October 2017 Highlights

We had another wonderful moment of great experiences here in Sicily and Italy. We explored, we partied, we even taught a little.

5 story wall mural honor 2 judges who lost their lives to the Mafia for standing up to truth

Blue skies at the Palermo Botanical Gardens

Botanical Gardens

Beige walls decorated with colorful foliage and a little imagination

Fisherman and fisherman boats at the harbor

 It never fails that we see something of interest at each walk around Palermo.

A day with the Agrigento missionaries took us to Rapunzel's castle (aka Dinah's castle)

 

Turkish steps - white limestone

 

Turkish steps of Agrigento

Zingaro Nature Reserve with the Trapani missionaries

 

Trapani missionaries rock skipping on the Mediterranean Sea

 Sometimes we get the chance to spend the day with the missionaries, we make a point especially with those finishing their mission or time in Palermo.

The ancient Greek city of Ietas

Greek amphitheater stairway at Monte Jato

On our travels for apartment inspections we see signs for sites of interest, Monte Jato is on the way to Sciacca. At the top of a short climb are views and ancient Greek ruins of the city of Ietas.

The village of Bronte at the base of Mount Etna where the world's best pistachios grow

Mount Etna crater exploded at this site in 1984

Sicily is home to the world's best pistachios; where the trees grow in the ash of Mount Etna. Sicilians use pistachios for pesto, cream, gelato, and many other treats. Mount Etna is an active volcano that you can drive to see craters of explosion. The city of Catania is overshadowed by this volcano that sometimes is hidden by the smoke.

Cagliari beach on the island of Sardegna

Lungamare at Cagliari on the island of Sardegna

One of seven hilltops in the city of Cagliari on the island of Sardegna

Italy has 2 islands, we live on Sicily, the other is Sardegna. There are fourteen missionaries serving on Sardegna without a senior couple nearby. We offered to take a turn for apartment inspections there for the chance to visit the other island. It was beautiful. And wonderful to spend time with more diligent and amazing missionaries.

Palermo Zone watching the Ballard Mission broadcast from our home

October Zone Conference

We are blessed to work with 24 amazing missionaries. They are scattered among 6 cities, Palermo city itself with 3 units and 12 missionaries. The others are two to a city. We visit 11 apartments for inspections, repairs, and replenish missing or old furniture and such.

Jack-o-lantern experience for the young people of Palermo 2nd Ward

Costume contest at the American Halloween party

When you have American missionaries sometimes American holidays and traditions become a focus for ward activities. The missionaries sponsored a Halloween party with pumpkin carving, apple bobbing, and costume contest. It was a crazy night.

Institute gathering at Anziano Garrett's birthday!

We started teaching Institute this semester. Every Wednesday evening for 2 hours about 10 to 12 young adults gather to learn more from each other about the Book of Mormon. It is nice to learn from them and share our thoughts too. I prepare a small meal for everyone, luckily they seem to like my food.

Our young adults have captured our hearts! We love each and every one of them. They share their love with us back.