God is good on every level.

Wonderful thing for this week, 31 March - 5 April:

Yes, God blesses families.

I cannot begin to express the gratitude I feel to the Lord for the sweet spirit that has prevailed during Amy and Lawton's family's visit.  In crowds we did not lose a child.  On roads we did not lose our way.  Our missionary work has not suffered.

I hear children laughing in the living room and marvel.  It is an unparalleled pleasure to share with family the sights and places and feelings we are experiencing here.  It is a joy to see them enjoy it.

We spent an entire day letting the kids unwind, playing Wii (they haven't had games since leaving Utah in January) and watching both of "The Gods Must Be Crazy" movies.  Totally worth it.  This morning there was a fair amount of contention going on because Mom and Dad insisted on the kids doing Saturday chores (they cleaned the kitchen and bathrooms!).  They felt bad because they brought a "bad spirit" into a missionary house.  We said it's just part of family life; family life belongs in a missionary house.

We've studied Book of Mormon verses every evening, and talked about the events of Holy Week, as manifested at http://www.mormon.org/easter?cid=HP_FR_3-27-2015_dMIS_fMRMN_xLIDyL1-A_ , which has hallowed everything else.  We feel to praise Him.

We've seen Florence Centro; San Gimignano; Pisa.  So much more to see, but enough for this trip. Spending time together, as a family, is the greatest blessing, no matter where you are, no matter what you're doing.

fun thing:

Children running around the lawn outside the cathedral ("duomo") in Pisa, playing tag with two little girls from Spain, communicating in both Spanish and English.