Every day glorious

Wonderful thing:  Even though we've had Internet in our house since Saturday, this is the first opportunity I've had to write in my blog.  So much good, good stuff going on in the Prato and Florence Wards!  Highlights:  seeing a young man we've been focusing on, along with his mother who needed to know that God hasn't forgotten her, in church the last couple of times we've gone to Florence Ward; having almost all the GANS here for a Christmas dinner a couple of nights ago, where everyone had big fun (check out Jared's Christmas tree pastry creation on FB); meeting with individual GANS and feeling so gratified at their strength, dedication and faith; being instructed in word and in deed by some wonderful, wise Italian members; being overwhelmed with the affection and care my husband shows me every day; feeling gratified in knowing that our family at home is being cared for - even though, upon hearing two little American girls sing "Jingle Bell Rock" at the stake Christmas concert yesterday, I got hit hard by missing-my-grandchildren blues; speaking of that concert, many highlights there, including Sorella Gubenko, a sweet Ukranian sister who after three years still struggles to communicate, singing a Ukranian Christmas carol that was so filled with poignant expression that I still feel like weeping when I think about it.  Some wonderful, diverse music from a wonderful, diverse choir and other performers.  And, tonight, caroling in the downtown area of neighboring Pistoia, along with Brother and Sister Bagni and Brother and Sister deRobertis.  The elders and Brother deRobertis and Sister Bagni handed out passalong cards while the rest of us sang (we sounded pretty good, too - thanks mostly to the fact that Sister deRobertis, Brother Bagni, and the two sister missionaries Gunnerson and Gregg are amazing singers!).  The elders and sisters have been doing this the past three nights, and have handed out dozens of "Joy to the World" video passalong cards.  Even though we found one discarded on the street later, and one in a trash can, as Sister deRobertis wrote in an FB message a little while ago, "Even though we weren't aware of it, we are sure that someone's heart was touched - someone that Heavenly Father wanted to be downtown tonight."

Fun thing: after caroling in the cold, the natural thing is to go find some hot chocolate, right?  Here "cioccolato caldo" apparently means taking about two ounces of the best dark chocolate, adding about a tablespoon of cream, melting it together and drinking it - and paying over $3 for it.  Heaven!  But that's probably why I can't go to sleep at 1:00 a.m.!  Oh well - I finally found the time to write in my blog.