Thinking of Him

(Anziano Wilkinson)

We had a very successful week this week, which was really cool! Also

the language is coming along well for me; I have gotten to the point

where I can read out of the Book of Mormon in Italian and not have to

translate in my mind what is being said! I don't have all the vocab

and I'm slow, but to me it's a big step nonetheless! Also, my brother

came home yesterday from his mission and even though I don't get to be

there with him, I still got to live a little bit of the excitement

vicariously through videos and pictures (yes, for all you single

ladies out there, he's still handsome).

Other than being very busy this week there wasn't much that went on

besides getting to go to Lucca this week. That city is very close to

Pisa by train and is super popular for tourism (I'm really not sure

why though, it's just like all the others, with the possible exception

of it having a whole museum devoted to ancient torture techniques,

which is... Interesting... But anyway, I digress).

We ride trains a bunch in my area, so we get lots of time to talk to

people on those trains. Often times it's tourists that we talk to

though, seeing as this is Pisa after all. But regardless, we talk with

them (in English when we can, thank goodness) and somehow always end

up giving directions in the end; here in Pisa everyone is a part-time

director of clueless tourists, including us haha. On the bright side

though, tourist season is dying down and with it the summer heat!

I've been reading out of Jesus the Christ whenever I can find time and

it really has strengthened my testimony of the Savior and

understanding of the gravity of His sacrifice for us. The book is

great and the doctrines contained in it are magnificent! Most

noteworthy though, to me, is that it has helped me to keep my thoughts

more fully centered on Him and His work amid countless things that try

to distract me every day, namely, learning the language as quickly as

I can. I've noticed that as I remember to make Christ the center of

every aspect of my day, every aspect of missionary work is enhanced.

Including learning the language! So on that note, I invite everyone

back home to turn your thoughts to the Savior more often each day.

It's a simple thing to do and yet I promise it will enhance your

lives! The more we remember the Savior and desire to keep Him in our

hearts, the more we will feel his support and strengthens power!

Have a great week every one and don't forget to think of Christ!

-Anziano Wilkinson