It's So Beautiful Here!

This week her Uncle Stan passed away. Sad times but she had just received a letter of encouragement from him telling her how important the work is and that he loved her. How sweet is that! Great man...

Povia = best panzerotti EVER.

The tomb is Juliet's tomb. And there is also a pic at her balcony. Other pics are from when two members from Como came to Verona and we got to see them and spend time with them.

Others are at the Arena. SO pretty here!!

It is what it is....

We had a challenging week, and at the same time, super rewarding. Time flies. There isn't enough time to work how I want to work, to love how I want to love, and to learn how I want to learn. But, if the Lord gives you 18 months, it is because He knows it is enough.

I have been so grateful lately. I am grateful for the little things that happen that make life worth it. Like, when you are riding on a train and look out and see a beautiful sunset over green fields. Silence. Texts and calls from investigators. Hearing Italians trying to pronounce your last name. Getting to church barely on time, and covered in sweat. Fans. Accents. Mission family. Words of encouragement from loved ones. Pictures that bring back memories. And other stuff like that.

Our hearts were broken, and then fixed this week. We had a little scare when it comes to one of our families we are teaching. I can't go into detail, but I can tell you that the overwhelming love that you develop for these people can give you energy and strength beyond your own capacity, and unfortunately can sometimes hurt you. Who knew. I've had my fair share of heart breaks during the mission...and it doesn't get any easier. But, we did feel the healing and comforting powers of the Atonement. Which feeling is the sweetest feeling that an earthly human being can feel.

I love this.

That's it.

Love, Your Kate 

 

Tender Moments on a Train

I don't have a lot of time. Two members from Como came to visit me in Verona today, and we spent a fun filled day with them. They were so great!!! 

I LOVE VERONA!!!!

The song "It's In Your Eyes" by Rogue Wave has been stuck in my head today and yesterday.

I love miracles. The small ones that you will never forget. The kind of miracles that don't have numerical value, but eternal. Planting seeds is one of my mission hobbies. I have done it for a long time here in Italy. One of the best seeds planted was one yesterday.

Simply put, we were riding on a train from Bergamo to Verona after having done a great comp exchange, and we shared the gospel with someone. Was it an extraordinary lesson?? Nope. But, she felt something. We'll call her "E." She is young, Italian, and caring. She was more than happy to listen. And while talking, she said "Obviously there is something really good about this message...it's in your eyes." MUSIC. I know it doesn't sound special, but add the spirit and open hearts, and it is safe to say that all three of us shared something special on that train ride. Something precious and unforgettable. She asked for something, so we gave her a used copy of the BofM, and she is going to read it.

Tender moments. There is nothing better. I feel like I needed to have that moment. And God knew it too. :)

Out of time.

LOVE YOU.

Katie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLv5fk8d7nM
Link to the song

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/roguewave/eyes.html
lyrics

Divine Potential and Priesthood Blessings

Verona

Something I realized while making the decision about which release date to choose is that God has always given me the choice. Some people feel SO strongly that they need to stay longer or less. I just feel like I need to be home at some point. I wouldn't be able to progress if I stayed a missionary my whole life. So it makes sense. Also, I have just been reassured that somehow God trusts me. He knows that I will pick the right thing. What a great blessing and comfort! I will let you know as soon as I've made a decision. It will be in December either way. 

Another thing I wanted to touch on today is my gratitude for the priesthood. I was reading a conference talk this morning by M. Russell Ballard. It is the one called "this is my work and my glory." SO good. If you get a chance to read it, READ IT. We have been talking to so many people lately that just can't wrap their minds around the concept of a restoration. And as I discussed it with Sorella Gomez, we came to the conclusion that they probably can't understand the authority that went lost. Maybe they don't even know what Priesthood power is. What a BLESSING to know that the priesthood has been restored. My favorite part is this:

Brothers and sisters, as the literal spirit children of our loving Heavenly Father, we have UNLIMITED, DIVINE potential. We can drift away from the true doctrine and gospel of Christ and become spiritually undernourished and wilted, having removed ourselves from the divine light and living waters of the Savior's eternal love and priesthood power. 

I LOVE when apostles talk about divine potential. I will give ANYTHING to help my loved ones to understand and comprehend that God does not see us as we ARE, but who He planned us to be. He wants us to succeed. He gave each of us a unique potential that we can, for ourselves, discover. 

He goes on to talk about how, like the tomato plant, we too can become deprived of essential spiritual nutrients, light, and power of God. I have never visualized the priesthood power as something so high-maintenance. It is kind of like the mantle you receive as a missionary. You have the calling and authority...but the spiritual power, which converts, HAS to be nourished and given light. And it doesn't come at once. It grows as we pray, are obedient, and exercise our faith. It is REAL. And so is the priesthood.

I miss having priesthood blessings. The last one I received was in the MTC when I lost my voice before singing for Mission Conference. That was a long time ago. And I never thought I would be "hungry" for a blessing. Weird. It just reminds me of how much I want my future family to enjoy the blessings (and POWER) of having the priesthood in the home.

Mission miracles are everywhere. We saw a change of heart the other day. We stopped a guy and he ended up talking us to for about 30 minutes. His jaw just kept dropping and he kept saying, "It's true. Oh my goodness, it's true!!" Unfortunately, he gave us the whole "I'll call you..." But he seemed SUPER sure about it. So, that's enough for us. I still consider it a miracle. He kept laughing at how happy we were to talk about Jesus. He pointed at me and said "You are just crazy in love with Jesus, aren't you?" And I said yes. I think it is safe to say that. 

Alright, that's enough for now. 

You are all incredible. Can't wait to holdju. 

Love,

Sorella Beus

My Testimony

I wanted to take the time today to just share my testimony. I know that God loves all his children. I know that the gospel can be made as personal as we want it to be. I know that families are FOREVER. I know that we can repent. And that we need to. I know that you are sent to the family that needs you, and you need them. I know that people can change. I know that hearts can be broken, and mended. I know we are on earth to learn and to grow. I know my Father lives. I know that there is strength in knowing. I know that love is the only language that everyone speaks. I know the spirit can comfort. I know that we are not perfect. I know that serving a mission is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I know that patience really does take time to develop. I know that God is the only one who knows what is waiting for us in the eternal life. I know that I want to make it. I know that the temple is the house of God. And I can't wait to go again one day!

I LOVE my Savior. I am so grateful for Him. Not a day goes by that I don't thank him for what He has done for me, and for every person we talk to. I love the gospel, the scriptures, and the ability to pray. We are the luckiest. :)

Love,

Sorella Beus

Baptism and "Want Some Venezia?"

She and Sorella Gomez are Sister Leader Assistants over the Verona and Mestre Zones, which include VENICE!!!! They took a day trip there last week. HOW INCREDIBLE! 

Along with the pictures she sent this wonderful news:

Anabel, my investigator from Como is getting baptized on July 20th!!!! My heart just jumped for joy when I found that out. All the tears, prayers, and time were worth it!! I'm not allowed to go back for it. :( :( But, I am writing her next week. Sorella McCann told me that SHE chose her date!! And the first thing she said after saying which day it was, "Can Sorella Beus come???" Broke my heart. But also, I am okay. I know that God knows that I love her even though I can't be there, and somehow, He'll let her know that too.

THE CANALS OF VENICE!

Want To Know Why God Loves Us?

Verona is BEAUTIFUL!

 

 This is the American Senior Missionary Couple, the Petersons, with their daughter. They call Katie their "adopted daughter" and you can see the similarities!

I am pasting in her last email. It didn't send last week so she sent it again and I left it just the way it was.  I think it is maybe the "American keyboard" that makes her put the letter f for every ph. Today hasn't been a good day but every time I read this email, I laughed at how cute she is. I MISS HER!

From: Katherine Beus <katherine.beus@myldsmail.net>

Date: July 3, 2013, 2:50:36 AM MDT

To: Deborah Beus <beushome@yahoo.com>

Subject: Re: sent from my ipad

this is from last week. and the subject was because it was sent from an ipad.

On Wed, Jul 3, 2013 at 10:50 AM, Katherine Beus ‪<katherine.beus@myldsmail.net>‬ wrote:

haha, we are writing from the senior couples's home! and this american keyboard is tricking me. I LOVE OUR LIFE. we have had countless miracles and blessings in these past few days. I know God loves us. want to know why?

-italy is beautiful. the green, rolling hills take my breath away every time I see them. And there are TONS here!

-horses exist...and no, I haven-t seen any, but I just remembered that I love them.

-the Book of Mormon is true. And god responds when we ask him if it is or not. I finished the Book of Mormon in Italian this morning. YAY.

-when we are out wlking around for hours at a time, he always lets us run into somenoe who listens. And sometimes if we're lucky, that person will feel the spirit and tell us!

-He is always there to comfort us.

-the Church is so inspired. It helps us spiritually, fisically, and emotionally. He really thought of everything, right?

-there are profets. 

-we get to eat AMAZiNG food on earth. seriously. there is nothing on earth like some yummy gelato or ragu.

AND, I think that-s it for today, haha. I can-t type!

LOVE YOU!

Love, 

Sorella Beus

Gelato

Ragu

Typical Katie... thinks to thank her MTC teachers

Katie wrote this letter to her MTC teachers and then forwarded it to us: 

I don't know if you remember me, ma non importa. I have been meaning to write you all and give you a little update on the mission! AND, I wanted to thank you ALL for everything you taught us.

SO, I started the mission in Bergamo. "Oh Bergamo...where the skies are always blue." My trainer was from Argentina and is THE most sacred missionary I have ever met. We only spoke in Italian for the two transfers we were together. So, I kind of learned Italian... although I had my doubts. I LOVED my time there with Sorella Padula. We spent a whole lot of time outside talking to Bolivians in parks. I was able to witness the conversion of two wonderful people, Stephen and Patrisia. One is African, and the other from Ecuador. They will forever have a part of my heart for how much they taught me about sacrifice and diligence.

Then, in my 3rd transfer, I was sent to open Firenze to sisters again. SUCH a neat city. I spent three tranfers there with two different sisters. I was reading through my journal the other day, and I had described it as the refiner's fire. We spent a lot of time talking to people on the streets through the winter. It was amazing. The members are solid and I know that city is just going to blossom one day in the near future.

In my 6th tranfer, I  got to open up Como to the sisters again...while also training the amazing Sorella MCCANN!!! Who, most of you know or have heard about. I ADORE Como. If you have served there, you know what I mean. They had divided the ward when I got there, so we spent a lot of time trying to contact the less actives in the new ward boundaries. THEN, we were able to prepare some wonderful people for baptism. I left after two tranfers, and Sorella McCann is training there right now. Yep, she is amazing! Just like Nonno Jeff. :) That place is the most loving city. I had never seen so many miracles like I did there!! Well, until I arrived in my next, and current, city.

I am now in Verona (8th out of 11 transfers) and loving it. I am serving with Sorella Gomez (maybe you know her?). She is in her 11th transfer. I had forgotten how it is to be with someone older in the mission! Anyway, we are sister training leaders for the zones of Mestre and Verona. We are learning so much from all the new sorelle. You are all so lucky to get to work with these amazing, prepared, young missionaries!!! They are so strong. 

I don't really know what else to say. I think my idea of a mission has changed so much over this past year. I have seen and felt the converting power of the gospel in the lives of our investigators, and also in mine. I remember thinking that we were supposed to give, give, give on the mission without taking anything in return. But oh, how I was wrong. The mission gives YOU more than you could ever give back. I don't know if you have heard about GEMs. aka Grow Every Missionary. It basically means that as you give love, it comes back around. And, it really does. It is a lifelong pursuit. Growing others around you is NEVER a waste of time. It pays off. Maybe not the way you thought, but for sure the way you needed. The Book of Mormon is SO TRUE. And it really does convert people!! Well, I mean, the spirit does. Comunque... I have never been so grateful to be a member of this church as I am now. It just makes sense. I LOVE seeing someone when they get it. Their eyes change, the way they hold themselves changes, and they glow. There are so many miracles here in Italy! I love it here. I never want to leave. 

Alright, there is my one year update. Thank you for the help you all gave us in the MTC. I am serving close to Sorella Beutler and Pearce right now, and we usually talk about how amazing our MTC experience was when we're together. So yeah, thanks to you all. Hope all is well in Provo!!! Italy is great. Summer is just gettin' started. Why does no one warn you about the deathly humidity?!?! Ha. Oh well. It is all part of the unforgettable, life-changing experience. We wouldn't want it any other way!

e...basta.

Sorella Beus

Then off to Verona! (Kiss Me Kate!)

Okay, can I just tell you all how UNREAL this is?!?!?! 
I was just transferred to the amazing VERONA! Woah. I just keep falling in love with every new city. We are living on Corso Porta Nuova, which is the street that leads to the Arena of Verona. We just look down the street, and whoop, there it is. I am on bikes again!! First day I was a little sore, but thank goodness I am not starting from square one again!! 




Also, we spent a Pday going to the Verona Archives where there are 4 sets of senior missionaries who are capturing images of every archive (wedding, birth, death, etc) from 1900 to 1942. The books are BEAUTIFUL. We got to see some from the 500-1000s. So neat. We LOVE our senior missionaries!! They take such good care of us. They are so talented too. Two of them speak latin and were professors at BYU, while some of the others are on their 4th mission. So neat!!

SOOO many sites to see!!!

The new calling has definitely brought on some fun responsibilities. We spent 3 hours just planning when I got there. We have already done some exchanges. One was with Sorella Beutler from the MTC. Wow, has she grown!!! I love her more than I did..which was almost impossible. I can't WAIT for this transfer. I ADORE THESE SORELLE!! They are so strong, wise, mature, and happy. We get to work with the sorelle from two zones! Which means, more love to go around. I am excited to see what we can learn from all of them. I already know that they will be teaching me more than I could ever teach them.

We had our LAST Zone Conference with the Wolfgramms on Monday. Sorellas Gomez, Beutler, Pearce, and I are the oldest in the two zones...and we just bawled our eyes out. We don't know where it came from, haha. We LOVE the Wolfgramms!!! I feel so lucky to have had a year with them. Thank goodness they live in Bountiful.

We are teaching a FAMILY. I don't know what else to tell you about them other than the fact that they are the most elect family I have ever met. The mother and father have started coming to church in a white shirt and tie and skirt. Without anyone telling them to. They are SO attentive. I love them with ALL my heart!!

            

One of THE most precious things I will EVER own!

All the Sister Training Leaders were able to go to the place where all the new missionaries were coming to meet their trainers. So, I got to watch Sorella McCann meet her new greenie. SOOOO PRECIOUS. I miss her so much but am more than confident in her ability to do this. She is now my sister forever.

While looking around, I noticed that EVERY SINGLE ONE of my companions was in the room. 4 of which are training sister leaders with me. I did NOT miss the opportunity to take a pic. So, here it is. This is probably one of THE most precious things I will EVER own. It makes me cry if I think about it too much. :)

LOVE YOU!!!!!!!! The church is true. God is TOO good. Family is eternal. The end.

Love,

Sorella Beus

P.S. This morning, we spent an hour and a half looking for an internet point in the BLAZING sun and HUMIDITY. We gave up and went back because it was just SOOOOO HOT. WOWOWOWOW!!! It is just the beginning of summer, too!! I am just going to have to get used to being soaked in sweat. Yuck. :)

My companion, Sorella Gomez!!! :)

BTW, Mckay Tanner is TRAINING!!!!! We said to send this pic to Shana. Mother, he is so solid. Everyone loves him. When he shakes everyone's hand, he does the two hand hold, if you know what I mean, SOOO cute! He is such a humble country boy. Love having family here!!! Here are the Beuses. We need more!! haha.

Beus Cousin Powerhouses!

McKay told his family that when they went to pick up their greenies he ran into a familiar face! Sorella Beus! "It was awesome! We actually had some time to chit chat and she is probably my favorite person in this mission! Such a happy and jolly missionary!"

TOOOOO COOL TO HAVE RELATIVES SERVING IN THE LAND OF THEIR ANCESTORS!

June 1, 2013 - Letter to Grandma Beus

1 Giugno (June) 2013

Dear Grandma Beus,

As I'm writing this, I'm listening to the cd of children's Primary songs you sent me, & oh how I love it!!! The day it came, we were riding w/a member from Milano to Como, and I asked if we could listen to it, & he gladly put it in & sang along with it for the whole drive. :) Thanks for always taking care of me, even when I'm miles & miles away.

By the way, someone gave me this paper for the b-day, & I thought I would put it to use writing letters.

Grandma, the mission is a beautiful thing. I am learning more and more each & every day. I can't believe I've almost been out for a whole year! Time just flew by. I love all my friends here. I am meeting some amazing people. There are people from everywhere. A lot of Africans and South Americans come here looking for work, but it is really hard to find. Lots of them left their families to be here, & it breaks my heart. We just believe so much in united families you know?! Families are meant to be together. The longer I am here, the more I “crave” to be with you all again. Not because I'm homesick, but because that's just where I belong. God sent me to you because He knew it was where I would best learn & grow. I am so grateful to have been born into a family that is strong in the gospel. I was reflecting, along with Sorella McCann, on my childhood in the church. I remember going every week & doing all the actions to the songs. It was fun & I didn't mind going. I went to church b/c it was weird not to. Being a member was the “norm.” I feel like it wasn't until approx 3 years ago that I really began to understand what it means to be a member of Christ's church in these latter days. It didn't make sense that I wasn't rushing or anxious to get married. After all, isn't that what Mormon girls do?! Find an RM & get married in the temple, & then raise a family in the gospel? After a few months, I felt confused. Amidst all the stress & confusion, I broke off the engagement & went to the bishop for advice. That path I took a few years ago has only brought me joy and peace. I guess... actually, I know that is why I am on the mission today. I know that the gospel brings peace to confused lives. I know it brings reason to trials that wouldn't make sense otherwise. I know, with every part of me that God is aware, & NEVER out of reach. In the times of stress & confusion in my life, I was able to find comfort in the message of the gospel because of grandparents & parents that have taught me well, I knew where to turn to find the answers.

I can't imagine anywhere else I would rather be than here in Como. It sometimes seems too good to be true. I love our God who allows us to be instruments for His work. We are the luckiest :) You are an AMAZING grandmother. I ADORE you. And pretty soon, I will be able to tell you about all the things that have happened here in the last little bit. But for now, I leave you with my testimony that I know the Savior lives. He is always by our side. He knows how to comfort us in times of need. He loves us more than we can imagine. I can't wait to hug & thank Him. One day. :)

LOVE YOU!!!! XOXOXOXO

Sincerely,

Sorella Beus

Last Day in Como!

Wonderful last day here in Como! I have cried off and on thinking about leaving Como and Sorella McCann. It has been too good to explain in an email. Hopefully I can explain it all to you one day. I LOVE this city.

Bellagio. Sunburn. Pretty houses. I am obsessed with this city. We HAVE to come back. Next time we take the boat, I will wear sunsceen. I am BURNING. My poor arms. :( :( The wind fooled us all. But, was it worth it?? I think SO.

Other random news. I learned how to do the voice of Golem from Lord of the Rings. We also do shadow puppets at night some times. I am going to miss my Sorella McCann sooooo very much. We are BEST BUDS for ever. It was decided way before we came to earth. That is for SURE.

Bought this Aloe Vera as soon as we were on dry land. Feels wonderful!

People know I love plants so they give them to me. :) Here is an ivy plant and then two sunflowers because it reminds them of me and Sorella McCann. :) Love it!

Alright! Are you ready for the transfer info???

I am going to VERONA! I will be serving with an INCREDIBLE sorella named Sorella Gomez who I have wanted to serve with my whole mission! God loves me. WAY too much. Be grateful, not guilty, right?! She is two transfers ahead of me and we will be serving as Sister Training Leaders together!!!! Which means, we will be doing two comp exchanges a WEEK in the Verona Zone. Cio'é, we get to serve with 20 other sisters during the transfer!!!!!!! HOW COOL IS THAT?!??! Among the other Sister Assistants are Sorella Eaton, Santoro, and Padula. I have been SO fortunate in my mission to have served with such amazing sisters. There are 8 in total, and I love every one of them. President says I practically get to serve with all my old comps again because we will have meetings occasionally with all the zone leaders. So great. 
Well, there it is!! Next stop, VERONA.

I'm Willing To....

Transfers are next week! Only four more for Katie!!! She and Sorella McCann know that a change is coming for one of them at least. SOOO many new sisters in their mission! I am hoping she gets transferred to Turin where our ancestors are from and Mike is hoping for Venice, haha! Mom bought us these dvds of Italy's cities and countrysides. Can't wait to virtually be where she has been!

Here are her thoughts about where she has spent most of her time:

I have spent a lot of time in the mission opening new areas. I was thinking about it, and about 7 months of the mission, I have been in new apartments. I am getting used to living in very sparse apartments. Good practice for married life, haha.

Why?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxqfDs-64I0 

This is from a wonderful song by Mercy Me about the question Why?....

From Katie this week:
Okay, this week has been full of the question "Why?" 

Like... Why did God want me here? Why did I need to serve in Italy? Why is this work SO hard? Why don't people listen? Why am I in LOVE with my mission? Why did I leave all my life behind for this? Why are there so many miracles?

I have found so much peace when I have asked myself these questions. I was thinking back to when I was doing my papers and put that I had studied Spanish. I had been hoping that somehow, some way, they would think to send me to Italy. I remember just hoping SO bad to come here. BUT, I was willing to go WHEREVER. That is the beautiful thing about being here. There isn't a more personal way that I feel my Savior's love other than the fact that He wanted me HERE. At this moment in missionary history. A time when there are more people prepared to hear the gospel than ever. I love thinking about all the feelings I felt while trying to decide to come on a mission. I distinctly remember conversations with everyone that is important to me. All those conversations left me wanting to be out in the field. They left me with a feeling of being incomplete without those experiences in my life. And that "incompleteness" fills up every day I am out here. Even when I think there is no room left in my little heart, someone or something slips right in as if it were meant to be there. I am still obsessed with my mission. :)

Last week for my birthday, we got to go to ward council. I am remembering sitting there being surrounded by the members and feeling so much love I could have burst into tears. Sometimes it AMAZES me how much more I want to cry on the mission. It's changed from crying because it is NOT what I expected to crying because it is WAY MORE than what I imagined. I love it.

This week, tons of people have asked us why we are here. I mean, it is so not normal that we come and leave everything behind to serve. People on the street have told us that they feel bad we are here in the north of Italy. They tell us, "The people are really cold here. I bet they don't listen or want to talk to you." It sometimes confuses me. They are so right! But our response has been that we aren't here to find those who don't want to listen...but those who hunger for more. The more rejections you get, the more "acceptions" you get. It is simple math! And while I may not be the best at talking to everyone, I have seen the miracles that come when we simply try.

Hmm...what else is on my mind...

That's it for now. If I think of anything else, I'll let you know. :)

Love,

Sorella Katie Beus

Happy Birthday and Temple Anniversary!

May 22, 2013

Hard to believe this is where she spent her birthday May 22, 2012! Beautiful day!

From Katie:

Thanks for the email you sent out. I LOVED seeing all the messages from my dear friends back from home and from my FAMILY!!!! LOVE the sweater!! Thanks for getting it to fit, haha. I wore it on Sunday and ALL the members made comments. I said it was from my twin, and that made it even better. They LOVE that I am a twin. Thanks for thinking of me and loving me!!

I know Katie will like this! :) 

Wonderful to have a model to try things on!

Yep, it fits and I like it! LOVE my twin!!!

The card from Westley says, "Driving to the next age"