Freedom don't come free.

I'm taking a Middle East class this summer and my teacher sent me this article a couple of days ago. It really resounded with me so, here it is.

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From: Sean Cannon [mailer@brainhoney.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 03, 2011 11:27 AM
Subject: FDINT 203

Students,

On the eve of our celebration of the declaration of American independence, it is worth taking pause from the festivities to realize that others in the world are fighting as hard for their freedom as our forefathers did 235 years ago.

 

Happy 4th!

Brother Cannon

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Syrian youth, families pay the price of freedom

By Nazir al-Abdo Los Angeles Times
 Sunday, July 3, 2011

My older brother, Bashir, 26, is one of the thousands of people who have been detained by Bashar Assad's regime in recent weeks.

At first, we didn't know what had happened to him. He and two friends had been missing since they went to the northern city of Jisr al-Shoughur on June 10 to film secretly the protests and the army crackdown there. Then, last week, I was watching Syrian state television when my brother suddenly came on the screen. A caption underneath his image said he had confessed to subversive activities.
Bashir, an economics student at the University of Latakiya, is neither very religious nor very liberal. Like most people in Syria, my brother and I were careful to stay away from political activity. The secret police watch everyone, and they can twist the most mundane statements and actions into evidence of subversive activity. Even growing a short beard might prompt the secret police to report: "His beard is now one centimeter long." This would be presented as evidence of Islamist extremism.

When the protests began, Bashir decided to start filming the ones in our area and posting the footage on YouTube and other channels so people outside the country would know what was happening. Our parents were very opposed and warned Bashir that he could be imprisoned.

But Bashir defied them. He saw the possibility of living a free life, without the constant fear of arrest or worse.

He tried to explain that to my parents. "Now is the time for change," he said. "I don't want my children one day to live under this regime."

He had watched what happened in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya, and he felt that this was the moment for Syria too.
It took a lot of courage to do what Bashir did. Taking out his cellphone and filming in public made it almost certain that observers would inform on him. I admired that courage but didn't dare to do the same.

Then, about a month ago, I was writing my university exams when I received a call from Bashir. I said I couldn't talk, but he interrupted me: "Leave right away. They have found out my name, and they will come for you as well."

I got up and left, and since then I have lived on the run. I also have joined the struggle for Syria's freedom.

Earlier this month, Bashir and I finally saw each other in a camp on the Syrian-Turkish border. We talked deep into the night about our work, our hopes that the protests would succeed and how terrified we were. Very early the next morning, he got up and left to film with his friends.
When he disappeared, I assumed he was in hiding, as it is often difficult for young men to move around with all the checkpoints. But as the days went on, even as I told my parents not to be alarmed, I became increasingly worried that he had been arrested.
When he appeared on Syrian state television, I grew dizzy. We were in a room full of activists, and I broke down in tears. Everyone knows that when people appear on state television in Syria to make "confessions," they have been brutally tortured and forced to lie.
One of the friends he disappeared with was also on the television "confessing." Bashir and his friend looked drugged and tired. They named many of the other activists, and as I looked around the room I could see faces cloud over with worry for themselves and their families. Syria's security services regularly detain family members to pressure activists to turn themselves in. It is terrible to know that we are putting our families at risk.
In their confessions, my brother and his friend claimed that they had videotaped the crimes of "armed gangs" and small protests of just a dozen people, but that other activists had doctored the footage to make the protests look larger and to make it appear as if the security services and the army were responsible for killing citizens. I couldn't bear to watch and ran out of the room.
I dreaded calling my parents to tell them about Bashir's arrest. Finally, my dad called me. I had been afraid that my parents would beg me to stop my activities and return home, so I jumped in and explained to my father how we had to continue our struggle, how this was the moment for creating a new Syria.
He listened and finally gave his permission, saying, "Go, my brave son. You are now truly a man." I could hear my mother crying.
All we want is our freedom. We know the cost, but we are ready to pay the price. With 1,300 dead already, we cannot give up now, because their deaths would have been in vain.
In the room with me watching my brother confess to crimes he didn't commit were two fellow activists whose brothers have already been killed, shot dead while protesting. They are carrying on the struggle their brothers started.
I will do the same, continuing Bashir's peaceful struggle with the courage he taught me.
Nazir al-Abdo is a Syrian democracy activist currently in Turkey. He wrote this for the Los Angeles Times. Peter Bouckaert translated this piece.

Sent from BrainHoney on behalf of Sean Cannon
Course:	FDINT203 05 ~ Spring 2011

Concluding this adventure

Well, by the time it came, I was ready and I suppose that is good in a lot of ways. I spent my last few days in Citta Alta and honestly, when it comes down to it, Bergamo had to be one of my favorite places in all of my exploring.

I met so many people and i've learned so much and i'm mostly the same person but, i've changed a ton. I understand the world a lot better and i'm in absolute awe of it. Italy never sank in. I got used to it being reality but, i never lost my awe and excitement for what it was. I'm kind of happy that i didn't stay longer because I don't want to ever lose my awe for it.

I feel like my faith has been tested more than ever before. I've actually realized that I've gained more of an understanding of Faith, Hope and Charity in these last few months than i ever have. I've never been able to understand hope and i wish i could explain it now.

One thing i've learned as i've studied Italian is that if you only ever speak in English, you'll never be able to fully express yourself. I don't know everything in Italian but, what I do know now seems to have opened up a whole world of communication. I think the same goes with music and art. There are so many better ways to explain things than through words and so many more words to say things if you know more languages and I think that I came to know more about Hope through more feelings, and actions than i did through talking about it. i'm not trying to make excuses for why i'm not explaining things but, I've tried to explain it to some friends and it just never comes out as strongly as i feel about it. English needs to be expanded first. or my communication does.

Scott and Finlay bought me a ring with 2 dangly hearts on it for my birthday. One day while I was walking Raffaella's dog with the babies, he yanked really hard and one of them came off in the street. We stopped and looked for it for a while but, thinking poetically, I gave it up. Some part of me is staying in those streets and almost even belongs in those streets.

London

This blog is concerning events that took place 3/26/11-3/27/11

I was so excited to go to London and be able to understand everyone. It turns out that I usually had a harder time understanding than Bianca did. As soon as we got off the plane we took a train to the underground. That’s how I got around London. Trains.

I did actually go to King’s Cross but, I don’t think it was the station. Anyway it didn’t look anything like Harry Potter and there was no platform 9 ¾.

The first day I was really nervous about getting all the souvenirs I could because I didn’t want to spend money on it on Sunday. We did the major sightseeing this first day.

As we were walking towards Big Ben and all of that, we realized that there was a huge protest going on. We asked a guard if it would be safe to go and he said yeah. The problem was the protesters were taking up all the area by the things we wanted to see so we had to go through them. We ended up getting a poster and shouting with them, just so we looked authentic. I might add that this trip I was the youngest. It was Bianca and her dance students, a co-worker (Eliana who I actually hung out with before) and me.  So, it’s not like we were putting kids in danger of the crowd. And if anyone heard about it, I assure you that when we were there, it was safe.

We took pictures of Big Ben while marching. Once we got out we walked to Westminster Church/Cathedral. We couldn’t go inside but, this is where the William and Kate are getting married. So, everyone had decided that we all had to get a cup with William and Kate on it, to remember our trip to London. I was like ‘okay, whatever.’ I had to get it as soon as I could though because I didn’t want to be badgered about it on Sunday. So I got one in that church, and I’m pretty sure I ended up being the only one to get it but, that’s okay. I’ll never forget that church now and otherwise it would have been a pretty fleeting memory.

I don’t remember as much about London as I do about Rome because there is so much less to see. We only stayed Saturday-Sunday and we pretty much ran ourselves ragged on Saturday. We went to Harrods. This store, is not like any other store. There was a woman singing on the inside balcony. There were security men all over and people dressed up in formals to check you out and direct you through the several levels of the place. It was amazing.

After Harrods we went to eat at a pub and discovered that there was a big Soccer match, Scotland vs. Brazil to be played on Sunday. Scotsmen were beginning to appear everywhere. From what I understand, the Scotts would be awesome to play for because they are basically the coolest fans ever. They take over cities when there is a match. Usually they take over the bars, which was why they were in the pub.

They were pretty hilarious but, I won’t go into the graphic details. After eating we went back to the hotel to freshen up and then go see “The Most Incredible Thing.” The reason we went to London is because one of Bianca’s friends danced in this act. We were so tired by the time it came around though.

I loved the dance. It was “the Most incredible thing” I’ve ever seen. It made me crave to see all the other performances London has going on. Next time. We were invited to a cast party but, we could barely keep our eyes open so we went home and went to bed

Sunday we saw the changing of the guard at Buckinham palace. That was the highlight of that day. The rest was shopping and as it was Sunday I couldn’t be to enthralled with anything. Bianca bought me a nutella spreader in honor of my love for nutella.

We went to a big department store kind of like Harrods but, not as intense or as rich. We saw a crowd of Scotsment with kilts and bagpipes singing "Do-Re-Mi" at the top of their lungs.

Bianca was really sweet all Sunday. I didn’t realize at first but, she was paying for everything so that I wouldn’t have to. She never said anything about it but, when I realized what she was doing I was really touched because with our previous conversations I would have never thought she would do that for me.

La Roma

Written about events that took place 3/18/11-3/20/11

Rome was definitely very high up on my list of favorite places. I spent a weekend there and only haven’t written about it because I’ve been so busy. But, I have to mention it before I forget it forever. I was used to flying by this point so there was nothing really exciting about the flight except that I got to sit behind Scott and we were playing for a little while. It was a really short flight. Only an hour and I slept through part of it. When I woke up I looked out my window and saw brown water and The Colloseum.

We touched down. I love Ryanair. Trumpets herald the landings and everyone cheers. I think that should be something that is done everywhere but, alas. Anyway, then we waited for and eventually got in the 8 person taxis and headed for the hotel.

Bianca and Douglas spent most of Rome in the hotel so that Scott and Finlay could sleep. The rest of Bianca’s family (5 other adults and 5 other kids) went exploring and I joined them. We walked past the American Embassy and a couple of other government buildings.

We were really making our way towards the fountain. Trevi fountain. The most famous and arguably the most beautiful Fountain in Rome. You have to toss in a coin and then you’ll be sure to come back. In order to get down to it, we had to hop over 3 rows of people. It was crazy but, I tossed in a coin and anticipate a return visit.

Then we walked away from the crowd, and it’s really amazing how in Rome you can be in a place that is completely packed and an empty road within minutes. We walked towards another Government building. It was up several –like 100 stairs. We watched a changing of a guard but, didn’t go in.

We then walked towards the famous shopping area. It’s the kind of designer places that you wouldn’t even go into because they’re so expensive and I’ve known people in Italy to buy shirts for 300+ euros. So, when I say these shops are expensive, I do mean, you wouldn’t even take your credit card in.

We waited for Bianca and Douglas to join us. I entertained the kids by teaching them English and Hi-Five. I couldn’t believe they’d never played before but, everyone but, Andrea (Andre-uh) joined in, in the end. We walked down the street and I was so shocked by how many people there were.

We didn’t go in the shops, just looked at the cool things. Then we saw guys breakdancing in the streets. That was sweet. Douglas wasn’t impressed but, everyone else, including me, thought it was cool. The weather was fantastic for most of this time but, then it started to rain. Because it had been so warm, I hadn’ttaken a jacket which proved to be a mistake.

We waited, trying to stay out of the rain. Of course I love the rain so I had an urge to dance in it. unfortunately Valentina had an urge to do everything I did so, that couldn’t last long. At last we got walking again. We walked to Piazza del Popolo. It was really beautiful. The kids entertained themselves with chasing plastic bags.

Then we went to dinner at Jiminy Cricket restaurant. I don’t know the real name but, this is what everyone calls it. I had some really good pasta and a chocolate desert. Scott and Finlay were jealous of all the attention I was giving their cousins, so they came and sat by me J

The next day was a long day too. We all waited forever to get on a double decker tour bus. We eventually got on and I guess it was worth it because I was on a double decker bus. Sweet. It took us around to important sites. Everywhere you look in Rome, there is something to look at. I mean, a common balcony could have so much history behind it. I was staring at one and Paolo told me that was where Mussolini gave his speeches. So, there is way way too much to remember everything but, I was drinking it in.

The bus dropped us off by the colloseum. We didn’t go in because apparently there is a 2hr line and with kids… But, I was close to it. We actually went to a hill above it and overlooked an area that you can tell used to be used for Chariot Races.

We then walked down to Bocca della Verita. You put your hand inside the mouth of a sun statue and if you tell a lie it bites off your hand. While waiting in this line I taught the girls heads and tails.

After this we went to lunch and then Bianca and Douglas once again took the boys home. We went to the Pantheon and the Vatican. Both were really cool but, I like the Pantheon best. The pillars were larger than life and it was so cool going inside. That’s one building I remember from 6^th grade. Which was great because I dind’t know the significance of most things. The Vatican was really cool. I love the clown-dressed guards and the perfection of the columns. Inside St. Peters Basilica I saw famous statues and appreciated that even though the ceiling was too high to really see, Michelangelo painted them. It’s the richest church in the world and while part of me was thinking ‘this is it?’ most of me really enjoyed it. I just couldn’t help wondering why Michelangelo would put so much effort into something we aren’t even going to really see.

After Vatican we went to dinner. The kids were completely ‘nackered’ as Douglas would say. I had delicious food again but, it was a long long day and my bed was welcoming.

Sunday all we did was go see the Pope. We walked back to the Vatican but, we didn’t even get to see him. We saw him on a screen, which we can do anywhere in Italy. Oh well, I can say I was within 200yrds of the pope.

After the pope we packed up and went home.

Top 3 favorite places in Rome

Pantheon

Colloseum

Trevi Fountain.

Top 3 favorite memories of Rome

Walking down the streets talking and eating Gelato. Maybe it sounds lame but, it was so much fun just to be there

Riding on the Dbl decker

Walking through and around the Pantheon

Miracle of Venice

I really just love my life. I love this life. I love miracles and they are constantly bombarding my life. I haven't written for a while because things have been a bit difficult and I didn't want to write for fear of the responses. That's the thing about blogs, everybody can read them :).

So, basically, I've had trouble with Venice. (we've been fighting) I really, really wanted to go. But, the only offers i got were on a Sunday. It wasn't just one Sunday and it wasn't just one offer. Saying no so many times was really hard and Bianca's disappointment was the hardest thing. I just knew that I couldn't go on a Sunday. The guilt would ruin everything. I know that keeping the Sabbath holy is largely to our disgression and i had half a feeling that if I told people they might try to convince me to go. I'm not so certain I wouldn't if i was in Utah. However, i underestimated everyone, the support was really great.

It's not like I gave up on Venice easily. I asked everybody i knew, (and several i really didn't) if they would go with me. Nobody really wants to because it's cold right now and they can go any old time. So, after literally chasing random strangers down i finally found a girl, Monica, that said she would go. So, i was really happy and it was safe to go home because i could tell Bianca i found someone. Then when i talked to her again, she said she only had a few hours, not enough to see Venice so we decided to go to Verona. Juliet and Romeo are not half as cool as Venice but, hey, it's not bad.

But, then we got on the wrong train :) Very funny. I didn't need anybodies help getting lost but, we did and even though it went right through Verona, for some reason that is only known to those fluent in Italian, we ended up in Venice.

It was a very quick and for me, an intensely spiritual experience.

It was just that, I really didn't think i was going to go and I was really torn by it. More than anything it was because Bianca was really upset at my decision to not go on Sunday and that it was getting hard to be around her because of the intense animosity. But, it was amazing because I got to go and it was on the Lord's watch.

I did everything i was supposed to and that took almost constant prayer to be strong about. Then, when i got to Venice, it was so much better than i had imagined. While people told me it was over flowing with tourists, i didn't see that, and people said that everyone would try to rob me, I actually was met with intense kindness. People trying to take pictures for me, and when I tried to buy souveniers the people lowered their prices and even gave me things for free. I didn't have a coat, but i wasn't cold and I was witnessing a miracle.

Once we realized we were going to Venice, Monica and I were both way way excited but, there was a lot of time to think since we have trouble communicating. I kept thinking about all the idle worship and how even going to Venice when i felt like i shouldn't was putting Man above God. I thought about in Moses how Satan comes and tells him, after Moses has just seen so many miracles and been surrounded by God's love, "worship me" and I understand Moses' reaction "Where is thy Glory? that i should worship thee?" Moses is right, i just couldn't help thinking how much i knew that my God was the real God. I knew that he was answering my prayers. That he fulfills his promises. That he performs miracles for me faster than i can take them in. His Glory is real. He is real. My Savior, and My redeemer lives!

And I know that. Why do i know that? There are so many philosophers, and kings, and great people that speculate their whole lives on what I was told when i was a child, and have been gaining a testimony line upon line for my whole life! The truth is here. Right here. And it's incredible, mind boggling that I have it. It's like a golden ticket but, it's for everyone. I want everyone to have it! The intensity of the greatness just overpowers me.

I think we can all be greatful that there are people that can explain the emotions i am having so much more eloquently than I. I echo their words.

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me

                Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me

                ……

                And when I think, that God his son not sparing,

                Sent him to die

                I scarce can take it in.

                That on the cross, MY burden gladly bearing,

                He bled and died, to take away my sin.

                Then sings my soul my Savior, God, to Thee

                How great thou art, how great thou art

                ….

                I KNOW that my redeemer lives.

                What comfort this sweet sentence gives!

                HE LIVES AND WHILE HE LIVES I’LL SING

                HE LIVES MY PROPHET PRIEST AND KING

While i was in Venice, i just kept thinking things like "I shall never be unhappy again" "This is better than anything i imagined" and honestly i didn't see that much but, it really was thrilling. More so because I was there despite everything that said it was not going to happen. It was my little miracle. There were so many other miracles this week too.

It was a hard week but, in my D&C class we were reading 121-123 the liberty jail chapters. If you ever feel like life is hard, just go read those. My new favorite verse was the last one. After everything that had happened the final response was

D&C 123:17 "Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us ^acheerfully ^bdo all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the ^csalvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."

We can't do everything but, we can be cheerful and do everything we can and i think often in our dire circumstances we underestimate everything we can do. I had to figure out a way to make peace with Bianca and that was a blessing. It took lots of prayers and scriptures and my conclusions surprised me but, i was learning so much and close to the spirit because I was trying to make everything alright. In a way i was quite grateful for what was happening because I didn't think Venice would really solve the problems anyway. Venice wasn't the problem, I was. I've been learning to take on the responsibility I don't think i deserve this winter. Mostly from this book i've been reading "Change your Questions, Change your Life" Rather than asking "why is she doing this" I tried asking "what am i doing that makes things hard?" "What can i do to make the situation different?" It's empowering to be able to change things and by the end of the very long week, before Venice, there was peace in the home.

I thought when i told Bianca that i actually did go to Venice she would be more excited then anyone since she was more upset than anyone. She was excited but, it wasn't that, that strengthened our relationship again. There have been so many blessings in what has happened. I have found out that i can still go to Verona on Wednesday with a girl that wanted to go toVenice with me on a Sunday. Monica and I have become friends and we are spending more time together and it's a lot more exciting to go to institute when i can go and be with a friend. i learned more Italian, i went on some epic adventures. Learned some great things about myself.

So, mission accomplished.

churches and temples

Written February 24th

Okay so today was basically awesome. Check out facebook for pictures ;) I was going to put them on here but it takes so long to load them. I spent the entire day exploring Palermo. I put a ton of pictures up but, my camera died halfway through the day so, then i started using the Fici's and i still haven't gotten those pictures off.

I \saw the most beautiful Cathedral. it was huge and the architecture was amazing. It was built by Nomads then they got taken over by Greeks, who added more so, it was really just incredible. Like 5x bigger than a palace. the best way to describe it is Majestic.

We are allowed to go inside and it's just so cool. (We saw lots of churches) All the artwork is so intricate and really cool. I had an urge to start singing "God Help the Outcasts" from Hunchback of Notre Dame but, i refrained.

I couldn't help but walk through the cathedrals and churches and compare them to our temples. Add to that, my D&C assignment this week is on temples. The week is kind of themed temples i guess :) maybe the Lord is trying to teach me something.

Okay, I'm not studying Catholicism or anything so if anyone is, and is reading this feel free to correct my understandings. But, in the churches they have... i guess i'd call them sort of shrines to saints. Dead saints. They have their bones in a cool tomb and gold and silver and usually a picture or a statue. Then there are rows of candles. I asked about them and Piera said that you pay money and then you get to light a candle. Then you pray to the saint. To my understanding, saints are kind of go-betweens with the pray-er and God. You ask them, since they are more righteous, to take your requests to God. Maybe the thought is God likes them a lot, as they're saints, so, if they ask Him, he'll be more willing to grant your request. Kind of like asking your aunt to ask your mom to do something. I don't really know though. Maybe it's something else.

The churches are always dark. I notice this because It's always hard to take pictures. :) yeah they let me take picture of the churches. The artwork is really cool and all very similar. I mean at least of people. In all of these churches and paintings i've seen, they all portray Jesus and saints in the same way. Actually some of them kind of scare me. There was one statue of Mary with a knife. I guess it was supposed to show the pain she felt at seeing Christ on the cross but, it seemed a littled dark to me. To each his own.

And that's the biggest difference to me. In our church it's all about the happily ever after. We don't focus on the cross as much as other churches. As President Hinckley said "For us the cross is a symbol of a dying Christ, while our message is a declaration of the Living Christ"

 There was a spirit of reverence in all the churches but, it just wasn't the same as our temples. Despite all the beauty and cool architecture, i can't find a replacement for the temple. Even though I'm so far away from any temple, I think about them a lot.

For my D&C assignment i made an Italian slideshow explaining the differences between our churches and our temples. They are synominous in the catholic church and that always causes so much confusion. Then i showed the Fici family. this was actually the coolest D&C assignment i've had. It actually worked. Cosimo asked if there were any pictures inside the temple. I began to explain that we can't take pictures inside but, then i remembered that the Salt Lake Temple has a mini thing in one of the visitors centers that shows all the rooms. I found a website that has the same thing. It was so cool. They loved it. I explained how amazing it feels in the celestial room of an undedicated temple and i almost cried which is unusual for me. They really liked it.

 Written Mar 5

Another things i'm working on for the good ol' D&C class is listening and obeying the spirit better. So, this was a priceless Jana arguing with herself moment. On Tuesday, the day i flew back to Bergamo, i was sitting in the living room wondering what to do with myself. It was only a few hours before my flight and i was all packed and everyone was doing their own thing and Lucrezia my shadow was doing homework. So, I sat down and began watching TV with Piera. Kind of pointless in Italian but, as i was sitting there i kept thinking about the Italian book of mormon in my bag. I kept thinking i should pull it out and explain it. This is how the conversation went.

"You should pull it out and show her."
"No way, i'm about to leave, i cant do that now."
"You should pull it out and read it"
"It's way in my bag."

After several minutes of this i groaned outwardly.

"Oh, great, this is the spirit isn't it."
"Yep."
"And i'm supposed to listen..."
"That's the plan."

I just really didn't think that this was going to go well. However, because it was something that i agreed to focus on (obeying promptings)  I went over to my bag and took out the scriptures. I started reading and Piera actually asked me about it. I didn't have to say anything. So, i handed her the book and she looked at it. Then i pulled out my computer so that I could use google translator to explain everything. She asked me (I think, she only speaks italian remember) why i was reading it. I was kind of taken aback by the question. I explained i was learning italian with it. But, she motioned to the english one. Why was i reading it at all. Why do i read this book was her question. So, i explained that it's like the bible. i explained how it makes me feel when i read it. Then i went on to explain that the book has a promise. If you read it, pray about it, really reading to know truth, reading to learn, then you will get an answer. She told me that she has the bible by her bed. Then we had to go but, i told her that i'd leave it with her. It honestly wasn't my plan to leave it with her before that conversation. She asked me where i got it and how much i had to pay for it. I told her she could have that one, there are lots more where it comes from and they were easy for me to get. I dunno how thrilled she was about it but, i guess all these people are going to have to learn that if they let me in a little bit i'm going to try and go farther. The Ficis are like golden investigators, if they were investigating. I really liked the feeling in their home. I hope she reads it and i guess that even if she doesn't and even if they were upset that i wanted to leave that with them, nothing bad can really come from having it around.

Pictures are worth a thousand words but, i still managed to write a thousand words

I was just beginning to get the idea that you guys might want some pictures. Don't know where i got that idea :) These are only pictures of people. I'll put the pictures of the Citties up in another one. I want more of them first. These are only a few.

Lucrezia and Me.

Me, Giuseppe's sister-Piera, Michele, Cosimo, Lucrezia, Maria

Finlay in my new hat :)

Riccardo and Eduardo

Where's the missing twin? (That's what Douglas said i should call this picture)

Scott, Bianca, Douglas, and minnie and pluto.

This was the funniest thing ever. Scott and Finlay were exchanging their pants. It was hillarious. I got a film of it. Of course the films aren't working on here but, this is a picture. It was great I'll give you "ben ten" for two "mr. men" Their bargaining skills were impressive. These guys don't really share anything they just have one for each of them. It's amazing how they tell the difference. So, anyway i captured a rare historic moment in which Finlay actually found something that was worth not one but TWO green pants. (green is his favorite)

Scott with the beloved chew-chew that no baby or toddler can live without. Even when they go to a famous tree in Switzerland just to give them up. :)

These aren't even a part of the pictures i've taken since i got the camera last week. I take so many in Sicily that it seems silly to put them up yet. 

Sicilia

Ciao Everyone,

I made it to Sicily alive. Just so you know, the weather and the sea are beautiful. I'm cheerfully enjoying my warm winter and thinking lovingly of everyone back home :) If it makes you feel any better, while it is a costal city, there are no beaches in Marsala so, I'm not sunbathing or anything.

I was going to do my homework before i wrote but, of course i did make this blog to avoid such things. I'm staying with Giuseppe's sister. Everyone was really worried that she would be "too much" as Bianca puts it, like Giuseppe. No worries. She's not at all. She's a lot how I think my mom would be if we moved to Sicily. She's really nice and she's a fantastic cook. Her husband is a doctor. It was his birthday today. We have pictures. Cosimo is 15 and he knows more grammatical things about english than I do. Lucrezia is the real reason I'm avoiding my homework right now. She's 9 and she's a wonderful girl but, she doesn't leave me alone even when I'm being really boring like reading scriptures or blowdrying my hair or eating carrots. She just stares at me while I do it and it's really hard to concentrate. She didn't go to school today but, she'll go tomorrow so I figure my homework can wait until she is no longer trying to read over my shoulder. Also in the pictures is Giuseppe's mom. I don't know any of  the adults names. You can pick up kids names because they are said so often but, only mama, papa, and nona for the adults so, it's more difficult.

Funny stories from home Bergamo.  When I say prayers at dinner Scott and Finlay can't understand everything I say but, they pick up their names so, I've had to start naming everyone in the prayer. It's really difficult to remember to say something for everyone but, Scott and Finlay get angry if I don't so, I'm learning quickly. On Saturday I left right before lunch and Bianca texted me to tell me that Scott and Finlay said the prayer since I was not there. She told me that they've been doing it at every meal since. I bought a camera about a week ago. Aparently it's are really nice camera. I just bought the cheapest one I could find but, everyone says it's really great so, huzzah to my purchasing skills. Anyway, I've been going crazy making videos of Scott and Finlay. They are so so adorable. Bianca says that me going to sicily for so long will be good for the boys because they can get used to the fact that i'm not always there but, I think I need it more than they do.

The family here is really a ton of fun. Lucrezia is really sweet even though I can't do my homework-hey that's a blessing right? If we all spoke the same language I think we'd all be great friends. I am learning more italian and quickly which is good. I have a dictionary and so does Lucrezia so we try to make things work.

Sicilia is so full of history. It was taken over by everyone. Greeks, Romans, and a ton of people so there is a ton of history and cool monuments in this little town. It's really cool to learn everything. I'm developing a bit of an Italian accent. It's not that i can't speak normal, it's just that i tend to speak the same as them. I think they understand it better when i stress the same vowels they do.

AWE! and Sicilia

Alright so life is about to go at a much faster speed. I don't know what to think about it. I'm really excited and at the same time, when I look at the calendar I think, "Oh no! Where has Italy gone?" I know, I know i'm only halfway throught but, IM HALFWAY THROUGH.

What if I never come back? What if the next time I see Eduardo is when he's 17 and comes to be an exchange student in America? One thing that has seriously changed in me since coming here is the way I view travelling the world. It's not just an idea anymore. It's real. Tomorrow I'm going to post pictures of the reality. Bianca and Douglas live their lives going anywhere and everywhere just because it's there. They took Scott and Finlay to a tree in Sweden where all the babies place their pacifiers as a way of growing up. They are supposed to put them on the tree and then leave them. (It didn't work, Scott and Finlay put their old ones on and grabbed new ones off the tree) The way of life is just incredible. Granted, when you think about it, everything in Europe is about as far away from our house as California, but even still! I don't think I can possibly NOT come back at this point. Maybe I can't every winter but, wow, everyone, seriously, if you get a chance to see the world take it. Stop rationalizing out of it, take a chance. It's amazing.

Anyway, I wasn't planning to go on that spill. I just wanted to get on and say "I'm going to Sicily on Saturday" And it got me thinking. That's so weird to say "I'm going to Sicily on Saturday." I dunno, I'm just constantly in a state of awe at my actually being here. Anyway, I'm never going to get through this simple little blog if I keep talking about how wowed i am about life.

Schedule for the rest of Italy
Feb 14-19 (Happy Valentines Day EVERYONE by the way) La Citta Alta and Bergamo (Pictures for real. Even though it's raining)
Feb 19-Mar 1- Sicilia. I'll be in Marsala. Clear on the western end of Sicilia.
Mar 18-20- Rome
Mar 25-27-London
Mar 31- Going home

Venicia Verona Piza Milano are all somewhere in the middle. Hopefully. Those are a bit difficult since I have to find someone to go with. Still, I'm not leaving Italia without seeing Venice.

Let me tell you what I know about the people I'm staying with in Sicilia. It's Giuseppe's sister's family and they have teenage boys. So, Camilla, for your birthday I'll give you a Sicilian penpal. ;) and then you can get married when you're older. They don't speak very much English.  fun, fun.

Speaking of Birthdays. There are several that are coming up and I'm just wondering whatcha want? In fact if anyone wants to tell me some cool Italian thing they want let me know because you're all getting presents anyway. It may as well be something you actually want. no?

Okay, I just realized that I switch off between Italian names and English names a lot. That's a good sign I suppose. Everyone keep smiling. Life is purely awesome. Love ya lots.

Address to a Haggis

It's not that the last few days have been really eventful, it's just that i've been sick so, I have spent lots of time doing my homework and just lying around so i figure i may as well write.

I had a really high fever yesterday. 39! I had no idea how to respond when Bianca told me. I seriously need to figure out celsius but, aparently it was really bad. The worst thing about it was i think i made the babies at Raffaella's sick. Or they made me sick. Either way we're all sick. But, i'm getting better. I hope the babies do too and that Giuseppe doesn't hate me forever. It wasn't until Friday afternoon that I was really not feeling good but, i spent all of Friday at Raffaella's.

Today is a National Scottish Holiday "Robbie Burns Day." Actually I think that was on the 25th of January but, we're celebrating it today. No, unfortunately Douglas wouldn't go all out and wear his kilt and sing a poem to the haggis. They actually sing a poem to the food. That's because Robbie Burns is a famous poet that wrote a poem to the haggis. Why did he write the address? Douglas thinks it was a joke. I'm with him. If i'm ever a famous poet i'm doing something like that.

Address to a Haggis
1.
Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o' the puddin-race!
Aboon them a' ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm:
Weel are ye wordy of a grace
As lang's my arm.
2.
The groaning trencher there ye fill,
Your hudies like a distant hill,
Your pin wad help to mend a mill
In time o' need,
While thro' your pores the dews distil
Like amber bead.
3.
His knife see rustic Labour dight,
An' cut ye up wi' ready slight,
Trenching your gushing entrails bright,
Like onie ditch;
And then, O what a glorious sight,
Warm-reeking, rich!
4.
Then horn for horn, they stretch an' strive:
Deil tak the hindmost, on they drive,
Till a' their weel-swall'd kytes belyve
Are bent like drums;
Then auld Guidman, maist like to rive,
'Bethankit!' hums.
5.
Is there that owre his French ragout,
Or olio that wad staw a sow,
Or fricassee wad mak her spew
Wi perfect scunner,
Looks down wi' sneering, scornfu' view
On sic a dinner?
6.
Poor devil! see him owre his trash,
As fecl;ess as a wither'd rash,
His spindle shank a guid whip-lash,
His nieve a nit;
Tho' bluidy flood or field to dash,
O how unfit.
7.
But mark the Rustic, haggis-fed,
The trembling earth resounds his tread,
Clap in his walie nieve a blade,
He'll make it whistle;
An' legs, an' arms, an' heads will sned
Like taps o' thrissle.
8.
Ye pow'rs, wha mak mankind your care,
And dish them out their bill o' fare,
Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware,
That jaups in luggies;
But if ye wish her gratfu' prayer,
Gie her a Haggis!

Anyway, I didn't get to actually hear the poem and Douglas' scottish friends didn't come because, Bianca and I are both not feeling well. I don't have a temperature or anything anymore, it's just recovering I suppose. Next time, they will come though, and i'm going to beg for a performance. :) I was too easy letting Douglas off the hook.

Anyway, do you guys want to know what Haggis is? It actually doesn't taste that bad but, it's disgusting. It's basically meatloaf.

Here's the recipe: Take the liver, lungs, and heart of a sheep and boil. Mince the meats and mix with chopped onions, toasted oatmeal, salt, pepper, and spices. Take one properly cleaned sheep's stomach. Stuff the cleaned stomach with the prepared contents. Sew up the stomach (leaving enough room for expansion to avoid a large messy explosion) and boil. Serve and eat. Lovely!

They didn't tell me what it was until after i ate but, they were so nervous and always saying "now if you don't like it, please don't eat it" Scott and Finlay, like true scotsmen love it. I don't think that is the actual recipe anyway. That's how it was in old times but, now it's just any meat in the cooked in the stomach of a lamb. Okay, fine, it's a disgusting idea. We didn't eat the outside.

Anyway, that's all to report. That, and I'm either going to Sicilia on Wednesday or in March. Times had to change because the family is going on vacation. I just can't decide when to go. March is so busy and February isn't but, next week is midterms for my online classes. Still, I think i'm going to study hard and go on Wednesday. I'll keep you posted.

Persevera e presta attenzione

I know it's been a while since the last post but, everyone kept telling me how much they loved it and i thought 'dang, my next one's gotta be good' So i kept waiting for some inspiration but, we'll see how it goes

Well last week the sister missionaries came over and taught me a lesson. The Marshals weren't here so we were basically just chatting. It was fun though. Then I went with them to teach a lesson, and the person didn't show up so, we went knocking on doors. It was pretty sweet being a missionary. 'cept it's not like i could understand anything. One guy was interested. More in us then the Book of Mormon but, he still took it. There was a baptism Saturday night. i had a meeting for school so i didn't go but, it was pretty cool because i realized that, that was the same day i was baptized.

I spent a lot of time getting lost this week. I had a vow that I  was never going to tell my mom or Douglas that I got lost if I could help it. At least not until I was back home. Because, it's not like i was really lost. Okay, I was on the other side of the city. I wasn't even in the city. BUT there are signs pointing to the Center everywhere and I live by the Center so it was easy enough.

Don't worry about it though, there are plenty of people already worried. Raffaella's husband comes home to make lunch a lot and he told me that he was following me one day. He was following me to make sure that nobody else followed me. I had no idea what to say to him when he told me that. Thank you for stalking me?

When I told Douglas I got lost I was afraid I'd be under house arrest. He took it well. He told me that getting lost was good for me. I hope my mom feels the same way :).

Institute has been getting better. It was getting really annoying the way nobody would talk to me even though they could. And i felt like i was just being annoying because i was just there, needing a translator and a ride home. So, it was a little better this week. there are two people that live kind of by me and they don't speak english but, they're friendly so, it all works.

There is a scottish holiday coming up that we're celebrating. Douglas is going to sing to the food for us. Only if we beg though. Everyone does in Scotland. I'm going to Sicily in two weeks and i'll be there for about 10 days. I'm going with a relative of Raffaella's. Ever since i knew of the existence of Sicily i've really wanted to go and the way Bianca and Douglas talk, its a chance i can't pass up.

Things have been going so fast. I've officially been here just over a month! I only have 7 1/2 weeks left. I heard by family went and bought some Nuttella. I think that's going to have to be something I only eat in Italy. If I eat it back home too, there'll be no hope for me. I've eaten lots of different types of prosciuto this week, and that's only funny because Karolyn warned me not to eat it. It's getting warmer and the Gelato shops are opening longer, which is totally fine with me :)

I have been having a lot of fun with this question book mum bought me for my birthday. It teaches you how to ask questions i guess. It's turning me into an even worse psychologist then i already am but, It's really cool and I've spent a lot of time just reading it outside because I love the way it makes me think. It's too difficult to explain it in a broad perspective but it basically suggests asking questions that make you see life in a different, better  way and I've been playing around with it, and it's so cool! I'm learning a ton about myself and while a major part of that is probably throwing myself into this adventure, it's been really cool having this book. Thanks Mom!

I can't think of anything else. The Italian is coming. I don't know if faster is the right word but, I understand a lot of what Scott and Finlay say. I dont know if that's a good thing because they make up words. So do i speak Italian or the language Scott and Finlay make up?

Eduardo and Riccardo have been lots of fun this week. I was trying to put Riccardo to sleep and I was singing him Primary songs. He was totally out but, every time i stopped singing he cried. Every time i tried to put him down, he cried. That wasn't very fun at the time but, it was really sweet. I was feeding both of the babies sometime in the middle of the week and they started giggling. And i don't know what was so funny, but it was hillarious because they couldn't stop laughing. I also taught them pat-a-cake and they are in love. (I've been trying to teach games to Scott and Finlay, and trust me there have been some great tries. So far the only ones they've got are hide and seek and dead man. I have no idea why they took to dead man so well.) At Raffaellas  There are two walkers now, so that the  babies can race. They also have blocks. Eduardo knocks them down instantly. He's becoming a super fast crawler and so, even if i set them up across the room, it's down in a second. Riccardo is much more calm about them. Leone just barks at them.
I was trying to make a video of Leone this week but, my camera's battery died. This dog is like a cartoon. He picks up things with his front paws and walks on his back legs. He's the smartest dog i've ever met. (no offense bella)

As i've gotten lost i've seen a lot of cool buildings and monuments this week. I love Italian Architecture, it's so beautiful and detailed. There are lots of cool churches right out my front door with bell towers and coolness.

Anyway, I'm being boring to Scott and Finlay so I'm going to go.

ps There are chocolates here that have notes like fortune cookies in them. I don't know what it means but, the title of my blog is what it said in my little chocolate.
I think maybe it says persevere and pay attention but, I didn't feel like checking.

Mangos, Nutella and my new name

Well I'm getting busier.  Last week I was out almost every day!

Monday was my birthday. Lots of fun. see previous post
Tuesday was Institute. There were about 8 people. two that had been to Utah. (One of them was an exchange student in Springville with Madeleine Clarks family, last year) They were nice and Institute seemed really long. I couldn't understand it so that may have been part of it. We went out to eat afterwards and I tagged along because the buses were gone and Bianca was in Kiev and I didn't feel like walking for two hours that late at night. Douglas had to stay with the boys. But, excuses excuses. It was fun to hang out with lds kids. We ate at a place kind of like Subway. It was really good. My mom would be so proud. I eat everything here. Whether It's liver or Indian Curry (real indian curry) or horse or mangos or nutella (I had to mention those because I basically live off of mangos and nutella. I eat mangos with Douglas and Nutella with Bianca) Anyway it was fun, it was just, while most people could speak english, they won't. They're embarrassed and  they wouldn't try and explain things either. So i was a bit out of it.
Thursday I was planning on staying home but, 3 different groups of people called me to hang out. I ended up going out with Eliana, a girl that works with Douglas and Bianca. She speaks good english and we went to La Citta Alta. The fog was gone and the city looked awesome. We went to a bar (nobody hate me, bars are just like normal shops here. I have permission from dad to go) and drank pineapple juice. I really love the upper city. I could spend my whole trip there.
Saturday I met a girl that has been wanting to meet me for a while. Her name is Rosella. She's a friend of Alessandras. Alessandra is Bianca's bosses daughter. Everyone caught up? read it a couple of times. Anyway we went to eat pizza with 8 of her friends. There were a ton and 2 of them spoke english. It was a lot more fun than the institute people though because Rosella brought and Italian/english dictionary and we were all trying to speak and learn. I don't remember anyone elses name though. We made lots of plans. I'm not sure what they were but, I'll keep you all posted.

Things with Bianca and Douglas have been a lot of fun. I don't know what I'm doing differently but, talking about the church has all of a sudden become a lot easier. It's really nothing I've done. It's not that they are more inclined to listen to preaching but, we can joke all through dinner and it's really comfortable.

I couldn't eat the chicken tonight because Bianca realized it was cooked in beer. She said "Jana, you can't eat this." when she put it on the table and Douglas' indignation was great, before she explained. Even afterwards.

Tonight at dinner Scott was jabbering and he started repetively saying 'oh my god'. Douglas looked at Bianca and said "who taught him that?" Bianca said "I have no idea." I said 'Not me" and everyone laughed because of course i don't swear. so then Douglas was trying to figure out where he would learn that. As Bianca always says when Douglas and I are trying to figure out how things are said differently between America and Scotland "I don't know. I speak Italian." So Douglas had to blame himself. He kept saying "but, i never swear." then a couple of minutes later, he muttered under his breath and I just had to laugh inside at the whole situation. He's right, he doesn't swear and neither does Bianca (at least as far as i know) so its just made it all the more funny.
Even better. Tonight Scott and Finlay were in their private bathroom and they were playing with some balls in there. I was playing with the balls but, they took them from me. So, they closed the door but, the thing is, in Italy is that there a lot of lights on the outside. So i turned off the light. I have to tell you being scolded by 3yr olds in Italian is the most hillarious thing ever. They said "JANA" and angrily opened the door and turned the light back on. (cept they weren't really angry) So, i did it again. Finlay asked Scott "Who did that" and Scott said "Jana" they always know it's me for some reason. So, this continues for a few minutes and then, rather than saying "Jana" Scott says "Janina"

You have to understand Italy to get how cute this is. putting -ino or -ina at the end of a child's name is kind of like a nickname. It means little. So when I say "Scotino" it means little Scott but, more than that. It's like cute little one. Sort of. Scott doesn't know anyone named Jana so he totally made this up all by himself. Since he has to scold me so much, I guess i get to be the little one now. I got video of them calling me Janina and playing the game. It's so so cute. at one point Scott started angrily yelling in Italian. Bianca translated it to mean "Janina turn that light on this instant!"

I have already seen miracles this week. Being able to talk and live so freely with the Marshals is the best. Everyday it gets easier and more fun. I didn't mention Eduardo and Riccardo today but, they're cute too. Riccardo has learned how to crawl! Finally! Now he has a walker though and with the marble floors, it's absolutely perfect. I'm quite happy to have him in there all day. He can go where he wants but, he can't get into trouble. His mom doesn't think that's a good idea though. Eduardo is a little prince. He is so manipulative to get what he wants. He's only 8 months! He's cute though. They both love chocolate (don't tell anyone ;)) and Leone (their dog) I took pictures. Eduardo is on top. I put the video on too.

My Italian Birthday...

...was so Awesome!!!

So, yesterday was my birthday (and national peanut butter day but, i'm going to talk about my birthday because thats in the U.S. and I'm in Italy)

I turned 19. That was really cool. Everyone was really sweet and bought me presents (all navy blue tops by the way. I guess i don't have enough of those) and Scott and Finlay gave me a beautiful ring with two dangly hearts on it.

I ate pizza at Vesuvio. The first thing I thought of when i read that was not the volcano, it was the song we played in high school. I hope all my band friends appreciate that still deep down I seem to be a band geek :)

The pizza i got was folded in half (Calzione i think it's called) and it looked like  a volcano. It was sweet and huge. I only managed to eat half of it.

Rafaella got me a cake which was really sweet. It was from this really nice pastry shop. It was a really yummy pudding thing.

I asked Rafaella if i could do my D&C assignment with her last week and she said yes, but then we got busy so i did it for Bianca. Nelu (again i hope i didn't slaughter her name) was really interested in what i was going to say but, unfortunately I haven't got a chance to explain it to her yet. She was reading over my shoulder as i was writing about the 3 kingdoms of Glory.

Yesterday Rafaella came to me and asked me to do the assignment now. I said sure and I was thinking "hmm.. should i say the same thing or teach something else..." Well it was too scary to teach anything else so i just basically explained the plan of salvation. She asked lots of questions. I hope it went okay and then we started talking about the book of mormon.

On sunday i finally got an Italian copy for myself but, yeah, i gave it to Rafaella yesterday. She seemed really interested in it. I sort of shared my testimony of it and told her that if she read it she would know. She read the first few pages and seemed mildly interested but, said she's too busy. It was cool watching her scan the pages. I imagined what would be going on in my head if i was her right now and how, you know, if she read it, how that moment would be so significant in her life and she had no idea how much that moment could change her life. I was the only one really taking it in :). Then Nelu looked at the book a little bit but, the babies woke up.  I took my book back and figured that if she wanted i could give it to her but, I kind of wanted it if she didn't. (so selfish i know but, it took me 3 weeks to get a copy!) So i figured that was a cool moment but, it was over and they weren't really that into it. Then later when i was working on the library Rafaella came in with Giuseppe and asked me to show the book to him. I was really surprised but, i handed it to him. He didn't seem that interested either but, i made up my mind to leave it with them. I really hope she just reads it but, chances are not very high.

Knowing something like the gospel and being around people that don't know is crazy. It's like you have the fruit and you really just want to give it to everyone but, they aren't really interested in taking it. And then you just don't know what to do because it's so good! if they would just try it they would see.

I never know the best way to respond to questions. Especially with Bianca and Douglas because they aren't interested in the church, they're interested in me. They don't want long explanations about why and how, they just want to know if I can watch the movie or not. I don't think we would all be grand friends if I bore witness of the importance of doing those things every time. Raffaella was really impressed that I knew so much though. She thought it was crazy that I was 19 and could teach her all that stuff or that i even would want to. I just guess it's different for everyone but, improv has never been my favorite.

Anyway, I know this is a great learning experience and eventually I'll have it all figured out and at least i've learned a lot along the way.

Tonight i'm going to institute. Hopefully that will go well and even if i can't understand, its the thought that counts. At church the missionaries translate. They've been really cool about that but, missionaries don't go to institute so, fun times. :)

Mormon Standard Time

Spread the word. I'm ALIVE ;)

Sorry to everyone i haven't been writing for almost a week because my adapter blew out and I didn't get a new one until about 3 hours ago. I had to use all the computer battery juice i could on my homework.

I have had an incredibly amazing week. Last Saturday the Marshall family (bianca, Douglas, Scott, and Finlay) took me to La Citta Alta. It was still foggy so we didn't get the amazing view of Bergamo but, La Citta Alta was so cool. It's the city above Bergamo and it is the old OLD part of Bergamo. The streets are rocks and everything just looks so ITALIAN :) We got delicious bread and berries there. I don't think we got anything else. I explored odd things. There is this urban legend about a guy with three testicles and if you rub his symbol you get good luck. I didn't rub it...which probably accounts for the bad luck i've had this week with stalkers and batteries. I'll have to give in next time I go. The university is also up there. I'm thinking about taking an Italian class at the university. (I know i just can't get away from school, even when i'm on holiday)

On Sunday I went to church in my actual ward and it was so much better. There were kids my age, the speakers talked about normal things, some people spoke English, it just felt a lot better. I still understood like nothing but, better than before. The sister missionaries translated for me again. I was going to ask for an Italian book of mormon. I left mine at home but, I forgot. Reading Italian and translating it, helps me learn a lot faster so that was why, I wasn't planning to give it away or anything.

On Monday I went to Raffaella's. It was really nice outside and we spent 3 hours outside, so it was a good thing it was nice. Today, not the same story. I have a goal to get Riccardo to be as sneaky and conniving as his brother. Step one is to teach him that you cannot swim on a marble floor, you must try to crawl. He is learning. Raffaella let me help a lot more with the boys and that made the time at her house pass a lot more quickly and it made me a lot happier. I took the bus for the first time ever! (because Douglas is in Scotland, too far away to stop me-that's a joke.) I didn't even get lost on the bus. I crossed the streets and unlocked all the doors and climbed up all the stairs all by myself. I joked i would write about it in my journal but, i didn't, so it is written in my blog.

On Tuesday I did a bit of homework but, not wanting to waste the sunshine or the computer battery, i walked to La Citta Alta. It's about 20mins walking from Biancas. Let me tell you, that view of the city- more than worth the wait. It was incredible. I walked around La Citta Alta but, never found the actual center. I didn't stay long because i didn't want Bianca to worry if she came back and I wasn't there. I tried following crowds of people but, that didn't prove to be a good plan. They were all going to class.

Today I got my adapter and celebrated by writing this. We were supposed to go to the city center but, it's so cold that I opted out. At Raffaella's the 2hr walk was enough to convince me that outside was a bad, bad idea. It's fine for Riccardo and Eduardo in their astronaut suits. They're always toasty warm. I was going to teach Raffaella and Nelu-if she ever sees the way i spelled her name I don't think she'll be very happy. She's the nanny that's actually hired. There is mass confusion on whether i am actually hired.-for my Doctrine and Covenants assignment and they were both really eager but, the babies spoiled our plans. More diabolical by the day.-that's a joke. So, I will worry about how i'm going to explain D&C88 for two more days.

Tomorrow, it's going to snow and i'm going to stay inside and be boring and do my homework.
Friday I'm going to Raffaella's and organizing books and hopefully teaching her and getting my D&C things done for real and hopefully not scaring her away from the church forever.

I can't decide if doing my assignments on people here is a good thing. I have to do so much background explaining that it could take hours. So i do the bare minimum and then they're going to end up so confused about everything... or maybe i'm over reacting. Thoughts on that anyone? Thoughts on what I should say. I'm talking about messages of peace. Easy enough but, from D&C 88 a lot pertain to the Kingdoms of Glory, Resurrection, and the Priesthood. Nelu is muslim and Raffaella is like the only REAL catholic i've talked to. Nelu was really interested to learn about the kingdoms when i was writing down notes which is one of the reasons i wanted to focus on that but, i just don't know.

Anyway another note. I have been reading the book mom bought me for my Birthday. "Change your Questions, Change your Life" -Wendy Watson Nelson and it's so cool. it makes me think about things in a totally new and productive way. I'll have to blog about it some other time though. i just wanted to say, if you're looking for a good one, That's a good one!

(by the way the post is named because this communication with the world of Utah is totally not late. It's just mormon standard time. I'll try to do better)

Friends and Food. ciò e quella

Blogs... they are so helpful. How did I ever manage to properly avoid my homework before this.

Okay, well, I never got on the plane to milan and currently...just kidding. That was for you Natalie. :)

Well, everyone is really cool. Scott and Finlay are the most adorable 3yr olds in the whole wide world. Scottish/Italian boys. I mean, who can compete? They are so much fun and they are liking me more and more. They like to blame me for disappearing pacifiers and emus... but we are all great friends.

Yesterday I went on a 3hr long walk. It was so cool I have to go out today too. Which is why i'm going back to my homework soon. Fingers crossed i won't get lost. There are no such things as straight roads in Italy. It's like loopy-d-loops. good thing i have a map. Good thing i speak italian...ha...ha...

The food is amazing. I have 3 bags of chocolate in my room and i'm not quite sure who to blame for that. Mom and Bianca and Douglas or Scott and Finlay. It certainly wasn't my idea but, it's amazing none the less. It's like liquid chocolate.

I've had lots of pizza. I'm having more tonight. no gelatto yet though. i keep seeing stores with it. maybe when i'm out today i'll buy some. Today is special because it's the first day i'm going out without anyone...if i get out before everyone gets home. It's already noon.

Well, everything is great and one more thing I've been thinking about lately. Kudos to all the Italians that always keep this stuff on my mind.


Do Latter-day Saints Believe all other churches are false?

I think that this is a common misconception/misinterpretation even among our own people. The 13th article of Faith states "If there is anything virtuous lovely of good report or praiseworthy we seek after these things."

"We see that God is mindful of every people whatsoever land they may be in; yea he numbereth his people, and his bowles of mercy are over all the eart" (alma 26:37) (this is talking about Ammon and the lamanites by the way) The Lord has blessed His children with portions of light and knowledge through most religions.

I was so surprised by how much everyone always wants to talk about mormons. Usually we're comparing. I've compared doctrine with protestants cathilocs and muslims and I haven't even met very many people and it's only Thursday. It's so interesting to learn what these people believe. It's great, they don't even think i'm insane yet. :) They are very accepting. Overwhelmingly so.

Bergamo is a very catholic city. One of the previous popes was born here. Still, everyone is willing to listen and explain and accept things. I've found that I have a lot in common with muslims. I'd never thought about that before.

Statement form the First Presidency (according to LDS.org, this means that it's doctrine :)):
"The great religious leaders of the world such as Mohammad, Confucioous, and the Reformers, as wells as philosophers inlcuding Socrates, Plato, and others, received a portion of God's light. Mortal truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding ot individuals...we believe that God has given and will give to all peoples sufficient knowledge to help them on their way to eternal salvation, either in this life or in the life to come.
"We also declare that the gospel of Jesus Christ, restored to His Church in our day, provides the only way to a moratl life of happiness and a fulness of joy forever." Palmer, Spencer J., The Expanding church. 1978

We believe we have a fulness of the Gospel but, not that we have a monopoly on truth. This gives me a lot of peace of mind. Why people can feel the spirit in other churches and why so many things are similar. Like Karolyn commented. Hindu's have similar traditions. I can attest that Islamics do too.

The church is actually miles ahead of me on this. There was a special meeting in 1998 in Washington D.C with the president of BYU and a member of the 12 and 16 diplomats from islamic nations. They translated writings of great Muslim scholars. "LDS officials said they are leading such efforts both to build friendships wiht Muslims and because of LDS doctrine that truth should be sought wherever it may be, even if that is in centuries-old Islamic writings never before available in English" (Deseret News, 7 February 1998, sec. E., p. 1).

It's way cool to learn all of this firsthand. The church is true. A great part of our church is that we believe that others have truth too. It would be very narrowminded to think otherwise. It's not like "na na nanana i'm right and you're wrong. :P" Everyone has the light of Christ. Great things are happening between religions to learn truth and I think that's really cool.

I was talking to Douglas about how with religions there is always a story of persecution, either by the church or to the church. That's so wrong. Why do people do that. I thing that furthers the evidence that religion doesn't make people good. People's nature is good but, everyone chooses light or dark. Doing good is harder but, it's better. Religion, generally helps but, I mean, it's whatever people choose to put their faith and passions into. if it's good they'll do good, if not, they won't. see one of the previous posts.

I just ramble about the same things over and over don't I?

Well i hope that was good and long enough for everyone. It's been fun. Tonight for my class i have to teach something and i'm really nervous. It's different when it comes up in common conversation. my D&C teacher wants this to be more formal. We'll see how that goes. I hope America is having a good day. The whole four hours america has had so far. Its bright and sunny over here :) Everyone always thinks i should be freezing but, it's so nice outside. It feels like March. Anyway, Arrivederchi

Watching the clouds upside down

Actual account was written at 11:00am January 7th. I just didn't have internet.

Okay, it's me and guess where I am :) Houston Texas on a plane heading to Newark New Jersey. My flight is going to be about 20min late but hopefully, if I book it, I can still make it on the plane to Milan.

I found out when I was flying about 30hours ago. It's been such a whirlwind that I haven't had much time for being terrified. We pretend like it's not big deal but, wow, it's the biggest most daring thing I will probably ever do.

Here we go, taking off. the plane is nicer than the last one. Yeah :)

This morning I flew at 7:50. The clouds and fog were thick. Once we flew over them it was so beautiful. The sunrise and the mountains stick up. I thought it looked like the North Pole or the Artic. Not that i've ever been there but, that's from the pictures and my imagination.

My nervousness is abating. At least regarding flights. Newark to Milan will be another adventure. Rafaella is picking me up b/c Bianca is still in Scotland until tomorrow night. For the Record, I like flying.

One Hour Later

Back. I'm trying to catch up on sleeep. Last night I got max 2hours.
Ground speed: 625mph
Miles to Destination: 610
Altitude: 39,994 ft
Temperature: -54 F

I'm flying over Kentucky. Today the NE edge of Kentucky looks like a huge field of snow as far as the eye can see with a bagillion bumps and footsteps. You know that it's clouds though b/c the cotton is thin and whispy at some parts. Like there are holes in the big blanket.

Flying is very odd because there is no specific time. When it takes five minutes to go fifty miles you don't bother with what time it is because you're going too fast for time to keep up.

things that scare me today:
missing a flight
how do I find Rafaella
etc

Favorite Quotes

I like Quotes. You may have noticed I can't get enough of them on here. I decided to make a page with just my very favorite quotes. This is really hard for me and I could write whole blogs about all of these quotes and maybe someday I will. For now here are a few. I hope to add to it more.

1- I find this quote so empowering and it gives me goosebumps every time I read it. I heard it for the first time in 9th grade and I have regarded it as my hands down favorite ever since. The girl that gave me this quote talked about it in reference to Nelson Mandela's innaguration speech. The actual quote, by most accounts (98%) is that it's by Marianne Williamson.

"Our Deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond mearsure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightening in shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, its in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." -Marianne Williamson

The rest of the quotes are not necessarily in order. I love them all and they switch orders a lot. But, for now...

2- I don't remember when I decided that this is how I would live my life but, it has been within the last 2-3 months. I have come to the conclusion that there are some things-namely the nature of human character- that I will choose to believe in because it is something that is worth believing in.

"Sometimes the things that may or may not be true are the things that a man needs to believe in the most. That people are basically good; that honor, courage, and virtue mean everything; that power and money, money and power mean nothing; that good always triumphs over evil; and I want you to remember this, that love... true love never dies. You remember that, boy. You remember that. Doesn't matter if it's true or not. You see a man should believe in those things, because those are the things worth believing in." -Hub on Secondhand Lions

3-This one I actually have memorized

"Things will work out. Keep trying. Be believing. Don't get discouraged. Things will work out" -President Gordon B. Hinckley

4- I don't remember when I started quoting this but, then I found it and I thought "oh cool, I wasn't the one that thought of that"

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid sould who know neither victory nor defeat." -Theodore Roosevelt

“It's a dangerous business… going out your door. You step onto the road, and…there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”

Happy New Year.

This is my first post in the year 2011. I am days away (unfortunately I don't know how many days away) from changing the course of my life forever.

This time next week I am going to find myself in a completely foreign position to anything I have ever experienced.

I am moving to Italy for the next three months. That's really why I made this blog so that I and my family and friends could see everything I'm learning and becoming. This is kind of like the travelling journal I suppose.

I am going to be around amazing people that I've never actually meant. I'm going to be in a culture I don't understand. I don't imagine how I'll ever be able to shut my eyes. There will be so much to see everywhere! I don't know how I'll ever be able to sleep there is so much to do! I don't know how i'll convince myself to do my homework when just being outside walking down the street will be something so special and prescious and fleeting.

It's almost like going to a new school. It feels like a fresh start. You're with new teachers and new people and you can make up your mind to be whoever you want to be. It doesn't matter if you were a nerd in your old school, you can be a cheerleader now or whatever you want. Nobody has any expectations or stereotypes to put you in yet.

Italy is not like going to any school I've ever gone to. It is more different than my mind can comprehend and I'm just guessing. I am excited for the challenge to be me. To be me when no one is around to know or say that I'm not being me.

People always talk in church about how when they were somewhere else it was hard but, it was amazing because they had the opportunity to stand as a witness at all times. I've never been anywhere like that. Growing up in Utah and then going to BYUI I've always been surrounded by people that believe what I believe and act how I act. The challenge I am confronting is to believe what I believe and act how I act without the support of anyone else. Just me and God.

I feel like going to Italy is a lot more like spreading my wings and leaving 'the nest' then going to college. College felt so natural. It was simply the next step and I wasn't very scared about it and when I was there it felt just...normal. I loved it for that but, that was the test flight. This is the real thing and I'm so nervous and restless for the experience.

To learn about the world and myself all at once is a dizzying thing to contemplate. A kind of experience you can't help but growing from. A kind of adventure that can't help but change your life.

So long America, Utah, Idaho, family, and friends. I don't suppose we will ever see each other again the way we are now. You don't have to go to Italy to grow and change. We'll both be different, or I should say, in three months we'll ALL come back different and hopefully it's all changes we like.

The New Year is about making changes after all. Some of my New Years resolutions are:
Learn Italian (rather important)
Finish at least one book (authoring)
Explore the world-or at least Italy
Learn how to cook at least 3 Italian meals/dishes
Fly in an airplane
Make ten new friends
Write a letter every week

Become more of a perfect square.
This one requires more than a one word explanation. There are four areas I am constantly trying to develop and every year I resolve to make them more a part of me and increase them every year.
1) Grow in Wisdom. Mentally
2) Grow in Stature Physically
3) Grow in Favor with God. Spirituallly
4) Grow in Favor with Man. Socially

Idea came from Luke 2:52