Week 4 - Bus Caught on Fire, Soccer, & Future Baptism

Ciao Tutti!

I hope everyone is having an awesome time back home!  This week was pretty interesting.  Although, I do think I'm starting to get into the rhythm of things here in Italy...maybe. 

As far as the mission work goes, we have one baptism this coming Saturday for Stefano.  Last Saturday, I went on an exchange with our Zone Leader, Anziano Ferrero, to interview Stefano while my companion and his went to Latina to do a "Mostra", or show, and invite people to a church service we would be holding in Latina the next day.  During the interview, Stefano asked me to baptize him...I'm freaking nervous!  My first baptism!  What if I accidently drown him?? AAAAHHH! Although, I hardly did any of the work.  Ginolfi is the one who started teaching Stefano.  Stefano and his friend Massimo (a strange kind of inactive member) asked me to baptize Stefano since Massimo can't.  I couldn't understand all that they said, but Massimo said it was because he just really likes me and I am "bravissimo" or "really good". haha so yea...I'm super excited, but really nervous :D

That Sunday we held a church service in Latina.  We had an attending audience of about...one.  Rosalba was the only one who showed up, but it ended up being really good because we were able to have a really good discussion with her.  The Bishop was AWESOME and really helped answer a lot of her questions.  The Spirit was very strong in that lesson, and during our mini sacrament service.  I know she felt it too...because she kept saying so.  Also, turns out that the name of Rosalba's husband is Lino, and he called while we were with her.  He asked if I wanted him to take anything back with him from my family when he comes back.  Guess when he comes back?  July 2nd!  I should have said yes, but for some reason I hadn't thought anyone was planning to send a package...and I totally forgot it was my birthday!  So, if you DO end up finding him.  Maybe you could send the package with him?  But seriously, I don't really need anything.  The best gift would just be extra money to buy ties and some slacks here in Italy...and snacks :)  And I wouldn't mind cheez-its or any kind of AMERICAN snackfood because the snacks here are not as good.

Oh ya, I also played my first game of Calcio (soccer) here in Italy.  Some of these guys are really good!  I looked like a fool in a skinny blue shirt and short shorts that I borrowed from a member, but we all still had a good time.  We played with some kids that were in the park that day, and they kicked my butt!  I would have taken pictures to send you guys, but I forgot my camera in a member's apartment along with my backpack.

Also, yesterday, our bus caught on fire.  It was really exciting, and we all had to get off the bus and wait for another one to pick us up.  Yay for Italian ghetto public transportation!

Well, that's all for this week.  Tell everyone I love them!  The work is great and the church is true. :)