CATCHING UP WITH HYRUM

Hyrum started in the Ogden Mission and is finishing in the newly made Logan Mission. And was called to serve as President Alred's Assistant. He was very humble about his call. I didn't find out about it until a week later when he casually mentioned it in a letter.

Old picture, but this is Elder Ford

The fellow talking to Hyrum, is an old friend of Steve and I. His name is Nader Mikhail. He lives in Utah now with his wife and kids. He met up with Hyrum last week. Hyrum's Mission President and his wife and Hyrum's companion (not in the picture) were there too. Hyrum enjoyed hearing stories of Steve when these two were younger. I so wished I could have been there. I'm sure I would have cried through the whole thing, but it would of been very sweet.

ONIONS

After Messina Daniela and I went to meet up with Domenic and the kids in Reggio Calabria (Vebo, really, but close). Spent a nice day at the beach. Great dinner on the ocean. On the way to catch my train back to Rome, I stopped and bought these onions that are famous in that area. I took the over night train because, I wanted one more full day with Daniela. Didn't sleep well, so was long and uncomfortable. I got in Rome at 7:00 am. Got to the apartment in time to shower and I was in the office by regular time.

MESSINA

Our next stop was Messina. Again, we were warmly welcomed by our cousins and Aunt and Uncle. It, of course was still very hot. We stayed with our Uncle Andrea and Aunt Rita in their small apartment with no air conditioning. 

Zio Andrea took us out for breakfast and I had a strawberry granita and briosc. Super good, but more like dessert than breakfast.

Spent a few hours at the beach, which made me super happy.

In the evening we all went out for dinner. Ah, family. So fun.

Daniela bought out the shoe store. Well, not quite, but she did her fair share - 9 pairs of shoes. She was so kind and bought me a cute purse. I also bought a pair of cute booties.

Simona and Francesca

Zio Andrea and Zia Ilda

Daniela and I on the ferry to Messina

PAOLA

With Federico. I'm coming back one day and swim in that water, like I did when I was 14.

COSENZA

This is the street where my father worked when he was a young man. Up to a month ago the shop still existed. This is where he learned to work installing glass and windows.

An assortment of bruschetta

SAN FILI

Daniela and I in front of the San Francesco statue.

My father's cousin Matilda

The house where my maternal grandparents lived and my mother was born.

Cousin Federico on his balcony.

July 24

 I met Daniela in Lamezia and then headed to San Fili. I hadn't seen my cousin in 40 years. We were treated so kind by and his sweet wife Lucia. We had lunch with my mother's cousins, the Palermo's. Then went to see my father's cousin, Matilda and my Zia Ilda. We then went out to dinner with Otorino, Jenna and their daughter Ciara. It was so nice to be with all the cousins and just feel so welcomed, even though we haven't seen each other in so long.

Zia Ilda

Otorino and Jena

NO COINCIDENCES

It really is a small world. Dallin Hatch, who served a mission in Rome, goes to Palmyra to meet his family before heading home after he finished his mission. He takes part as a cast member, and while mingling with the audience, meets Rina Crawford, who I knew in Toronto when I was newly married. Crazy, but fun. They discovered they both new me and sent this picture.

BEACH DAY

July 18 

We went to Santa Marinella. The same place I went in early May with the Shinneys. But now it's July and it's hot. I went with the Stevens and the Sears. Just noticed, 3 S's. 4 if you count the Shinneys! Anyway, we went because Ruth wanted to shop there, but everything was closed because it was too hot! I was the only one that brought a bathing suite. So we rented some lounge chairs and umbrellas, (not for me) and enjoyed a day at the beach. I even went swimming. (The perks of a senior missionary). It was lovely.

BROWNIES

We love our missionaries, but I also know the missionaries love us. Here is proof. One Anziano made us these delicious brownies. So fun to serve in the Mission Office!

OFFICE BOARD

Was feeling sad and really missing my family, so I moved my framed pictures from my bedroom to my office. Since I spend a lot of time at the office I can see them more and that cheers me up.

SURPRISE VISIT FROM ELDER COOK

Anz. Alvey, Puff and Bordon

The same day that Elder Cook showed up at Sacrament meeting, the LaPlant family showed up as well. They are touring Italy and happened to choose to come to the Rome 2 Ward . 

Great teaching from Elder Cook

Me with Sorella Knight and her grandparents Sister and Elder Cook

Sister Knight singing with her grandmother, mother and brother

Elder and Sister Cook, Ssorella Knight, her brother and parents

JULY TRANSFERS

Anziano Anderyl

Sorella Vaselaki 

Sorella Margheriti

Said good by to some of  my favs.

Sorella Marsh

Sorella Vickers