More Trials, More Truths

We have had a busy two weeks since our last post.  We have traveled a bit around Siena to visit with our members and to provide service and comfort.  It is always wonderful to meet with our members in their homes.  We get a much better feel for who they are and what their challenges and struggles are, as well as their joys.

With the departure of Simone, Darryl's first counselor and stalwart in many other areas, we have picked up the responsibility to teach the Book of Mormon Institute class to our young single adults, as well as to others who wish to participate in the class.  It has been a joy to discuss the doctrines found in the Book of Mormon in a bit more depth with these wonderful members.  However, we have to cover two full Institute lessons that can encompass 10 - 20 chapters of the Book of Mormon in a one-hour session.  So we try to see what doctrines and principles have impacted our students the most, and build on that.

We have been working closely with one less active family, and they were the ones who made the pizzas from scratch for us at our Carnavale festa last month.  After performing some service for this family, the father invited us to dinner at their home on Sunday.  We spent a pleasant afternoon with them, met their son and his girlfriend, and played with their two very cute grandkids.

We then spent a few hours with a part-member family where we provided counseling and assistance with some delicate family issues.  Darryl also spent an hour or so with their 11-year-old son helping him with his English homework.  We feel the closest to Christ when we are able to provide meaningful service to these great members in our little Siena branch.

On Monday, March 3, Sister Boscia returned to Siena from her short stay with the Sister Training Leaders in Pisa, along with her new companion, Sister Roth.  Sister Roth was transferred to Siena from Bergamo to take Sister Hunter's place while Sister Hunter is recuperating at home in Colorado.  Sister Roth had spent some time in Siena as a student a couple of years ago, and she is very excited to return to Siena as a missionary.

Sister Boscia returning to Siena

With her new companion, Sister Roth

With transfers and Sister Hunter's emergency hiatus, we have a new district now.  We are always impressed with the enthusiasm and energy of these young missionaries, and their willingness to get out every day to preach the good word of God.

Back row, Elders Burr, Axson, Locklear and Robb
Front Row, Sisters Roth, Boscia, Jarvis, Yost and Lee

We had another tragedy in our little branch this last week.  The husband of one our less active members passed away suddenly during the night.  To make things worse, our member and their 13-year-old daughter were out of the country for a few days when it happened, and because of cell phone problems and other issues, our member didn't find out about her husband's death for a day or two.  As soon she found out, she made all the arrangements for a quick flight back home from Germany.  One of our members picked up her and her daughter at the airport in Florence and brought them to the hospital about 11:00 p.m., where we met them.  At that time of night, the morgue was closed, and despite all our efforts, we couldn't get anyone to open the morgue so our member could see her husband.

The morgue opened at 7:00 a.m. the next morning, and we picked up our good sister and arrived just before it opened.  However, to her utter dismay, the state officials who control funerals had sealed the casket.  The doctors explained that the casket had to be sealed for health reasons.  This poor sister and her daughter didn't even get to see the body and say their final goodbyes.

Our sister, who even though less active now had served a full time mission in her home country of Bolivia, wanted the Church fully involved in the services for her husband.  While his family had made many of the funeral arrangements with their local catholic parish because they couldn't get ahold of her after the death, our sister arranged for us to meet with the priest at the church where the service was to be held, so that we could be a part of the ceremony.

It was quite clear during our meeting with the priest that he was uncomfortable, but he did say that his part would take about 15 minutes, and that when he was done we could sing a few hymns, the wife could speak, Darryl could speak, and we could pray.  With these assurances, we worked closely with our missionaries and members to prepare the two hymns that were the favorites of our sister's deceased husband, "I am a child of God" and "How firm a foundation" to sing at the funeral.  Darryl prepared some short remarks about the plan of salvation and the need for all to comfort those who stand in need of comfort.

Our sister wanted a printed program, which we prepared.  Our elders made copies of the program and the music and our sisters purchased a beautiful flower arrangement as a gift from the branch.

We arrived at the old catholic church in the center of old town Siena about a half an hour early.   Many friends and family were already there.  The priest came out early, not dressed in his priestly garb.  He began talking to some of the family members of the deceased family.  Then our good sister joined the priest in the discussion.

The bottom line is that he claimed he was a real jam because he had talked with his "superiors" who advised him not to allow another church to perform services in his church.  Another slap in the face for our good sister.  But, there wasn't much we could do, other than to "turn the other cheek" and be good examples in our comportment. 

The priest did allow our good sister to speak after he concluded his remarks.  And we were so proud of her as she stood in front of about 200 people and declared that she was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that her husband was very attached to the Church, and that she had been denied the privilege of participating in the funeral of her own husband in the way she (and he) had desired.  She went on to read the words of "I am a child of God" to the entire congregation, and bear a strong testimony of the eternal plan of God.

We all went to the cemetery, and there our missionaries and members did sing the songs they had prepared.  We also offered a prayer consecrating the tomb as the final resting place for the mortal remains of this good man.  Many of the mourners had left by that time, but the deceased parents and his sister were there, and they seemed very touched by the music, the dedicatory prayer, as well as the love and support that we provided to this good sister and her 13-year-old daughter.

Singing at the tomb

The casket slides into the cavity in the wall of the cemetery.

We left many copies of the music and words to both hymns in the church, and who knows, maybe some good missionary work was done by both our example and the small ways we were allowed to participate in the services.  God moves in mysterious ways, his miracles to perform.

Yesterday we had this good sister and her daughter over to our home for dinner.  We invited our sister missionaries to join us, and we had an enjoyable evening as we try to provide the love and support needed in these trying times.

Darryl made his now famous (at least in his own mind and to those who have eaten his dish) "Penne Senese alla Presidente Lee".   It may not be as great as his famous lasagne, but it is close!

 

Start the sugo with sweet and spicy sausage, onions, shallots & peppers

Add olives and a good tomato base

Add artichokes

Then add fresh tomatoes right before serving

In a small interlude in all this activity, we did find time to take half a day and drive through the beautiful countryside of the Bella Toscana.  Spring is definitely coming, and we can't wait for the beauties that spring will bring.

We visited an old abbey that was started in the 1100's.  This abbey and the church on the hill next to it celebrate the life of Saint Galgano, a soldier who buried his sword in a stone when he gave up worldly things to answer his divine calling.  The abbey fell into disrepair over the centuries, but it is still beautiful.  In the summer there are now concerts performed on its grounds.

The abbey of San Galgano

The church of San Galgano

The sword in the stone

During these past two weeks we have learned some valuable lessons.  First, life is a precious gift from God, and we should never take it for granted.  Do what is right and enjoy the ride.  Second, always tell your loved ones that you love them and cherish them, because you never know when you will be able to tell them again.  Third, service to others brings us closer to Christ than anything else.  And last, boldly stand for the truth at all times and in all places, and proclaim your discipleship through your words and your actions. 

 

Spring is here!

We are indeed grateful for the opportunity to learn these invaluable lessons as we serve together in this beautiful part of the Lord's vineyard.