Missionary Poem

A mission is a strange experience, it's a trial and a test.
A mission throws at you the worst, yet teaches you the best
They told me this would be the best period of my life,
but I guess they didn't explain it all to clear.
I came out looking for a bed of roses, I just wasn't expecting all the thorns I've found out here.
Since I've been out I've never been so happy, I've never been so depressed.
I've never felt so forsaken, I've never felt so blessed.
I've never been so confused, my mind has never been so clear.
I've never felt my heavenly Father so distant, I've never felt him so near.
I've never been so discouraged, I've never been so full of hope.
I feel I can go forever, I think I've come to the end of my rope.
I've never had it so easy, I've never had it so tough.
Things have never gone so smoothly, Things have never been so rough.
I've never traveled through more valleys, I've never ascended so many peaks.
I've never met so many nice people, I've never met so many freaks.
I've never had so many ups, I've never had so many downs.
I've never felt so lonely, I've never had so many friends.
Boy, I hope this is over soon,
Gosh, I hope this never ends.

Author Unknown

The Mission

The Mission

--Anziano Gemmell

Two years have come and gone, even if it doesn’t feel so.

I remember when all I could say was “benissimo grande Cibo”.

Walking out on the streets in the cold crisp Italian air

Desperately trying to tell everyone “your Heavenly Father’s there!”

Wanting to give these people what they lack, the Gospel of our master

Praying to God daily, that the language might come faster.

There have been days and weeks when I felt I couldn’t take it anymore.

Endless roaming the streets, going from door to door.

Feeling really tired, moping around and feeling blue

Then the words from God come to my mind “my son, I called you”.

Though you may feel tired, you may feel weak and feeble

Just remember, do it for God, and these wonderful people.

Remember who you are and why you came out here.

It wasn’t for gelato, pasta or pizza, but do not fear

These people need the Atonement just as much as you.

So follow the example of Nephi, that is, Go and Do.

Be confident and gentle, kinda like the foxes.

Don’t eat too much pasta, or Sorella Waddoups will break your boxes.

The testimony I have gained, is something I will always cherish.

I hope everyone of us will do our all, to never let it perish.

Reflecting over the past two years, I did lots of things wrong.

If I were to write them all, we’d be here all night long!

But even though I’ve made many mistakes and wrongs, this I decree

That God lives, and he loves me, he loves me, he loves me.

Never forget the testimony you gain, the experiences you have and all the people you meet.

The mission is the best thing ever, better than Mozarella di Bufala and all the other treats.

God will bless you all, work hard and you will see

Just like the Waddoups say “BEE the best you can BEE”.

So get up, follow the example of God’s only begotten son.

This church is true and we know, let’s go tell everyone!

I Love My Mission

This poem was written by one of our missionaries who returns home next month.

I LOVE MY MISSION

--Anziano Prete

Thinking of my mission before I had to depart, 

Left me with feelings that played games with my heart.

Entering the field I went to the MTC, 

Where I learned very quickly nothing in these 2 years would ever come free.

 Coming into Italy listening to the Italians speak like birds,

I noticed very quickly that I didn't understand a word! 

 I've had many great meals from the people I've learned to love, 

But nothing will be more special than the testimony given to me from above.

 I've never minded finding, in fact I'd do it everyday,

The price to stay with the Italians is something I'm always willing to pay.

 I've born testimony in many obscure places,

Both wet, dry, tired and lost and to many different faces. 

 I've never spoke very well, or been very good at teaching,

But the Lord has blessed me openly given me power in preaching.

 I've seen men change, people grow, and tears rolling down cheeks, 

But the saddest thing I've ever done is counting down the weeks. 

 There is a life after the mission so they say I guess I'm coming to know, 

But the hardest thing I've ever done is realizing that I'll soon have to go. 

 Some call it work, Jesus called it Fishing,

And I hope that EVERYONE knows, that:

 I LOVE MY MISSION!

Behind the Badge

One of our sweet sisters who is returning home wrote this and read it as part of her departing testimony before returning home in a couple of weeks.

Behind the Badge

By:  Sorella Baker

Every morning when I wake up

I put on this black badge,

Study for the day ahead

And then I grab my bag.

I’m out the door, we hit the streets

With hope for a great day

To talk to all that we might meet

To find someone, I pray.

Now people pass, but no one stops

To listen to our message.

No matter what I try to say

They don’t accept the package.

I guess I need to worry

Not about the things I say

But rather worry about the person

I am day to day.

What person do I want to be?

What changes can I make?

To heed the call, “Come Follow Me”

With every step I take.

“Be even as I am,” He said,

The Savior, Lord of all

And now it’s finally up to me

To answer to this call.

As Ammon I will need the FAITH

To stand before a king.

As Esther I will need the HOPE

To fight for my beliefs.

Then DILIGENCE and VIRTUE

Like two thousand stripling sons

I’ll fight until my time is through,

Until the battle’s won.

Like Job I’ll need HUMILITY

And PATIENCE to the end,

To make it through my Calvary,

On Christ I will depend.

I’ll need a little KNOWLEDGE,

WISDOM to the core.

I’ll testify as Alma did

To every Korihor.

With OBDIENCE as Nephi

A will go and do!

I will remain faithful,

I will remain true!

And finally like unto Christ

I’ll need CHARITY and LOVE

Then I will be exalted

In His kingdom up above.