Newsroom Article #2

We had an intern in Frankfurt, Kimberly Petersen, who wrote a couple of articles for the newsroom.  She did two articles on our projects, and this is the 2nd one.  The first one posted after this one on my blog.






Joined in a Common Cause 

LDS Charities Partners with INTERSOS and UNICEF to Help Refugees

By Kimberly Petersen 

The INTERSOS medical van provides one-stop medical services during the day and shuttles at=risk children to a facility at night.

ROME – In partnership with INTERSOS, LDS Charities provided both medical and educational staff for a new facility for unaccompanied minors and women at risk. Additionally, LDS Charities participated in funding an outreach program to take minors off the streets. The 6-month project began in July 2017.

A Chance Encounter

“Sometimes you think it’s a coincidence, but when you look back you see that you were directed in certain paths,” said Sister Anita Herway. She and her husband, Elder Tom Herway, are the humanitarian missionaries directing the work of LDS Charities in Rome, Italy. It was by chance that they found INTERSOS. 

On a spur-of-the-moment trip to meet other humanitarian groups, the couple met an INTERSOS doctor. As they spoke with him, they were impressed to hear that the organization hosts women and children in a refugee/migrant facility. Whenever unaccompanied minors are found on the streets, INTERSOS picks them up and takes them to their facility for food and shelter. The only problem was the neglected state of the building.

Joined in a Common Cause 

“The old facility was way too small,” commented Elder Herway, “not to mention that it was inconveniently located downtown.” The medical van was also in disrepair. However, because Elder and Sister Herway left on that initial trip, they felt directed to the right people and involved UNICEF, which funded renovations for a brand-new refugee/migrant facility. Ikea donated furniture for the facility and LDS Charities provided funding for the staff and for repair work on the van. “Between UNICEF, Ikea and LDS Charities,” said Elder Herway, “we felt that there was unbelievable coverage for the most vulnerable people.”

The new facility opened on October 11, 2017. “They’re doing so much good,” the couple said of INTERSOS and the other contributors. “Sometimes you don’t see the one that you’re helping,” added Sister Herway, “but you hope that you’re really helping somebody that the Lord intended to be helped. I can’t do all the good, but hopefully we can do a little bit of good, and I feel like we do.”

The next step, according to Elder and Sister Herway, will be encouraging local Italians to help integrate the refugees into their communities.

The new facility provided by the government before renovations

Inside the new facility after major renovations provided by UNICEF and furnished by IKEA.

Newsroom Article #1

We’re All Brothers
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Catholic Leaders Come Together to Celebrate the Integration of Refugees

Team proudly displaying their LDS Charities and CARITAS patches on their new uniforms

FLORENCE, IT- Having self-confidence and a sense of belonging are invaluable luxuries rarely afforded to refugees. In July 2017, LDS Charities stepped in to aid CARITAS in their efforts to bring those luxuries to asylum seekers in Florence. Elder Tom and Sister Anita Herway, welfare missionaries directing the work of LDS Charities in Italy, were contacted to help with the project.

CARITAS-Florence cares for around 650 asylum-seeking refugees in centers spread throughout the city. 85% of those refugees are young males 18-30. According to those in charge of the centers integration is difficult and tensions often arise from differences in language, culture and religion. Their only common bond is their love of soccer. “When they play soccer, they’re all brothers,” commented Elder Herway. Noticing this commonality, CARITAS proposed a project to organize two soccer teams in the centers. They hope it will provide opportunities for the young men to work together, mingle with the community and play against local leagues. Additionally, CARITAS believes that the relationships and the skills gained will be instrumental for their integration.

Enrico Morelli shaking hands with members of CARITASIn October 2017, Elder and Sister Herway attended a ceremony at the San Lorenzo chapel in Florence to celebrate the teams’ integration. 

Sister Herway observed how positive the experience was; “seeing two religious groups come together to support these refugees was inspiring. Everyone was on equal ground and we were so grateful to be a part of this.” Speaking of Morelli, she added that “it’s so wonderful to have local members invested. It makes a huge difference to have strong relationships established with the local leaders. We’re very proud of them and glad to rub shoulders with them.”
As Elder and Sister Herway walked inside the chapel they were amazed to see both soccer teams lined up in their uniforms, holding soccer balls, and standing proudly with LDS Charities patches on their arms and CARITAS patches on their chests. “It just hit us,” said Elder Herway, “they were all beaming and so proud. I learned later that they hadn’t won a single game, but they didn’t care. With the new uniforms and equipment, they felt united.”

LDS Bishop speaking with the Archbishop of Florence

The Archbishop, the director of CARITAS and the second counselor in the stake presidency all spoke at the ceremony. “This is a momentous occasion,” said Elder Herway of the event, “This is the first time that the Catholic church and the Mormon church have collaborated on a project like this in Florence. It’s also the first time that we have personally collaborated with CARITAS at the top level. We have developed strong relationships with all of them in giving these young refugees the resources they need to settle their differences, build self-confidence and integrate into society.”

LDS Counselor in the Stake Presidency talking with the teams at San Lorenzo Chapel 

November has been busy

You have seen this kitchen before, it belongs to INTERSOS.  We took another missionary couple, the Whitings, to meet Valentina, the director of the camp.  The Whitings are the new couple at the Institute.  We hope the YSA of Rome will interact with the refugees at this camp, in a variety of ways with the goal of the refugees integrating with the Italian youth.  This camp houses minors and vulnerable women.  We think great things will happen here.

Hygiene kit assembling activity in the church basement.  Hey!  That's our missionary car in the background.  We often park our car here when we have to get on the metro.  Usually we can't find any parking, but luckily we have the keys to the church garage!

The missionaries and the YM/YW of our Rome 1 ward made this activity happen.  The original shipment was 'lost' for weeks and we were always rescheduling this activity.  The two young men missionaries are the zone leaders and they never complained about having to call and reschedule each time it happened.  They get lots of kudos!

At a break in the activity we took 'the kids' over to the local pizza hut...well, its actually the Pizza Alla Pala.  It's literally across the street from the church.  Pretty decent pizza and really cheap.  Found out that the missionaries eat here all the time.  Well, that makes sense.  I remember this conversation, "which one word or phrase describes you?"  Dad got 'wisdom' and I got 'mom'...fine by me!

Trying to arrange all the coats and supplies into bags to get them into the Tibertina Camp.  At one point Dad was the 'guard' of the supplies in the missionary van.  Three guys said they didn't have time to wait in line and could they have a look.  Dad was too smart for that trick.

Tibertina Camp.  Baobab leaders:  Rosaria and Roberto.  It's Rosaria we work with the most.  She is really the 'nuts and bolts' and the fine details/logistics person.  You have 'met' her before and it won't be the last time I sing her praises, she is one unique lady with a heart of gold.

Here are the supplies we were giving to each guest as the camp:  fleece jacket with a rainproof outer shell and a personal hygiene kit.  We are standing inside of a marquee tent that LDS Charities provided to Baobab so that they have a dry place to serve the food.

It's not what you expect really when you hand out needed clothing.  Either the boys were too shy to say 'thank-you' or they didn't know which language to say it in, or didn't speak the language....or they expected it.  Regardless, there is a bit of a tussle from the boys and the camp volunteers helped to make it orderly and made sure that they didn't take more than one coat. 

Refugee Conference, Athens Greece, Nov 2-4, 2017.  This was the opening dinner.  We have 4 refugee couples in Europe,  2 welfare couples from Frankfurt/ Stays and Canfields,  Gilles our boss in Frankfurt, and also Bruce Muir (retiring as director of Humanitarian Services of the Church) and Ty Johnson (taking Bruce Muirs job)  I need to put the 'outcome' of the Athens conference:  "Business as Usual".  Best outcome imaginable.  Here's the cool story:  Since there are less refugees arriving, should the funds go to places with more need? Ex Harvey, Irma, Myanmar, etc.  The thought was yes.  But the members of the church have been so generous that the coffers are still full!  The Presidency doesn't want the money sitting in the bank, they want the money out helping those in need.  So we continue.  The only change is that our funding will not come from 'emergency relief' but 'sustained relief'.  Chokes me up and humbles me each time I think of it.  There is still a need and those needs will still be addressed thanks to the generosity and kindness of the Latter-Day Saints!

We visited a recently arrived Afghanistan family as part of the conference.

The cute girls from this Afghanistan family were happy to sit next to me and show me photos and I showed them photos.  They spoke no English and I didn't speak their language....photos did the job.  Is there a resemblance of the older girl with Isa at all?  It's the eyes or something.

The next camp we visited was run by Lighthouse Relief which started in Lesbos by 3 Swedes.  The camp provides sewing classes for the ladies.

This was a group photo at the camp.  Willmott at the far left, the refugee couple assigned to Greece, us, the Swendson assigned to Serbia, Gilles, Sis Stay, Scovilles, Elder Stay.  Kneeling two random guys who wanted to be in the photo!

The daycare provider had her hands full, but she knew how to keep them in control.

The girls had a jumprope and eventually all the Senior couples had a turn with her jumprope...Dad included!

In the lobby of our hotel:  The Golden Age.  The couple from the left is the Swendsons and they are serving in Serbia.  The Willmotts serving in Greece (not pictured b/c they were at their own apartment and they did a lot of work to make the conference a success) then Gilles, the Herways, the Scovilles. (both Italian based)

Do you remember ZiZi and her baby and Muhammed her husband?  Well here is their update, they did make it to France.  They had their baby there!  Last we heard they are in Lyon, but probably by now they are in another location.  Just wanted you to know that all turned out well for them.  Hooray!  A small update on Abraham.  He phoned to see if we could introduce him to the missionaries in Ancona.  He is connected with them now and is currently taking the lessons.  He is under strict advice to study and find out for himself what he thinks.... 

The mobile units that replaced tents on the campus of the Red Cross.  Notice the cool signs on each home indicating that LDS Charities helped to fund the mobile homes.  We are pictured with the other donors of the project:  John Cabot University.  There are now 30 units, each can house up to 6 people.  There are also units for the canteen, the toilet/showers, medical, and staff.

Dad talking to Pietro Mariana who has been our point of contact for the mobile home project.  The homes were built by IKEA and assembled (IKEA style!) by the employees of Red Cross.  It's supposed to take 4 hours to assemble but Pietro said it's more like 8 hours (IKEA style again)

We were given a nice little plaque in gratitude from the Red Cross for the donation from LDS Charities.  

Ballard, Diaconia Valdese in Torino, Monza Municipality, Oxfam in Florence

Natalie thought we should have 'photo-bombed' this one.  We were lucky to be right behind them as they arrived at the chapel and posed for this photo.  DeFeo, Ballard, Pickerd, Clayton.

There is nothing like sitting in a room full of 100 plus missionaries signing, "Hope of Israel".  The Spirit goes right through you like electricity.  I never appreciated that song until I sang it with a roomful of missionaries! 

Never think your mission is too hard.  Think about what you have to offer these people and who your represent.  Through you they can come to know Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, the Plan of Salvation, etc.   What a privilege it is to be ordained to teach these things.   

Learn from these experiences.  You will go on after your mission to become leaders in the Church and in your home.  Some of you will get PhDs, but you will never learn more about life than you will learn in these two years.  Take full advantage of this opportunity.  Enjoy it.  You will look back on these days the rest of your life.  

He told of being with the First Presidency in a hotel as a newly called Seventy when they invited him into their room to pray with them before they went to bed.  They kneeled together and President Kimball gave a very simple prayer where he said, "We have done our best today and we hope our efforts of this day were acceptable to thee".   Elder Ballard said, "Don't go ordering the God of the Universe around asking Him to do this and that and bless so and so.  Keep your prayers simple just like President Kimball."

He talked about miracles and how they have not ceased.  Elder Clayton had talked before him about being a missionary in Peru when there was only one Stake.  Now there are 100.   We have no idea of the future implications of what we do.  We are here in Rome at an exciting time with the temple coming.  It is a miracle. 

Elder Clayton - Bring your best to every occasion.

Elder Sabin - You will only be as happy as you are grateful.  I really love that one. It is true!

Elder Da Feo - Being ordained to the Priesthood is the power to teach the everlasting gospel (D&C 79:1).

Love Dad 

We visited with Steffano Bertuzzi of the Diaconia Valdese in Torino.  Our first stop in Torino was at the Social Point called 'Il Passo'.  Here they have Italian classes,  Arabic classes, they offer day care for the working families , they also have a gynecologist come to consult with the women.

This was a cool mural of photos.  Each photo was intended to capture the international gathering on tram #4, which is the tram that runs from the west suburbs through the center of Torino and to the east suburbs.  They were able to capture the depth of variety of people all riding the same tram.  

Here we are with from left:  Yagoub Kibeida, the vice president of Mosaico.  Next is a guest under their protection and currently a 'tae kwon do' champion, and then Steffano Bertuzzi with Diaconia Valdese and Tom.  We are hoping to partner with these groups as we move into Labor Integration for the refugees.  Another resource that we were able to pass onto this group was 1)volunteers from BYU who want to assist in translation for several months and 2) volunteers from BYU who want to have 'phone-friends' much like pen pals in the old days.  It is important for the refugees to have a friend who checks up on them daily or at least weekly, to keep up with how they are feeling and have a place to just chat with a friendly person!

Our next stop was to Spazio 37 in Monza, a suburb of Milano.  This group of people gathered are Tom, the Stake President of Milan East Stake President Paolino, then Marco who is the 'champion' of the Monza Municipality, and then Monia Vismara the Stake Public Affairs director.  For this project we funded computers to be used by the refugees for obtaining documents, etc.  There will be one computer for each facility, this is only one of the facilities.

We toured the facility of Spazio 37.  Here is the medical room.  Everyone that works here is a VOLUNTEER.  Marco is the only paid employee.  They house 25 people each night and provide clothes, food, showers, and medical treatment (3x a week from volunteer doctors)  We have 10 members of the church that volunteer here on a regular basis and that is how we found out about their needs.

Outside of the facility.  It used to be a bus depot.  The building for the housing was at one time used for office space for the bus office.  The actual 'garage' for the buses now houses the donations that come in from the community.

Monia and I were in the back seat of the car.  She is proudly showing the article that she wrote for the Liahona about Spazio 37.  She shares the Liahona with all those people that are part of the projects:  the director of the municipality, the volunteers, the doctors, etc.  Fantastic!

Here at the electronic warehouse we were in the process of purchasing the laptops.  When it came to actually using our credit card to make the purchases, the card was refused.  Hmmm.  We actually left the shop when we got a call from Frankfurt that the purchase exceeded our limit.  All we had to do was to split the purchase into 2 segments.  We go back to the shop, and viola!  It worked.  Hooray.

Our last stop on this trip was to visit with Oxfam in Florence.  I love their motto.  Oxfam is a world-wide and a high profile organization that does a lot of good in all the places that the humanitarian arm of our church is located.  It could be a huge partnership if that was pursued.   We discussed potential projects in which LDS Charities could partner with them.  There is no lack of potential here.  The only question is how much does the church want to become involved.  One statement during our meeting that we both liked from Alessandro Bechini (pictured and with whom our meeting was with) said, "We don't talk about donors, we talk about partners.  We want to work together."

There are Frustrations

Okay, you need to know that there are frustrations.  Let me whine just a minute.

1) I have been working on a donor agreement for seriously two weeks.  First it has the wrong address from our church (no longer from Germany but now has to be the one in Italy)  ok.  Next problem is that the signature has to be from Angela and not from Steve any more, so change that.  ok.  Next problem is the wrong address of the beneficiary.  ok.   Change that.  Then one person can't open the document.  Another change.  Then the beneficiary signed the wrong project (it's 595 not 265.  duh!) so do that again.  ETC  ETC  ETC.  Got an email from the financial man in Frankfurt, 'please send the updated donor form so I can send the payment.'  I want to do that, believe me.  I really really want to do that....but let me slit my wrists first!!!  AArgh.

2) We have a BIG activity on Saturday, basically intended for Italian National Service Day.  We have two shipments of goods arriving to two different locations in Rome.  One shipment to Rome 3 and one shipment to Rome 1.  Simple, right?  Well, first of all the shipment information is crazy detailed:  combs (wide tooth or fine tooth)  underwear (briefs or boxers and what size and how many) fleece blankets (heavy or light and what size and how many).  Well it makes sense you have to be that detailed but the problem comes when they send in their requests and they don't have these details and it takes forever to get them!  Then what address to mail them to, what date to have them sent, who will accept the shipment and what is their phone number and address, and we need a second contact as well.  OK!  But that is only the beginning of your troubles.  So the first shipment made it, hooray.  The second shipment?  GET THIS.  It was sent to Alessandria Italy to a chapel there!  And somebody was there to accept the shipment and sign for it(what??)....in the meantime, Tom and I are waiting at our chapel in Rome Italy because we got a call that it would be delivered.  We wait, we call (it's coming!) but nothing.  We go home.   We call Frankfurt who finds out that our shipment was sent to the WRONG chapel in the WRONG city.  Oh, and your activity is in 2 days.  Ooops.  Frankfurt finds a company who will go back to the wrong chapel and pick it up but they can't find anybody who speaks English who will go to the chapel and open it for the company to collect the goods to bring to us.  Conclusion?  There is no conclusion other than I will never ever want to do this again!!!  You will find me at the beach sipping a stiff drink!

3) BAML.  I don't even want to go there.  Just know that if every number, every transaction, every code isn't done perfectly and in triplicate, it gets flagged and you do it all over again or your card gets blocked.  And it's complicated because every transaction has it's own personality whether it's a straight charge, a reimbursement, a cash withdrawal, a finance charge, etc.  You want to hear a lot of grunting and sighing and grrrrrring, just hang around while we tackle BAML.

4)Volunteers, Journalists, and Film-makers.  Now you would think these folks would be an asset.  And I suppose they are, BUT here is the frustration.  Example:  Film maker wants to make a film of Abraham (story on my blog).  We get Abraham all psyched to tell his story, which is not an easy thing to recount and remember, but he is ready.  We have many people involved.  After much work and arranging, the film maker CANCELLED.  Why?  Their paperwork wasn't all in order.  We then have to tell a sad and confused Abraham that it is not going to happen.  It sucked.  Another example:  a journalist wants to interview refugees.  Can I set that up?  I do.  This journalist also enlisted other people to help and in the end there was myself, my boss, a couple in Frankfurt all contact this same person and same organization with the same request.  Holy smokes, that organization/person will never want to deal with us again!  Last example:  volunteer asks for information, I dig around to help and set-up something.  Thanks, found something else.  Great.  Oh well, it's all good.

5)Last whine for today.  We often get calls saying they need this or that....and could you do it right away.  It's usually because a 'big shot' is coming into town and everyone goes into hyper mode.  Or some 'big shot' needs this for a meeting that is tomorrow.  OR even we have had a 'big shot' ask for a meeting to be organized for the next day requiring lots of sacrifice on people and time, etc.  Our latest request was fulfilled by Tom, for which I am very proud of him.  Well, he did all the logistics and I provided a little help.

But guess what?  I wouldn't trade this mission for ANY OTHER.  It's perfect in our opinion.  So there.  All that whining is just fluff.  The rewards way out weigh any of the inconveniences and frustrations.  In fact, I have written it all out today just so I don't forget that this wasn't a perfect mission,  just nearly perfect.  Now this post would be perfect if I could add a photo, but how do you capture frustration in a photo???

PS.  I double parked today for 2 hours.  Literally parked behind two cars that could not move if they wanted to because I was parked behind them.  I had a hair appointment and I parked there and went inside to see if they could tell me where to park.  "Oh, they will honk if they need to move".  Alrighty.  Since it was just in front of the salon, I figured I could run out and move the car when needed.  I never had to move the car.  The hairdresser said, 'now you are 1/4 Italian'.....I have moved up the ladder.  You should be proud of your mother!  I admit it was a great feeling to block in two cars and have it be perfectly legit.
Oh and today I saw 4 guys watching as 1 guy drilled a hole.  Very typical.  Moral support is essential for sure.

Intersos Official Opening

'Project realized thanks to the contribution of LDS Charities'!  And our logo in Italian.  This is on the back of the INTERSOS van.

The van with our logo and recognition.  Pictured with Valentina who is the coordinator of the camp ,which is for minors and women and the van is used to pick up the minors/women from the streets of urban Rome.  They collaborate with the grass root groups who are on the streets.  This protects the vulnerable migrants/refugees so they are not left on the streets and in bad situations. 

We were singled out by the Secretary General of INTERSOS (the head shed) who came to thank the church personally for our support in this project.  He is Greek and his name is Konstantinos Moschochoritis.  

The new building which will house the minors/women has been renovated and the outside murals were painted by a street artist.  All the paintings were done as a gift to the center by this artist.

This official opening was held on Oct 11, 2017.  Tom is standing next to the sign which advertises the sponsors of this project.  We are very pleased that the church is part of this project.

Cesare Fermi, the director of INTESOS Rome Migration is speaking.  He is the man with whom we have been doing all of our 'negotiations' and we think very highly of him.  Very professional, very kind.  He is opening the ceremony.  Press was there and a very good turnout.  Earlier they held an opening for the local community so they could see what the center is all about and hopefully that helped the community to accept and embrace those who will be housed here.

Cesare and Tom discussing ideas.  We really like this organization and feel that they are doing some awesome, hands-on, getting the job done type of work.  We are very pleased to be able partner with them.  When we first met them we had a really good feeling about combining our funding with their operations.  It hasn't always been so clear who is 'good' and who is just pretending to be 'good'!!!

We  have our district over for dinner each transfer, and transfers are on Monday.  This group is lots of fun.  From left is Sorella Rhodes (from Heber Utah) and Sorella Palmer (military family so she has no home) Sorella Gleave (only one transfer left.  She signed up for classes at BYU at our house b/c we have internet) and Sorella N'Zougani (Italian).  The Anziani Alexander (Phoenix) and Young (Utah) are the zone leaders and district leaders.

MEDU has been partnered with LDS Charities from the beginning of the refugee crises.  You hear a lot about them.  Alberto(the director of MEDU) and Francesca (one of the employees)invited us to lunch just to say 'thanks'.  This is a cool (and applicable) drawing in their office..

After lunch they wanted to go to the bar for coffee.  I guess you normally don't sit down, but just stand at the bar and drink your one sip of expresso.  While at the bar, there was a mirror and I couldn't help but snap this photo.  Not posed, they were just standing this way and I thought it funny.  Notice I am still wearing sandals and capris, while Francesca is in jeans and closed toe shoes.  It's still warm here to me but not to the real Italians!

Sports Brings Religions Together

We had the opportunity to go to Florence to have an official hand-off of Soccer uniforms and sports bags that LDS Charities donated to the camp that is run by CARITAS, the Catholic charity arm.  This is the group of Mormons that were able to attend:  Us and Rocco Ianni who is the 2nd counselor in the Stake Presidency, Bishop Ferrini, and Enrico Morelli.  (the guy in the sweatshirt was a visiting relative)  The celebration was held at the San Lorenzo Basilica.

Here we have the ArchBishop of the Catholic Church, attended by several other clergy as well as the CARITAS director.  The feeling in the room was exceptional because it was a rare time for the Catholics and the Mormons to be working together on the same team.  

Bishop Ferrini with the Arch Bishop.  Now get this.  Bishop Ferrini served his mission in Brussels Belgium under President Harrison!  He remembers us and said Dad was his Bishop.  He was happy to be part of this celebration.  After the meeting he invited us to his place of work:  The Pitti Palace Hotel where there is a terrace with a great view of the city.  We decided to eat dinner there and Bishop arranged for us to get a 20% discount.  Nice guy and fun to talk to about old times.  He is now married with 3 children.

The uniforms all have the LDS Charities logo as well as the CARITAS logo.  Talk about working together!  The 'team' has already played in the official city league, however they haven't won a game yet.  But just wait!  Of course it will be a revolving door as far as the players go because it will depend on who is staying at the refugee camp.  The best thing is that there is an integration of the boys in the camp and the Italian boys in the city league.

This player said that he was a professional soccer player in his home country:  Ghana.  When he left Ghana his Mother said, 'why are you leaving?' and he replied, 'I have to.  If I am successful I will bring you to Europe.'

The sports bags also had the CARITAS and the LDSCharities logo on them.

This was to show my badge and his arm patch:  the same!

The ceremony was held at San Lorenzo Basilica.  This was the upstairs terrace.

Team Photo

This is where the ceremony was held.  We took photos on the top terrace and the ArchBishop had access to a hall just for our celebration.  It was cool.

After the celebration we had time for some strolls in Florence.

From the Ponte Vecchio Bridge

This is the view from the Pitti Palace Hotel that Bishop Ferrini works for.  We stayed for dinner and enjoyed the view and very tasty food.  Be sure you stop in next time you are in Florence.