Sorella Sarah: 10.01.14 {week 62}

Ciao Famiglia!

Sorry, I don't have tons of time, but I wanted to tell you a little bit about the incredible week we had.

It started off with a scambio on Thursday. I got to hang out with Sorella Ostvig, who just came in with Sorella D'Ambrosio. Sorella Ostvig is serving in Torino, but we got to hang out in Alessandria all day while my baby headed to Torino. (Can we just talk for a second about the fact that I have been in this same stake for 9 months?? Torino and Alessandria are both in the Alessandria stake. I may never leave...) Anyway, it was an awesome scambio. I was actually a little jealous of her, because she just got here, but her Italian is already incredible.

On Friday we were able to head to the church and help N. prep the church for the wedding. It was lots of fun but brought out the wedding planner in me and reminded me of all the things I want done...differently when it's my turn. (Amy, don't forget our plan...) (Another note for Amy: I got your guys' package on Monday! Thank you thank you thank you! I loved it so much. It was just perfect. I was showing that Instagram book off to everyone. And, holy smokes, that book that Ava wrote me is literally one of my new prized possessions. Please tell her and your whole family thank you. Love you guys lots!)

And then Saturday was the wedding! I was the pianist and since the bride showed up a good hour late, I was sitting there playing prelude hymns for an entire hour. Without stopping (because that's just awkward when the pianist stops...you know). Haha it was strangely exhausting and reminded me that I could never be a professional pianist. But the wedding went off without a hitch.

The next day was Sunday and E. CAME TO CHURCH. For all three hours! We were on cloud nine. While we were doing weekly planning on Friday, we really felt like we needed to do a special fast with her to help her quit smoking and drinking caffe. So we did this special fast and it went really well. She feels like the right date for her to be baptized is November 22nd. So we will be working really hard to help her reach that goal. We know she can do it. :)

On Monday we headed to Milano where we had New Missionary Training. It was lots of fun and reminded us why we're here. I was able to see old friends and meet new ones. It was the best.

Tuesday was pretty normal! We were literally just running around Alessandria all day. I love those days.

I'm exhausted, but happy. :) I like it. Tomorrow we'll be heading to Milano again for mission consiglio (Sorella D'Ambrosio is coming too, but then will be hanging out with some sisters in Milano while I'm at the conference). And we're going with the capi in their CAR. No trains for us tomorrow! We're excited.

Did y'all pray to have a missionary experience? I really hope so. When these experiences come, I'd love to hear about them. :) Love you lots!

Sorella Gunnerson

WEDDING!