Week 5 - First Baptism!

"Ciao Mom and Everyone!

It is good to hear everyone is doing so well.  Dang, I just realized that all my nieces and nephews are going to be so old by the time I get back...that will be weird! 

Yes, I got my ATM card and I have activated it, but I have not yet recieved my contacts.  I will be checking at the mission office today to see if they are there.  I have my fingers crossed!  Many people have told me not to worry about it because I look good in glasses...but I'd definitely be a lot more comfortable without a weird metal/glass/plastic contraption on my face!

Anyway, this week was pretty awesome.  We had Stefano's baptism on Saturday!! WOOOO!!!  It was great!  The Spirit was really strong and it was amazing to see how excited and ready Stefano was.  He was definitely an example to me, and I've learned a lot from him.  I feel like he was the one teaching me, and not the other way around.  When we confirmed him on Sunday, he could hardly keep still in his seat.  As soon as they called his name, he basically bolted up to the front of the room before the bishop was even done speaking! (I will try to send some pictures of the baptism in this email)

Other than that, it was a pretty normal week.  We had DM on Monday in Ladispoli, and once again went to Serrata Famigliare (family night) with the Fresta family.  I have decided to start learning some Italian songs on guitar.  Carmello told me he would teach me.

Speaking of which, you should look up Carmello Fresta on youtube! Haha he has some pretty hilarious videos and a few pretty good songs.  (he's not the best singer, but he knows how to write music).  If you get the chance, try to find his song "Porta mi con te" or in the English Translation "Bring me with you".  I'd say that's his best one.  He also has a bunch of just funny videos of him and his brother.  So, if you want to know the kind of people I'm hanging out with all the time here in Italy, those videos may be a fairly accurate representation.

Random event of the week: My companion and I were walking on the road that goes by the beach down to Gasparri (where many of our members live) AKA the Ghetto of Ostia, when we were approached by the RedBull girls at the pier.  They gave us free Italian RedBull and some kind of Mozarella chips that were SO FREAKING GOOD.  I have one thing to say about the cheese here, some of it is just absolutely disgusting, but Italian Mozarella is fantastic.

So far, I haven't had any experiences with anyone getting angry with us or anyone who doesn't like the missionaries.  The people seem very warm and friendly here.  In fact, we had a nice old catholic lady approach us the other day and just tell us how much she loves us and she knows we are doing a good work.  Basically what I'm trying to say is, Italy is freaking sweet!  I love the people, I love the work (even though my feet hurt and of course its not easy), and I love the Gospel.  The church is true and I love you all!

Until next time,

Love,

Anziano Jared Burnham"