Things I've Learned in 6 Months

January 4, 2014

(We've been here six months now.  Here's a list of random things I have learned -- in no particular order.)

God loves everyone. 

God doesn't make mistakes.

Missionaries are sent here for a specific reason.

You can NEVER have too much food on hand.  

Missionaries have huge appetites.  (The elders lose weight and the sisters gain weight.)

You can never praise a missionary too much.

Everyone needs to be loved and appreciated.

Missions are hard.

Family support is essential.

Prayers are appreciated.

God makes us equal to our tasks.

There's no such thing as a good night's sleep for a mission president and wife.

Revelation is real.

Prayers are answered.

Miracles occur daily.

Missions are training fields for future church leaders.

Sometimes hearts are broken and sometimes they are mended.

God knows why two unlikely companions are placed together even when it doesn't make sense from the outside.

Nothing is more important than family.

Driving in Italy is not for the faint of heart.

The Italian language and old brains are not a good combination although even poor Italian is very much appreciated.

I can love 200+ missionaries.

Senior couples are great and very much needed.

The mission boundaries are huge.

There is such a thing as too much travel.

You can wear the same outfit two days in a row because it's more important to fill your suitcase with packages from home and supplies than a change of clothes.

There is still sooooooo much to learn.