5th Week in Genoa

Dear Family,

Sorella McFadden is a big Gem! She places a sticky note and a chocolate on my desk every morning. On the note she has written a simple compliment that builds me up, such as, "You follow the Spirit." or "You are a teacher." Throughout the day she serves me in a lot of other thoughtful ways. I am so grateful for her love for me and for her selflessness.

Member referral/finding miracle:

 Right after hopping on the last bus home, a beautiful woman turned her head and smiled at us. Immediately we began talking to her about her greatest desires and bore testimony of the restored gospel. Within two minutes we had talked, set up an appointment at her home and exchanged contact information. The bus halted to a stop in front of our home and we got off just in time. I felt really excited to meet Nataly again. Though we had not talked for long, there was something special about her.

Upon teaching her and her husband at their house, we discovered how much the Lord had prepared them to be interested in the restored gospel. There was no doubt that He had prepared a way for us to meet on the bus. Her husband Stalin met us at the door and gave us a warm welcome. We brought an amazing sister in our ward who has recently returned home from her mission. She made all the difference in befriending, bearing personal testimony, and making this couple feel comfortable to talk to us.
   
As we talked with Stalin and Nataly they told us about the friends and family they know who are church members. His cousin served a mission, and her best friend is a member in our ward...click! Sorella McFadden said, "Oh my goodness! You are THAT Nataly. Giovanna (the member in our ward) always wanted us to meet you but she was always too busy to show us where you lived. She just moved two weeks ago and I thought we had lost that opportunity to contact you. This is amazing!"

We were all happy because we knew that the Lord had wanted us to meet, and even though Giovanna had moved and never given us that referral, we met Nataly anyway. Both Stalin and Nataly expressed their desire to become closer to Christ and to fill a spiritual gap they feel in their lives. Stalin already has a copy of the Book of Mormon which a former missionary gave to him. When we challenged them to read the Book of Mormon for 15 minutes every day Stalin said, "No I can't do that..I want to read more so that I can understand it." Sorella McFadden and I laughed because we were happy and said, "Then go ahead and read more, by all means."

Needless to say, this beautiful couple has a lot of potential. The Lord has done much to guide them to Him thus far, and will continue to bless them according to their commitment and desire. They are amazing new investigators!

Yesterday we had interviews with President Wolfgramm and were instructed by our mission leaders. I especially loved the teachings of President and Sorella Wolfgramm. They told us that their personal desire/theme is to help, "...have the mission go through us" rather than to go through the motions of missionary work-- to let the principles we learn become a part of us. The outcome: to let our efforts purify and sanctify us forever. Sorella Wolfgramm talked about a principle taught by Steven Covey- letting our inner core be focused on Christ. As we strive to become like Him, to think about Him, our motivation to serve and work will grow. When we do the things we do every day with the purpose to follow Christ, we become more proactive, positive and confident. Anway, their words were so inspiring and changed my life.

Love, Sorella Oakes