. It teaches us how to find peace in this difficult life and
eternal life in the world to come. I love my savior. I am so grateful
for all that He has done for me. I don't have the words to describe how
much I have loved to be His personal representative here in Italy. I
know that this is His work and that His hand is in it. I love you all so
very much.</div>
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Vi voglio un mondo di bene.</div>
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Ci vediamo presto,<br /></div>
Anziano Eric LangloisSandee Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397117064469659074noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585216984676612113.post-53535593132700906382015-05-28T10:29:00.000-07:002015-05-28T10:29:30.268-07:00It's The Final Countdown May 20, 2015<div>
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Ciao tutti!!!</div>
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Well,
this is the second to last email home from the mission field. That's
super weird. Literally everyday is going faster and faster and its
becoming more and more real that I'm actually coming home, and I don't
like it one bit. So let's not talk about that. haha</div>
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Tanti
auguri a Erin for graduating in smart person stuff!!! Yay Ninanin!!!
(She's going to kill me for putting that. haha). You guys are like
travel experts right now. I hope you're having fun in New Jersey. I'm in
the rain boat too. In fact, its suppose to rain every day until the day
I leave. I think Italy is crying for me. haha. </div>
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I'm
glad to hear about the invites being sent out for my homecoming, I hope
that means you guys made a Facebook event and invited everyone. </div>
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So
this past week I gave my "dying testimony" in front of my zone. It was
way harder than I thought it would be! Holy cow. I think I'm literally
going to have a heart attack next week when they tell me to get on that
plane. I still can't believe how fast time has flown by. It literally
blows my mind. 2 years is too short!</div>
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Miracle time. The
other night, we were able to go give a blessing with a member to his
daughter in the hospital, and it was such a tender experience. To hear a
father bless his sick daughter and to be a part of that blessing was
amazing. The spirit was really strong. I love the priesthood.</div>
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Then, here's our super miracle from this week:</div>
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<br /><br />Unfortunately
we have been having a lot of lessons cancel on us recently and so we've
had to really use our backup plans. yesterday, after almost all of our
lessons cancelled, we were waiting for a potential to call us when he
got back from his friend's house so we could see him. We decided to go
out and just do some finding while we were waiting for his call. We
didn't really have a set plan on where we would go, but we just picked a
street and starting walking. Upon turning the corner, we ran into a
member. We talked for a moment and then asked if we could share a quick
scripture with her. (This has been my new genius idea. Because we run
into a lot of members on the street here, we decided that when we do, we
will share a quick spiritual thought with them to bring the spirit more
into their day). So we sat down on a park bench and we read a scripture
that I had found that morning in my studies (Mosiah <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1653474924" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">7:33</span></span>).
While she was reading it, she paused and looked up at us with tears in
her eyes, and thanked us for sharing that scripture with her, it was
exactly what she needed to hear. We then bore our testimonies about
diligence and how when we put in all of our effort, the Lord will take
care of the rest, according to his will and pleasure. After saying a
quick prayer with her, we looked up and saw this couple sitting on a
nearby bench. We immediately walked up to them and started up a
conversation. As we talked about Jesus Christ and a living prophet, I
brought up the Book of Mormon and the husband looked at me and said,
"Give me this book now. I want to read it." I didn't have a copy with
me, but we were able to set up a return appointment to go see them and
their three children in their home next week to give them one. It was
such a miracle. I know that we were inspired to go to that street to run
into that member and lift her spiritually and then to be in the right
place to find that couple. I know that when we are truly diligent, the
Lord blesses us in ways that we can't even imagine.</div>
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<br /><br />As my time to
serve the Lord here in Italy as his personal representative comes to a
close, I'm humbled and so grateful for this opportunity to serve the
Lord's people here in Italy. </div>
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Time is a crazy thing. I
can't even begin to describe my feelings right now. I will see you all
very soon. I love you all so much.</div>
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alla prossima,<br />Anziano LangloisSandee Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397117064469659074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585216984676612113.post-91113630200728837532015-05-28T10:23:00.005-07:002015-05-28T10:23:51.607-07:00He Does Listen May 13, 2015Ciao tutti!!!<br />
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Well, only a couple more of these
emails left. That's pretty crazy. Time is really going fast. Before you
know it, I will be home and life will be real. I don't know if I'm ready
for that.</div>
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Anyway, it was a good week. The best
part was being able to Skype you guys for mother's day. That was really
fun. I'm excited to be able to see you all in person soon. Get ready to
party. haha</div>
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Well, you'll never believe who I
met on the bus the other day. That right....Joseph Smith. No, I'm not
joking. He was from Ghana and when I asked him his name, he just started
laughing and then told me. So, hopefully we will start teaching Joseph
Smith this week. Speaking of that, did I ever tell you about how the
missionaries in Ancona baptized someone named Joseph Smith? I guess it's
a pretty common name. haha.</div>
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Besides that, the
title of this email comes from our miracle yesterday. Well, now that we
have control over the whole city, we have a lot more people to see and
so we are a lot more busy. Unfortunately, literally all of our lessons
yesterday cancelled and we went from a full day, to an empty day. Good
thing for backup plans, right? So as we had planned, we went and did
some pass bys of less active members, and literally no one was home. We
went from one end of the city to the other and found no one. While on
one of the buses, I started talking to this young man who was going to
church. I spoke to him about eternal families and bore my testimony to
him and I know he felt the spirit. He then gave me his number, but as
soon as I tried to call it to see if it worked, it said it wasn't
active. So it looks like he gave me a fake number. That is always sad,
especially when they feel the spirit. So our morale was kinda low
yesterday, but we kept on working and literally as we were crossing the
street to go home, we got stopped by/we stopped a man (it was kinda
both) who had met the missionaries in the past. He had tried to go to
the old church before, but since we don't use it anymore, its always
closed. We were able to give him the new church address and get his
phone number. When I asked if we could meet him again, he said, "Why
wait? I've got time right now". So we taught him a quick lesson right
there and set up a return appointment. It was literally such a blessing.
I knew that Heavenly Father was aware of our struggles that day. That
He saw the effort we were putting in and he blessed us as a result. I
know He listens to our prayers and answers them "after all we can do"(2
Nephi 25:23). We have to put the effort in first, and then the blessings
come. </div>
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Just like you dad, I'm currently
studying 3rd Nephi and I love it so much. It is so crazy how much
destruction there was. I never realized it. I still remember back a few
years ago when we went on a trip with Uncle Leo and his family (I think
it was when we went to Jedediah smith). We had just gone on the mail
boats to the lunch point and we were looking at some broken rocks on the
beach and Uncle Leo got our 3rd Nephi and read about the destruction of
the land and how the rocks were broken up and whatnot. I don't know
why, but that stuck in my head. </div>
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I love the
Book of Mormon so much. It is such an inspired book. It literally has
changed my life. Every time I read from it, I learn something new. I know
that it answers the questions of the soul, and I invite everyone to
read it. To ponder about its message, try and put the teachings into
practice, and then to ask God, if it is not true. And I promise you,
just like Moroni of old and just like millions of faithful people before
me, you will receive an answer. I know this to be true, because God
answered my prayer. And he continues to answer them. </div>
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So
in conclusion. I've very excited to see you all soon, but don't worry.
I'm still working hard. Being trunky won't be a problem. I know how
important this time is. I only have 2 weeks left, so I need to make the
most of it. Thank you for your prayers on our behalf. I love you all so
much and I hope that you have a great week.</div>
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Anziano Langlois</div>
Sandee Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397117064469659074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585216984676612113.post-64409799292360357912015-05-11T21:16:00.000-07:002015-05-11T21:16:15.221-07:003...4...5 May 6, 2015<div dir="ltr">
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Ciao tutti!!!<br />
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Basically,
3 is the magic number right now. I'm serving in Bergamo 3, we are in a
trio, and there are only 3 more weeks left in my mission. Crazy stuff.<br />
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Well,
first of all, we will not be in a trio after Friday. Anz Gibbons is
getting transferred to Pistoia (the Prato ward) and Anz Lingardo and I
will be holding down the fort here in Bergamo by ourselves. That's right.
I started with 4, then went down to 3, and now I will be finishing with 2.
It's been a crazy last transfer. haha. However, now that we have
official control over all of Bergamo 3, we should have a lot more work.
We have already seen some really good success this week.<br />
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For example:</div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1183643140" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">On Monday</span></span>,
the 4th, (or May the 4th be with you), we got 4 new investigators. They
were all people that we had taught before, but we finally got a return
appointment, so they all became new simps <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1183643141" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Monday</span></span>. Then <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1183643142" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Tuesday</span></span>,
the 5th, (or Cinco de Mayo or Revenge of the 5th), we taught 5 lessons.
It was amazing!!! We are such great success yesterday and we even got a
new investigator who is really cool. In fact, he called us today to
just say hi to us and to tell us that he will be free tomorrow so he
doesn't have to wait until Saturday to see us. Talk about elect. So
yeah, we are pretty happy right now.</div>
Thinking about my
mission in general, I've realized the past few days that I am literally
at the top of my "Missionary" game right now. All the things that used
to scare me or make me feel awkward, don't bother me at all anymore. I
may only have 3 weeks left, but I'm pretty sure they are going to be the
three best weeks ever. I'm literally trying to teach Anz Lingardo at
every turn and just leave as much as my knowledge as I can. I've very
grateful to be here in Italy right now. This is a beautiful country and I
love this people. I'm really going to miss it. It hasn't quite hit me
yet, but I think it will be like a semi truck when I walk off that plane
in LAX.<br />
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Am I ready to go home? No. I don't think so. I'm
ready to start the rest of my life, but I'm not ready to leave all of
this behind. It's become such a part of me. It's times like this when I
feel like Moroni, weak in writing. haha<br />
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Life sounds to be really good for you all and I'm really happy to hear that.</div>
Dodgers
in 1st place is great news, and even better news that the Clippers beat
the Spurs. (Cue dad "YES YES YES!!!!"). I'd like to go to a game before
I head back to school if that's possible dad, but we have all summer to
do that, so don't worry about it right away.<br />
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Speaking of
giving talks, I was just assigned another talk for my last Sunday here
in Italy. Guess what its called...."The last days in the mission". A
fitting title, no? haha. What makes it even better is the fact that Anz
Lingardo is speaking right before me on "The first days in the mission".
Someone's got a sense of humor in the branch presidency.<br />
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OK,
returning home stuff. I
love parties. I will definitely put together a slideshow for that, but I
will wait until I'm home to do that. Speaking of my homecoming, did you
make it a Facebook event yet? No? Then please do it :) And if yes, then
thank you!<br />
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How many people are coming to pick me up???
haha. And I'm totally ok with El Cholo, because I MISS REAL MEXICAN
FOOD!!!!! The Italian version has no spice. Now, before you all freak
out, yes, I'm still Eric. I am a lot less picky now. I love food. It is
such an enjoyment for me now to eat. I can't wait to make you guys some
of my favorite dishes.<br />
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I would like to work in the office
with you dad. Would I still be doing my runner job, or will there be
more stuff to do? Either way, I'm in. And as for my gym membership, I
actually would like one. I like working out now. haha. And I need to get
rid of my pasta gut! haha<br />
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Please give me some info on that
math refresher course, because I'm going to need it. Maybe I can also
try and contact my old Calc teacher, Mr. Korshavn, to see if he could
give me a little refresher course too. haha.<br />
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Well, I don't
know what else to say. haha. I will see you on Skype in a few days, and
then I will actually be seeing you in just a few weeks. Don't get trunky
on me now ;) haha<br />
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I love you all and I'm very excited to see you all very soon.<br />
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Anziano Langlois</div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>Sandee Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397117064469659074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585216984676612113.post-81092590299817703812015-05-11T13:38:00.000-07:002015-05-11T13:38:04.942-07:00The Power Of 3 April 29, 2015<div dir="ltr">
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Ciao tutti!!!!<br />
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Well,
I'm not going to lie, it's been a hard week. On Friday, we lost
suddenly one of the missionaries in our apartment, who went home for
some personal reasons. I really respect him. That wasn't an easy
decision, but it had to be done. I'm very proud of him. Since then,
we've been in a trio, which is.....weird....to say the least. It's so
awkward sometimes. We have yet to find out a good finding technique,
because most people are intimidated by two people stopping them,
figuriamoci three now! So, we've been trying to split up on opposite
sides of the street, switching off between being in two or in one. That
is super weird. Stopping someone by yourself. And then its harder to
balance out lessons. I feel bad for Anziano Lingardo now, because I want
him to be talking a lot more, but now that we have another older
missionary (been out for a year), he kinda gets left behind. This is definitely messing up my training plan. I've been praying a lot to figure
out what to do, so I know the Lord will help me out. We're still
waiting to here from President to let us know what is happening, if we
are just staying in a trio or getting a new comp or what. Who knows.
Basically, it's been an eventful last transfer.<br />
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To answer
your questions dad, we teach around 10 lessons a week here. We do not
have any progressing investigators here. It's been kinda frustrating
because we have some legit people, but we can never see them and the
people we do see aren't super committed. We are not getting discouraged
though. Anz Lingardo speaks the language well, but he has a hard time
understanding what people say, but I'm trying to help him all that I
can. I am finding success in making friends with the members. We have
few that we see regularly, but we do our best to meet and make friends
with the less actives.<br />
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Well, not everything this week was
bad, in fact, we were able to listen to Elder Bednar on Monday in
Milano. It was incredible! I learned so much. I can't even start to
explain it all, but please ask me when I get home, because I want to
share it all with you. That was a huge boost for our moral. And it was
beyond amazing to see all of my old mission friends, even though I did
not know more than 75% of the people there. I'm old. haha.<br />
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We also had some cool miracles this week. As
I just told you, when we that missionary went home, it was something
hard to swallow. We were all shocked and just kinda left in the dust as
he left and we found ourselves in a trio. This first day was very
difficult. All of our appointments cancelled and we were just all out of
it from the initial shock of him leaving so suddenly. We did however,
have a huge miracle that came out of this. A few week prior, we received
a referral from another coppia in Bergamo. We contacted this man and he
was very busy, so we continued to call him and try to set something up.
Eventually, we were able to set up an appointment for last Friday. We
called him to confirm and he moved our lesson back to <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1183643138" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">9:00</span></span>. However, a few hours later, he texted us and invited us to come over for dinner instead at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1183643139" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">7:15</span></span>,
so we could meet his family. We gladly accepted and went to his house.
Upon our arrival, we met a few of his children, and then they just kept
coming. Turns out he and his wife have 7 children, all but one, above
the age of 8. We could not believe our eyes. It was incredible. We
instantly hit it off with the family and we taught them the restoration
and answered their many questions. Upon leaving, we left them with a
Book of Mormon and they gladly accepted it. We were not able to set up a
return appointment, but we hope to be able to fix one soon in these
next few days. It was such a great miracle for us, just went we needed
it. Our spirits were low, and the Lord lifted us higher.<br />
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Then,
earlier that week, we got a referral from one of our members. We went
out to this city to meet her and we literally wandered around this small
town for an hour lost. Finally, I found a pizzeria and asked them if we
could use their map to find this street. hahaha. Smart, right? Well, we
found it. Turns out we were super near to it before hand and we just
didn't know it. But this lady who we taught in a park near her house is
amazing. Her faith was incredible. We had a great lesson and unfortunately, because she lives outside of our area, we had to pass her,
but I've learned that doesn't matter because we are all on the same
team. So now the sorelle got a totally golden referral.<br />
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It's
really weird how fast time is going. Thanks for the heads up on the
post mission info. Do they have a specific topic for my homecoming? Did
you guys make a Facebook event yet? Please do and invite all of my
friends!!!<br />
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As for Skype, I don't know the plan yet.
Because we are in a trio and all from California, it will be weird and a
little difficult to work it out the times. I will give the precedence
to the other two because I will see you guys soon enough. We will still
do it, but it probably won't be for too long. Boh...I will figure it out
this week and let you know.<br />
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Well, life goes on here in the
mission. Things are starting to change. We are officially getting
ipads. Don't know when, but they should be getting here soon. Weird.
Doesn't really change anything for me, but it is exciting to see how the
Lord is hastening his work through technology.<br />
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I love you all so very much and I appreciate your prayers in my behalf. Continue to pray for Bergamo 3. We love the support!<br />
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Ci vediamo prestissimo!</div>
Anziano Langlois</div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>Sandee Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397117064469659074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585216984676612113.post-78148069322477153102015-05-11T13:28:00.003-07:002015-05-11T13:28:50.760-07:00It Makes A Difference April 22, 2015<div>
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Ciao tutti!!!!<br />
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It's
crazy to think that I will only be writing about 5 more of
these....super weird. Time has really flown by. Before I know it, I will
be seeing you all in person. Crazy.<br />
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Anyway, the work keeps
on truckin' forward here in Bergamo. We had some really cool miracles
this week. But I just wanted to start by saying that because of Stake Conference and General Conference, we were not able to take the sacrament
for almost 3 weeks, and I can tell you. I felt a difference. These past
few weeks, I've felt really weird. Off and just tired. While taking the
sacrament this past week, It literally just hit me how much of a
difference it makes. I know that we literally NEED to take the sacrament
each week. It is the recharge of our spiritual battery that we need
every week. We can't afford to miss a single Sunday. Seriously. This
week has been so much better than the last two, and I'm convinced the
sacrament played a huge part.<br />
</div>
OK. On to miracles! One of
them started a few weeks ago when Anz Miles and I found this new
investigator, Antoine, on our scambio. We were able to meet with him
once after that and set up a return appointment, but he didn't show up
and because his phone was broken, there was no way to contact him. I was
very sad, but I felt like it wasn't the end with him. In fact, during
studies one morning this week, I was thinking about passing by the park
that we met him at to just see if he was there. I looked at our
schedule and we didn't have time. Then, during companion study, I called
our appointment for that morning to confirm, and he had to cancel. So I
decided that we should just run by the park. At first, he wasn't there.
Then after talking to this man for a few minutes, we were walking and
we found Antoine laying on a bench. We sat down with him and taught a
quick lesson and set up a return appointment. Then a few days later, we
got a random text from him saying that his phone was working again. It
was such a cool string a miracles! I know that God listened to my
prayers because I really prayed hard to find him again and we were led
to him yet again.<br />
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Another miracle came from a man we met
on the street a few weeks ago. We were finally able to get a hold of him
and set up a return appointment. We showed up for the lesson and he
wasn't there. So we waited....and waited. After waiting, we decided to
go finish our language study (which I am still doing by the way dad) and
after that we were on our way to do some strada, when someone came up
behind us and stopped us on his bike. It was our investigator! He found
us! So we had a great lesson with him where we talked about the plan of
salvation, which was really good for him because he had just lost his
mother.<br />
</div>
Then, later that night, we went and visited some
members and they brought some of their nonmember friends over. We were
able to teach the restoration and the spirit was totally there. One of
the friends, immediately accepted the book of Mormon and is excited to
learn more. It was incredible.<br />
</div>
Then, yesterday, while doing
some strada, I told Anz Lingardo, who was struggling a little with
having the courage to stop people, that the next person we saw was going
to stop and become a new investigator. And just like that, it totally
happened!!! We stopped this very nice man and were able to set up a
return appointment with him and his family tomorrow. It was such a
testimony builder to me to see that God really does place people in our
path that will accept us and the message that we bring.<br />
</div>
In
other random news, I gave a talk on Sunday. I was suppose to speak for
20 minutes, but one of the talks went super long, so I only spoke for
about 7. It wasn't enough. haha. I had to pretty much cut out all of my
talk. haha Oh well, you do what you can. The members said that they
liked it, so I guess that's the important part.<br />
</div>
Also, on
Monday night, we were able to be interviewed by these journalists doing
an online article on the church here in Bergamo. They interviewed us and
some of the other Young Adults. It was really cool to see how all of
the young adults were born into the church and almost all had served
missions. It just hit me then that the church in Italy is strong. It's
not going anywhere. That was really awesome to see.<br />
</div>
About
sports, super cool that the Dodgers are doing well. That's good news. We
should totally go to a game when I get home dad!! haha. Keep me updated
on the NBA. It looks like a tough road for the Clippers though against
San Antonio. Who knows though. Sad to hear that the Kings didn't make
the playoffs though.<br />
</div>
Well, it's kinda weird thinking that I
only have 5 weeks left. That's totally crazy. My Italian is doing
really well, but I'm still trying every day to improve it. I've gotten
more compliments here in Bergamo on my Italian than ever before, and all
the young missionaries keep on asking me questions, so I think that
means I'm doing pretty well. I'm on track to finish the old testament in Italian right now. I'm in Isaiah and loving it. I love this language so
much. I'm going to miss it so much. I can already tell you that.<br />
</div>
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Well, I don't know if you know, but Elder Bednar is
coming to our mission on Monday, so that should be pretty crazy. I'll
tell you more about it next week. Everyone is excited for Ipads, but I
already know that I will never see them and I'm fine with that. I don't
really want one anyway.</div>
Then a few weeks after that, it's Skype time for mother's day, the 10th right? and then I'll be home.
That's so crazy! I'm kinda starting to freak out, but I also feel calm. I
love this work and I love this country. I'm really going to miss it.<br />
</div>
Until next week,<br />
</div>
Anziano Langlois<br />
</div>
PS:
Guess where we went for Pday today dad? That's right. San Pellegrino
Terme where they make your favorite sparkling water. haha. I drank from a
sponsored drinking fountain. haha. It was gorgeous. I took pictures,
but it seems like it never works out for me to send them home. Sorry.
hahaSandee Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397117064469659074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585216984676612113.post-53077983551434249332015-04-19T10:12:00.001-07:002015-04-19T10:12:47.738-07:00Langlois and Juliet April 15, 2015<div>
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Ciao tutti!!!!!!</div>
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This
has been a tiring week. I don't know if its just me getting more and
more tired ever day or the ever increasing heat, but I'm tired. My body
is just kinda tired. It didn't help that this week, we had Stake Conference in Verona (finally got to see it!!!!) and to get there in
time we had to wake up at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_17098590" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">4:30</span></span>
to catch the train. That kinda threw off my sleep schedule, but I'm
surviving. Don't worry, I'm still enthusiastic for the work, even though
its not going super great right now. I know that there are still people
for me to find here in Bergamo. Anz Lingardo and I were talking about
how we want to improve for this next transfer together, and we are going
to work our butts off. This is my last one, so there is no time for
screw-ups. I've only got 6 short weeks left and I want to make them
count.<br /><br />A miracle from yesterday. We had a lesson cancel during
the morning, so on our way home to do 12 week, we stopped this man.
After talking to him for a little bit, we found out that not only did he
used to come to church, but he had also been to a baptism before here
in Bergamo. He told us that he had a Book of Mormon, but he had lost it.
When we told him that we could get him another copy, he was more than
willing to exchange numbers and meet us again. We also found out that
his sister also used to come to church and still lives here in Bergamo.
We will hopefully be able to bring both of these siblings back into the
gospel. </div>
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Like I mentioned earlier, we went to Stake Conference in Verona this past Sunday.
It was so awesome. That city is gorgeous. It's just got such a cool
feel to it. Super touristy, but I liked it. I got to see "Juliet's
house", which was pretty cool. I think it would be worth a a quick stop
by on our trip. But the best part of conference was the area 70, Elder
Kearon, who came to speak to us. He is such a cool man. It was really
weird to hear him speak in English and then have it translated into
Italian. It's odd to hear the same thing is two different languages that
you understand. haha</div>
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He gave some really powerful talks, especially his Saturday evening talk during the adult session. After the Sunday
session, I had the opportunity to go and talk to him for just a few
seconds, but he was very nice and grateful for us as missionaries. </div>
<div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
In
a more touristy sense, last p-day, Linghi (Anz Lingardo) and I went and
hiked to the top of the mountain to the Bergamo cross (Canto Alto). It
was a pretty hard hike. Got pretty slippery and steep in a couple spots,
but nothing dangerous. The view from the top was amazing. Looking
straight out into the snow covered alps. I love nature. I'll try and send
some pictures. </div>
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I'm excited to see you all in a few weeks. That's totally crazy. </div>
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Well, I love you all so much and I wish you all the best in these next few weeks. </div>
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Sorry this email is kinda lame, I'm really tired right now. haha. I'm like falling asleep at the computer. haha</div>
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Anziano LangloisSandee Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397117064469659074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585216984676612113.post-16424584617356661382015-04-10T23:40:00.000-07:002015-04-10T23:40:12.413-07:00I'm Running Out of Catchy Titles April 8, 2015<div>
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Ciao tutti!!!!!!<br /></div>
Just
wanted to let you all know that I love you all! As many of you know,
this past weekend was General Conference when we have the sacred
opportunity to listen to the Lord's prophets and apostles speak to us.
There was an underlying theme of the importance of the family, so I just
wanted to let you all know that I love you a lot. I really appreciate
everything you do for me and the support that you have given me these
past 2 years while I've been out serving the Lord. I'm very grateful for
all of you. </div>
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Well, what happened this week....</div>
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We
had some cool miracles this week. One came from last week, like Thursday or something. Anz Lingardo and I had all of our lessons cancel
on us and so we spent the whole day during finding work. We walked A LOT
that day. We tried everything to find people to teach. We stopped
people on the street, we did pass bys, phone calls, and nothing was
working out. At around <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1804572865" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">7:30</span></span>
we decided to suone this palazzo where a less active "lives". The first
person let us in subito. Super cool. Turns out to be a really nice old
lady who didn't want to listen to us, but just wanted to know who we
were. So we went to the top floor and knocked all the doors on our way
down this 6 story building. No real luck, until the 2nd floor. We heard a
kid literally screaming his head off behind this door, so we knocked
it. The father came to the door and invited us to come back the next
day. We then looked at the clock and it was about <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1804572866" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">8:00</span></span>
and we needed to start getting back home, but we decided to just finish
the rest of the doors. Good thing we did. We then met this African man
who let us in. We watched "Because He Lives" with him, bore our
testimonies, and set up a return appointment for the next morning. We
kept on going. The next door told us to come back when the husband was
home <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1804572867" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Saturday</span></span>.
It was super awesome! Even though we were tired and wanted to give up,
we kept on pushing and the miracles came. When we called President Dibb
to tell him about our miracle, he laughed and told us that he wants to
know when we've baptized the whole building. haha.</div>
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<br /></div>
Then
another miracle came from a scambio I did with one of the missionaries
in my district. He goes home next week, so we were a pretty experienced
companionship. haha. That morning, we went out to this park and we found
this man sitting on a bench. We just started a casual conversation with
him and he told us that he met with the missionaries in Nigeria, but he
had lost contact with the church when he moved to Italy and was
searching for it again, but could never find it. We then sat down and
taught a quick lesson and bore our testimonies about how God often
answers prayers through other people and how us meeting on that bench
was an answer to his prayers. We are going to see him again tomorrow, so
we are excited. </div>
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Well, time keeps going by and we're still
working hard. My body is kinda at its breaking point, but I think it
will survive a few more weeks. haha</div>
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I love you all so much
and I really appreciate all that you do for me. I'll see you all in a
few short weeks, so behave yourselves. haha</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anziano LangloisSandee Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397117064469659074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585216984676612113.post-5850760584245682132015-04-04T08:55:00.002-07:002015-04-04T08:55:30.635-07:00Spring Time Is Finally Here April 1, 2015<div dir="ltr">
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Ciao tutti!!!<br />
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Pack
away the sweaters and break out the short sleeves, because spring is
officially here and its beautiful. I love spring in Italy and what a
city to spend my last spring. Bergamo is gorgeous. With the mountains
right behind the city and flowers everywhere, it's definitely the place
to be. haha.<br />
</div>
Wow. Lots of emails this week. haha. I guess
that's what happens when you have a birthday on the mission. That's
weird. I'm 21. Don't feel like it. Oh well. It is what it is. haha. It
is weird to think that for the entire time I was 20, I was in Italy.
That's pretty cool. I can't really complain. haha<br />
</div>
Well,
lots of stuff happened this week. We still don't have gas (it's been
almost 2 weeks), but we should have it today. A guy is coming by to do
something, so hopefully that means we will have gas today. I've also had
a couple meetings this past week, so that's been kinda weird too.<br />
</div>
Basically
our situation here in Bergamo is that we have a lot of potentials, but
none of them answer their phone, and we can never see any of our
investigators, but we are still working hard. We are currently in the 21
lesson week challenge. We had a great first day, teaching 4 lessons,
but yesterday was kind of slow and we only taught 2. We are still on
track, so things are looking good for us. In fact, last night we did
some less active pass bys because there are a ton here in Bergamo and we
had two families tell us to come back when the mother was home later
that night. We passed by later and got into the first house and found
this part member family that is really cool!!! Then we stopped by the
next house and set up an appointment with this other family. Super cool!
That was really a blessing because its been hard to find people to
teach regularly. A lot of lessons on the street and then we never see
them again or stuff like that. Lame. haha. Oh well, people have their
agency after all.<br />
</div>
More miracles! We had two little miracles
during a scambio. While doing some strada, we saw this young man
sitting on a bench, we decided to put our teach to find that he had
talked about that morning in district meeting to the test. While
testifying to this man, I felt the spirit very strongly and he let us
sit down next to him to talk more about the Book of Mormon. He was very
interested and we invited him to come to General Conference this
weekend. Then at the end of our scambio, we were on the funicolare
coming down from Città Alta, and we started talking to the man who was
on it with us. We started up a conversation and when we got to the
bottom, he asked if we could walk together to where ever he was going.
The whole time, we talked about the gospel. He asked about Joseph Smith
and the commandments. About the temple and eternal families. We walked
him all the way to his bus and then got on a rode it with him, because I
was determined to get his contact information to give to the
missionaries in Sardegna (where he lives). He gave us his business card
willingly, but as soon as I asked him if I could pass his info to the
missionaries there, he closed off and actually took the business card
back. Weird. And sad. He was a cool guy. Oh well, not much we can do
about that. We tried our best!<br />
</div>
Mom, as you can probably
tell, I made it up to Città Alta this week. It's beautiful!!!! I was
going to send you pictures today, but the sorelle jacked the church
computers and so we are at this sketchy internet point and I don't want a
virus. Next week. Sorry!<br />
</div>
In other random and cool news,
while going to Milano for a meeting, I ran into randomly an old friend
from Pavia. She was a student in our English class and she lives in
Bergamo. I've been looking for her, but I kinda forgot about it and she
found me on the train! Totally crazy right??? haha<br />
</div>
Thank
you so much for the birthday wishes everyone. I really appreciate it. I
love you all so much. Thanks for the pictures mom and the cake that I
didn't eat. haha. Don't worry, we went to a member's house for lunch on
my birthday and they made me an awesome cake. Super good. I love
members. They are the best.<br />
</div>
OK, so I successfully
registered for classes after a nightmare of running around and doing
stuff. I got president to do my ecclesiastical endorsement the night
before I had to register and then after waking up early to go register
at the church, we got all the way there only to find out that we left
the key at home. After getting the other anziani to meet us halfway with
the key (in the rain, might I add), I found out that I had to wait for a
"decision" on my acceptance. So I couldn't do anything. Today, I got an
email saying I got accepted, so I signed up for my classes and
everything is OK. For the most part. I wait listed one class, but signed
up for another time for it too, so if I can get into the one I want I
will take that, if not, I still have the class anyway, just not at the
time I want. But I did find out that two of my classes have the same
final time. Like literally the same day, same time. What do I do?
Aiuto!!! haha If you could find out some info on that, that would be
great.<br />
</div>
As for our trip back to Italy. I will really think
hard about it this week. I've already made a list of things I want to do
and people to see (which is way more important to me). I'm leaning
towards the counterclockwise path, but I will let you know for sure.
Because, after really thinking about things, I really want to be in
church at Ravenna. I miss that place more than I thought I would. There
are a lot of people I want to see too and they kinda live outside of
Ravenna, so seeing them in church would be the best thing ever. Speaking
of places to buy a hotel. Definitely in Genova. I know for a fact that
we have a place to stay in Ravenna. I'm pretty sure I have some members
that want to house us in Pavia and Prato, but I will have to check on
that somehow. Bergamo....I don't know yet. We will probably need a hotel
here too. But like I said, I will let you know next week, the super
details.</div>
I miss you guys a lot. It's a really bittersweet
time for me right now. Only like 8 more emails or something crazy like
that. I'll keep working hard. Keep praying for us and I will see you
soon enough. I hate the end of the mission. I'm turning into an
emotional wreck. And as you know, I'm not much of a crier!!! hahaha<br />
</div>
Well,
thank you again for your love and support. I wish you all the best in
this upcoming week of Easter. Happy General Conference. What a blessing
to have a living prophet!!<br />
</div>
Con tanta gratitudine,<br />
Anziano Langlois<br />
</div>
PS. "Buon compleanno" is how you say it in Italian dad. haha</div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>Sandee Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397117064469659074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585216984676612113.post-11804894713659764992015-03-28T18:49:00.000-07:002015-03-28T18:49:05.742-07:00Back To The Stone Age March 24, 2015Ciao tutti!!!!<br />
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Well, let's just start off by saying
that this has been one of the weirdest weeks ever. Literally, life has
been kinda crazy and as a result, I'm really tired. Let me explain.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
So
last Thursday, we came home at the end of the day and we discovered
that we didn't have any gas in our apartment. It just magically
disappeared. The next morning we called the mission office and basically
they think the problem is that the gas company shut off the gas in the
wrong apartment, because there is an old missionary apartment near by
ours. So no hot water or use of the stove. But wait. It gets better. The
next night, we get home at the end of the night to the other anziani
standing in the dark with flashlights. Great. But there is also a
fantastic smell of burnt plastic. So basically what happened is that the
other anziani overloaded the circuit and normally, the breaker kicks
off the power so nothing happens, but this time, that didn't happen.
Instead the breaker just caught fire in the wall. So the other anziani
ripped the box of the wall and put out the electrical fire. So now we
are without gas or electricity. Good thing we live a 5 minute walk from
the GANS center (pretty much like the institute building). So we spent
the night there, because there was heating and hot water and a stove and
everything. We looked pretty ridiculous walking across the street with
our mattresses. haha. The best part is that this all happened at the
start of the weekend, so we couldn't get any help until Monday.
So we took showers in the GANS center and the other other anziani's
apartment and we always have to go over to the GANS center to make lunch
and its just a mess. At the point, we got our power fixed yesterday,
but we still have no gas. So no hot water or cooking food. It sucks to
say the least. I could've sworn that I went on my mission to Italy, not
south America. Oh well. Its been kinda fun. Crazy, but fun.</div>
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Adding
to the weirdness, yesterday we had to go to the questura (police
station) to get Anziano Lingardo's fingerprints done for his
permesso........I hate the questura. It is like the DMV, but a million
times worse. We had an appointment at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_880633898" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">11:11</span></span>, so we were there about 40 minutes early. We got out at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_880633899" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">3:30</span></span>.
We were there for 5 hours. Literally just waiting there, surrounded by
people from all of the world. The building was way too small and
disorganized for how many people there were. But, we did get it done. It
was a nightmare. We had to skip lunch, which is the worst. My body is
so used to big lunches. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then, on top of all of
that, I've been worrying about classes. Speaking of that, I need to
register on Thursday. I decided that I am just going to do it from here
mom, so don't worry about it. My schedule is looking good. About 15
credits and adequate spacing between classes. I'm happy with it. Let's
just hope I can get all of my classes. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another weird thing. Today is Tuesday and its pday. Super weird. And then both
tomorrow and Thursday, I have to go to Milano for meetings, so it's
going to still be a weird week.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We are
following march madness right now and its crazy. The entire right side
of my bracket is destroyed. Everything is riding on Wisconsin to win it
all. C'mon badgers!!! haha. We decided that the winner in our apartment
gets a tub of gelato from our favorite place payed by the other 3. haha.
I really hope I win. I want that gelato!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Since
I'm already talking about worldly stuff, I'll just keep going. You
remember how a long time ago I asked for family pictures of like grandpa
and grandma and great grandma and what not? Yeah, well I would still
like those. haha. If you would also like to send me any stories you
remember from them, that would be really cool. I love family history
stories. They are so awesome!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's really cool
that Lizzy loved SDSU. That's going to be a great and fun time for her.
It sounds like you had a lot of fun with the grand kids this week. I'm
jealous. I want to see them!! They are actually fun now. haha. Random
question, do you guys know when I'm giving my homecoming talk? Because I
want you guys to make a Facebook group for it and invite all of my
friends. Another question, do you
know when mother's day is? I have no clue. I just know its in May.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway, time for a cool miracle!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This
past week, we set up an appointment with a less active. Then literally
30 minutes before the appointment, I called to confirm and he said that
he would be there. We show up and suone his palazzo and he answers, but
as soon as I told him who we were, he said he wasn't interested and hung
up. I was super puzzled. So then I called him, but he didn't answer. So
we checked around to make sure it was the right house...it was. So we
went back and suoned again and this time his mother answered. I asked if
he was home and she said, let me check. After a minute she came back
and told me that he wasn't home and that he had just left. Since we had
been standing right there and I recognized his voice the first time, I
was a little upset. However, here comes the miracle. The next day in
church, we are sitting in Sunday School, when a member tells me that some random person showed up. I
went out and there was this less active and his non member mom. We then
went down to gospel principles with them and during the lesson, the non
member mother said that she felt really good here in church and wanted
to come back. Then she said that she was looking for the truth and maybe
what she had been taught as a child wasn't the truth and she said that
what we were talking about sure sounded like the truth, because "it just
sounded right". We set up an appointment to go and see them tonight and
we are very excited to be able to help this reactivate this less active
member and at the same time, bring his mother into the fold of the
gospel. God really does work in mysterious ways. Maybe it took the guilt
they felt giving us a bidone to restart their lives in the gospel. I
don't know what prompted them to come to church, but I'm very happy they
did and we are looking forward to helping the family grow in the
gospel.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Like I say every time, I love being a
missionary. I'm really so lucky to be here in the most beautiful
country ever serving the amazing Italian people in the most beautiful
language ever!!!! I love Italian so much. I'm really going to miss it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Keep
being strong everyone. I love you all and I wish you all the best.
Thank you for your prayers and support. Next week will hopefully be more
normal, but knowing my luck, it wont be. haha. It's OK. All in the
service of the Lord.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anziano Langlois</div>
Sandee Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397117064469659074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585216984676612113.post-50926604259775670052015-03-28T18:32:00.000-07:002015-03-28T18:32:09.984-07:00Anyone Want to Go Skiing? March 18, 2015Ciao tutti!!!!<br />
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<div>
Well, long story short. Today has been
kinda weird, hence why I'm writing you so late. Life is good, just not a
lot of time to talk about it</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Today we went up
into the mountains around Bergamo and went up this funivia (a giant ski
lift). It was sooo cool!!!! It was super smoggy out today so we couldn't
see very far, but it was still cool. And there was still snow on the
side of the mountains. Super high ski resorts up there. it was awesome. I
love Italy.</div>
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<div>
Another thing. I'm probably going
to have p-day next week on TUESDAY because of a meeting I have to go to
in Milano on Wednesday. Its not confirmed, but just plan on it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well,
Anz Lingardo is a great kid, but he does have a special power (besides
falling into the stream today. haha). He brings bidoni (or appointments
that cancel or don't show up). YAY!!!! We love it. We've had so many
bidoni this past week. We are still working really hard, but its kinda frustrating. Oh well. We'll keep on going. Stay positive right?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well,
as you mentioned in your emails this week mom and dad, I will not need a
car here, because I'm in a bus city. We never use our bikes. So I
started in a bus city and I'm ending in one. haha. But its really fun. I
love bus contacting. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In fact, yesterday while
going to Brescia to rescambio with Lingardo and one of the capi zona,
me and my scambio comp sat down next to this nice African man on the
train and started talking to him. After a few minutes we started to teach
him the Restoration and after teaching a super power lesson there on
the train, we set a baptismal date with him. Yeah, right there on the
train. WHAT UP!!!!! It was super legit! Total miracle. I loved it! Now,
the capi are teaching him and will be trying to meet his wife. Just
another daily miracle. haha</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, unfortunately that's all I have time for right now. Sorry!!! More to come next week</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yes
mom, I've been to città alta, but no I have not taken the funicolare
yet. But I will. Probably next week. I'll send pictures next week! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you all and I hope you all have a great week!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Scritto in fretta,</div>
<div>
Anziano Langlois</div>
Sandee Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397117064469659074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585216984676612113.post-79636812550890223552015-03-28T18:20:00.000-07:002015-03-28T18:20:41.511-07:00Greenie Magic March 11, 2015<div dir="ltr">
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Ciao tutti!!!!!<br /></div>
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. <br /></div>
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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /></div>
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.</div>
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<br /></div>
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.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Eric Langlois</div>
Via Vittorio Alfieri 6</div>
24122 Bergamo</div>
<div>
Italia</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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.<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Well, if you have any more questions about Bergamo or whatever, just let me know. <br /></div>
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.<br /></div>
Pray that we can find the people that I know the Lord is preparing.<br /></div>
Sempre avanti!!!<br />Anziano Langlois</div>
<span><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span>Sandee Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397117064469659074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585216984676612113.post-88405838349352415432015-03-28T18:05:00.002-07:002015-03-28T18:05:48.470-07:00Ye Elders of Israel March 4, 2015...come join now with me...we're going to the mountains of Bergamo to dwell"<br />
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Ciao tutti!!!!<br />
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<div>
Well,
its official. I'm leaving the sea shores of Ravenna for the mountains
of Bergamo. It's east of Milano so it fits perfectly into our giro of
Italy when we come back. I'm going to whitewash Bergamo 3 with a brand
new missionary. Yep, I'm training again. There are 3 units in Bergamo,
two wards and a branch. Guess where I'm going? Yeah, that's right. The
branch. haha. I'm excited to go. It will be a fun way to end my mission.
I really hope this kid is ready to work because I'm going to go crazy
in these last few months. I leave early tomorrow morning to go pick him
up, then we are off together to find an apartment in a city that we've
both never been in. haha. It's just like the beginning of my mission
with Anz Salmon. It will be fun. I'm excited. Oh yeah, I'm also going to
be district leader. Yay!!! I loved being DL.</div>
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I'm going to miss Ravenna, but its time for me to move. The Lord has need of me else where. </div>
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Well,
the great news is that they got baptized!!!!! Both of them pulled it
out. As you know, for the past 6 months that I've been here in Ravenna,
we've been working with this family. It's been a long and rocky 6 months
for this family, full of trials and heartaches. But we kept with them
the entire time and our branch really came alive in helping support them
in their time of need. Even in the week leading up to their baptism,
satan was working really hard on them. An unknown problem with tithing
came up literally the day after the baptismal interview. We helped the
wife the best we could and then told her to go to the Lord for help.
Every day that week, we were in close contact with them and finally on
Friday, She told us that she received an answer about tithing and that
she would pay it. The next day, we were able to see this husband and
wife enter into the waters of baptism together. It was so beautiful and
they have already changed so much since that day. It was such a great
blessing to be able to not only see their baptism, but be the one to
perform it. This literally was the biggest miracle for us and for me. To
see this family who had years ago been left aside and forgotten about,
dressed in white with literal joy in their faces, made all of the
problems we had to face together with them worth it. I will really miss
them, but I know that they are in good hands. Our branch here in Ravenna
is really making the necessary steps to be the ward that the Lord needs
it to be.</div>
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I'm so grateful for the time I've
spent in Ravenna. Saying goodbye to the members these past few days has
been hard. I really love the people of this city. In this city, I've
learned what it really means to have charity. That is literally
essential in missionary work. I love Ravenna!!!! It's so great!!!! I'm
excited to show you around in June. Our branch president here told me to
tell you, mom and dad, "thank you". He is very excited to meet you when
we come to visit.</div>
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<div>
Well, despite all this great
stuff happening, I've been sick for the past 3 weeks or so. This week,
I've had a horrible cough that hasn't gone all away. Poor greenie, he's
going to get a literally dying father. haha.</div>
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OK,
well I've discovered while packing that my luggage is kinda small. I
can fit all of the stuff, but I'm leaving some stuff here in Ravenna.
Should I try and buy new luggage here in Italy or just wait until I'm
home? Luggage here is kinda expensive. Also, unless you let me know, I'm
going to be leaving a lot of the stuff I brought here in Italy. Today
while packing I realized how destroyed some of my pants or shirts are,
so I don't feel like it would be worth it to bring home. But I don't
want to waste money, so let me know what you guys think.</div>
<div>
In
worldly news, WOOOHOOO!!!!!!!! Way to go BYU!!!!!! Upsetting Gonzaga is
huge!!!! That's so awesome. Way to go Cougars. haha. They did it away
too. Complimenti.</div>
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Congrats Lizzy on getting in
to SDSU!!! That is going to be awesome! San Diego is such a pretty city.
I'm so happy for you!! However, when BYU and SDSU play against each
other, all bets are off. You guys are going down!!!! hahaha. I love
sports. haha</div>
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Thank you so much for all of your
support. I've definitely felt of your love and prayers in these past few
weeks/months. I love you all so much and I pray for you as well.</div>
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I hope you feel better Linda! Thanks for the cool info on our distant relatives. That was super cool!!!</div>
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The next time I write you, I will have more info on Bergamo and my new comp. I just hope he got here to Italy safely today. haha</div>
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Oh
yeah! As for our trip. I've already had multiple members here in
Ravenna tell me that they want us to stay at their house when we come,
so you don't need to buy a hotel for that part of the trip. I'm still
working on the other parts. I'll let you know as soon as I do. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Vi voglio tanto bene!!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anziano Langlois</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
PS. I'm going to miss the car :'( haha</div>
<div>
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Sandee Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397117064469659074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585216984676612113.post-1492136505879196122015-03-28T11:43:00.000-07:002015-03-28T11:43:19.752-07:00Time Is Short, Literally!!! February 25, 2015Ciao tutti!!!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, sorry, but this email is kinda
rushed because we just got back from our scambio in Ancona and we have
an appointment in an hour to hopefully 100% confirm our baptisms for
this Saturday. That's right. BaptismS!!! A family that we've been
working with finally set a solid date and passed their interviews. However, there are some doubts that we are going to clear up tonight
with our branch president. So, we should have two baptisms this Saturday. What a way to go out of Ravenna!!!! I still don't know if I'm
leaving, but I'm pretty sure. I will also know on Saturday about that.
Crazy. Life is moving fast.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, yesterday, I
was on a scambio in Ancona. It literally was full of miracles. During
the first hour of finding work we had, we taught 3 lessons and got 2 new
investigators. Then after lunch, we were able to teach 3 more lessons
and receive the contact information of 6 people. We saw firsthand the
power of teach to find in action. The District Leader I was with was shocked to see
how much success we had and he asked me how it was possible. I told him
that it is all about attitude and teach to find. It really does work.
Yesterday, we were able to teach 12 lessons combined with Anz Cardullo
and the District Leader's comp. It was probably one of the best scambi that I have
ever been on. I'm so happy that I had that opportunity to show my fellow
missionary the power of teach to find. It really does work.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks
for the recap on the MTC seminar. That was really cool. I am totally in
agreement with what they said, especially about smiling!! It makes such
a difference.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That's so awesome about your talks in the Spanish branch. Way to go Lizzy!!!!! Gift of tongues!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Speaking
of awesome, that is so cool is Paige really got baptized!!!!! I'm so
happy for her! You need to find out more and let me know.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As
for registering for classes, I will send you my email info in a
separate email, but I think I will just try and sign up for them. We'll see what day I need to do it and whatnot, but I really need to
start thinking about that. Weird.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let me know about Lizzy and her schools. I hope to hear good news next week!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well,
in other random news, we had Cardullo's birthday last Thursday and it
was so much fun. We went and visited some of our friends who have a
pizzeria and an Indian couple who I translated for at the same pizzeria a
few days earlier bought us pizza for his birthday. They were so
nice!!!! Then we went to some members house and had a really good
dinner. I love Italians. Oh yeah! And this family said we could stay at
their house when we come back. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
OK, well, sorry again this was so short. I love you all and will write more next week!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Pregate per Ravenna!!!!</div>
<div>
Anziano Langlois</div>
Sandee Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397117064469659074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585216984676612113.post-22558288812010953002015-03-28T11:38:00.000-07:002015-03-28T11:38:02.408-07:00Just Another Week In The Mission February 18, 2015Ciao tutti!!!!!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, life is just great. Time still
goes by too quickly, but I just have to accept that now. I had an
interview with President Dibb the other day for my temple recommend,
which I now have in Italian. It's super cool. haha. Anyway, in the
interview, he basically hinted that I'm leaving Ravenna in a few weeks,
so it's been kinda weird, because I'm still here, but I want to make
sure and say goodbye to everyone, so I'm trying to take a lot of
pictures. Even though I've been here for 6 months almost now, I'm kinda
sad to leave. I love Ravenna. It's super stressful sometimes, and I'm
pretty sure my life got about 6 years shorter while being here, but it
feels like home. All of my cities have felt like home. I miss Italy
already. I love this country so much. It doesn't help that I'm now at
that point where everyone asks me when I finish my mission and then when
I tell them in about 3 months, they all talk about how I'm at the end
and ask me if I'm excited to go home and what not. I swear, sometimes its
the members fault that missionaries get trunky! All they want to talk
about is home and what I'm going to do when I get back. haha. But don't'
worry. I'm not trunky. I love this work too much.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway,
first things first. Mom, do you remember how you told me about the Celya's cousin, Anz West? Well....after 3
weeks into the transfer, I just realized that he is my district leader.
haha. I know! I'm horrible! He actually brought it up. haha. There you
go. Small world.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, if you remember, last
week I sent a picture of a snowman I made in San Marino. Well, that
night after English class, we were talking to the Sorelle and they
started talking about this snowman that they saw in San Marino that same
day, in fact, they took pictures! When I told them that I made it they
freaked out, but not as much as the member that took them there. She is
from Peru and is literally like a cartoon. She squealed when I told her
that I made that snowman. haha. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then, this
past week, we had zone conference and we got to watch Meet the Mormons.
It was awesome!!!! I don't know if you've seen it, but its really good. I
miss movies. haha. It has such a good message about being tolerant of
other religions. It's OK to be Mormon, and it's OK if you're not. We can
all live together in harmony. Of course, if you want to become Mormon,
better yet! hahaha. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
OK, so yesterday we had a
Martedì Grasso (Fat Tuesday) party in church. Naturally as missionaries,
we can't really dress up super crazy, but we did what we could. I was a
fat American tourist, of course with my Hawaiian shirt, and Anz
Cardullo was "Cesare Cardullus". haha. I will try and send of picture of
us and the Sorelle who were a hippy and Elsa. Everyone is crazy about
Frozen here! It was really fun to see all of our crazy members all
dressed up. I love Italians. They are so much fun.</div>
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<div>
Besides
all this fun, I've been pretty sick this week. Not like stay at home
sick, but I feel like I'm going to keel over and die while doing our
missionary work sick. haha. Like dad always says, "you can sleep when
you're dead!". Now I'm feeling better, so don't worry about me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Miracle time!</div>
<div>
So
in my interview with President, he gave me the challenge to teach 15
lessons each of the few weeks that I'm still here in Ravenna. On Thursday evening after zone conference, we made a lot of phone calls and
set up 10 lessons for the next two days. We were excited. However, when
we set up lessons, that doesn't always mean that we will teach them. In
fact, 7 of those 10 original lessons cancelled. We were devastated, but
we were able to find some more lessons. I didn't give up on teaching
15 lessons, but I had no idea how were were going to do it. Because of
scheduling, we had a few hours open on Sunday afternoon to do some
finding work. To be honest, I wasn't super excited to go out and do
straight finding work, but while we were biking to centro, I decided
that I needed to change my attitude or it would be a miserable
experience. So I prayed silently as we biked to our finding destination.
We started and immediately we stopped a young man who was interested to
listen to us, but wouldn't give us his contact info. So we kept on
going and we stopped some more people who were yet again, willing to
stop and listen to us, but wouldn't give us their contact info. We
looked at each other and just laughed. We were trying so hard, but we
weren't going to give up so easily. We kept on working hard and we were
blessed. We taught three prayer lessons during this time and received
two phone numbers, one of them is now a new investigator. We couldn't
believe our eyes! Not only that, but when we were tallying up numbers Sunday night, we found out that we had made it to 15 lessons! I was so
excited!!! The lord blessed us for our efforts. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's
great to hear that everything is going well back on the home front.
Sorry that Obama keeps on causing traffic for you dad. haha. It's funny
you mentioned Gharidellli's, because I was just thinking about that
today. haha. That sounds like quite the dinner you had for Valentine's
day. Just wait until you come to Italy dad. The food is literally out of
this world. And, just to show you that I was sent to this mission to
learn how to cook, I made some pasta yesterday and Anz Cardullo said it
was super good. So...hai visto?? I've picked up some Italian skills by
being here. haha.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That's pretty cool that all
three of you will be speaking in the Spanish branch. Will Lizzy speak in Spanish??? She better. I need to remember my Spanish. It's pretty
useful in America. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, it's been a good week, and I'm happy. Tired, but happy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thank you so much for all of your prayers and support. I love you all so much and I wish you all the best!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Con affetto,</div>
<div>
Anziano Langlois</div>
Sandee Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397117064469659074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585216984676612113.post-18083052607815244352015-02-15T22:06:00.000-08:002015-02-15T22:06:08.785-08:00There's A First Time For Everything February 11, 2015Ciao tutti!!!!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, as I get older and older, I
think the best word to describe how I feel is.....tired. Super super
tired. Not tired as in I'm tired of being a missionary, because I love
it, just tired in the fact that I crash in about 5 minutes if I ever sit
down and stop moving, (I guess I got that from Dad) my brain is
exhausted at the end of the day and I struggle to make coherent
sentences, and just...well....yeah. haha. I hope that makes sense. We
had a long and weird week.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I will start with the miracle, then go on to our super exciting adventure story.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.9px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This
week we</span> were able to see one of our investigators and she has a great
desire to be baptized. That is a great miracle, because just a few days
earlier, she had told Anz Cardullo that she didn't feel ready because of
all the medication she is taking. She has a great desire to be baptized
and is currently talking to all of her friends about the church. She
has already given out two BoM's to her friends, and she is showing her
desire to follow Christ through her works. After a good lesson, I felt
prompted to read Mosiah 18:8-10 with her and ask her what she had
against being baptized. She then told us that she was really sad she did
not make her earlier date, but is really excited to make this decision.
It was then her that asked about a date. As you already know, we are
going to try and see the husband tonight to talk about his thoughts on
baptism. I really hope we can figure this situation out soon. So if you
could please send some prayers our way for this family (la famiglia
Felisatti), it would be greatly appreciated.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #e7e6e2; color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.8999996185303px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9px;">Sorry, it switched colors on me. I can't figure out how to reverse it. Anyway...story time.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #e7e6e2; line-height: 16.8999996185303px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9px;">OK,
so this past week we had consiglio in Milano. No big deal. We call the
Bologna capi the night before to confirm that we were going to pick them
up. They told us that it had been snowing all day and was suppose to
snow until <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2010209850" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">noon</span></span> the next day. No big deal. We left around <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2010209851" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">6:30</span></span> to get in Milano around <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2010209852" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">9:45</span></span>,
not a super long trip.....or so we thought. About 15 minutes into our
trip, we try to get on the autostrada (cioe the toll road) and it is
completely blocked. No cars are being allowed on. We sit in the pouring
rain for about 30 minutes, after which a car turns around and tells us
that everything is blocked, so we should take a different road. So we
took all the backstreets in the middle of nowhere. We got to Bologna an
hour late and it was completely shut down. Cars were buried in snow.
Luckily the streets were clear enough to get through. So we pick them up
and leave Bologna. We get to the autostrada entrance and we get stuck
again. This time for 45 minutes. After watching a snow plow hopelessly
drive away from "clearing" the on ramp, a man told us that it was all
clear, but the police put up a barricade and were not letting people on.
So we left and took a different road. This is where my first snow
driving experience starts. We took completely frozen roads for about 30
minutes trying to find the next on ramp, hoping it would be open. Sure
enough, it was, so we got on. Then we were going pretty slow, but then
we hit Parma and we entered into a blizzard. It was super snowy and we
were down to one lane going pretty slow. At the end of all this, we
finally got to Milano....at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2010209853" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">1:30</span></span>.......7. HOURS. Ridiculous. Then after missing half of consiglio, we left Milano at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2010209854" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">5:00</span></span>
and there was no snow. Thank goodness, but that didn't stop the
traffic. We were literally stuck, completely stopped in the fast lane
for an hour. And then later for about 30 more minutes. We finally got
into Bologna at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2010209855" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">10:00</span></span>,
so we just spent the night there and came back the next morning. In
total, this trip took 26 hours. 13 of which were spent in the car. I
could have driven from home to BYU in that time!!!! Instead, we only
traveled 624 km.....moral of this story, when it snows, all of Italy
shuts down. That really threw me off for the rest of the week. I'm so
exhausted because I had to drive the whole thing, because Cardullo's license got stolen. It was a nightmare. But, I survived it and now I
can drive in the snow! haha</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9px;">Speaking of driving, I'm glad to see my car is still alive. I miss it. </span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9px;">Thank you for the heads up on BYU info. I'm pretty sure I fall under the <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2010209856" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">March 27</span></span> date, but I will send you my lo-gin info in a different email, so you can check for sure.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9px;">As
for the new ATM card. Please don't activate it. I need my card right
now. haha. I'm pretty sure it's under my phone number, but I'm not sure
really.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9px;">That's
so awesome that Lizzy already got into 2 of her schools!!! Way to
go!!!! Let me about the others when you find out. </span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9px;">That's
really cool that you got to go to that concert at Disney Concert Hall. I
love that place. It's got amazing acoustics. It was also pretty fun to
watch the conductor. They are usually pretty animated.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9px;">Italy
is amazing and I love every minute of being here. I miss it already. My
time here in Ravenna is creeping to a close and it's weird. But nothing
is set in stone yet, so we will see what happens. As for what Pat said,
I can still remember his exact face and tone of voice as he said it to
me. I will never forget that. I will not come home with regrets. I'm
leaving it all out here, because this is where my heart is and the
thought of leaving, tears me apart.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9px;">I know that this is the Lord's work and I love being part of it. It's the best!!!!</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9px;">Thank you for your love and your support.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9px;">Vi voglio un saccone di bene!!!</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9px;">Anziano Langlois</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9px;">PS. I'm trying to carry on the Langlois family mustache! haha </span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.9px;">PPS. "do you wanna build a snowman??"</span></span></span><br />
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Sandee Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397117064469659074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585216984676612113.post-6095628542404964222015-02-08T20:02:00.001-08:002015-02-08T20:02:28.383-08:00Spirit Bombs February 4, 2015<div>
Ciao tutti!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm tired. This week has
been really tiring, but a good kind of tiring. I've now learned first
hand, that which Moses, Joseph Smith, and Others learned when they were
super overpowered by the spirit during their heavenly visions. Now,
before anyone jumps to conclusions (The Phantom Tollbooth....such a good
book), I did not have any heavenly visions this week. Magari...but this
has been a really spiritual week and so I'm exhausted. I never realize
how much the spirit just takes out of you. We have 5 people here in
Ravenna who should be already baptized and so are therefore really close
and we are pushing soooooooo hard to get them baptized in February.
We've been fasting and praying like no other and the spirit has not let
us down. We were literally throwing spirit bombs on our investigators
this week, but unfortunately, people have their agency, and so all of
our work is not really going anywhere. but we are NOT giving up. I've
put too much into this city to just give up now. We WILL see miracles. I
know it. Please remember us and this city in general in your prayers
this week. We really have need of it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Before
we get into spiritual matters, I wanted to share this experience we had
the other week. We had a branch Elder's Quorum outing and we went to
this restaurant. At this bruschetteria (as its called) you order
bruschetta (or toasted bread with a ton of stuff on it) that is 40, 80,
or 120 cm long. It was ridiculous. These things were huge!!!! And super
good. It totally felt like America. Go big or go home right? haha. Then
we went and played air hockey and I kicked butt. Thank you mom and dad
for buying that little air hockey thing for us when we were younger. The
practice payed off. haha</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now about camping.
YES! I want to go. I miss camping a lot. However, we need to remember
that my move in date for my housing in the <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1243153368" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">24th of August</span></span>...I think. But that's OK. We still have time to figure that out. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As for our trip to Italy. OK, thanks for the skeleton dad. I will really start thinking about it and get you the info ASAP.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Please
continue to pray for the Rome temple, so families can enjoy the eternal blessings that come from it in their own nation. I'm so happy
to hear about the Rockwoods. That is such great and happy news. I can't
imagine their joy right now, but I bet its full. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
OK, so time to tell you about some sweet miracles. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1243153369" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">On Sunday</span></span>,
we had this less-active family that hasn't come to Church in
practically two years finally came to sacrament meeting this week!!!
I've been over there a couple times to visit them and the Lord has
definitely spoken through me to them. I never would have said the things
that I said if the spirit didn't prompt me to say them. They promised
me they would come to church, but because of health reasons, they didn't
come on the week they said the would, but they came this past week and
the spirit was sooo strong during testimony meeting. Our members really
stepped it up this past week. It was awesome. They said that they are
going to start coming more often now. It's still a work in progress, but
we're making progress at least!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then, we
called this old potential in our phone the other week and set up an
appointment. To be honest, he sounded like he was totally going to flake
on us, but we confirmed a few hours before and we were there on time.
We waiting for 30 minutes inside the station, and he wasn't there. So we
called him and he told us that he was right outside the station and had
been waiting there for 20 minutes!! We ran outside and found him. He
actually stayed which was awesome! Then we had a super powerful Restoration lesson with him in the waiting room of the station. Not
only that, but he accepted a baptismal date too!!! It was such an
awesome miracle and it really helped boost our morale.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1243153370" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Monday</span></span>,
I went on a scambio with Anz Blazzard in Forlì. We had just arrived in
centro to do a bit of finding work before an appointment, when we were
walking to a bench to sit down and say a prayer to start our finding.
While walking to the bench, I saw a family with two strollers walking
perpendicular to us so I knew we were going to run into them. I knew
that I needed to talk to them, but I couldn't think of how to start the
conversation, so as we got closer, I just smiled and them and the father
told his little daughter to say "hola!" to me. I immediately used all
of the Spanish skills that I remember to start the conversation (dad
would be proud. haha). Luckily, they both spoke Italian. We started
talking to them and found that they were from Cuba and looking for the
truth in their lives. They said they had met "Americans" like us before a
few years ago, but they didn't really know anything about our church.
We talked about the Book of Mormon for a little bit and the father
wanted a copy right there. We were able to get their phone number and
even though, we did not set up a return appointment, they are willing
and eager to meet us again to learn more about the church. This was such
a huge miracle for Forlì. I really had the desire to find some people
for them to teach on this scambio and the Lord heard my prayer. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's
been a good week. Tiring, but good. I'm really happy to still be here.
This is the Lord's work, and I'm so happy to be doing it here in this
blessed and sacred land. The Lord is aware of Italy. I can testify of
that will all of my heart. I've seen his hand every day in this
miraculous work. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you all so much and I
hope you all have a great week. I share what you said dad, I think the
best way to stay active and HAPPY in the Church is to read the
scriptures everyday, pray every day, and go to Church and really search
to learn something. And Family Home Evening is essential to binding a family
together in the gospel. If we do these 4 things, we can become
spiritually self-sufficient. I know that to be true, because I've seen
it work in my life and in the lives of Others.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Un abbraccio forte,</div>
<div>
Anziano Langlois</div>
Sandee Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397117064469659074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585216984676612113.post-58220518843421970842015-02-08T19:54:00.000-08:002015-02-08T19:54:14.943-08:00C'e Tanto Da Fare January 28, 2015Ciao tutti!!!!! (the exclamation points are back. haha)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First
of all, who was grateful for tri tip? Because I'm totally in agreement. (Eric was sent a picture of a Thanksgiving tree that Linda's family made. Each leaf said something they were thankful for.)
I miss American meat. It's soooo good. Italy has got some really good
food, but meat is not their forte. Which doesn't make sense now that I
know Italian, because "forte" means "strong", so it's close to being
correct. They should say "forza" which means "strength", but oh well.
haha. Speaking of that, I've kinda noticed that we use a lot of random Italian words incorrectly in English. Such as....I can't remember any
right now....awkward. But trust me, there are some! haha</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thank
you so much mom for doing housing for me. I already thanked the office
elders, who is one of my friends from my group. I just had one question,
I got this email directly from Campus Plaza, I will send it to you as
well. It tells me to login and accept a roommate request or something.
Boh...pensaci te. (You take care of it).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Still
on the subject of school, when do I have to sign up for classes by? I
need to know so I can get permission to go online and look at the
classes list. Holy cow, I have to decide this stuff soon. That's weird.
Time is going by really fast.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
OK, super miracle
time. I just got an email this week from Alessio De Simone (the son)
telling me that he got baptized. I'm so pumped!!!!!! I knew it would
happen, and now I'm so happy that their family is now united in the
gospel. I literally cannot express my love and gratitude for that
family. They are literally the miracle of my mission. I can't wait to
see them get sealed in the temple. I know that the Lord placed me here
in Italy to find families like theirs. I love the country and I love
it's people. I know that the Lord has a lot in store for me in these
last few month. I want to just work my brains out and try and catch all
of the miracles as they literally pour out of heaven like the Guatemala
rain. haha</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here in Ravenna, we are getting
really close to a few baptisms. We have a couple investigators that were
really progressing and are now kinda fading away, and our weaker
investigators are now really progressing. It's a weird reversal of
fortune. We are teaching this one young man from Kazakhstan, who is
super cool. He told us that he wants to get baptized and move to Salt Lake, right by the temple. haha. Then we are really working hard with
the father of a part member family and he is so close to baptism. I'm
almost positive he will get baptized on the 14th, because the spirit
really testified to me that was the correct date for him. It's such an
exciting time to be a missionary!!!! I love it!!! I get so excited all
the time! WHOOO!!!!! It's the best!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yesterday,
we went over to a less active member's house and we watched a Mormon
message with him. He really enjoyed the video we watched ,so after
teaching the lesson, we invited him to share it with his friends. We
showed him right there how to share Mormon messages with his friends on Facebook. We invited it to one of his friends and then he asked if he
could share it with another. Then he asked how he could share it with
everyone. He was so excited to "hoist upon every tower" (Alma 46:36) the
good news of the gospel and share it with his friends through social
media. We told him that we would be back to check up on what his friends
said, and he was eager to let us know. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
OK,
random Italian fact time. So the other night we went over to a member's
house to help him chip/sand old paint off his wall so they can repaint
it. Let me just say that Italian paint is sooooo different than American paint. I can basically spit on the wall and it comes off in
some parts and other parts, not even a belt sander can pull it off. It's
ridiculous. You also have to put a ton of paint on the wall for it to
stick. It's super weird. But it was fun. I love service.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Before I forget. Happy late birthday Peter!!!! I knew it was around January, but I couldn't remember when. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
can't believe how old Lizzy looks. She's growing and it's weird.
However, Anz Cardullo says that she's not allowed to wear those camo
pants. haha. It's funny because that was Italian fashion last year. I
guess America is kinda behind. haha. They are actually still popular
right now, but that's not important.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm really sorry to hear that Linda's family is sick. That is no fun. Poor Judester.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Everyone
here has been talking about that big blizzard. They told me that if you
went outside in your car, you got a 600 dollar ticket or something like
that. Weird. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I loved the pictures! It is so
great to see you all are doing well. Good to hear that my car still
exists. I love that car. I miss it a lot. Our car here takes like 9
years to get up to speed. I feel like Fred Flintstone could beat us in a
race. haha. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Keep up the good work with less
actives and inactives. The biggest thing they need is a friend in the
church. That is what helps them come back to stay.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thank
you so much for your prayers on my behalf and on the behalf of the
people here in Ravenna. They really need them. It is a hard time for a
lot of people and Satan is working really hard on them. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you all and I hope you all have a great week!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anziano Langlois</div>
Sandee Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397117064469659074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585216984676612113.post-13525936187827232062015-02-08T19:43:00.000-08:002015-02-08T19:43:22.601-08:00Ravenna Round 4 January 21, 2015<div class="ii gt m14b0c52f3099ad9d adP adO" id=":sy">
<div class="a3s" id=":sz" style="overflow: hidden;">
<div dir="ltr">
Ciao tutti....the shift button doesn't work half the time on this keyboard, so no parenthesis or exclamation points. Sorry. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anywho,
I'm staying here in Ravenna for a fourth. I'm happy to stay. I don't
feel like my time here is done yet. I'm looking forward to a transfer
full of miracles. Ravenna is the city of miracles afterall. haha.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Speaking
of miracles, last Sunday was a super miracle day. It started just like
any other Sunday, with church and everything. then, after lunch, we went
with a member to go teach this family of referrals that we had received a
month ago, they told us to wait until after the holidays to contact
them. We drove all the way out there only to find out that the newborn
child of their neighbor had passed away and they were very upset. I
immediately started to talk about the plan of salvation, but he didn't
want to hear any of it at that time. Whatever we tried to say, he
rejected by saying that he was too tired to talk right now. He
closed the door and that was it. So we were pretty upset and sad for
this family. We ended up talking to the member about his family mission
plan and talked about how he could help this family and their neighbor,
who the member actually works with. After a good lesson, we drove to
another appointment and before we got there, another referral we had been
trying to contact called us to say hi to us. So now, we have his phone
number. After our appointment, the mother of this family had a
friend over and she started talking to her about meeting with us and the
friend didn't want to hear it. But she persisted and bore a powerful
testimony and the friend agreed to meet with us this week.
Unfortunately, our member was sick and the lesson fell through, but we
have our foot in the door with this new potential. We went and did
some pass bys and while we were walking between houses, we were
stopping people. Eventually, there was a mother and her daughter
followed very closely by a single man. I normally would stop the family,
but I felt like I needed to stop the man, so I did. Anz Cardullo
thought I was crazy, but after talking for a little bit, we were able to
teach this man right there on the street and get his address and a
return appointment. It was such a cool miracle. We passed by the
pizzeria owned by some of our potentials who Anz Cardullo and Miller
found on a scambio. We taught them once, but we're not able to set up a
return appointment. So we passed by and they were so happy to see us and
we were able to set up a return appointment, so they both became new
investigators as well. We got three new investigators in less than an
hour and it was such a miracle. then while calling all the district
leaders that night, I found out that the zone has been doing great too. They found 19 new investigators and set 6 new baptismal dates. It was
such a great week. I'm so proud of them. I love this zone so much and
I'm so happy to be here serving with these great missionaries.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Looks
like dad has the same idea that I have. After this transfer, I figure
President will send me off to who knows where to train and die. I'd be
fine with that. training Anz Johnson was fun. I could do it again. But
that's 6 weeks away, so no need to worry about that now. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
can't believe the Packers blew it that bad. Anz Polson must be really
mad, he's a Packers fan. In sports these days, it seems like it's always
the same teams who win. I guess it's always been like that. Oh
well. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Congrats on the two new callings dad. I
know how much you love teaching, so you scored with that age group. Get
them all ready for missions and college and whatnot. haha. I hope there
isn't anything too seriously with your shoulder. Let me know what the
doctors say.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, I apologize again that I'm
not writing that much. A lot of stuff happens, I just can't always talk
about it or I forget. Bo...don't worry though, I'm writing everything
down in my journal. I haven't missed a day yet. I'm quite proud of that.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well,
I don't remember if I asked about this last week mom, but can you
figure out what we need to do to renew my drivers license? It expires on
my birthday, so we have some time, but it would be good to start
getting informed about it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you guys could
all remember the Felisatti family in your prayers, that would be really
helpful. Satan is working really hard on this family and we are not
giving up. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you all a lot, so don't forget that. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm going to try and send photos this week, let's see if it works.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Alla prossima,</div>
<div>
Anziano Langlois</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
PS. I tried to be fancy and cook this special pasta yesterday. It took an hour and wasn't that great....ahh....pazienza. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
PPS. he first picture is where Dante's bones used to be....we don't know where they are now though...</div>
<div>
</div>
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Sandee Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397117064469659074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585216984676612113.post-75743955885616816902015-01-18T16:59:00.000-08:002015-01-18T16:59:29.337-08:00This Zone Is On Fire! January 14, 2015Ciao tutti!!!!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First of all, sorry I've been kinda
lame on sending pictures. haha. My bad. I keep forgetting. But I am
taking them, so don't worry. Eventually you'll see what Ravenna looks
like. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As for Sorella Snow, yes. I do know her. She's been
trained by two of my favorite missionaries, both named Sorella Carter
ironically. haha. I guess when I see her next, I will tell her that
somehow we know who she is. haha.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I did know
about the big all of Italy fast on the 25th. Yeah, Italy is kinda lame
sometimes and Satan is working really hard to stop this temple, so if
you want to fast with the rest of Italy, you are welcome too. But I'm
technically not suppose to ask you to partake in special fasts, so I'm
not telling you to do it, I'm just telling you about it. haha.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That
sounds like a weird new rule in the NFL dad. But I guess they need to
get more precise. I figured Ohio state would win. Oregon kinda chokes a lot. Good news about BYU BB. Keep me updated. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And
since we are on the subject of worldly things, I got your package. The
AP's surprised me with it when they came down to scambio us. Which was
super fun by the way. When we were trying to rescambio, it was a huge
mess. Anz Cardullo got the cops called on him and his comp, because they
suoned the wrong house and this crazy guy lived there. Then we tried to
meet up and the GPS took us to the middle of nowhere, so we had to
change addresses and we ended up rescambioing in the middle of this
field on the side of this small road. It was pretty funny. haha. I love
the mission.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Last thing, so what is the deal with my license renewal? Do I have to do something special for that? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also, I love when people send ME pictures, even though I'm lame at sending them. haha. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Alright, now on to the stuff that actually matters. haha. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This past Sunday
we were at church when all of a sudden one of our members came up to us
and asked us if we could come to his house that night to dinner,
because he had invited two nonmember families that he wanted us to meet.
We went over and when we showed up, unfortunately, neither of the two
families came. Our member apologized to us, but then a real miracle
happened. Another member family that was invited brought a friend! His
name is Giuseppe and after just starting a casual conversation before
dinner, he started telling me about his religious life and ideas and how
he was confused in his life. After dinner, we shared the story of
Joseph Smith and then we gave him a LdM and plan of salvation pamphlet.
He was very grateful for our gift to him and I tried to get his phone
number, but he wouldn't give it to me, but told me that we could contact
each other through the member family. The Lord still provided a way for
us to get a new contact, even after the first one fell through. Looks
like Heavenly Father makes backup plans too. haha</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
wanted to give you a report on our zone right now. We were very
concerned with our zone because in the month of Dicembre, we did not do
so great. But calling around the zone this week, there have been so many
miracles. This past week, our zone found 13 new investigators, which
doesn't sound like much, but that was more than half the number of
investigators we found last month. So that was a HUGE improvement. The
Rimini Sorelle in particular are doing an amazing job. They found 4 new
investigators last week and when I called them <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1311721167" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Monday</span></span>
night to congratulate them, they blew me away by telling me that they
had also found 2 MORE new investigators just that day. It was
incredible. They are doing such a great work. They are continuing to get referrals from members and are really building their teaching pool. As
you already know, the Ancona Anziani had 15 investigators in church this
past week, which was a huge miracle for them. I am very happy with the
zone right now. They are doing such a great job and are really pushing
their limits and seeing miracles as a result.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
love this zone so much!!!! They are so awesome! It is such a cool
blessing to be able to travel around the zone and "rub shoulders" with
the other missionaries as dad says. haha. I'm really going to miss being
a zone leader. It's so much fun. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another cool
little miracle happened last night when I was filling out our area
book. While I was filling out the teaching record for one investigator, I
remembered that I had given the daughter of that family a talk to read,
and I wanted to check up if she had read it, because a week or so had
gone past. So I texted her and she immediately texted us back telling us
that she was reading it right at the very moment. It was crazy!!! I'm
psychic!! She loved the talk, which was great, but I just thought it was
so cool that I got that impression to text her right at that moment.
Pretty cool, huh?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, there are always a ton
of things to say and not enough time, but please know that I love you
all and I thank you for your prayers and support!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Statemi bene!</div>
<div>
Anziano Langlois</div>
Sandee Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397117064469659074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585216984676612113.post-50371254522265741742015-01-11T17:02:00.000-08:002015-01-11T17:02:20.754-08:00Road Trip! January 7, 2015Ciao tutti!!!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, its only the 7th of January and
we have already used half our kilometers for the month. Yay! haha. In
our defense, we had to go to consiglio (which was really good), and then
we did two scambi this week. One in Rimini and one in Ancona, where we
are now. So we've put on a few kilometers. The good thing is that after
we get home, we only have one more scambio and it's in Forlì, so it's
not that far. But looks like we will be on bikes more this week.
However, I do need to fix my bike. I've had no time to do so. Oh well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
love being zone leader. It's so much fun to get to know all the
missionaries. I love my zone a ton. We had such a good zone training the
other day. The spirit was so strong. I'm so grateful for this
opportunity to serve the members of my zone. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One
thing I've really started to notice a lot more now on my mission is how
great of friends I've made. I don't really notice until they start
going home. I had to say goodbye to a really good friend at consiglio
the other day, and it was hard. I know I will see them again, but it's
hard to beat the great bond that the mission is for us. The other day,
we drove up to consiglio with one coppia of anziani and we had a blast.
Then we took a different coppia home and we had a blast there too! I
love the mission so much. Everyday I realize how much I'm going to miss
this time I have. It's going way too fast. I'm actually starting to get
kinda emotional right now. This is weird. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm
so grateful for this time to serve the Lord. I apologize that this email
is super short. I have a million things to say right now, but I just
can't seem to find the words to say them. Everyone that has served a
mission understands how I'm feeling right now. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thank
you mom and dad for raising me in the gospel. I may have been a little
bit of a headache in the past and I may have done some stupid things,
but I want you to know that I love you so much and I'm so grateful for
what you have given me. I wouldn't be the man that I am right now
without you. I really just want to thank everyone that has helped me
along in my life. I have the best friends ever and I love you all. My
teachers and leaders have been such great examples to me and I love them
just as much. Thank you everyone. I really feel a deep gratitude for
you all right now. So thank you. I love you so much.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Statemi bene. Vi voglio bene,</div>
<div>
Anziano Langlois</div>
Sandee Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397117064469659074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585216984676612113.post-45317300719739001032015-01-11T16:59:00.001-08:002015-01-11T16:59:36.384-08:00I'm Dreaming of a White New Years December 31, 2014Ciao tutti!!!!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, I've still never had a white Christmas, but this is the closest that I've gotten. On Saturday, we
were in the church and it was raining, but when we came outside, it was
snowing! I literally started running around like a little boy. I was so
excited! I've never seen snow in Italy before that. Lucky us got to
drive out to the middle of nowhere to visit a member in the snow. It was
so cool. Then it snowed all Sunday morning and we literally had like 20
people in church. haha. Two people who had talks didn't show up, so I
had to give one on the spot. I talked about the importance of a personal
testimony, because that is the only way that you will stay active in
the church when you get offended, or you don't agree with leaders, or
what not. Everyone really liked it. That's a good sign. I was just trying
as hard as I could to bring the spirit. I guess it worked out.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway,
its snowed all last night and we woke up to a white Ravenna. Super
cool. It's suppose to snow tonight and tomorrow, so we'll see what we're
in for. This morning, I turned on the car to start defrosting the
window and then without thinking hit the windshield wipers with the door
still open and a ton of snow fell into the car. Whoops...my bad. haha.
I'm not used to cars in the snow.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anz Polson
said that I would see snow, I didn't think so, but I was wrong. We've
got lots of snow. It's awesome. I like it. It is cold though. Oh well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Before I forget, I want a copy of Lizzy's talk!!! That sounds super interesting. Please send me it. Thanks!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, Christmas flew by. It was so great to see you guys. Best Christmas
present ever. I can't believe we are about to be in 2015 though. That's
crazy. I come home in 2015. Weird...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, I
guess you were right Mom, my emails are getting shorter. haha. I guess
things are less exciting now, or maybe because I just don't remember
what happened. Every day seems the same to me. It's all kinda a blur. I
forget when things happened or who I was with or where I was. It just
kinda all blurs together in one big mess of fun. Oh man, I love the
mission. I love Italy. This is so much fun to be a missionary. Dad was
right. It is soooo much fun. I'm so happy I still have 5 months left. If
I had to go home when my Sorelle did, I don't know what I would do. 18
months is so short!!! haha</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Allora, I love you all and I wish you all the best in the new year. I'll see you next year (literally!!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tanti auguri!</div>
<div>
Anziano Langlois</div>
Sandee Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397117064469659074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585216984676612113.post-79587421278490218162015-01-11T16:50:00.002-08:002015-01-11T16:50:50.208-08:00Buon Natale! December 24, 2014<div dir="ltr">
<div>
Buon Natale tutti!!!!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Spero che questa stagione speciale vi trovi in un tempo bello e sereno. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
love Christmas so much. It is the best time of the year. What a
beautiful country to be in as well for Christmas. I can't believe this
is my second and last Christmas here in Italia. Time goes by way too
fast.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, this letter won't be really long because we are going to Skype Tomorrow. The plan is at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1065129425" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">8:00</span></span> your time. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We
also have been baking cookies. Yesterday morning, we baked a ton of
sugar cookies that we are going to give to members and investigators
tonight when we go carol to them. It made us feel like we were at home
again. haha. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It doesn't matter that my
Christmas gift is late, I got a great gift last night. Anziano Windley
came and spent the night in our apartment because his comp and to get
his permesso. It was so great to see him again. We can't believe just
how fast the last year has gone. I still remember Skyping HIS family in
Prato last year! haha.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Speaking of caroling, we
had some cool miracles the other night. The other night, we went out
caroling with the Sorelle in Centro. We met near the big Christmas tree,
but there was a problem. No one was there. Literally zero people were
walking past. However, on a cold December night that close to natale, it
was the best thing that we could do with our time, so we decided to
sing anyway. After we started singing people starting coming out from
literally nowhere. A young man started talking to us and then pulled out
his phone and said, "can we exchange numbers?". Then a family walked
past and asked us if they could give us some money, we told them no and
gave them a "Egli è il dono" pass along card instead. I also started
talking to man and after giving him a pass along card, he asked me if we
could leave him with something more, so I gave him an opuscolo of the
restauration. Then the biggest miracle of all was that one of our
investigators who we had not seen for a long time walked past. He left
today to go back to Spain and we really wanted to keep him in contact
with the missionaries there, but we decide have his info. Luckily, we
ran into him while we were singing and we were able to get the
information that we need to pass him to the missionaries there. It
really was a night full of Christmas miracles. This is such a great time
to be serving the Lord here in Italia. I really have seen so many
blessings every single day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In other news, like
I said last week, I was kinda sick. Well, we were going to go on a
historical tour of Ravenna with this member, but we didn't because I was
sick. Then he stopped by to say hi to us, but unfortunately we weren't
home. Well, we called him this week to see him and he decided to take us
out to lunch in the small city, Comacchio, which is a little Venezia,
but it was too foggy, so we went somewhere else and I'm not joking, we
literally went to five restaurants looking for one that was open. It was
ridiculous. That's one of the problems of Italia, restaurants are
closed at lunch! That doesn't make any sense. Oh well. We ended up going
to an adventure with him, and during that we went on a ferry boat, and
found a ton of yak statues. Yeah, I know, kinda weird. but he was so
sweet. I love members. They are so great.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now
for worldly news. That's super awesome that BYU made it to the finals,
but that stinks that they lost. That's cool that Hamsen got drafted.
What team is she going to?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, I love you all
so much and I can't wait to see you all tomorrow. I hope you have a
great Christmas eve or vigiglia as they call it here. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you all!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Spero
che tutti voi, chiunque sei, un amico, un parente, un fratello, un
conoscente, o un straniero, abbiate un buon natale e capo d'anno!!!! Dio
vi benedica.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anziano Langlois</div>
</div>
Sandee Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397117064469659074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585216984676612113.post-8039265010052891352015-01-11T16:45:00.001-08:002015-01-11T16:45:30.503-08:00It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas December 17, 2014Ciao tutti!!!!!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let's start with the most important
info first. 3 times Dad. haha. Good news about BYU women's sports, less
good news about the Men's though. haha. Dodgers are such losers. You
remember how we used to always say, "who'd they trade him for this time?
A box of donuts??" haha. They kill me. Good thing I can't follow it
that easily from here. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For Skype info, we will probably do what we did last year, at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1065129424" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">8:00am</span></span>
your time. We don't have our appointment 100% with members, but we will
confirm that today or tomorrow and by next week, you will know per
forza. If we go where I think we're going to do Skype, you will have a
lot of fun. This family is from Napoli and so they are exactly what you
imagine when you think of a stereotypical Italian family. haha</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sounds
like its going to be lots of fun this upcoming week or so at home. I
can't believe it's already Christmas. Time goes by so fast. It's
ridiculous. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So like I said last week, my new
comp is Anz Cardullo. He's half Italian and from the factory (Provo). He
is so much fun. He reminds me a lot of Jason. He's so funny. He also
just came from Switzerland, so we literally have a mountain of chocolate
that he always throws at me. haha. We have a brand new Sorella here,
Sorella Taylor, also from Utah. She's really cool. We are so lucky to
have them in our city. In the past two days, they have given us four referrals. They are so brave!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In Ravenna news,
I'm kinda sick right now and it's super humid. Literally, my back
started hurting the other day because its so cold. It's still well above
freezing, but with the intense humidity, it literally chills you to the
bone. Crazy. Meno male we have a car. haha</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We
have seen great success here in Ravenna from our English class. The Sorelle have been finding a lot of investigators from their class and
the other night, we had a huge miracle. Because Sorella Curtis was
training, they had to go up to Milano Wednesday night, so I covered
their English class. It just started like any other English class, but
then, they started asking questions like: "tell us about your church",
"who was Joseph Smith?", "how do your church celebrate Christmas?". I
couldn't believe my ears. So for English class, I taught the entire Restoration and at the end of class, I passed out two LdM's (Book of Mormon) to this
family and got their phone number. It was incredible. This has been such a great success here in Ravenna.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm
really looking forward to seeing you guys on Christmas. It will be lots
of fun. As for my Christmas gift, I
like peanut butter fingers. haha. I am going today to get mom and Linda
a nativity, so I'll see what I can find.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
love you all so much and I love hearing from you all. I wish you the
best of the best. Christmas is the best!!!! Remember!!!! #sharethegift</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Alla prossima,</div>
<div>
Anziano Langlois</div>
Sandee Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397117064469659074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5585216984676612113.post-80580484531281829352015-01-11T16:38:00.000-08:002015-01-11T16:38:06.374-08:00Broken Toe and a Contrite Spirit December 10, 2014Ciao tutti!!!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, first and foremost....the 9 year
old kid got baptized!!!! It was awesome!! Last Saturday night. Super
fun. I'm going to be honest, the actual service was really irreverent.
People started clapping after the actual ordinance. Oh boy....gotta love
Italians. Despite that, a lot of people felt the spirit. The couple
that we are teaching are super excited to get baptized. If all goes
well, they will be baptized within a month or so. Then another one of
our baptism dates said that he really wants to be baptized too. He's less
ready though. Then another investigator told us that he felt like he
has to be baptized, so we set a baptismal date with him yesterday. On
top of that, we got in contact with two new families that members
brought. It was awesome!!!! Ravenna is on fire!!!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In
sadder news, Anz Polson is leaving us. (He says hi back Mom.) I'm sad to
see him go. He was a lot of fun. My new companion is Anz Cardullo. He
was actually Anz Parker's MTC comp, so I've met him once or twice. He
kinda reminds me of Jason. I'm excited to continue the work forward here
in Ravenna. The Lord has high expectations for us here. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now, about the title. It was obviously a play on words on the scriptures, "broken heart and contrite spirit", found in D&C <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1065129423" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">20:37</span></span>.
The reason I said that is because Anz Polson wanted me to always
remember him, so he broke my toe the other night. Don't worry. It wasn't
on purpose and we weren't wrestling or anything. it was actually really
dumb. I was standing at the bathroom door talking to him as he brushed
his teeth and as he came out of the door he kicked my foot and snapped
my pinky toe. It's kinda black and blue right now. It doesn't hurt
anymore, but it's just annoying and I kinda limp right now. Oh well,
pazienza.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We had a really fun bowling activity
with our branch the other night that went really well. We had a ton of
nonmembers show up. I won with a 120, which was really pathetic if you
ask me, but oh well. It was really nice to just kinda relax and enjoy
being with people for an hour or so, because this past week has been
really stressful for many reasons. Basically, it's safe to say, that
being a missionary is the most stressful thing that I've ever done,
but I love it so much. It is a blast.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Totally
random question, but do you still have that pinata head, or did you throw
it out? I hope you didn't. I thought about it the other day because
that actor just died and one of our south American investigators was
really sad.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, thanks for the sports report
dad. I love this time of year. College bowl games are so much fun to
watch. Let's hope BYU wins this year.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That church mosaic that Tim was talking about it sweet. I've seen it twice.
It's super cool. I'll definitely take you guys there. As for looking at
hotels, I haven't been doing that, but I'll start I guess. What if I can
grab up a spot in someone's house? I know of a couple of members who
offered to give us a place to stay if we came to visit. I don't know.
I'll keep my eyes out. It will probably be easier for you dad to just
look online because we never have time to go into hotels and get
quotes. haha.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Please keep reminding me about
BYU deadlines. Those are important. I'm trying to talk with my friends
via email to get some ideas for housing when we get back, but they are
usually slow to respond. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mom, I am currently
on the lookout for a nativity for Linda, so I will get you one as well. I
love Italy during the Christmas season. I wish you could see it. It is
so beautiful. I don't think I need anything from America, but I still
like gifts if you want to send something. It's not necessary. If I think
of something, I will let you know.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Don't lose the faith. Keep on working hard. I love you all.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anziano Langlois</div>
Sandee Langloishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00397117064469659074noreply@blogger.com0