When In Rome....

Monday, February 01, 2016

From Rome to Home

Can a subject line be any cheesier? Well everyone, here's a last salute from Italy. I can't believe it's all over. It's been the most wonderful year and a half ever. I wish I could explain all the feelings that come with ending a mission, but it's really just unexplainable. Part of me wants to just go hide in the church and stay here forever, the other part is way too tired to do that, and some part of me just wants to be home in 5 minutes. I have to say that I feel so much peace with the way that my mission was, and everything that I experienced. This last week I was able to say goodbye to the wonderful people in Bari, and we ate SO MUCH FOOD. 8 meals in 7 days. BIG meals. I think Heavenly Father knew I would be sad about missing the food here so He gave me soooooo much food in one week so I wouldn't even ever want to eat again until I come back in August. I have felt so much peace as I have realized that I really did all that I could, and used the help of my Heavenly father every day. Going back to Ladispoli was stupendous. I got to see some awesome families and have some happy reunions. There is nothing better than seeing people you worked with a year ago, and realizing how much you love them. So many memories came back and I realized just how much I did during this year and a half! Please serve missions. They are wonderful and you will grow so much.

Today was awesome, I finally saw the Trevi fountain!!  IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL. I am officially obsessed with Rome. Funny story. The pigeon house (does everyone remember this from Ladispoli…the dead pigeons and maggots) is now the Anzianis’ house. They hate it. The Sorelle have the old Anziani's house which has a beautiful view. So that's pretty funny. Also I've been eating lots of gelato. Too much. I left Bari Saturday morning, flew to Rome, went to the Giorganni’s and ate with them, slept in Ladispoli. Sunday morning went to church there and I got to bear my testimony. So fun. Then I visited with some people after church. Then me and Sorella Wineager went to go visit her friend’s family who aren't members in Rome!  It was wonderful.  I slept in Rome with Sorella Tapia and then we had pday today and I went to the Trevi fountain and the temple! I had my final interview with President and now I'm hanging out in the mission home. Phew. So yeah that's been my life! I love Italy!  I have seen so many wonderful friends from the mission. There are so many people I love in this country. There are ALSO a lot of people I love in a country 18 hours away. And I'm pretty dang excited to see you all! AHHHHH it's going to be so fun. When President Waddoups interviewed me he prayed we would have "a big party." Sounds good to me! :) Thanks for all the prayers and support. It's been so good.

Vi voglio bene. La chiesa è vera! Non dimenticate.
See you to tomorrow !

Love,
Sorella Brunson