Ciao tutti!!!!!!
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. Elder Langlois' mission blog. Serving in the Milan, Italy mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Friday, April 10, 2015
I'm Running Out of Catchy Titles April 8, 2015
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Spring Time Is Finally Here April 1, 2015
Ciao tutti!!!
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.Anziano Langlois
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Back To The Stone Age March 24, 2015
Ciao tutti!!!!
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.
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.
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 11:11, so we were there about 40 minutes early. We got out at 3:30.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
Anyway, time for a cool miracle!
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.
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.
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.
Anziano Langlois
Anyone Want to Go Skiing? March 18, 2015
Ciao tutti!!!!
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
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.
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.
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?
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.
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
Well, unfortunately that's all I have time for right now. Sorry!!! More to come next week
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!
I love you all and I hope you all have a great week!!!
Scritto in fretta,
Anziano Langlois
Greenie Magic March 11, 2015
Ciao tutti!!!!!
First
of all, thank you dad for your email. I really appreciated what you
said. I love you. Its funny, because I always heard your mission stories
and loved them, and now they have more meaning to me, because I
actually understand now. I didn't know that Elder Fry was your trainer
though, or that you completely opened El Estor. That is so awesome. We're quickly learning the city after getting lost the first few days. haha. Unfortunately, we have not had a lot of luck teaching our investigators because they are busy, or don't answer, or don't show up. However, we have seen a lot of success in finding work these past few days. We have received multiple phone numbers each day and so we have some potentials in the work. We are also seeing success is working with members. We went and visited a less active family and after having a great lesson on the plan of salvation, we asked for referrals and without hesitation, they gave us five or six names. We are going to their house next week to meet some of these people.
Last night, on our way to an appointment, I was on the phone so we walked father than we should have. When I got off the phone, we turned around and starting walking back. In the distance, I saw a man walking towards us. We were running a little late, but I felt like I needed to talk to him, so I did. We had a great conversation there on the street, said a prayer, got his phone number, and set up a return appointment. It was so cool! We are definitely seeing many miracles here in Bergamo.
I'm excited to work with our branch and help reactivate a lot of our less active members to grow our small branch, because there are a lot of less active members. I actually found an old email you sent to me dad at the beginning of my mission. You talked about teaching gospel principles to less actives and them naturally giving us referrals. I've always remembered that email, but I'm pretty sure it is specifically for our branch here in Bergamo. Anz Lingardo is doing well. He is a little shy to talk to people, but as I encourage him, he fearlessly tries to stop each person that walks by. We are also seeing success from bus contacting, which is something that I really wanted to get better at.
Italia
Anziano Langlois
Ye Elders of Israel March 4, 2015
...come join now with me...we're going to the mountains of Bergamo to dwell"
Ciao tutti!!!!
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.
I'm going to miss Ravenna, but its time for me to move. The Lord has need of me else where.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
I hope you feel better Linda! Thanks for the cool info on our distant relatives. That was super cool!!!
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
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.
Vi voglio tanto bene!!!!
Anziano Langlois
PS. I'm going to miss the car :'( haha
Time Is Short, Literally!!! February 25, 2015
Ciao tutti!!!
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.
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.
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.
That's so awesome about your talks in the Spanish branch. Way to go Lizzy!!!!! Gift of tongues!!
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.
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.
Let me know about Lizzy and her schools. I hope to hear good news next week!
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.
OK, well, sorry again this was so short. I love you all and will write more next week!!!
Pregate per Ravenna!!!!
Anziano Langlois
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