You Must Stay and Finish...

Ciao Tutti!

I hope everyone had a great week! This week was great. It was pretty

calm since we didn't have any scambi or trainings :) We did get

transfer calls Saturday though and I'll be staying in Bologna!! My new

companion will be Sorella Marostica. She is super sweet and is going

"My new companion"

into her 12th transfer! I'm excited to work with her! She's actually

here right now since she travelled today. And then Sorella Albos is

traveling tomorrow. So she's spending pday with us in Bologna! :)

We had a lot of great things this week! It's so crazy that Sorella

Albos is going home this week! We were able to see a lot of people, so

that was good!

Last Thursday we had a little get together with some sisters in the

ward. The idea all started after we had a lesson with Alexiana. She's

been having a hard time and we were thinking of more ways we could

help her than by just visiting her. Then we were inspired by the

thought to have a little get together with her and some other sisters

in the ward so she could get to know a few other people that might be

able to help her. She knows Marilia since they are both from Brazil,

but we also wanted to her to know Erika and Elizabeth who are from

Peru. That was such a fun get together. We had merenda

and then shared a thought. They all opened and shared some

experiences. And Alexiana just fit right in :) They all loved it and

want to do it every week they said haha! We'll see if that will

happen, but I think we'll definitely do it more often. These women are

incredible. They have all been through such hard times, yet they are

so strong. Right now we are especially working with Erika. She has

been less active for a long time and her husband isn't a member. But

she is the sweetest and has so much faith. She has told us that

recently she has felt closer to God than she ever has. One time with

her we talked a little bit about the temple and you can just see her

desire to enter the temple with her husband someday.

A funny mess-up that happened Thursday! Well we were trying to go back

to some college students that we met while doing casa before Easter,

and when we got to the house we completely forgot the citofino. We saw

one that said Giulia and Andrea and we were pretty sure the girl's

name was Giulia so we rang. (Yes, this is a bad example of keeping

track of people we've talked to...). Someone answered and it was a

man. We thought that was a little strange since it's a house of girls.

But just going along with it we ask for Giulia. They eventually look

out the window from the 3rd floor and ask who we were (that's pretty

common. A lot of times instead of answering the citofino they'll just

call out the window) and we realized that it wasn't the girl we talked

to last time at all! And then we realized that Andrea here is a man's

name. WHOOPS!! They were so confused as we were talking to them...haha

Unfortunately I can't say that it turned into a great miracle and they

let us in... It was just funny ;)

We saw a woman named Maria this week on Saturday. She's one of our

sweet English class students. She made us tortellini and we talked

about the plan of salvation. She's really interested in family history

so it was fun to talk about that with her. She actually set up an

account with family search with missionaries in the past, so we did

some stuff with her. And we met a couple of her grandkids! They were

super nice! One works in a gelateria by the church, so that might be a

good excuse to go over there :)

We were able to see a few Filipino less-active members this week too

since Sorella Albos is leaving. They are sooo sweet! I love them!!

They are usually less-active because of work. Which is such a bummer.

Hopefully we'll be able to continue to meet with them this next

transfer too.

This week I read some great things while studying. I was pretty sure I

would stay in Bologna but I was kind of ready for a change since I've

been her for awhile... And I didn't really know what else I could do

here... But I read some things and Anziano Wright gave a great

training in district meeting that helped me realize that I am still

here for a reason. One was an article from the March 2008 Ensign. It

talked about a dream Orson. F. Whitney had on his mission. He

witnessed the Atonement of the Savior and then saw Christ with the

three apostles before they ascended into heaven and this is what he

said:

        "All at once the circumstance seemed to change. … Instead of before,

it was after the Crucifixion, and the Savior, with those three

Apostles, now stood together in a group at my left. They were about to

depart and ascend into heaven. I could endure it no longer. I ran from

behind the tree, fell at His feet, clasped Him around the knees, and

begged Him to take me with Him.

        “I shall never forget the kind and gentle manner in which He stooped

and raised me up and embraced me. It was so vivid, so real that I felt

the very warmth of His bosom against which I rested. Then He said:

‘No, my son; these have finished their work, and they may go with me;

but you must stay and finish yours.’ Still I clung to Him. Gazing up

into His face--for He was taller than I--I besought Him most

earnestly: ‘Well, promise me that I will come to You at the last.’ He

smiled sweetly and tenderly and replied: ‘That will depend entirely

upon yourself.’ I awoke with a sob in my throat, and it was morning.”

Even though I might not know why, I need to stay in Bologna. I really

do love the people here so much. And I have absolutely LOVED serving

with Sorella Albos. We have seen miracles!! And have had such a great

time these last 2 transfers. I know she has done a great work here,

and her work is now finished. But God still has a work for me to do in

this wonderful city of Italy. I'm excited to see what He has in store

for me this next transfer.

Have a great last few days of April!

Vi voglio un sacco di bene!

Sorella Dixon

"Lunch with Sorella Whiting and Adrie."

"Homemade Tortellini..sooo good!"

"Lesson with Helena and Sarra"

"Get together with Erika, Alexiana, Marilia and Elizabeth"

"They made a delicious Peruvian dish with potatoes, eggs, lettuce, and a
delicious sauce. I don't know how to spell it."

"Goodbye party for Sorella Albos"

"District picture in Ferrara"

"Primary"

Goodbye to Sorella Albos. God Speed.

Dio risponde alle preghiere. Sempre. (God Answers Prayers. Always.)

 Cari Tutti!

I hope everyone had a great week! This week just flew! I heard about

the snow there, that's crazy! Here it is as sunny as ever and just

gets warmer and warmer!

Aww man... I miss that wrinkle nose beautiful smile!!

This week was quite the week. We had some high ups and some very low

downs... But I learned a lot about the Atonement and just how much God

loves each and every one of us. I also saw how his plan is PERFECT and

we just need to have the faith in Him when things don't go how we

think they should. Luckily the downs have come up, so it's not so bad

anymore. There were some really stressful and hard days, but prayer

works MIRACLES! I remember when Anziano Kearon was here he told us to

"stop worrying so much". God loves who we love just as much and MORE

than we do, so he'll take care of them. That's what I had to do. I was

trying to help out in my way, but when I stopped and  prayed to

God to help them and just help me do what He would have me do, I

received the confirmation that He would,  and I just felt peace. I

didn't worry so much, and I know that He gave me the right words at the

right time. Everything is in His hands.

Speaking of hands...

This week I saw a lot of great things through prayer. One evening we

had about an hour before we had to go home. We were trying to find a

person who Sorella Distante found while she served here and she told

us about him when we did Scambio last week. Well, we didn't end up

finding him so we decided to do some casa before we went home. We

didn't feel right on the street we were on, so we decided to pray to

be guided where to go. After we started walking towards a different

street, and then we got the thought to call a lady named Romilia who we

had talked to on the bus awhile ago. We called her and she didn't

answer. Then about a minute later we get a call from a private number

and it's her!  We asked if we could passby her and she actually said

YES! She lives pretty close to where we were so it was perfect! We

went and showed her the halleluia video and had a great conversation

about Christ. She believes in Christ, and when we told her that

the message we bring is about Him and that it will bring peace into

her life, she said she really wants that. She has been wanting peace,

and has been wanting to change. It was so great. I think things will

go really well with her! She is from Peru and has a 7 month old baby!

So cute! I love how God just put us exactly where we were needed at

the right time too! Just that morning another lady from a different

religion came and gave her some religious books... So we will help her

find the truth!

Sunday afternoon we saw a family who we found last week, and it was

quite the lesson..... They are from Egypt...and it was a little tough

because there was a language barrier. We did have a pamphlet in Arabic

though, so that helped. But the husband was so firm in his belief that

all prophets are false. It was hard to help him understand, mostly

because of the language. And unfortunately we didn't have a Book of

Mormon in Arabic to give them, but when we do we will go back! After

that all of our plans fell through and we didn't really know what we

were going to do. It was really weird... But then we got a call from

the Bishop asking us if we could come with him and his family to visit

a family in our ward from Nigeria! Perfect! This family is so cute!

They have 4 kids. 3 boys and a newborn baby girl! :) They came to

Italy a year ago because their situation in Nigeria wasn't that great.

And here, they have been having a hard time... Finding work, learning

the language, and having a good place to live. Right now the husband

and wife are actually separated and the kids live with the mom in a

home for women and children. We are hoping that we can do some service

there. They are so great though. The wife is adorable and always so

positive. She LOVES the church and the members. The Elders have

started doing an Italian class for them and other Nigerians who live

with them, so hopefully that will help.

"Gloria and her kids from Nigeria.

This week we were able to see Sonira!!! She is the lady who we found

doing casa and had a book about Mormons, like about the pioneers and

stuff. We gave her a Book of Mormon last week and then we were able to

see her again and she had great questions. She told us a great story

about how her husband didn't have work, but she told him to put God to

the test. To change something he was doing and pray to find work. So

he prayed and told God that he would stop doing a certain thing if he

gave him before 5 on a certain day. And then that day exactly at 5

they got a call from her father-in-law saying he knew of a job her

husband could have. She also told us other amazing stories that have

happened in her life. She KNOWS God exists and has sooo much faith.

She said she barely has time. She would love to know more, but it will be

hard to see us. So we told her to do what she said to her husband, put

God to the test and ask him to make time for her. And so far he has!!!

Yesterday we were able to do the full restoration and it was amazing.

We went over at 11 and she wasn't there.... So we decided to do some

casa in the area and try about 30-40 minutes later. And she JUST got

home. She got called into work and took her youngest daughter, but

then she was sick and crying and stuff, so she ended up coming home. I

know it's weird to think that her daughter getting sick is a tender

mercy, but I believe it happened so we would be able to see her!

This woman is incredible. She talked sooo much during the lesson, but

understood and loved everything we said. She would say what she

believed and share her concerns and confusion about all the religions

and things going on in the world today, and her beliefs are  the

same as ours. She is sooo prepared for the gospel. I just wanted to

tell her EVERYTHING about the church because I know how much she will

love it!!! She is such a great Mom. She has 3 kids and teaches them

about God and how He blesses us even in the little things. Everyday.

She told us a cute story about her son who opened the fridge and it

was empty and said he really wanted a pizza and a certain candy bar.

Sonira has always taught him to pray for things, so he said, "you know

what I'm going to do? I will pray for a pizza and a candy bar!" And

then went outside and prayed really hard for that pizza and candy bar.

That evening her husband called and said that at work he was given a

little extra money and she said go to the store and get a pizza and a

candy bar for your son! He came home to the son waiting at the door

for the pizza and candy bar because he knew God would answer his

prayer.

At the end when she gave the prayer it was beautiful and she thanked

God for sending us to tell her things she has been waiting for. I know

we were guided to this amazing family. God truly does prepare people.

Well, I hope you all have a great week! This Saturday we get transfer

calls so we'll see what happens!!!

Always remember: prayers are answered and God is in our life everyday.

Vi voglio tanto bene!

Sorella Dixon

"This is an Indian dress I got from Helena"

"Scambio with Sorella Bowman"

"Lunch with Erika"

Dynamic Duo--what will they do without each other? Sorella Albos goes home
next week. There will now be two Dixon girls who have a part of their hearts in the Philippines.

I just looked at the Italy Milan Mission blog, and found these photos of Savanna.

They were taken in February when she was given a leadership responsibility. She didn't ever mention that to us, but I am thinking that pictures don't lie...right?:) 

February 8, 2016----Mission Leadership Council

Can you find her? :)

See Them How God Sees Them

Ciao Tutti!

This week was so great! So much happened and I don't think I have time

to even tell you a fraction, but I'll tell you of some great experiences!

Well, first we got to watch some of the Sunday afternoon conference

session since we didn't get to when it was shown because it's too

late, and I absolutely LOVED the talk by Anziano Kearon about

refugees. I love the church's whole new program they are doing for

refugees. I feel like it will have a huge effect in Italy, and Europe

in general. There are so many people who have left their country

coming here with nothing and don't know how to live since they barely

speak the language or have money. We are blessed to be in the homes of

so many of these people. And I LOVE it. They are the most humble

people, so giving and kind, and have sooo much faith in Christ. I love

to see how God prepares the hearts of these humble people.

With that there is some sad news: Corina her husband, Cristina and her

family, and Irena and her husband all got kicked out of their house

this week. We found out when we were seeing Cristina (the other one)

and Maria. They were living in a casa di comune and usually they let

them stay there for several months, but the time was up I guess so

they threw them out. It was devastating. They didn't have anyplace to

go for a few days. Now Corina and Ovidio are going to southern Italy,

Cristina went to Forli, and Irena is at a church. We've still been

able to see her a couple of times when she's randomly at the others'

houses. So that was pretty sad. We are praying for them and know that

God will help them.

Cristina and Maria are doing GREAT! This week we had great lessons

with each of them. We usually go earlier to teach Maria and then

Cristina will come home from work and we'll do a lesson with her. They

actually both talked about baptism this week and how they are

considering it! They have both been against it. Well, not against it

but have seen it as something in the far future... Because they think

they are too young and don't want to end up messing up because they

know that baptism is important. But then Cristina was saying that

there isn't really a big sin she does anyway, so she wouldn't do it

after baptism either. So that was neat. Also, Cristina was praying

about her work since she was worried that she was going to lose it,

and then she got a contract to work until September!! Prayers

answered!

Sorella Whiting has been so great and is planning on doing a little

"Sorella Whiting's darling baby"

get together with them and another member in the ward who speaks

Romanian. We're pretty excited and I think this will be great for

Cristina and Maria to feel more included with the members.

We also had an amazing lesson with one of their cousins named Chiara!

We had met her once before at their house and she said we could come

to her house sometime! So this week we went and ended up  talking

to her and showed her the Follow Him animation. She's 13, but SOO

mature for her age. She said she had learned the stuff in the video

before, but never really thought too much about it or gave it

importance... But this time she FELT something! Something she couldn't

describe! So great! We are excited to keep seeing her!

So Gilda is going to Romania this week and will be gone for 4-5

Gilda

months. We saw her for the last time yesterday. Pretty sad. I think

this will be really good for her though. She'll actually be able to

sit down and read the Book of Mormon without worrying about taking

care of all the people in her house. And she'll be able to buy classes

for really cheap there! I think this will be a good 4-5 months for her

to really grow spiritually. And we're going to try to get the

missionaries to see her in Romania. Even though she lives really far

in the country...

We had some great miracles this week with meeting new people!! There

was a lady I talked to on the bus named Meri who was really

interested. And then when we were doing a Scambio on Monday our

Sorella Albos captured this missionary moment.

appointment got canceled with Erickson (we were able to see him the

next day though and he is doing great! He is reading the Book of

Mormon and loves it. We are really praying for him to be able to find

a way to come to church since he has work Sunday morning. But he

really does want to come so we know miracles will happen!) so we

passed by a lady we met the week before and gave her a Book of Mormon

and she was so excited to get it and was really curious about it! For

some reason she also had a book about the pioneers or something about

the history of our church that she loves to read, so she's excited to

read the Book of Mormon! We should be seeing her tomorrow! And we also

met two other AMAZING families! That we'll be seeing later. So many

new people to teach and help bring to Christ!! I'm so excited!! And

where are most of them from....? Romania! Who knew I would be coming

to Italy to teach and love so many Romanians....?!?! But really, I do

love them!

A thought that Sorella Deem shared with me this week (who was

actually Sorella Swenson's MTC comp... just for an FYI) was about seeing

Sorella Deem

people as God sees them. She said that Sorella Dalton shared how when

she got set apart she got the gift to see people how God sees them

and really says that she does. She said that she saw people for who

they ARE and sees their LIGHT and doesn't pass any judgement. That's

something I'm really trying to do. Is see everyone as a child of God

who He loves! No matter who they are, where they are from, or what

they have done. Everyone deserves to feel that love and to be blessed

by the gospel.

I love this work and I love this gospel. :D

Vi voglio un Sacco di bene! E buona settimana!

Sorella Dixon

"Going out of our area to visit a member"

Web meetings with the mission president!!  Unique use of hymn books!
Sorella Dixon labeled this,
"We wanted a tall tv to webinar with President Dibb."

Sorella Dixon's Romanian friends whom she loves so much!

"On the weekend, Bologna Centro is so crowded
 they just close the streets to cars."

Yummy Filipino food

Just for you Jess! :)

Cute Companions!