AMAZING KEY HOLE

Bocca della Verita

When we entered Santa Sabina Church these two were practing for a performance scheduled for the next day. They played a beautiful arrangement of Ave Maria. The man at the piano is Cardianl Lorenzo Baldissei.

I love these "cinque cento" cars

On Aventine Hill is the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta. It is bordered by a high wall. There is a famous wooden door that draws attraction to visitors. When you look the the keyhole, you can see St. Peter's dome, which seems like it's just beyond the door, when in fact it is quite far. 

Originally it was the site of a Palace belonging to Alberico 11. In the Twelfth Century, it passed into the hands of the Knights Templar, the famous warrior monks who in 1312, were violently supressed by Pope ClementV. 
In the second half of the 1400's, Pope Paul 11 granted the monastery to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

Long line up to see through the key hole, but well worth it.

Key hole in the Piazza of the Knight of Malta. When looking through the key hole you view 3 nations, Malta, Italy and the Vatican City.

Basilica of Santa Sabina

Founded in the 5th Century. Built on the house of Sabina, a Roman who later named a sanit. Inside there is a carved door made from Cypres with 24 panels depicting bibical scenes. This door was carved in 430-432. One of the panels contains one of the oldest depiction of the crusifixtion of Jesus.

Left, shows close up of one of the panels.

After wards we walked around. Great veiw from here.

EMAILS FROM OGDEN MISSION MEMBERS

We (my husband wouldn't be in the picture)just had the opportunity to feed these 2 dinner. And listen to a message thank you for raising such amazing young men and sharing them with us in Preston ,Idaho. I actually had a daughter serving in the Edmonton mission recently. She loved it there. Thanks again  Sister Betty Fellows 

You should be proud of your son.  He carries the spirit with him as he teaches.  We are blessed to have had he and his companion in our home.

Sincerely,

The Ryan Buttars Family

Clifton, Idaho

Picture of Elder Salazar & Elder Sutton

Dear Sister Sutton, 

Your Elder Sutton and his Elder friends have put together an amazing missionary video and presented it at a Preston North Stake fireside they had organized for tonight.  It was very effective.  He is working very hard and is a cheerful servant of the Lord.  Thank you for sharing him with us.

ANOTHER VISIT TO DERUTA

Perugia

Bought this beautiful hand painted ornament depicting Deruta. Won't use it for Christmas but will buy a stand to display it year round.

Took a second trip to Deruta, this time with the Shinneys and Stevens and Kay. Discovered little side streets that were so quaint. Did'nt spend a lot this time. But did buy some little things.
In was a real cold, windy day and the Stevens wanted to go home after lunch, so the Shinneys and I stayed behind. We went to Perugia, where we thought we could find the chocolate factory, but the factory is actually out even further. Perugia, however, was a beautiful little univerciy city. They had beautiful dress shops and lots of chocolate shops.

TEA CUPS FOR THE GRANDKIDS

The artist

There's this pottery place just down the street from the mission office. I had them make these tea cups for the grand kids. When I return home, we will have lots of tea parties. Guess which one is for Chase?!

FEBRUARY TRANSFERS

Anziano Rasmussen gave me this apron from Calabria

Anziano Budd

Anziano Eads

During February transfers I said goodbye to Elders Eads, Rasmussen and Budd. I knew these missionaries well. I always enjoy going over to help with their departing dinner.

ODDS AND ENDS

Joan was able to go visit Beth and family last week. In the above picture is 4 generations. So cool. The baby is Amy's first little girl, Haley.

Saturday, February 21, a beautiful young lady by the name of Rebecca, was baptized. Sisters Vickers and Reber met her at the mall. Rebecca said she didn't know why she had to go to the mall that day, but after running into the Sisters she understood why she had to go. She accepted the gospel right away and was baptized within a month. Rebecca is married with a new born baby, Sofia.

Rebecca is former Miss Europe, she's lovely inside and out

Anziano Rasmussen has been one of the AP's this last couple of transfers. He's from Arizona. He's been great to work with. His companion, Anziano Hatch confided in me that Anziano Rasmussen had been feeling nervous about going home. He came to me asking me if I could think of something that would cheer him up. So I had everyone from the office give me a word that describes Anziano Rasmussen and I made a "wordle" for him. Then I took everyone's picture and put it on the back and laminate it. We had a lunch after our office staff meeting and went around the room telling him why we choose that word. He loved it. Anziano Rasmussen has an amazing conversion story and is so dedicated to the gospel. He goes home on Tuesday and I will miss him.

Ok, had to add this picture. This is Anziani Rasmussen and Hatch with hundreds of nuns in front of St. Peter's waiting to get in the Vatican. The day they got there, there were hundreds of nuns and priests waiting to go in the Vatican where the Pope was having a special mass. Only those who had tickets could go in. One sister had extra tickets and she gave them to the Anziani. So they got a free entrance to the Vatican and they got to see the Pope.
They deserved it. They are such hard working missionaries who hardly get a PD to themselves because they are so busy. What an experience!