Repeat it 3 X

This week Katie wrote an encouraging letter to her twin, Kimberly, who is in her first month of Physician Assistant Master's Program so we didn't get much in the way of mission news, but I did enjoy hearing this tidbit... Katie and her companions have been making positive statements three times in a row and feel like it's making a difference. :)

Love this girl so very much! And this girl LOVES Italy! Loving her last days!

Tomorrow is a New Day!

Missionary work is kind of on hold here. But, why would there be missionaries here if there weren't people who are being prepared to hear the message of the restored gospel?? When I came in, there was a little bit of discouragement. They have been trying to work with members, but it just isn't producing the results we want and need.

SO, I thought about it. What motivates sister missionaries?? I don't know about all sisters, but I know that here in our apartment of four, chocolate is a pretty good incentive. So, I decided that in order to increase our numbers, we NEEEEED to increase our teaching pool. We found some old Nutella jars and bought some M&M's and we are putting one in the jar for every person talked to. It sounds so simple, but it works. We also wanted a way to show the members what we are doing. When they ask how our missionary work is going, we can just show them the jar. We can say this is how many people we talked to, but how many came to church??? We NEED the help of the members. But, until the time is right, we are just going to increase our own efforts. They need to know how much we care, and in order to do so, I think they need to realize how much we do because we ADORE and LOVE them. Sorella Morley, who is a wonderful cook, is going to bake cookies with all the M&M's when we are done with this transfer so that we can "give" our members all our efforts. 

I was reading a conference talk the other day from May 2012. In Italian, it's called "Avere la Visione per Poi Agire. " I think it would be "Have the Vision to Then Act"   Either way, it is SO good. It talks a lot about how Christ always saw in his disciples the potential they had. He saw exactly what they could become. He never expected them to be different than who they were. He just loved them until they saw their potential themselves. Then, they acted and became witness and friends of Christ, manifesting of His love and truth in all their actions, even to death.

This is the concept that we need to put into practice as missionaries. We LOVE these members. We LOVE our investigators....but what is it that we are willing to do for them. Until we can realize, truly, their divine potential, we won't know how to take care of them. I have felt countless times on my mission that an idea or thought didn't come from me, but from the Spirit. It came only when I was giving my heart to the Lord, and the people I am serving. We all need to have a vision of what we can accomplish and who we can BECOME. It doesn't matter where we are now. Tomorrow is always a new day. We need to start seeing ourself as Christ and HF see us. Then, and only then, can we act to get to where we can be. 

I feel SOOOO blessed to be here. I am amazed that Heavenly Father has made something out of me, as imperfect as I am. Somehow, he let's me be in Italy, in Mestre, and to give all I have. This is the most incredible experience of my life. I am SO grateful for this. 

Love you all!!!

Love,

Sorella Beus

There is work to do. A lot of it.

Mestre is a nice city. I think I am going to like it. I am still in an area where we have no investigators. The members are super busy right now and most are still on vacation. So, we are doing finding work almost alllll day every day. The rainy season has started so THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the package! I am wearing the cardigan RIGHT NOW! :) :)

I am serving in a ward with 5 other missionaries, 3 sisters and 2 elders. Our chapel is under construction so we meet in a Catholic church about 10 minutes away from the LDS church. Can you sense the difficulties?? It's discouraging for the members but they are super strong and have hung in there from year to year, just holding on to any hope they have generated in the past. There are few young families in the ward, and a lot of part member families. There is work to do. A lot of it. I don't know where to start. I feel truly inadequate to be here. I don't know what I have to offer these wonderful people!!

My companion, Sister Morley, is a sweetheart from Highland, Utah. She likes to cook and take care of others. Perfect. She is going home in less than a transfer now. Crazy.

One thing I noticed about Italians this week that I really like is that when you are leaving their house, they refuse to close the door until you are out of sight. Isn't that so cute?!?! Some of my favorite memories of Italy will be seeing those cute Italian faces poking out the door until I have gotten in the elevator or gone down the second flight of stairs. They are so sentimental. I adore them and want to hug all of them at the same time.

I miss Verona. A lot.

Love you!!!!

Sister Morely likes to cook and care for others.

Farewell to Family D and Sorella Gomez

Sad farewell to Family D

Farewell to Sorella Gomez and hello new roommates!

I love my life in Verona. It was always way too good to be true. 

I have been saving some miracles to tell you all. Not because I didn't want to tell you, but because I wanted to see where they would go. 

Well, we have been teaching an Italian FAMILY for quite some time now. They are so incredible. They have broken our hearts, and made our hearts swell with joy. Basically we have felt EVERY emotion with them. Let's call them the Family D. 

Family D is the perfect family. Dad, mom, daughter, son. Well, Dad decided he was ready for BAPTISM, and Mom is ready within a few weeks along with their 9 year old daughter. This means, an eternal family is about to come into the fold. YAYAYAYAYAY! I feel beyond lucky to have witnessed the many changes of heart this family has gone through. They have had quite the time. They are surrounded by member friends. I have learned, through them, what it is like to go from believing NOTHING to believing in life after death and in an extremely loving Father in Heaven. Like Italians say, this is beautiful.

Well, Dad's baptism is in a week and a half, and Mom's is in 3 weeks!

And.....................................

I am being TRANSFERRED!!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

I have been transferred to MESTRE to be companions with Sorella Morley, one of the sister's I lived with while in Milano going to and from Como every day. She is great. She and I have always served close, but I never ever thought I would be her companion. She has one transfer left, so my goal is to keep her going strong until she "dies" (as missionaries say it). 

I felt heavy when I heard it. I adore Verona. I wake up loving it and go to bed dreaming about it. It is the perfect place. I feel like I always loved the mission, but coming to Verona was another world. I loved everyone from the very beginning. I saw and felt things I didn't ever expect.

But, that is how the mission is. I will miss this place with all my heart. And my lovely companion is staying here for her last transfer. Thank GOODNESS. She deserves it. I've been really excited for her. And I appreciate so much that she knows how lucky she is as well. She is humble and grateful, and I really admire her. 

I am going to miss this... :( :( Life goes on though. It has to. And God has something beautiful and challenging for me in Mestre. For those of you who don't know where Mestre is, it is right next to Venice. So, people here tell me I shouldn't complain. But like other cities where I've served, Venice isn't Verona, Bergamo isn't Como. They all have their own charm. You find something to love everywhere you go. Sometimes, you just click better in some places than others. For the first time, I haven't felt "ready" to leave a city. But I think that is part of the challenge that is going to help me grow. I love a good challenge. :) Heavenly Father knows me well.

And I will go WHEREVER the Lord wants me to go!!!!

I said that when I put my papers in and that hasn't changed. I am SOOO blessed to be here and learn from all these people and sisters (and elders)!!!!

That's it. Love you!!

Love,

Katie

Running to Castel Vecchio... love it!

Piñata!

We MADE a pinata!!!!!  

We made it for our investigator's son's 6th birthday. 

He LOVED it. 

 They are THE most beautiful family. I cry every time we teach them.

I hope SO bad I don't get transferred!!!

Still loving it!

I have been in Verona for a while now! And like I say every week, it is just so easy to love. I remember you telling me that Matt Pyne said you just keep hitting your pillow, and then before you know it, you're coming home. It happens, people! Somehow, it is already Wednesday again. I feel like I just wrote!  Yet, here we are. Still tired. Still here. And still loving it.

I have had quite the week of thinking. My thoughts are everywhere. Nothing new. I have been struggling with being tired for the whole mission. It is the first thing I ask for help with when I pray in the morning! And you know what? God is helping me! We wake up at 6:20 every morning to go running to Castel Vecchio. SO worth it. My companion and I are constantly on the run, and somehow, we aren't dead yet. 

The other day, we called an investigator who said he could only see us RIGHT then. We said, OKAY...but we were still 35 minutes away by bike. Well, we didn't want to miss it because it was our first appointment with him and his wife. So, I said, "We'll be there in 20 minutes!" We hopped on our bikes and raced off. It was SOOOOO hot, and the ride was ALL uphill, and we had NO idea where his house was. But, we had faith. :) We arrived less than 20 minutes later. Sweaty, but happy. THAT is a miracle.

I am learning so much from all the younger sorelle in the mission. They have such sweet stories as to how they got here. They all say that the announcement was made "just for them." SO cute. And here they are. 19 yrs old. Away from home for the first time. And willing to give their all to the Lord. I love the assignment we have. I love getting to serve with 20 other sisters!!

I have been praying a lot for charity. It seems like one of the things that I really NEEEED to develop. It is the only thing that helps you love someone that doesn't love you back. Having charity is being like Christ. Now, if it were easy to develop, we would all be perfect by now. Why, oh why, does progression require so much work?? Haha. I love learning. 

LOVE YOU.

Love,

Kate

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.