Messina!

Hi guys!
It sounds like things are going GREAT! at home. I am happy.  TANTI AUGURI to Trayser! You're graduating this week! You made it!! I love what you said at seminary graduation. You are awesome! You're going to make an amazing missionary, and I can't wait to see where you go! Mom I am really interested about all you are doing for Young Womens!

So about this week. It's been crazy on my part too!

So you know how when I was growing up I always thought that I was dying from some type of illness and you guys always called me a hypochondriac! Well that's what I kept telling Sorella Millet, the mission nurse, every time she told me that I should go to the doctor. Well....I decided that I might as well go, just because the doctors in Sicily are even scarier than in Rome. And it was still pretty sketchy, but it turns out I have BRONCHITIS! What? Well she gave me some antibiotics....so it turns out I'm not going to die. But I just want to tell you guys....that sometimes I really am sick!

It was really sad saying goodbye to everyone in Rome....Especially the new converts Carol, Jerwin, Jomar, and Luca. It was also kinda sad because there was a funeral in Pescara my last sunday and none of the members were there, so I didn't get pictures with any of them....sad day.

My loves! 

Dinner at Jerwin and Jomars

But on Thursday the journey began! side note: I left a whole suitcase in Rome....that was scary. This could be my last city. And I won't need any of my winter clothes. So I left it. SOOO weird!

Thursday morning we got on the train at 11:00. And little did I know that in Napoli I would be reunited with my bff Sorella Stephens!!! She came down from Bari to Catania. And I was sooooo excited to see her! It was so good to catch up. She started in Messina so she gave me all the good details!

Sorella Anderson, Kaeli, Sorella Stephens

MESSINA! From the boat

The train ride was sooo long. about 11 hours. And because my companion was in Catania, we went right through Messina, and on to Catania. We got there late at night and then first thing the next morning we took a bus to Messina. Oh my goodness. This city is so beautiful!! We have an amazing view from our balcony! Of the mountains and the sea! And the other side of Italy! haha Our apartemnt has a NORMAL SHOWER! Heaven! And the city is the perfect size for missionary work. Not too big. Not too small.

Oh the 11 hour train ride!

The main land. Reggio Calabria. (We will take the ferry every week and go over there for district meeting.)

Sorella Arnold is sooo cute! She is such a good missionary and we are getting along really well. She said that her mom knows Sara really well! It was funny to have that connection. But it has been fun getting to know the English culture and listening to her beautiful accent! Sometimes she says things like skippy ropes (jump rope) and plait (a braid) and I have no clue what she's talking about. But it's so much fun! I'm sure she is getting really sick of me saying....I LOVE THIS! This is so beautiful! Oh my goodness! ect. But really I already love Messina sooo much! I hope I am here for a while. Maybe until October.

This week has been a bit crazy, so there is not much more to tell. I am still trying to get to know the members and the investigators here. They all seem so amazing. I don't know how many times I can tell you I LOVE SICILIANI! I already feel so loved and welcomed. I am just really excited to get to work here. There is so much potential here in Messina. Such a beautiful spirit and I can't wait to see what awaits me here!

I love you guys so much!! I can't wait to here about Trayser's mission call. And have a good graduation! Take lots of pictures for me! This week is going to be a good week for him!

Vi voglio tantissimo bene!
Sorella Wiltbank