What? 5 weeks? How'd that happen!!!

Family,

Goodness gracious I cannot believe I am starting my 6th week here! 5 weeks down... 3 weeks and 6 days to go before Italy (that sounds so much better than 4 weeks). Needless to say we are all getting ridiculously excited to go to ITALY!! yahoo!! Well what a lovely week it has been here at the MTC. Since last wednesday we got 2 new districts of Portugese Elders. I still went to the "Meet the Branch Presidency Meeting" even though there were no girls there... It was so much fun! The Zone leaders and I have a great time demonstrating how to be exellent missionaries (since we are SO experienced :)) and I always give the pep talk cuz I'm the sister and apparently that's what sisters do best! I really love doing it! Seeing new missionaries come in is the best! I decided I TOTALLY want to work at the MTC after my mission... or maybe just be a missionary for life... haven't quite decided!

Sunday my dear roommate Grettypants aka Greta did a special muscial number on the cello in Relief soceity. IT WAS PURE BLISS!! She did such an amaing job! I was sooooooo times a million.... proud of her! She played "Nearer My God to thee" and it was amazing! I just thought I'd give her a little shout out... even though I get to see her everyday... and just let all you peeps who love her as much as I do know how awesome she is! We get to bear our testimonies to each other a ton to practice... she in spanish, me in Italian and we can sorta understand each other!

Alright, so my musical abilities have just bursted here at the MTC. Since no one in our branch minus the 3 other sisters can really sing, we have to get creative on our musical numbers. Guess who sang, yes I repeat, SANG in sacrament meeting this week??? ME! What yes! I sang with 2 other elders and sister Rust. We did "the Spirit of God" with a bit of a special arrangement. Oh yeah... my siblings while you are rockin' it on the Aida stage, just remember your vocalist of a sister missionary! Yahoo! I have vowed I am exempt from participating in the musical numbers for the rest of the MTC, but alas since my collega is the music director, don't know if I will be able to avoid! We get new Italian missionaries next week! What fun!

Oh and the other night, Sorella Camp totally slept talked in ITALIAN! The funniest part is that I woke up and had a conversation with her. She said, "Collega," I said "what" She said "ho bisogno" (which means "I need...") and I said do you need some medicine? Do you need a hug? (naturally my first instinct :)) she woke up at that moment and was like "sorella Nilson, who are you talking to?" sorella oakes and I busted up laughing cuz, we were like "collega you were totally talking in ITALIAN in your sleep!" She didn't remember any of it! We are so proud our italian is sinking in!

MY Jos and JAke! you are here by the most incredibly talented people ALIVE!!!!!! All i hear is about how great you are! You are going to broadway! I shall be your manager when I get back... hold off having your rise to fame until then alright??? Never in my life have I wanted to See Aida more that I want to at this moment! Mom, is someone going to really video tape the whole thing? I submit this needs to be done!

Well This week we got to teach silvana and ivo again! They came! Once more Ivo did not want to participate. We went into Silvana and told her we were going to try and invite him to join. We went outside and asked him to come in. He had brought a book about Italy and what else.. a WHOLE LASAGNA! Silvana had made us a WHOLE LASANGNA and somehow got it into the MTC! (It was pure bliss... can NOT wait for italy and to be freed from cod nuggets forever!) So for most of our lesson we were talking about Italy again. At the end though, Ivo got pretty serious. Although he is not a member he knows that the gospel brings peace to families. He told us to embrace the italian language and culture, and to most importantly have courage. Silvana told us to just open our mouths, even if we can only bear a simple testimony, people will feel our spirits. We told them that we knew with God, all things are possible. Well, It was a great experience. We aren't the best teachers in the world yet, because we should have taught more, but we didn't really feel it was right, our trust we built up with Ivo was just so fragile. They can't come next week, and when Ivo found out he was really sad, and said well then we will be here the next week! It really taught me that you have to be patient with investigators. I want so badly for Ivo to just listen because that is all silvana wants! OH she is an angel! She just wants him to know what she knows so they can be sealed. She said the most beautiful prayer at the end. AH being a missionary is THE BEST! I know I'll get better so I never let any opportunities to bear my testimony slip by!

Elder and Sister Claudio Zivic came yesterday to talk to us. Sister Zivic gave us a list of "mother's counsel" to missionaries- I thought of you mom!- She said that In everything you do remember... "Love is the motive, obedience is the price, Faith is the power, and Christ is the Reason" I think that will become my moto to my mission! It was amazing... I don't know how we get so lucky to be spiritually fed by such amazing people every sunday and tuesday!

Well I love you all so much! Little girls, and Jake and Jos, good luck with school! Can't believe it's starting! I love you times a million and I love being a Missionary!

Ciao for now,

Sorella Nilson

Tales of the Italian missionary week 4

Famiglia!

WHAT?? how has it already been a month! I cannot believe it! While it feels like forever since I have seen you all, the weeks are passing so quickly here! In just a month I will be in Italia! YAHOO! Dad, I can't believe Elder Scott is coming! Tell him to come speak to us at the MTC! We have yet to hear from an apostle :) I'm so jealous!

Well so this week has been really fun, I am still learning so much and basking in all the wonderful talks I get to hear and doctrine I get to learn. The new program here at the MTC really is amazing! We have 2 progressing "investigators" right now-Roberto and Oscar- and we teach all our lessons completely in Italian. They both have a baptismal date, but Roberto is having troubles living the word of wisdom and the law of chastity... I swear If i have to teach him those lessons one more time! Just kidding... but for reals it is really preparing us for what we are going to have to face out in the field!

Well do you remember me talking about Silvana and Ivo last week? So in TRC this week they both came! We were so excited to teach Ivo... Personally I was a little nervous, but we all were excited to share with him the gospel, since that what silvana wants for him! So we get to TRC and find out that Ivo refused to participate. He did not want to listen so Silvana was in the room waiting for us to teach her and Ivo was just waiting on a bench. We were so disappointed. So I asked Fratello Auna if maybe we could just talking to him and tell him we just wanted to practice our italian. After saying a prayer that he would talk to us, Fratello Auna took us to him. We said hello. He wasn't very open at first but we began talking to him about italy and asking all sorts of questions and an Hour later he was laughing and talking and even invited us to come eat dinner at his house, warned us about the mafia, and told us english was ugly :)! It was so cool!! No we didn't teach him, but we just showed him we cared. He told us he loved speaking Italian with us because no one here in Utah speaks Italian! It was such a neat experience because that Is what we are going to have to do everyday, just get to know people and show them we care! It was totally real and just got me even more excited if that is even possible!

OH! Jen- my piano lessons have paid off! Parents you would be proud! Not only did I play all the hymns in sacrament on sunday, but I accompanied sorella oakes and sorella camp as they sang "Sempre vicino a Te" - Nearer my God to thee... and I totally made up a prettier accopaniament... Totally not a big deal for most people... but I was definately proud of myself! Horrah!

We got a bunch of portugese speakers in our branch and get more today! I got to practice my coordinating skills last thursday as I went to the meet the branch presidency meeting with the new elders and one sister and the zone leaders! It was really fun! We feel so cool since we have been here a month now... we basically know everything about this place! I am excited to do it again tomorrow.

We are still playing a lot of 4 square... I am honing my skills everyday... And I am proud to annouce that I have spent significant time in the "kings" square! Horrah!

Today we got to go to the temple... I love it! The temple seriously is the best and I am going to miss it so much!

I pretty much do the same thing everyday these days but I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!! yes, I'm lovin' it here! (Anziano Stewart told me to say that)

Oh! I am so glad all you guys got to talk to seth! I saw him yesterday right as he left! He was nervous but SOOO excited! He is going to be so great! So proud of him! We said I love you and then... he left! Ah! Horrah for missionaries!

I love you all so much! and Miss you ooodles! Hope everything is going well with everyone!

Molto amounts of Love,

Sorella Nilson

3rd Letters A Charm!

Mia Famiglia!!

Ciao, Ciao, Ciao!! I hope all is well with you! Thank you for keeping me updated on life mom... I love it! Okay so I have like a gazillion things I want to write and tell you, but so little time! I shall type exceedinly fast... and If my e-mail just abruptly ends... you'll know why!

Okay so first off... I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!! I think i will keep telling you that until it stops being true :) So expect it every week! Our older 2 districts of Italians left yesterday so that leaves only 11 italian missionaries in the whole MTC! But it is the best because we are just the closest group!! Even though we are 2 districts it is like we are one! And I SERIOUSLY Think we have the best elders that ever walked into this MTC! Each of them really want to serve the Lord, and promise... they treat us sisters like Princesses! We had a birthday party for sorella camp on monday... thanks mom for hooking me up with the party stuff. It was very successful and we totally suprised her! We had so much fun! She couldn't believe we did all that for her... but I new her birthday had to be big... Harley style :) I also have to announce that I have offically been sucked into the delight that is Four Square here at the MTC. IT IS THE BEST!!! Holy smokes who knew that a elementary school game could be so fun! We've played it at the last 3 gyms times and I am getting better each round! Last time I was in the top square for atleast 5 minutes... Mamma Mia! Also I got called this week to be coordinating sister! I am now very greatful for my experience as birthday coordinator in relief society, Hopefully I will be successful in coordinating missionaries now! I am in charge of the girls in my branch! Right now that is only my companions, but we get new italian sisters in 3 weeks horrah! and since our branch is so tiny, they have given us Portugese missionaries! Shout out to Sister Hans and Sister Amo! Our church meetings will now be part in italian and part in Portugese!

So every second here at the MTC you learn so much! I am so lucky that I got to come here at a time that they are starting this new program. Everything we do and learn revolves around being better missionaries and being better at teaching to the needs of the investigators. So in TRC for those of you who know what that is, we have started teaching people as they are, not as fake investigators, so we learn how to teach to people's needs. We just started this on monday. When we went in there, our first investigator was named Silvana. Silvana is from GENOVA!! She is 100% italian and is visiting her daughter here in utah for the summer. She and her daughter joined the church 18 years ago. We went in and started to get to know her and found out her husband is not a member. She told us it was her biggest difficulty in her life, She loves him so much and wants him to know that the church is true because it has blessed her life so much! She said he loves the missionaries, but he nevers listens, and won't read the book of mormon. He is catholic only because his family has always been catholic, but she doesn't believe he really cares much about the church. It was amazing. Her spirit was so strong as she testified to us about how the gospel has changed her life and how the people of italy need to hear our message. That day we taught Silvana about prayer. We told her that perhaps that may be the only thing she can do for her husband, Ivo, right now. We promised that in the Lords time he would answer her prayers. Of course she knew this, but said our testimonies strengthened her! IT WAS SO REAL! I can't believe it! I know that I am going to love doing this for 18 months! While I was in there with her, I just felt her desire to share the gospel with her husband so strongly, and it made me not only want to share the gospel with Ivo, but with everyone! She said that what she wanted more than anything was to be sealed to her family, but that can't happen until her husband joins the church. We promised her that she would recieve that blessing even if it wasn't in this life. and guess what?? We get to teach her and Ivo next week in TRC! We are all so excited and at the same time I am really nervous! It's hard not to feel inadequate, but the thing is, I know that this church is true and if that is all I can tell Ivo, then atleast he will know my testimony.

I feel so blessed that already here in the MTC we get to have these types of experiences! I already care so much about Silvana and Ivo and want them to be happy and for Ivo to realize how the gospel and bless his life! I want you to know that I know without a doubt that this church is true. We study the gospel everyday and I learn so much about how the gospel literally is the answer to every problem or trial we face in this life. With the help of the Savior, we can be happy, find comfort, get direction, have peace-- It is the only way!

So che questa chiesa e l'unica chiesa vera sulla terra. So che Joseph Smith era un profeta di Dio e che mediante il sacerdozio di dio, lui ha tradutto il libro di mormon. so che il libro di mormon e` la parola di Dio. Sono grato per il vangelo di Gesu' Cristo nella mia vita. So che mediante l'espiazione di Gesu' Cristo, possiamo tornare a vivere con le nostre famiglie e il Padre Celeste di nuovo!

I love you all and miss you! But the thing I have taught more than any other here at the MTC to my investigators is that the gospel blesses families and that families are eternal! I know this is true!

Have a fabulous week! Vi voglio bene!

Ciao,

Sorella Nilson

P.S. Thanks to Aubrey, Jonzee, Daniel, Grandma and everyone for letters! Replies are coming! Happy birthday to Tim this week! Thanks for the packages and cookies! Grandma, our elders loved them!!

Mom I still need shot info about my MMR shots from when I was a baby or in kindergarten!

2nd Letter...

Sorry it is a little late.... But better late than NEVER!

Here is Katie's Second Letter from the MTC!!! ENJOY!

Ciao Tutti!!

My goodness it is week number 2 here at the MTC and guess what?? I STILL LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!!! Just when you think that it couldn't possibly get any better... you are totally wrong! The spirit is always here, and we learn such amazing things! We have a devotional every tuesday and Sunday, and they seriously are the best things ever! We get to hear so much amazing information and it is such a spiritual boost! I want to share with you some of the stuff I have heard... Here are just a few one- liner gems....

"The People in your heart, can't see what's in your heart, let them know whats in your heart everyday" - Make sure you tell people you love them when you do!!!

"Give yourself to Christ and he can do miracles with everyone of us...As you allow the lord to Sanctify you, you will become men and women of God." Elder Simmons

"Love is what Christ is all about, Love is what our Heavenly Father is all about... God loved you so much that he gave his only begotten son, it wasn't a barter, it was a gift. Now that is love." -Robert P. Swenson

"The Choices we make today can profoundly alter your future; Learn how to exercis faith and learn by faith so you can draw down poer from heaven!"- Elder Lund

Are we so lucky or what??? And these are just teensy phrases from some of the most amazing talks I have ever heard! We are constantly getting spiritually fed (so even if our physical nourishment is not so good... our spiritual nourishment is like a feast everyday!! Oh man... my humor is failing these days!)

Well the language is still coming... They are implementing a whole new program here at the MTC so we are really lucky to be part of it. We got a new book that is supplemental material to Preach my Gospel... It is so neat! We litterally have been teaching a lesson everyday since day 2 in italian!! Right now our investigator is named Oscar. He is married with one son, and just loves his family! Perfect right?? We just met him yesterday, so we will teach him again tomorrow and are already planning on talking to him about how the gospel blesses families!

Alright, now for more about my district and the other new district. They are SOOOO AMAZING!! Combined in those 2 districts we only have 11 missionaries... The 2 older districts leave on Tuesday, so for a while there will be only 11 italians in the MTC! WE are such good friends. I have never seen charity in action as I have here at the MTC. We are always there for each other and really want so badly for everyone to succeed. The elders are doing so well! It is amazing to see 19 year old boys assume the responsibilities of being missionaries so quickly! The other night we had district meeting (we combined with the other new district) Anziano Roisum, the District leader said that he really liked just sharing our testimonies. So we went around the room and all bore testimony of this gospel and the importance of missionary work. THE SPIRIT WAS SO STRONG. We were all united in the same cause, to share the gospel as servants of the Lord, specifically the people of Italy. At the End, Anziano Roisum added that before he came everyone told him how hard it was going to be in Italy. He said that now, he doesn't believe it at all. Yes, we will have difficult days, but the Lord called us to Italy for a reason, and there are people there waiting for us!! This is SO true! Everything we do here is to prepare ourselves for those people! We already love the italian people so much, because our work is centered on them. Needless to say, It was such a neat experience... And I love these anziani and sorelle!

One other thought that we have been taught so much since we have been here is that, "The Lord did not Call us to Fail" I KNOW that this is true. The Lord would never call one of his servants to fail. He wants us to succeed and as we put our faith and trust completely in him, we will be successful missionaries and be blessed!

Now for an eventful story... The other night at about 2 am, Suddently the fire alarm went off in our building! What bliss! As if waking up at 6:30 isn't early enough! We had to evacuate and then found out there had just been an electrical error! Mamma Mia! It was quite the adventure!

I got to see Chad the night before he left! Pictures are coming...I saw him with Seth and said goodbye. He was nervous, but I know he is going to be one heck of a missionary!

Lastly, a few thank yous to TL, Vicki, Mom, and Grandma for the packages!!! YAHOO!! they were the best! and to Lin, Nielle, Debs, and Katreina and everyone else from my fam for the letters! Everyone has started calling me Sorella Populare, and everyday they guess how many letters I am gonna get :) you guys are the best! I shared my treats with my zone and they were very appreciative!!

And Happy Birthday to Mac and Suze!

I love you all and miss you so much!!! I just wish I could teleport you all here so that you could experience all I am experiencing. We got to go to the temple today... BLISS! I love the temple!!

Thank you so much for all your love and support! I know that this church is true and that sharing the gospel is so important!

Until Next week....

Sorella Nilson!

Sorella Populare!!!

Katie gets a lot of letters. Thanks Everyone for your love and support

Kates and her district. She loves her companions!

More picture to come....