Substitute teach for Naples Institute

We were asked to train to Naples to substitute teach for the Institute class on Saturday.  Ok!  No problem.  The train is only one hour and the chapel is within walking distance of the train station.  We had some time before and after the class so we took the opportunity to go to the old town of Naples.  

In one of the squares, these two guys were really putting on a show with their drum skills.  LDS Charities actually funded drums for the refugees in Naples and I was half hoping that these guys were some of 'our' refugees, and making some money from tourists.  They weren't.  Too bad.

As Easter approaches, there will be celebrations all over Italy.  This little group was parading through the streets with music and flags.

Here is our cute little class.  From Left:  Peter, Mark and Sunday.  Here we are singing the opening hymn.  Those boys really belted it out.  Loved it!  We were singing "Did you Think to Pray" and as they read some of the lyrics they would stop and smile at each other about how perfect the lyrics were.

Learning and discussing the Sacrament, the Holy Ghost, Prayer, and The Gathering.  They are all from Nigeria.  We were all speaking English....but they had a hard time understanding us and we had a hard time understanding them.  Sometimes after I would write the idea on the board I would hear 'Oh! The Holy Ghost protects us.  Yes!"  (for example)  They had good questions and were so humble and teachable.  Peter (L) was a returned missionary and he served in Nigeria.  The other two boys were converts of about 3 months.  All of them came over on a boat.  

After class we were talking about their future.  They are very aware that in Italy it is hard to find work.  They trust completely in God and have faith and hope that everything will work out, although they were very aware that many trials still lie ahead.  They had their scriptures all underlined, they had their manuals and wanted to know what to study during the week.  They expressed how grateful they were that they had the opportunity to study and discuss the scriptures together with us.  Oh my, my mother's instinct was to hug them and make it all easier for them.  Can't be done.  It's a tough world, Satan will make it tougher, and they have many obstacles and trails ahead.

Napoletano Pizza is very famous, and for a good reason.  It's heads & shoulders better than pizza in Rome....or anywhere else in Italy for that matter.  Italian pizza is not created equal!  When we ask the missionaries where they hope to be assigned they ALL say Naples.  Why we ask?  For the street food and the pizza and the nice people!

And we continue....

Invitation to the inauguration of the soccer field in Florence. 

The 'boys' from the camps with their league compatible uniforms donated by LDS Charities.

Let the Games Begin!

Caritas is the Catholic humanitarian arm and LDS Charities is the LDS humanitarian arm.  Working together for unity!

All the uniforms have the LDS Charities symbol.

Unique experience in the eternal city.    It snowed 6 inches!

It was festive!  Everyone was out enjoying the snow.  Last snowfall was 6 years ago (I had heard 16 years ago...) This is a city snowman!

The Borghese Park under snow

Umbrella Pine trees don't normally see snow....and sadly there were lots of trees that were damaged because the snow was very wet and heavy.

Not a day to miss for sure.  We saw kids 'sledding' with plastic bags.  Two girls had on their skis.....no, they weren't going very fast!  People biking down the slick hills...It was a PARTY!

Of course the snow isn't fun for those without good shelter.  Luckily, our Better Shelter tents on the Red Cross campus held up well, kept the 'guests' warm and dry!  The President of Italy visited the site on the day it snowed and he 'praised' those who help the needy in the area.  There is a small youtube video of his visit.   The Better Shelters are completely full.  Not one bed is without an occupant.  We are always pleased when our logo is so predominantly displayed.

Gallaria Sciarra, late 19th century arcade,  not far from the Trevi fountain.  Didn't really know it was there.  Just a beautifully covered square....most cities have one like it....uh, huh.  It's just one example of walking around this city and stumbling upon yet another beautiful sight.  

Piazza Barberini.  This was just too cool.  Brr, looks like the guy is pouring ice over his back!

We were asked to give a FHE lesson about our refugee work in Italy to a visiting BYU group.  It was lots of fun for us to give it.  A captive audience and we were able to talk about our work.   That doesn't happen very often.  Most people just want a word or two then they start to glaze over.    

The BYU crew, their sponsors and us.

Stake Conference today.  The visiting '70' was from Portugal (Morella).  He spoke about obedience vs. submission.  A great topic Jake, next time we meet!   Anziano Adepoju spoke at the conference.  Good to see him again.  Interestingly, Anziano Huntsman 'replaced' Adepoju and is now companions with Elder Dunn in Ladispoli.  Photo bomb by Tom!