NO TIME.Very sad because I have a whole week of incredible
things that are happening to tell you. I
am in RIMINI.
IT IS BEAUTIFUL. This is a side of Italy I have never SEEN the city is
soo pretty, fairly modern, hills, houses, NO HUGE APARTMENTS, normal size
streets, it is gorgeous. and WOW, it is FREEZING! SOOO cold. All of Italy for the next 10-15 days will be real cold,
some winds from russia
or something. Anywho. It is beautiful. WE ARE ON BIKES. and I couldn't be
happier riding my junkie boy bike around town. Riding a bike is so ideal.
Definitely the fastest mode of travel. And it is just plain GOOD FOR THE SOUL!
Gets the blood pumpin, rises your spirits instantly, SOO good, so nice. We look
ridiculous with our helmets and hoods over our helmets because it is freezing,
but I feel like a true warrior haha. SORELLA ARUME is an ALL STAR. She is so
great, works so hard, is such a good missionary, and is from my favorite island
in the world- Kauai. Couldn't be happier, we
are so blessed to be working together, its like having my best friend by my
side. We are in a branch that is I N C R E D I B L E. The members are SUPER
FORTE soo strong, strongest ever. I don't get how the wards just keep getting
better and better. They are so strong, so tight, and READY TO GROW. We are
getting referrals all over the place, we are in heaven. Plus they treat us like
queens because it has been 15 years since sorelle were here haha AHH I LOVE
THEM!!! WE HAVE WORK TO DO!!! we are teaching amazing people that the Lord has
lead us to, and a few the anziani left us with. We have a billion we still need
to contact and teach. we are determined to find the elect and baptize many. GOD
IS LEADING US, I have no doubt. I just pray I have the faith to see the
miracles come to pass that God has prepared us with. OK THATS ALL I HAVE TIME
FOR I AM SORRY I want to tell you so muchmore.Honestly we are so busy I havn't
even had a minute to think about the world this last week. THAT IS WHAT I HAVE
BEEN PRAYING FOR. I am losing myself in the work of the Lord, and it is the
best. I LOVE YOU
love
sorella simkins
Feb 8, 2012
So much SNOW. It is crazy. This week has been a strange one
that is forSURE! It just started dumping and snowed for like 5 days straight!!
Since halfour members live in like the mountains surrounding this city, lots
were closedin for days! These Italians don't know how to handle snow, it's
hilarious! Butneither does my comp since this is her first time in snow! haha
it is so cuteshe is so awesome. We just went out and kept working, frozen wet
feet andfaces, people felt bad for us but not bad enough to let us in hahaha.
We try.But many miracles did come to pass..like...CLAUDIA! oh MAN she is the
COOLEST Ican't believe we only had our first lesson with her last week. So a
member lastweek called us and said I have a referral for you, call her up. We
did andimmediately set an appointment. SHE IS out of control. So cool. 25 years
old, aphysical therapist, oneof her best friends growing up was a member and
always tried to get her tolisten to missionariesbut she never would but she has
always been curious. After lots of lifeexperiences, travels, heart breaks,
successes, she has been totally prepararedand the timing couldn't be more
perfect. So we had an awesome first lesson,then an even better second lesson
the next day, then Sunday church was cancelledbecause all the members were
snowed in, but there was a baptism that afternoonof our branch presidents son,
so we took claudia to that and the whole time shewas just like..are you
SERIOUS? you gotta be KIDDING ME! THIS IS INCREDIBLE. Doyou FEEL THAT? If I
feel this emotional I can't even immagine how the littleboy feels! She just
kept going on and on saying these things to me haha I wasjust LAUGHING of joy
it was SO AWESOME. The baptism was really amazing though,their family from southern
Italyall came, the talks and testimonies were so spiritual and inspired, the
ordinance was BEAUTIFUL, they don'thave a font, just a...portable one haha. it
was awesome though and the spiritwas suuuppperr strong, everyone in that little
room could feel it. After wetaught Claudia the plan of salvation. After we read
a bunch from 2 Nephi 2together..she looks up at us and says "..Do people
READ THIS BOOK??"I just started SMILING SO BIG, and said I KNOW, RIGHT???
SHE WAS JUST in TOTALSHOCK. Like COMPLETE shock. She just couldn't believe that
God's plan was soclearly written in this little chapter, and that the whole
world is confused,when it is ALL RIGHT THERE. She's like DUH!!! IT IS SO SIMPLE
and so clear!!The whole truth about Adam and Even just BLEW her out of the
water, she wasjust on the floor in shock, I was just LOVING life spazing out
with her becauseit is SO TRUE. it is so simple and so clear, the book of mormon
is so amazing,how is it even POSSIBLE that people don't read it? Anyways she
just LOVED theplan of salvation. She is like..this makes so much sense. It is
so logical. Itis so TRUE!Anddddd...of course, she set her baptism date for
March 3rd. She is sooooamazing. MAN I LOVE HER! She just gets it. I KNOW God
has children OVERLYprepared to receive the gospel, and Claudia is ONE OF THEM!
We still have LOTSto find though, at least 399 according to Elder Causse :). Oh
yeah, and youknow what Claudia's biggest concern is? How can I get my family
ready to followthe gospel as well? That is all she desires, just like Lehi
after he eats thefruit, the VERY first thing he desires is for his family to
come and eat it to.It happened JUST LIKE THAT. Right as Claudia is tasting this
delicious fruither FIRST thought, WAIT I need my family here toooo!!! Our lesson
with heryesterday she asked us to bring extra copies of the Book of Mormon to
give toher friends. ooohh MANsoo coool. She is so cool.
All this with Claudia, and all my companions prayers and
seeking forrevelation on how to get the members totally PUMPED to do missionary
work, hasmade me realize several thing. I know, I am a missionary, so what I'm
about tosay you might just smile and say oooh you missionary, but I am
serious.MISSIONARY WORK IS SO IMPORTANT. It is so KEY. Is it any coincidence
thatalmost all the members of the church are from the tribe of Ephraim? Is it
anycoincidence that all the Book of Mormon is about missionaries and
missionarywork? Missionary work needs to become a LIFESTYLE, we all need to be
foreverFINDING our brothers and sisters!! How is it that something SO precious
to us,something that makes the base of our very living, the center of our
LIVES, issomething that we are not sharing daily? Whether it be our example,
service,testimony, actions, anything, we need to share the gospel! Anyways I am
out oftime. I love you all. And I know we are all living way under our
potential. Ibelieve that if we put missionary work at a higher priority in our
life, a LOT of our problems would disappear. I am sure ofit.
I love you!
Love
Sorella Simkins
Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 20126:41 AM
Subject: ciaoo
Buon Dì!
Lots too write, but it is freeezing freezing cold in this
internetpoint and I can't feel my fingures which makes me not think very
straightsoo... this letter might just be me rambling for a bit. Try to
understand:)
MIRACLES!!
Claudia is a ROCK STAR we taught her the word of wisdom
yesterday andafter she just goes. I know that this is true. I will follow this.
But what amI supposed to drink other than white wine with a fish dinner!? Ha
she really isawesome. She lived vegan for 4 years so heck, I think she can do
anything. Sheis such a miracle, because the work has been pretty crazy and
unpredictablewith all this snow and cold weather! Some cities got over 6 feet!!
So to haveher close by, golden as can be, has been such a blessing. But the
miraclesdon't stop there! Hugemiracle
the other afternoon. We had plans in the morning to go contact thesetwo people
that we had passed doing casa a few weeks ago. My companion felt weshould go
pass them in the afternoon, so we did other finding in the morning,and went to
pass by the others after lunch. While trying to remember whichhouse it was,
another house caught my attention and it was as if a tiny sparkwent off in my
head and I just said wow..that house is really cool looking.Huh. And then we
kept trying to look for the other house. We found it, knocked,and the woman
wasn't interested after all and the other dude(who we had alesson with the
other week..so we rang his door bell, he lets us in, and hishouse is just SUPER
NICE and he is in a suit and just really professional wewere
like..huh..weird..we had a good lesson with him and were on our way. Cometo find
out (from his naighboors and other people) he is one of the top lawyersin the
city, very famous..haha hope we can keep teaching him, he was reallynice.
anyways) So we passed by him he was busy, so we headed down the street,stopped
and looked at each other.... Ok what do we do now? Where should wego.... We
asked each other. I said, "Well, I saw a cool house back there,lets go
knock." So we went back to the cool house, rang, were greated bythis Lady
who let us in. She was on the phone so she continued to talk on thephone for 10
minutes and we just waited. Then after she sat us down and we saidhi and before
we could even tell her who we were she just starts crying andtelling us how she
just found out a few days ago that her husband of 24 yearsis cheating on her.
We had a way spiritual discussion on her value in the eyesof God and how she is
His daughter, and how much He loves her and is listeningto her prayer. She just
cried and said she hasn't felt this good in days. Wetold her how we literally
were guided back here to her house by the spirit andshe just cried saying she
is so happy to have us and to learn from us. Shecan't wait to be healed by
Jesus Christ and His gospel, and we are going toteach her how!!! YAY!! We saw
Olivia from Ughanda today, MAN you would NEVERBELIEVE HER STORY, IT IS OUT OF
CONTROl! Out of control. She is from a littletribe. And like when she was 4,
her mother told her her real dad died. And theDad she had been growing up with
her whole life is really her step dad. And herstep dad started getting involved
with some freaky religious group. And lastyear tried to kill her as a
sacrifice. So her mom helped her escape, and told herthat her real dad really
is alive somewhere. And helped her flee to Italy. And thefirst thing she did
here was find the church because she rememberedmissionaries in her country and
her half brother is a member somewher inUghanda. Anyways teaching her we gotta
start from square one, but she isamazing and has such a strong spirit and we
LOVE her. Gosh she is sooincredible she's been through crazy things.
RIMINI
is cold right now but it is sunny and beautiful and thesnow is melting! I am
muddy because my bike doesn't have mud guards. Andwearing flowing skirts is not
a good idea on a bike in the cold with mud flying everywhere andslippery
streets. eek. IT IS SO WEIRD HERE...these catholic Italians...ACTUALLYBELIEVE
IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH! HA seriously I am like shocked this is totallynew for
me, in EVERY other cities nooo one believes in the catholic church,they said they
were only filled with old old people, but here people areactually really
believing. I gotta figure out how to best help these people seethe truth, it's
a whole new ball game!!
I learned some really cool thingsin my bom reading this
week, alma43 or something I think just learning more about the resurrection.
ahh I amoutta time. But, we really need to do all we can to change and better
ourselvesbecause we are going to get resurrected to whatever we are in the end,
and howloving is God that He fills our lives with opportunities and experiences
andtrials that make us grow and change and improve so in the end we can be
betterpeople. that is a tiny little summary of my thoughts but its all I have
timefor.
LOVE YOU
happy valentines day yesterday!
love
sorella simkins
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 20124:47 AM
Subject: forza
CIAO FAMILY
So I will start with an embarrassing story. Sunday I decided
to wearthese sweet boots I bought at the first of winter, even though I
completelywore them out in Genova and both the heels are kinda separating. But,
I'venever been one to care too much about my clothes, and on a mission it even
getsworse. HA bad move. After church our branch president and his wife (who are
theSWEETEST couple ever) called my comp and I in to his office, and was like,
whatare you doing wed morning? uh...that is our p-day we'll be doing email
andsuch, he is like. Sorella Ilaria will be picking you up in the morning to
takeyou shopping. You both need new shoes. This is our present to you from
thebranch. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH how EMBARRASSING I was like ooh my I promise
youdon't have to get us boots, we are completely capable of getting
ourselvesshoes. But nope! Ilaria came and picked us up this morning, and
sorella arumeand I both have some sweeeeett new boots! hahahaha. Che vergogna.
Oh well,gotta love Italy!!
All is going well. Sun is out, snow still melting, we are
working hard.Sunday was miraculous. So these random 3 people showed up at
church. They werehere in Riminifor a work conference, and one was a member. So
this member brought his 2colleges to all three hours of church with him. HOW
COOL IS HE. That seems likeno biggie, but seriously, what a good example, he
could have EASILY blown offchurch, but instead he came AND brought 2 colleges.
They were just two veryordinary women, mothers, etc. In the first hour they
were just confused inrelief society. Second, we taught the restorarion in
gospel principles and theywere just soo curious and just asking all sorts of
questions, it was suuucch agood class the members helped sooo much, but at the
end they were just bothwayy skeptical about modern day prophets and tutto. Then
sacrament meeting wasfast and testimony meeting. POWERFUL. Such a strong
spirit, such incredibletestimonies. I felt like I had to bear my testimony so I
got up there andlooked at the congregation and these two ladies were just in
TEARS! Literallycrying. The spirit had touched both of their hearts, tears
tears tears. I boremy testimony, sat down. Our investigator claudia, by the
way, AH so amazing justeating up EVERY single word, LOVING life loving the
spirit. After church thetwo women just came and hugged me they just really were
in shock, theyabsultely lovveeedd church and were totally moved. SOO COOL HOW
THE SPIRITCHANGES PEOPLES HEARTS!! It is just amazing!!!!! AHH I love this
church!! Thenthe rest of the day God just spoiled me because it was my birthday
with lots oflessons, and even a DELICOUS hazelnut cake at the end of the day. I
don't knowwhat it is about rimini,but
I have never met so many cooks in my life! Like professional CHEFS. Ourbranch
pres, several members, and now our new investigator is a well knownchef. We are
eating some good food. Hmm what else. Lots of funny experiencedoing casa this
week. I loved your email Hermana Kime because I feel the sameway, these weeks
in particular, it is just NUTS how many believing catholics wehave met. This
week this guy when we asked if we could make an appointment hewas like OOOHH
you better not come over, I will have you converted to my religionin seconds.
HA I was like sweet let us come over! No, no no..I don't want toruin such
innocent little minds like yours with the truth of this world. Ohwell. This
city is so different for me. I am so used to being on a bus or metroall the
time making appointments with people left and right. Here it is verydifferent
but we are figuring it out, and being blessed along the way. I'vebeen pondering
what we talked about at training last week. They showing thisreally beautiful
picture of a boy sitting on a bench, modern day, and Jesus sitting across from
him. It is a powerful picture. I just picturedmyself in both positions. I am in
the position of the boy always, living off ofthe worlds of Christ, always
searching His counsel, guidance, love and care.But as a missionary I have to
take the spot as Jesus, a role impossible to fillbut my calling for a year and
a half. What would Jesus say to that boy? Whatwould Jesus tell each individual
we talk to daily? He loves these people somuch. He has just the thing that will
heal them, purify them, uplift them,LIBERATE them... and that thing is His
gospel. I think Jesus Christ would haveshared the Book of Mormon with that boy.
Jesus can't sit on that bench forever,but the Book of Mormon can stay in that
boys hands forever. How blessed we areto have the Book of Mormon. What a
precious book.
I am thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I
know it istrue. I love it, I strive to live it, and am doing my best to share
it.
LOVE YOU ALL
thank you for your prayer and support, I really do love you!
Love
Sorella Simkins
Sent: Wednesday, February 29, 20127:23 AM
Subject: ciao tuttti
HI!
Let me tell you about my beautiful PDAY today.
We woke up nice and early. Jumped on the bikes. Headed to
thebeach...and ran in the sand for over an hour, under a BEAUTIFUL sunrise! AHH
mysoul. It was glorious. Then we just took our time, did our shopping,
cleanedour house, did our studies..man mission life REALLY is the best life
there is.the BEST!!!! I am in heaven.
And this week has been miraculous! We have baptism dates for
Marlon andAlan these AWESOME boys who are so stinkin smart and way cool. In
Genova Godblessed us to be able to fill up the YW, here we're fillin up the
YMens. Fridaywe had an exchange that changed the tone of this whole transfer!
It was SOOOgood, I exchanged with Sorella Laratro a super awesome Italian
sister fromPuglia and she just tore up the town, she is super bold and super
passionate,infact our first lesson together for a split second I was like...is
shepretending because she was teaching so dramatically, but then you just
feelthis SPIRIT that radiates from her. All our lessons were super powerful and
Ilearned SOO much from her. The exchange was very inspired, it helped my
compand I a lot. Plus we saw tons of miracles, we taught 5 less active families
whoare all incredible and found 2 new investigators. Saturday we found this
waaayysweet lady from Madagascarwho is super faithful and almost cried when we
gave her the Book of Mormonbecause she has been wanting more word of God for
such a lot time. Church wasamazing, I swear every single lesson and talk was
all prepared personally forour investigator Claudia. It was like EVERY single
word was just for her, justfor her needs. She was just eating it up. She is
soooo ready, so awesome, butwon't be baptized this saturday on her date because
she is determined to haveher parents come and they FREAKED OUT when she told
them. It went very bad. Sowe are in a sticky situation, not wanted to push her
but help her understandthe importance and how this will bless her family. But
we're just praying andtrusting that she will get her response on the date. Sooo
all these srilankians just erupted in a fight in this internet cafe it just got
realllllyyyscary in here. EEEK bad spirit. haha oh man. Last night was transfer
calls! Iam staying here with Sorella Arume. We already felt it, we are super
happy. Thework is REALLY picking up, the potential is just BURSTING at the
seems, we'llbe seeing fruits in NO TIME.
In my BOM reading I am to the end of Alma and I just gotta tell you how emotionalI
get reading these war stories hahaha! About the stripling warriars and justthe
LOVE Helaman has for them and Moroniand especially the Lord. Other than being a
great story, the things we canLEARN by really applying them to our own
lives...it is just SO super inspiring.We can find the answer to ANY of our problems in these chapters. I mean,after
all, we are all in war every day with the adversario. Sometimes I will
bereading and it will just hit me so hard WOW these stories are REAL this
allreally happened yeaarrssss ago, and I just get so excited because
thescriptures are soo good. WE ARE SO BLESSED! Whelp all our other
investigatorsare doing very well. Pray hard for claudia. I will attach some
picturesnow.
I don't remember if I already sent you pictures of Keyla and
Rosa and their baptism, so I put those on, and
the othersare of the snow and our morning jogs in this beautiful cityyyyY!! And
one whereI went rock climbing.baaaa jk. While I am waiting for these to upload
some funfacts. The owner of this internet cafe is from sri lanka and
he looks JUST LIKEone of my friends from home. ha its weird. OPE done here they
come.
Love
Sorella Simkins
Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 20124:55 AM
Subject: ohhPEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
That is what I feel like EVERYDAY just like screaming! and
98% of thetime it is because of JOY. I have to get right to miracles because
they aremind blowing. Actually one thing before miracles.....ROMINA POWER..OH
MY GASHeveryDAY someone tells me I look exactly like young Romina Power. I don'teven know what she looks like but
seriously every other day this last week anew person told me I look like Romina
Power. Bo. Anywho MIRACLES.
GUESS WHO WE RAN INTO LAST P DAY! SLETVANA!! ahahahAHAHAH
YESS! The onethat lived in Genova then moved to Riminiand then moved back and
we taught her then because of some sad situations losther..well we were just
cruisin through centro on our bikes and I see her and Ijust jumped off my bike
and hugged her. She moved back here to find work!!! What a MIRACLE!! OOhh man
Ilove this woman, PRAY for her pray pray pray. She is so awesome, she read
thebook of mormon in a WEEK but is scared. I'm excited to see the rest of thismiracle
unravel with her though, she is so special.
We were riding home on our bikes from an appointment and out
of nowhere it felt like something hit my on my leg. I braked, pulled over to
look around. And we pulled over right in frontof a fruit stand so I just
thought hmm maybe this is a sign so I startedtalking to the owner. She is this
young mom really nice from Cuba
and is nowour investigator. COOL!
We are currently teaching three woman who are store owners.
I don'tknow how this happened ha but they are all awesome 2 are progressing.
Let mejust tell you real fast our
investigators we have a Brazil,
Cuba,Madagascar, Ughanda,
Ukraine, Ecuador, Nigeria, and lots of ITALIAN.
HAHAHA I'min the coolest mission in the world HUH! They are all so great, Noeline
fromMadagascar was just blown away by the Joseph Smith story and his testimony,
sheis praying for a date, Oliva from Ughanda has had 2 revelatory dreams about
thebook of mormon and did I tell you before we even finished teaching the
wholeplan of salvation she had a dream of her dead sister who told her she
wants togo to the celestial kingdom. Oliva is like..I don't understant these
dreams.SHE doesn't even understand these DREAMS but my companion and I were
justsqueaaaling of amazement almost bursting to tell her but gotta go calm
andcollected and speak broken pigeon english so she can understand haaa OH MAN
I LOVE THIS. THEN!!!
Our ward mission leader is the BOMB he is out of control,
got calledright before we got here so he is just fresh fired up and pumped to
do work. Heinvited his friend to church who we are now teaching and who is OUT
OF CONTROL just GOLDEN ready toget baptized we were like WHAT where were you
hiding this guy!!! He is soooawesome and understands everything and in his
prayer last night he is likeFather please lead these sisters to find more of
your children so they canexplain to them your real plan so they can know too.
We just started teachinghim last week and he is like I have been happy all week
and I don't even knowwhy. I'm even singing in the car and I just don't know
why! ahhhhh the GOSPELchanges people I know you hear that everyday but it is so
true!!! IT CHANGESPEOPLE. changes them. it blows my mind everytime. the way
they think. react.pray. respond. EVERYTHING it changes people into BETTER
PEOPLE like magicpower, share it share it share it!!!
OH MY I am out of
time and I have 100000 more miracles to go!Luisa! our first lesson she asked US
WHEN SHE COULD GET BAPTIZED. YESTERDAY onthe street daniella this RANDOM LADY
who is super funny we said CIAO to herlike to everyone and she is like who are
you? we said missionaries and told her we have amessage for her and she said ok
lets go to that cafè so you can tell me thismessage so she bought us some juice
and we taught her the restoration and sheis PUMPED. SO COOL.
OK BASTA I can't write anymore even though there is so
much more,just KNOW that HARD WORK
DILIGENCE AND SOO MUCH OBEDIENCE brings MIRACLES!!!!SO many miracles. so so so
many. even though sometimes you gotta wait a little,just keep enduring and BAM
we are being drowned in blessings, I just sayeveryday THANK GOODNESS THIS IS
THE LORDS WORK because I have no idea how to doit! I don't know how to organize
it! its all HIS so I just keep going and itgets DONE!
I am never coming home!
Love
SOrella SImkins
Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 20123:37 AM
Subject: HOLA
Ciao fam and frens
Mmmmm I just feel so good and happy right now. And very
peaceful. Notthe screaming feeling this morning, more of the grateful calm
feeling haha.This week has been really great, we are seeing a lot of
progression in someinvestigators, a lot less in others, some that have fallen
off the face of theearth, others found...just a usual week in the mission
field! I will shareabout our dear Claudia. So for 4 of 5 weeks she was just
moving like a trainfull speed then two weeks ago just SLAMMED on the brakes. It
just left us withworry and sick feelings in our stomachs as she was crumbling
under some trialsand the worrssstt bombings from the world. She never stopped
reading the bookof mormon or praying, she even went to institute, but she
didn't make time to seeus and didn't come to church. So we just kept praying
fasting doing all wecould, hoping the most. And finally sunday we were able to
see her! and shejust dumbed out ALLLLL her doubts onto us, which some were
ridiculous but mostwere very understandable. We just taught about faith and had
a short spirituallesson and after she just sighs real big ahhh. I feel better.
I always feelbetter in church, it's when I go back into the world that I am
trampled. We sawher again last night and just had...the most sacred experience.
It was usthree, sitting around her kitchen table, and we had a lesson only
about JesusChrist. The kitchen transformed into a little corner of Heaven, the
spirit wasalmost tangible. At one point while we were sharing an experience she
goeswow...I just felt something very strong..something that makes me want to cryand
laugh all the same time. We testified that that was the spirit of the
Lord,talking straight to her heart. And then we went right to Alma 34 and read a few versus and then Ithink
verse 38 saying not to lottare contro lo spirito..ummm not to fightagainst the
spirit or anymore and take upon ourselves the name of Christ etc.It was just
perfect, we read that and just sat in silence, and the spirit wasjust working
double time on her. It was incredible....seriously INCREDIBLE tosee how a touch
from the spirit that strong on someones heart can completelyremove all doubt
and fill them up with faith. That is EXACTLY what happened. Itwas like every
single problem was cast out and all that remained was peace andfaith and
determination. It was a lesson I will never forget, I am just sothankful!!
Claudia is so super special I love her. Our other investigators arejust pushin
along. Alan and Marlon are just on fire, can't WAIT to get baptizednext week.
They are super stars, and are going to be EXCELLENT missionaries,they just have
no fear and in few weeks have just grown to LOVE the gospel andLOVE to pray and
read the scriptures and absolutely LOVE going to church!! ITIS AMAZING! I want
to come back when this family goes through the temple, ahhthey are such amazing
people. I have never seen a family so full of love, notkidding. They are such
good kids, and such loving parents. They are a greatexample to me, and nothing
brings me more joy than see them be reactivated andcome back to the Lord,
living His gospel. Pretty soon this
family willhave three priesthood holders! How cool is that!!!! Man, the gospel
ismiraculous. Our biggest fear at the first was that they had their soccer
gameson sunday. Now Alan is out for a year because his knees are at risk, and
Marlonhas satuday games. Haha what a huge blessing!!
Well. The work is going so good. Italy is beautiful, this city
isbeautiful. We had an hour run on the beach this morning. God's creations
aremind blowing. He is the great designer, the best artist. Hahahahaha I know I
ama missionary when my heart swells with gratitude even just cutting
upvegetables hahahahaha I was cutting up bell pepers and I was just like THIS
VEGETABLEis BEAUTIFUL! Looks at the beautiful colors!!!!! And then cutting up
onions andgarlic...I was just like MMMMMMM how did God think of this stuff? It
smellsSOOOoooooo good!! haha. His creations are beautiful. This world
isperfect.
I think that is all for now. Love you so much. Be good and
enjoy thebeautiful of life.
Love
Sorella Simkins
Sent: Friday, March 23, 2012 9:00AM
Subject: surprise!
I just leaned over to my companion and asked, how do you
spellsurprise? and she goes...I think it has two Ps....or wait, isn't it with
anS-O-? HA our english is a JOKE! and teaching english class is hilarious
becausewe can't spell and we now translate english phrases from Italian..so
prettymuch we are teaching these Italians some horrible english. Ahhhwell.
Anywhoo!!!!! Happy day. P-day we went to....FIRENZE!Florence. For atraining
meeting. It was our lucky day, Elder Allen from the 70 just happenedto be in
town and President Ludsvardi who is over...all the visiter centers andvisiter
sites of the church all over the world! So we got to hear from both ofthem and
they both just blew our minds!!! Pres Ludsvardi told us some awesomeinfo about
the visiter center for the Rometemple, that it will have a Cristis like at
temple square. He told us aboutthat original statue in...DenmarkI believe. And
along with that..there will be exact coppies of the statues ofthe original 12
apostles that are also found in Denmark.
All made with the exactsame marble as the originals that you find right here in
Italy.
SOOOCOOL huh! He said that Pres Monson said to them "I don't want this to
beany old dinky visiter center..!" haha and it really sounds like it
isgoing to be amazing. So start saving your money people, come to Italy!!!
This week was miraculous. I don't even know where to start.
The Bazanfamily has just planted themselves right in the depths of my heart.
Let me makea long story short Marlonand
Monica Bazan, beautiful parents to two amazing boys Alan and Marlon Jr.They
have been inactive for over 10 years. Our second day in Rimini we made an appointment with them
andour 3rd day had our first lesson. Their testimonies were almost non
existant.But they knew they were missing the spirit and wanted to change. Alan
andMarlon are smart amazing boys, but they were never baptized and had only
beento church a few times in their whole lives. Now, 2 months later= Marlon
andMonica reactivated. WITH FIRM TESTIMONIES! Marlon received the PRIESTHOOD
lastSunday! Alan and Marlon Jr. are being baptized SUNDAY!! They too have
strongtestimonies, have been going to Mutual every week and can't wait to be
members!And yesterday...we had our first lesson with Paola, Marlon's sister!
SHE ISAMAZING. One of the most honest, pure, sincere people I have ever met
withEXCELLENT standards and really just a buona persona with a heart of Gold.
Shewants to know if this church is true so she and her daughter can join. We
arewatching the unfolding of a LARGE ETERNAL FAMILY right before our eyes. I am
soTHANKFUL! I love these people and am constantly blown away by how much
theGospel of Jesus Christ CHANGES LIVES. People. Families. EVERYONE. Luisa
readall of the gospel principle book inbetween our last visit. I don't know how
shegot her hands on that book haha but I don't blame her, growing up in the
darkyour whole life then finding that book is like strinking a gold mine. She
isworking hard for the 14th. She just has PURE DESIRE to leave her sins
behindand follow Christ. She KNOWS that is where happiness comes from. She just
seesit SO CLEAR I wish others would see the vision that clear! It is the true!!
Whydo we fight so hard against it? Why would we ever search for happiness in
theworld or on our own, when God is the fountain of pure happiness? I am
startinga list called doctines of the world. I see that the doctines of the
world arethe exact same that we read in the book of mormon of all the
unbelievers. Butthe one I have heard the most this week is: we ask, "How
can one know thetruth?" and common person responds "No one can know
the truth,everyone has their own truth."
I think Italian Youth are the mostconfused youth in the whole world. It
is heart breaking. We are teaching Kenza,mother Muslem, father Catholic. She
claims to be athiest but loves the "philosophies" of Jesus Christ.
She is soo bright, but soconfused, so we are just working our way to her heart.
Sun is shining, we are happy, andI am out of time! Sorry
this was a little confusing haha.
Love
Sorella Simkins
ps Ali Anderson I don't rememberif you are on this list, but
if you read this, you have some good news to tellme! Write me a letter or an email
via gramsci 13/4
20090 opera milano
Italia
Love you!
Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 20122:19 AM
Subject: buonnnngioorrrnooo
Ciao amici
It is a beautiful day here in Rimini.Sun is shining, we had
another nice run on the beach this morning...missionlife is GOOD! This week has
been jam packed with goodness. I forgot my plannerthis morning and missionaries
without planners = lost but I will tell you themiracles.
LA FAMIGLIA BAZAN ohh my heart has never soared as high as
it didSunday to see this beautiful family arrive to church, nice and early,
threebeautiful Brethren (Father and two sons) dressed in new suits, white
shirts,ties, and new shoes. That is what I call commitment! ha but seriously
theylooked beautiful they were just glowing with joy. Sister Bazan looked great
andjust had tears in her eyes all day. The baptism was amazing. This ward is
outof control, so supportive, everyone was there. Talks good, then thebaptism...just
beautiful. The boys came out of the water with the HUGEST SMILESthey were just
GLOWING! SOOOO HAPPY. At the end of the service they went up andbore their
testimonies and I just nearly cried, Alan goes...I know this churchis true
because I am changing into a better person. When I make mistakes I havethe
desire to repent and fix them. I can feel myself changing inside. I knowthat
baptism is true because I am FELICISSIMO which is SUPER HAPPY and man youcould
just see it I have never seen him smile so big, ear to EAR, just shining.Marlon
gets up and he says I know this church is true because the first nightwhen the
Sorelle asked me to kneel down and pray and ask God if Joseph Smith isa true
prophet I did and I felt something that I had never felt before. I tooam
changing, and I know baptism is true because I feel sooooo happy and I
lovechurch more and more everytime I go. These boys!! These beautiful boys! Who
atthe first we had no idea how they'd even be able to make it to church, and
nowtheir family is activated. WHat JOY. Monday we did a FHE and in the
prayerMarlon is like "I can't wait to share your gospel with everyone I
know andas a future missionary" I just smiled so big. They can't wait to
go onmissions. AHH! I love this family. Paola the sister who we are now
teachingloved EVERYTHING and can't wait to keep learning. SO COOL!
Claudia went to Londonfor a week but is getting back today
and we will be seeing her. I am sureeverything went well, she stayed with a
best friend's family and they are a family of missionaries so I am sure she had
some good experiences. Wewill find out later today!
Luisa is awesome, she LOVEDthe baptism, she just gave us a
HUGE HUG after and was like ahhhhh!!! What isthis!!!!
We have had some amazing training in these last few weeks on
how tojust BLOW this work out of the water, and I know everything we learned is
true.And what is the secret? There is no secret. It is ALL IN PREACH MY GOSPEL.
Iwill tell you the story Elder Allan from the 70 told us. He was getting droppedoff
at the airport by these missionaries. One companion was in the back seatjust
sleeping. The other was just driving silently, not looking so happy. Sohere
Elder Allan is just thinking ohhhh man I have ten minutes with these boys,ten
little minutes, what should I do what should I say, he could just see thatthey
were miserable and wanted to help them! About 4 minutes from the airport
athought came into his head. He says...elder..If I could tell you one thing
youcan do to tripple your future income, would you do it? Suddenly the
missionarywas all ears, yes of course! He says...study CHAPTER 8 of PREACH MY
GOSPEL andfollow every instruction exactly. Then he got outof the car and caughthis plane. THe missionary called Elder Allan 8 months later and said thanks,that that advice had completely changed his mission. We have so much potentialpower as missionaries, and everyone
really, we have SO MUCH power just waiting to be released. Withinspired
PLANNING and specific GOAL MAKING and putting in the not 90%,but thelast 10% of
our efforts,that is when the miracles poor down upon our heads. We learned how
to plan inthese trainings, weekly and daily, and the things we learned are soo
good andsoo inspired, and really, they are all just from preach my gospel. That
book isamazing, I will study it the rest of my life. It is a book made by the
best ofthe best, inspired from God, made to convert ME and teach ME what the
gospel isand God's plan for me. Ahh I love it.
So much more to share, no time. I loveeeee being a missionary.
I lovethe Spirit. I know God and Christ live and I know this is the true church
onthe earth. Hearing the philosophies of man all day can get tiring and makes
mejust want to shout at the top of my lungs the truth at everyone, but it
willnever work that way:) Bear testimony, BEAR TRUTH, and the spirit will do
therest. Trust in that spirit to touch the hearts of those around you, trust
inpower of the atonement of Jesus Christ to change them. I LOVE YOU!
Love
Sorella Simkins
Sent: Wednesday, April 04, 20126:35 AM
Subject: this will be a shorty
Hello everyone!
It is a overcast day here in Rimini,but still beautiful as always. We have
had a relaxing P-day so far, justrecovering from all our traveling this week!
Conference weekend was incredible,I felt like I was 5 feet off the ground for
two days because I was so full ofthe spirit. We are so blessed I just can't
handle it, LIVE PROPHETS ANDAPOSTLES that give us messages right from GOD! The
formula for success is soeasy = obey the prophets words and be blessed and
happy! So easy, so simple,sooo misunderstood by so many. But it was beautiful
we had... 7 investigatorsshow up and we were soo happy they all loved every
second. How could you not, Imean the talks were SO SO GOOD! Oooo I can't wait
for the ensign, sad thingabout the time change is we miss the last session.
Anywhoo. Then Monday andTuesday we did blitz in Firenze,
with thesorelle there. So for two days I enjoyed beautiful Florence and we
taught a lotof sweet people and saw several miracles, one of which we ran into
a lessactive who is amazing and told us for the last few months she has really
beenwanting to come back and start from the top, repenting and reactivating.
Shehas been wishy washy but said that running into us is a sign and that she
isready to come back. So was rock solid for 10 years, temple and everything,
butgot lost around 3 of 4 years ago. Miracles like that are my favorite, it
justreminds me everyday that GOD DOES NOT FORGET THE COVENANTS He makes with
Hischildren. EVER! It is a tender mercy every time we find an inactive member.
Iserved with Sorella Smith from Spanish Fork she is a pretty amazing sister.
Ilearned lots and am just so thankful for the atonement of Jesus Christ.
Itmeans so much more than just being forgiven from our sins. The power of
theatonement is infinite, and everyone needs to be baptized to have access.
Wehave so much work to do brothers and sisters! And it is exciting.
I am happy, my companion is happy, the work is going well,
our investigatorsare awesome, I will give you a big update on them next week.
For now....
Arrivederci, vi voglio bene, BACIONE!
Sorella Simkins
From: Laurel Simkins[mailto:laurel.simkins@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 20123:11 AMSubject: ciao
HI!
What a beautiful day. and week. real fast I will tell you
ALL!
Long story short about an amazing family that we are now
working with.6 years ago, the adversary snuck into the lives of this beautiful
family offour, lots of pain and suffering was caused, separation, and divorce.
Parentsstopped going to church, and of course the little kids as well. Now the
Mom isstarting to come back to church with her new companion and they are
amazingpeople, but the biggest blessing is that we are now teaching the
daughter, now16, named Elena...and OOHHH people I can't even explain the joy in
my heart. Ifeel like I have found a long lost friend. She is just BEAUTIFUL. So
smart. Hasnever lost her faith in God
ever. We just started from the top, talkedabout God, about Christ, about their
beautiful plan for us, a bit of history, andthe restoration, and the book of
mormon, and she was just blown away she waslike FINALLY it ALL MAKES SENSE I
knew this stuff but I had forgotten and nowit feel so good to know again! She
prayed at the end and got super emotionaland after I was like how do you feel?
And she was just bubblingover...."Miii ss s s ssentoo strano!" I feel
strange hahaha. She wassmiling ear to ear. Instantly I feel like this bond was
created between us.Besides the fact that she is a huge soccer player, and that
makes me happy, Ijust love her and care for her and can feel that God has big
plans for her. Wehad our second lesson yesterday and taught her the plan of salvation.
We talkedforever after she dropped us off at our next lesson. She just reminds
me somuch of young me. sooo much. I hope she goes on a mission someday!! Her
mom isoverjoyed that her daughter is coming back to church, and I know sooner
thanlatter she will marry her boyfriend, be rebaptized and her husband as well,
anda temple marriage in the future! Families go through tough stuff, this is
true,but the redeeming love of Christ is ALWAYS more powerful and always so
mercifuland forgiving, this family can will be saved!!!!!! JOY! The bazan familyis doing awesome, boys get
the priesthood this weekend. Saturday my comp gotsick and for the first time in
my whole mission I had to stay INSIDE because mycomp was sick! IT WAS SO WEIRD.
but so beautiful because I just studied ALL DAYLONG seriously, I studied for 13
hours straight, it was so enlightening and sooamazing, I learned SO MUCH and
received so much revelation plus it was saturdaybefore fast sunday so that just
boosted the spiritual power through the roof. Iread a ton of the book of mormon
manuel, it is SOO INTERESTING how did I neverREAD this stuff HA what have I
been doing my whole life. I learned a ton aboutfasting and about faith OOOOHH I
am just excited. I had the best experiencefasting after studying all about
fasting and have never been so aware of theresults and received such a clear
answer. For the first time I just feel soooso grateful that we have the
opportunity to FAST, it is another strong toolthat Heavenly Father has given us
to receive his help and power. COOL. Sunday was one ofthe best fast and
testimony meetings, little 14 year old Tim, the young men"class
clown" kinda guy, just a sweetheart and makes everyone laughall the time.
Anyways, he just bore the most sincere heartfelt testimony I haveEVER ever in
my life heard a 14 year old boy bear. He talked about how his lifewas turning
into a mess and he couldn't figure out why. He went and talked tohis dad and
they had a good long talk. After he said "I didn't realizethat I was
"faccendo male al Signore, non leggendo le Sue scritture ognigiorni e
pregando con sincerita" I wrote it in italian because the way hesaid it
was so perfect, it means "I didn't realize I was doing wrong tothe Lord by
not reading his scriptures and praying sincerely every day."WRONGING the
Lord by neglecting His scriptures. What a smart young MAN! He thenbore
testimony of his first real experience with the power of repentance. Andbore
testimony how his life has greatly improved, that he is getting along
witheveryone, and that he is even doing better in school. He has read
thescriptures everyday and made the effort to better his prayers. AH it was
such agood testimony, so inspiring. My other favorite part was little deby!
Beautiful TINY TINY deby, she is10, my absolute favorite primary child in the
whole wide world. She is halfindonesian half italian, and the tiniest thing.
She was sitting next to me andI nudged her and said deby, your turn to go bear
testimony! She just looks uplike so suprised, REALLY?? Should I?? What do I
SAY! and I just gave her thebasics and smilied and told her go for it! So she
stands up, walks up the isle,stands behind the pulpit, everyone smilied and
laughed because you couldn'teven see her. The pres got the little stool, she
stood up, and bore hertestimony. OOhh my heart just soared. This beautiful
little girl has a speechimediment but the spirit touched all our hearts, her
smile has permantly warmedmy insides. I will never forget that smile, and her
just beaming as she walkedback to her seat, everyone patting her on the back,
and then, the best part,her dad who was sitting a few rows ahead of us, turning
back with shining eyes,BRAVA DEBY, BRAVA!!!! AWWW!!! The gospel. Family.
amazing. Then monday we had alesson with Aurora, one of those golden investigators
that finds US. She isbrilliant and through honest sincere study her whole life
has received MANYtruths from God, and when we taught the restoration she
immediatly accepted abaptismal invite and said she would read the whole book of
mormon this weekhaha. Olivia brought a friend to church sunday and after they
both said theywant to be baptized. We were early to an appointment last week
and just decidedto talk to this random guy on the street before we went into
our appointmentand he is athiest but made a return appointment with us, so
anyways last nightwe taught him and it went amazing, probably the most spirit
lead unified lessonmy comp and I have taught together, well there have been
many, but this onejust felt so good, anyways so now we have him as a new
investigator pumped toread the book of mormon and before you know it this
athiest will find God. Thenwe got a call from the president who told us...dun
dun dun...that sorella arumeis training a newbie!!! and that I have to leave
beautiful Rimini Bergamo
Well that is my update. Italyis great. I will miss the
pizza, it is seriously so good I think I could eat iteverday. If I weight 200
pounds when I get home can I still get married? HahaI'll tell sorella Arume to
find me some big hawaiian :)
LOVE YOU!
Lovesorella simkins
From: Laurel Simkins[mailto:laurel.simkins@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 20124:13 AMSubject: BUONGIORNO
Hello!
HOW IS everyone? Things are soo great here. We have seen SO
manymiracles, eaten SO much food, seen a few beautiful rain storms and
beautifulsun sets, have been to Modena, will be going to a funeral today..lots
of thingshappening. I will just jump right in.
Our dear lovely Grazia is doing well, she has really good
ups and thenreally bad downs. Poor thing she is suffering so much. Claudia is
awesome, sheis a solid member but needs a titch more courage and faith so she
can set adate and get baptized. We are praying so hard and doing everything we
can, Iknow the Lord will come through and she will be baptized soon. She really
isamazing and loves every second of anything that has to do with the gospel
orchurch. She is most scared of enduring to the end, she says it is her
characterto go forward like a train then crash. She doesn't believe us when we
sayCLAUDIA we aren't PERFECT we crash every other day!!!! Anyways we will see
hertonight and have a beautiful lesson about what perseverance really means.
Prayfor her!!!! I feel peace in my soul, I know everything will go just how it
issupposed to. We started teaching an Italian buddist family last week that
livesin San Marino San Marino the 6th of
April, our one year markin Italy
I LOVE YOU!
be good. PRAY ever so sincerely. And see the miracles as God
answersyour prayers!Don't forget to thank Him!
Love
Sorella Simkins
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