The Church is true

I absolutely love my ward in Italy and I have really enjoyed the time I have spent going to church. Today was no exception. What few members they have try really hard to accommodate us which I feel bad about. They want us to understand the lesson so that we can participate. The members are awesome people though. Sacrament meeting was probably the most tender thing I have seen in quite a while. We were lucky enough to see the primary program for the year. I really enjoyed hearing the primary kids singing during Sunday school but now I got the actual performance. There was a total of 6 primary children and that included Peter our director’s two kids. We heard beautiful musical numbers such as I am a Child of God, I Love to see the Temple, We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet, and one song I did not recognize. But those 6 kids sang their little hearts out. Peter’s kid Jacob and Eve participated as well and gave scriptures or little one line sentences. Their Italian and accents sounded much better than all of us. The other little kids gave mini talks. It's funny kids are the same no matter where you go. We had the little girl who would fix the microphone like a hundred times and putting it right by her mouth. One child sang really really loudly but that’s definitely a good thing with so few people. My favorite was the chubby little boy in a vest that talked with a lisp. Awww seriously it was the most tender thing and I had the biggest grin on my face. I love the little Italian primary children. At the end of sacrament the Primary children stood and we all sang Called to Serve. I wish that it was appropriate to take pictures in church because I wanted so badly to capture this moment in time.

Good news and an answer to prayer! I am happy to report that all sessions of conference will be broadcast from our little church in Siena. It is going to be a marathon weekend for sure. Sunday night we will be able to stay and watch the Sunday afternoon session from 10 to 12 at night. I am happy beyond words that it all worked out and that we get to watch it in English. But I am very sad that I will not be in attendance at the Conference Center. Good thing the spirit is the same no matter where you are. Those of you privileged enough to go I am very excited for you and I can’t wait to hear what you all have to say when its over. Don’t worry Nicole I still intend to have our usual 10 hour conference chat, notes and all as soon as we find the time.

Another favorite Sabbath activity would be to go sing with the Elders in the Campo. Well the road in front of the campo. Usually 6 to 8 girls show up and it is quite fun. I know you are all thinking wait...Autumn you can't sing. Before you become embarrassed for me I am more of a body than a voice. The singing in Italian is helping with my pronunciations or so I hope. One of my favorite hymns is There is Sunshine In My Soul Today. It is like a tongue twisters saying all the c's and ch's in the chorus. Sometimes we throw in an english verse with I am a Child of God. This past time we attempted the Sisters in Zion/Army of Helaman melody but... it didn't go over so well. Moral of the story singing in the Campo is fun.