Some Sights and Sees of Roma

 Since Driving in “downtown or Rome Central is very hard and Parking even harder, all “Conoscenzas” encourage taking a bus to Jonio Station and then taking the Metro to Downtown. We took a Bus from outside our apartment last week and went to Jonio (yown-yi-o) with the intent to take the Metro to Downtown. We got a late start, it started raining, it gets dark earlier here and. . . Well. . . We (I) got discouraged it was so dismal—that we studied the Metro Map, went looking to buy a map (no luck—I think we need to try a Bookstore) so we found a Bus stop to get back on a Bus to bring us back home.  Jonio is so unlike where we live—we even more appreciate our clean, lovely neighborhoods and green space.

Well, over this past weekend, some of the Missionaries decided it was time for another outing. Since we've only been here a month, we haven't had the opportunity to be included in any of these outings. BUT they added us to the list and we got invited !! Well, you don't have to ask me twice!  It was decided to go to what is called the Jewish ghetto.  Since I haven't had much study of Jewish History, I knew I needed to find out more about this to make our trip rewarding. So--someone suggested Rick Steve's Tours of Rome--so I looked it up and this is a brief explanation of this area of Rome:

                        THIS IS WHERE THE JEWISH GHETTO BEGINS. Notice the sign on the wall 

                         referring to Auchwitz.

Well, first of all, the Jews who lived here were not Ashkenazi or Sephardic. You know, the Ashkenazi went to Germany and Poland, and the Sephardi went to Spain. The Roman Jews came straight from Jerusalem before the destruction of the Temple, so they were here since before the Diaspora. So, when you think Ashkenazic or Sephardic, that’s after the Diaspora.  

(To make sure and clarify events---let's just define DIASPORA as it relates to Judaism:

The Jewish Diaspora  or exile is the dispersion of Israelites or Jews out of their ancient ancestral homeland (the Land of Israel) and their subsequent settlement in other parts of the globe, thought by Biblical scholars to be about 587 BC when King Nebuchadnezzar took the inhabitants of Jerusalem into captivity).

This (Jewish Ghetto) was/is the oldest Jewish community in Europe, outside of Israel.
 So, if the Roman Jews came before the Diaspora, why did they come here in the first place?
 Because they were diplomats and businessmen. And during the centuries they had to live with emperors and popes. And were tolerated because they were good for the business, and were not pushing their religion to the others; they were keeping it for themselves.
AND then what happened?
In 1500, the Reformation came, and the Church (meaning the Catholic Church) had to fight any alternative religion. And so the ghetto was established in Rome (by the Pope--or at least by his decision to…avoid any contamination between Jews and Christians.) The Jews were segregated into a 4-block walled area in Rome in 1555.

SO WHAT WAS IT LIKE IN THE GHETTO?

Well, there were 9,000 Jews squeezed into that 4-block area in this Section of Rome.  It flooded every winter because the Tiber River which borders it, would flood every winter. So that made it a muddy, squalid and disgusting place to live.

 

The synagogue was the community center. It looks like a church (instead of a synagogue) because back when it was built there were no Jewish architects handy, and that’s what Christian builders knew how to make.

These are all pictures of the inside of the synagogue.

This is one of the balconies in the Synagogue--where the women who came to worship were asked to sit. 

a view from the back of the synagogue as you enter. 

This synagogue is still used today. These are prayer book boxes that are given to those who make a donation and is a place where they can keep their prayer book and not have to carry it (which is considered work on the Sabbath) to the Synagogue. There is a seat that accompanies each of these boxes.

                                             and the History of the Jews Museum

The decor inside this Synagogue is Art Nouveau with a dash of Tiffany. The dome was painted with the colors of the rainbow — symbolic of God’s promise to Noah that there would be no more floods. The stars symbolized that the Jewish people would be as many as the stars in the sky.

Back in previous centuries, when the ghetto was a walled-in town, Christian Romans built churches at each gate. And each of these churches came complete with an attempt — in Hebrew script — to convert the Jews.

While most of the squalid ghetto was demolished with Italian unification in 1870, the buildings facing the main drag survived.  Today, Shops sell fine, locally produced Judaica, and kosher restaurants proudly serve traditional dishes, like those with artichokes.

Now the Jewish Community can live where they want in Rome--but people still come to this area to socialize with those who chose to still live here.                                                                

                                                                                  

LARGO OTTOBRE 16, 1943  

This square is named for the date when the Nazis parked their trucks in this square and threatened to round up all the Jews and take them to Concentration camps unless they (the Jews) could come up with 50 Kilos of Gold.(and in less than 2 days). Well--the Jews came up with the gold--but the Nazis took their gold and still rounded them up for the Camps.

 Outside the apartments in the Jewish Ghetto, you can see these gold squares in front of some of the apartments.  On these gold squares are the names of the people living in these apartments that were actually taken from here and put on the trucks and trains heading to the Concentration Camps.  Many were sent to different camps based on age and/or health.

                            A theatre, patterned after the Colosseum, which is still in use today.

                                                Anziano Mumford was good to pose for me.

The words over the door are:

INDULGENTIA PLENARIA QUOTIDIANA PERPETUA

PRO VIVIS ET DEFUNCTIS

in other words--Indulgences paid daily and perpetual for the one--whether alive or dead.

                                     A glimpse of the statue of Vittorio Emanuele II near the Jewish Ghetto

Facts gleaned from inside the Museum. It was a really lovely collection from many families of all things considered worthy of preservation.

Facts on 1 poster (no year was mentioned)                   

                                           5 million Jews in the World              

              5,000 Jews in Italy

                1,500 Jews in Rome

One of many Jewish Kosher restaurants that line this very main street in the Ghetto

We ate here.  Quite renown for Jewish Artichokes

We ordered a "sampler"--once I tasted the artichoke--I knew that was not going to be my choice!

This saying from off the Menu--very characteristic of food prepared by the Jewish Cooks, Bakers, etc

It really resonated with me--who wants to just "provide food".

One of the shops had several windows decorated with exclusive, rare and fine world renown 

China and other dishes.

They were so beautiful--reminded me of the days when Auerbach's in downtown Salt Lake City years 

ago decorated their windows for Christmas. Great memories!!

Where is Thanksgiving?

Open Air Market--

                                                                                                                    Fish Section
 Hello from Roma Everyone!

I am realizing more and more how much I LOVE Thanksgiving! This month of November is 2/3 gone and not only is the weather here deceptive to it being November 20th (We had our coolest day yet—high of 61). But November 24, 2022 will be just a regular day on the Morning shift at the Temple. There are 0 turkeys in any meat section of any grocery store, no cranberries or even any boxes of Mrs Cubbison’s dressing mix for sale.  I did see some fresh pumpkin at the store and the Open Market (more about that later in this Blog)—but nothing canned. I was “on my own” today in the Grocery store—and I did not find 4 or 5 things on my list without going to Google Translate and asking “How do you say _________? " Then I would find a store employee (that looked kind of friendly) and show them my Google Translate screen with what I was seeking.  It worked 3 times at least. 

And then my friend, Beth Sano came to check on me and we got the rest of it done.  There is one thing you will never find in an Italian grocery store —Baking Powder. You had to bring it from home😟.  But Beth knew you can’t find it—so she did bring some and is sharing it with me. Here are my “finds” this week:

   Baking Powder (that friends are sharing)     Best Foods ( a huge surprise)  and on the end is Shortening

Open Air Market—my first here in Italy. Wow—talk about “Commerce Overload”!! My pictures do not do it justice— it was so much packed into these Vendor Stalls—unless it’s the Pesce (fish) and that is table upon table full of fish across the back of this market building.  I seriously did not know there were that many species of edible fish and seafood (well—Anziano Allred would maybe not agree with the “edible” part). Fratello Allma Allred--one of our favorite Missionaries, said he went there once and just couldn't take all the black beady eyes of the squid "watching him" and looking back at him. (He's not a bargain-hunter at all!).

This market is a huge place where the fresh produce is laid out in elevated blocks with "rival salesmen"  trying to get you to buy from them. This is in the middle of the market. The Bakeries and flower shops are along 1 or 2 walls, with the Fish (pesce) taking up most of the back wall and then kind of like "mini flea market" items along a short wall. You cannot even imagine the fish--It's like a whole ocean laid out in heaps across the back of this building.   We went earlier than the Sano's usually go--and it was not as noisy as it gets when the market is full of people and the "Vying for Your Business" reaches a fever pitch and the fish mongers are known to break out in song to try and get you to 

"Come to them".

                                                               Tons of fruits and veggies.

                                                                . . .and more fish!!

t's been another interesting week here in the outskirts of Rome. We have not ventured into "The City" yet--trying to get our bearings here where we are living. We have walked in 2 directions and are amazed at what lies "hidden" among the little roads and properties that we come across.  One day we ventured so far we clocked 3 miles trying to get back. But if we ever get hungry while we are out--there's no shortages of "pizza this and pizza that' that we run across. One yesterday that we tried was a cross between Italian and Greek. Kind of interesting.

 We continue to learn our duties in the Temple--Ron's are pretty straightforward--either he does Sealings or he is the Coordinator of the Sealings.  It seems that the Sanos, the couple who drive us around, Fratello Sano thinks there should be a way for a non-busy Sealer to come and help in other areas of the Temple if needed. And Ron agrees--he'd love to do some of the other ordinances when he can. But that remains the call of President Toronto, who manages the Sealers' responsibilities. My duties, on the other hand, are way more varied. We do change shifts and this week we are the AM shift--except for Ron's "double shifts" on Tuesday and Saturday.  Another Sealer is scheduled to arrive in December and that will eliminate the need for double shifts, at least for now. There is an Italian Sealer and his wife, who have come down from Verona to stay for 6 months, Fratello and Sorella Savian, and he is a great help as he speaks 4 languages besides Italian--French, Spanish, German and English.  I really admire those who can keep that many languages "straight" in their minds and tongues!! What little I can remember of French sneaks into what little Italian I attempt and causes "blank looks" on the faces of those I am trying to communicate with--and then I realize my error! 

But I did offer the Prayer in our Prayer Meeting in Italian and I think it went OK. Before I can even attempt any of the ordinances in Italian I have to read or repeat them with a native Italian to make sure the pronunciations are exact. Crisp and clear. I have very little "free time" while at the Temple, (which is the ONLY place I can study) so finding time to study is a challenge.  Each day that we go--it's always a "surprise" as to what I will be doing and I like it!  I do find that my experience as an Ordinance worker helps immensely as I attend Prayer Meeting and the instruction is in Italian and sometimes it will be translated for us 3 or 4 English-speakers--but if not--I have watched enough "Temple training videos" to know what is expected and I can just try to do things the way this Presidency wants them done.  Sometimes the thought comes "I'm too old to be learning this language" but then I sort of remember that there have been occasions where my English was needed too.Like today (Tuesday, November 22, 2022).  There were 4 separate times that my English was needed to help out at the Recommend Desk, as I GREETED PEOPLE coming into the Temple and in the Baptistry where a large family from Texas came to do Baptisms. And so it goes.

                                                             

                                                          Some of our "stellar finds" as we venture out to check out our Neighborhood.

Does this look like it could have come from a Sci-Fi movie?

 

                                    You might think this is a rug--but it is custom tile--almost mosaic-type work

              These beautiful flowers are actually on the Temple Grounds. Now remember -- it's mid November

We are having some friends for "Thanksgiving Sunday Dinner'--more about that after it happens. I just could not NOT celebrate this wonderful day in some way.

One of the great rewards of serving here are those Patrons who come from a distance.  This past week we had some who came from Romania and some who came from Sicily. The Romanians stayed in the Temple Housing--but I'm not sure about the Sicilians. They brought youth for Baptisms and some of the adults did other work.  Where I serve each day--you start to recognize those who have been there each day--sometimes in both the morning and afternoon. They are so thrilled to have this opportunity. They have Family Names cards of surprisingly close relatives that they carry with the utmost respect, some with tears in their eyes as they tell you that they are going to do the work for their "Nonna" (Grandmother) or some even their Madre (Mamma).  It is so special to be a part of this work.

                                               The look off of our Balcony --in November!

   Our dinner on this past Sunday--made from our finds at the Open Air Market

     Egg plant parmigiana and some "old world" plant like chickory with tomatoes from Sicily and salmon                                              

                                     The Children of Roma 2nd Ward give their Primary Program--part in Italian and part in English.  No matter what language--it still touches your heart!

Another Wonderful week in Roma

Hello to our Family and Friends (that we so love and miss!!)

     We are now 'most half-way through November and we're really "running" to catch up with everything that we are being re-trained on at the Temple and pretty much expected that we know. Well, we do and we don't. The ordinances and the order of doing the Lord's work are the same in every temple in every land throughout the Church. BUT--it seems that each Temple, either because of the way it was designed and built, or because a Temple President feels strongly that there should be an emphasis on this or that as pertaining to the ways to help the Temple Patron feel welcomed, loved and appreciated for taking the time to COME TO THE TEMPLE--new workers, like myself, have to work hard early on to learn those specific things. Tomorrow starts a new "week" and we are doing the afternoon/evening shift this week. Well, I am doing that Shift.   Dear Ron--due to the departure today of Elder John Fowler, an Emeritus General Authority 70 (who has been serving daily--many times BOTH shifts--to keep the Sealing work available for Patron participation) has been asked and gladly accepted to take a double shift tomorrow (Tuesday, Nov 15th) and another double shift on this Saturday (Nov 19th).  It looks like it will be that way for Ron until the next Missionary Senior Couple arrives the first week of December 2022 or so. He has such a wonderful attitude! He says, "We came on this Mission to serve"--President Toronto has asked and needs me for this--so I will gladly do it." 

      Since we are going to the other shift this week, it means I lose my wonderful Trainer--Sorella Bonnie Lee. She is so organized and has a "calming effect" on me (and others) when things get a little hectic. For instance, this past Saturday morning (Nov 12th) we had 54 people who had made a reservation for the first session of the day at 9:30 am. We only have 1 ordinance room--let me show you how the hours of this Temple work:

WEEKDAYS:

Temple opens at 8:30 am. Baptistry has 2 sessions--encouraging Reservations, but trying to accomodate Walk-Ins too. 

There are 2 Endowment Sessions--9:30 am and 11:30 am on the morning shift--THE TEMPLE CLOSES AT 1 PM.

TEMPLE RE-OPENS AGAIN AT 4 pm---There are 2 Endowment Sessions-- 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm 

 Temple closes at 7:30pm (maybe sometimes 8 pm) and those involved with the Endowment session or the Veil stay to finish that work.

So, if the Endowment is full--the Patron does have a choice to either do Initiatory ordinances or to go up to do Sealings on the 2nd floor. 

SATURDAYS:

Mornings are the same as during the week.

BAPTISTRY on Saturdays opens at 8:30 am and closes at 12:30 pm.  It opens again at 3:30 pm and closes at 5:30 pm. There is Initiatory going on as we can accomodate the Patrons--only having 2 booths.

But on Saturdays there is only 1 Endowment Session in the afternoon--at 4:30 pm. The Stake Presidents in and around the Roma area-(I think there are 2) both asked if the Temple could close a little earlier on Saturdays so Temple workers (many of them come from long distances) could be available to attend Stake Conference evening sessions when they are held and otherwise-- just be able to return to their homes and prepare for Sunday. 

So you can see there is a limitation on the time and the type of work that can be done each day.

WELL--back to this past Saturday. I am to do Training at the Recommend Desk--I was not prepared for what started happening. The Temple doors open to the public at 8:30 am--and you have a printed schedule listing all the people who have made a Reservation. You have 54 printed "tickets" (for lack a better word) and people start coming through the doors. There are 2 scanners where you can check the Recommend to make sure it is valid. You know it is a very full Session, people need to be checked off and given a ticket so they are assured of the seat they just reserved. Well--it was bordering on minor chaos when Sorella Lee stopped the 2nd scanner and told the people to queue up in a single line so we could be sure and get them checked off and issued the seat ticket--as we needed to know if there were going to be "extra seats". Due to Fire Code, the Temple is allowed to put up padded chairs in the Endowment room for a maximum overflow of 10.  Added to this situation--there are tours who make reservations for their passengers--but sometimes they just pick a number and somehow they get put under the name of the person "in charge".  So with many languages--you are trying to find if the Patron is on the schedule under their own name or the name of the Tour Group.  Can you see how challenging this can become. AND THEN--a person's Recommend shows up as A RED FLAG on the scanner.  Worried they have come "all this way" and now they might not get in--calmly you just ask them to please step out of the line and you call the Temple Recorder.  This one couple were part of a 3-Temple Tour--having been to Paris, London and now the Rome Temple is their final destination. The Sister had her purse stolen in Paris--so she had trauma and now--no Recommend, but arrangements had been made over the airways--to get her a temporary--so she could still do what she had planned. So she was cleared-- but then her husband--his was the one that DID NOT work. He was close to coming unglued!! "We have had nothing but trouble at every Temple--just trying to get in", he tells us as we wait for the Temple Recorder to come and see what's the problem. And through all this Sorella Lee keeps everyone as calm as possible and we end up handing out 6 of the 10 extra tickets. Now I am sad, as I had seen a name I know and love, Carolyn Rounds, on that printed schedule but she did not come through the door. We are about to be relieved from this duty and go to receive more Training in another area of the Temple, when I look up and there stands Carolyn!!  I am trying to keep my composure--and be reverent--but I almost ran to give her a hug!  and we wept!! She had a friend with her, Dianna, from the Branch in Greece where Carolyn is doing her Volunteer Program trying to get the Refugees who qualify, a GED-equivalent degree, so they can pursue higher education. Well--they missed the Session--they had waited for an hour for a bus that did not come. (We have been told that happens--more on weekends than weekdays). Sorella Lee pointed out that we were just ready to leave the Front desk and go elsewhere in the Temple--and we would have missed each other. I am so new--the Italian workers don't really know my name yet--only some who serve on Wednesday AM shift--they know I have 8 children and 40 Grands (and it DOES NOT COMPUTE!)  So it would have been hard for Carolyn to find me. She and her friend, Dianna, decided to go upstairs and do Sealiings--but Ron's room had been going so they (Carolyn and friend) were taken to another room to be Proxies. (Carolyn, because they were late--she said she did not want any special considerations) So It wasn't until both Ron and Carolyn and Dianna came out of their rooms and saw each other--did they get to go and have Ron do a few Sealings with him as their Sealer before Sealings closed for that shift.

So that's how my week ended--it was a great week. But now I told Sorella Lee she's "cutting my apron strings" too soon--but she thinks I am Ready.

                                                                   Our Roma Temple President and Matron

                                                                             James and Diane Toronto

View of the Temple across the street from the Porta di Roma Mall

Carolyn Rounds and Sorella Mumford

                                        Dianna Chiapoulos(from Greece) Sorella Mumford and Carolyn Rounds

And here we are on our Balcony with Anziano Mumford

---Cute Fowlers!!

               A group of Temple Missionaries saying "Good Bye" to the Fowlers and to the Mechams (Mee-chums) 

We found this stencil of the Temple on the paver path leading down to the Porta di Roma Mall

An interesting "entrance" to the Porta di Roma Mall

Here are some of Ron's thoughts as added to this Blog.

Rome Italy Temple Mission - November 3 to 11, 2022

We flew from SLC to Atlanta to Rome in about 30 hours - arriving on the 4th . We were met by one of the most delightful, caring, and selfless couple who received us as a missionary couple who is needed and wanted. Elder and Sis Goode are the capable heart and souls of the office staff. They drove us about 30 minutes on the Grande Raccordo Anulare - the Rome Italy bypass freeway (about 20 to 25 miles across), that circles Rome - to our apartment at Via Gesualdo Bufalino (little buffalo) 22.

           After a half hour or so, President and Sister Toronto picked us up so we could use their car to transport a few grocery items to our apartment. At that time we were more focused on going to sleep than eating, but it was sure nice to have something in the cupboard and fridge when eating won out. Also, what a nice gesture from our Temple President and Matron. They served as President and Matron of the Catania Italy Mission and about 5 years later - same duties in the Central Eurasian Mission covering Turkey, Central Asia and Azerbaijan. He received an MA and PhD degrees in Islamic and Arabic Studies and taught at BYU. On top of all of this, they are personable, wise and caring people. We have gentle, caring leaders.

We had received an email from the Temple staff informing us our first day of Temple service would be the Tuesday after we arrived, so I was a little surprised when Pres. Toronto asked if we’d rather serve at 8:00 am, or 3:00 pm the next day, Saturday. That was not a hard choice - the afternoon shift.

We were told that senior missionary Temple couples will now have a car to use. In the past, this was not necessary because the Temple Missionaries all lived in apartment housing on the Temple plaza. However, when the number of senior couples increased from 4 to 12, as has now happened, a decision was made to have all plaza apartment use for patrons. All the missionaries will no longer walk 50 steps or so, from on-site housing. Instead, they are finding apartments for all of us, and because of the distance we are from the Temple, we will all be receiving cars. Our apartment is about 5 minutes by car from the Temple, or about 45 minutes walking. Cars have been requested from the Area Office - I think in Germany - but it might be several weeks before we receive them. Since we didn’t have a car - Elder Frank and Beth Sano have been told that they and we will share their car. We love them. He was raised in Brooklyn, a self-described introvert. She’s a military brat and is socially gifted - a friend to all. In the Temple, we are helping members receive the ordinances and make covenants to come unto Christ and his ways. So we not only are sealed as families but as families who are striving to live the way of the Savior. Who would not want to be sealed to such people? It is wonderful to be around people who are trying to follow Him. One of the greatest blessings of my life, from childhood to now, is to have been surrounded by such wonderful striving souls - parents, grandparents, family and wonderful friends.

Christ heals, and fixes struggling souls. His ways bring peace and full happiness - if not in mortality, for sure in eternity. Forgiveness lifts the forgiver and the receiver of the forgiveness. His atoning sacrifice made all our eternal blessings possible. The Temple and plaza and Visitors Center are exceptional in their majesty and beautiful workmanship. I can see why all of our members are pleased and proud to be a part of such buildings and work. When I first walked in - It felt like was being met by angels from both sides of the veil. Kent Wallis’s painting of an Italian countryside is prominently hung on the second floor. We served with him for the past two years in Logan. Temple workers have had to stop two admirers from taking a picture of the painting just since we’ve been here. It’s beautiful. There is another painting for maybe Mary and Joseph and the Baby Jesus being carried into Egypt with pyramids in the background. And then, of course the Ken Corbett, Prodigal son painting showing the father coming down a trail from his higher ground, and sun- filled home to greet his son. There is a scuff mark under his right knee where he must have fallen as he hurried to meet his repentant son. This painting was also in NY - one of my favorites.

Mom has been assigned as a Temple Worker to all duties in the Temple - baptistery to initiatory, endowment and sealings. My service has been exclusively in sealings. As near as I can tell, there are continuing English-speaking sealing sessions that are needed each week, and almost every day. President Toronto wants to have someone who can perform these sealings on every shift. An emeritus Gen Authority, John Fowler has been doing this all by himself for two years or so. He and Sister Fowler left for their home in Atlanta just today (Nov 14). I, normally, will be serving a 6-7 hour shift each day, but tomorrow and Saturday this week, we are short-handed so I’ll need to be on both shifts those days. I’ve been so impressed that some very committed and competent Italian souls, have impressive knowledge about the Gospel. From 53 years ago when I served, each one is now a miracle to me. President Nudo, our First Counselor, the Hebrew 10:19-20 teaching about the body of Christ in relation to all the blessings that we receive through His offering at the close of the endowment teachings. It was inspiring.

And guess who paid us a visit on Saturday? Yes, our own Carolyn Rounds! She was with her friend from Greece, Dianna Chiapoulo (sp). What a wonderful and caring surprise! She shared with us her never- take-no-for-an-answer efforts to bring friendship and education opportunities to refugees. Through her own efforts and funds, she has assembled capable teachers and helpers (without pay), increased opportunities to these refugees from many lands. The director she hired in Greece oversees on site operations. Many of her acquaintances and friends in Cache Valley are donating teaching and other services electronically. And with all of this, she took the time to visit us! God loves Carolyn Rounds, and so do we.

 We ventured out today--to find our way--on foot--to the Porta di Roma Mall and then test the bus system on the way back. VICTORY! We were able to see where it stops and make sure we got the right bus. It was fun--and such a beautiful day to be out walking. And then with our little shopping cart half-full--climb on a bus and zip home.

Thanks for your love and support!

Ron "found his Ringos"!! all is right with the World!!  (and the Panettone is Carol's!!)

Ciao!  Ciao!!

Hurrah for Israel! Hurrah!

Anziano and Sorella Mumford

Arrival to Rome

Well ---it is now November 10, 2022. But before I go any further, I have to just "re-cap" our TSA experience in Salt Lake Airport. (Some of the Family may have seen this earlier--but just had to include) 

        November 3, 2022, about 9:00 am 

  Well we are at our gate— whew!! TSA was not without incident! The large tub of Gold Spike probiotic "spiked" a lot of suspicion and examining (and the looks & whispers-J/K) among the TSA COUNTER.  Go figure--we had it in our prescription bag --with multitudinous bottle of meds--but it's a white fine powder--doesn't smell--sounds like a drug to me!! So did Ron ever have to go through The PatDown--A very thorough one at that. Meanwhile  I'm in another lane and my carry on has been pulled for a problem, too. Turns out that our carry-on's got switched and I had Ron's and I forgot his laptop was inside--at the bottom! A very nice TSA guy--with a sense of humor (rare, huh) after finding out the bag belonged to me asked me "Did I know I had a laptop in my bag?" Well I had already taken out my 2 devices then realized I had Ron's. So they had to open up the bag--and there on top sits 2 protein drinks--clearly over the 3 oz limit--and he looks at me--must have seen my tag--and said "These are medicinal, right??". I quickly said. 'A yes! Then he winked and found the laptop and we got through. Noticing I am still standing alone--he asks "where is that Guy, anyway?" I told him he was now in Pat down and he said "Figures". Well they couldn't find anything more wrong with Ron's bag--so we met back up as TSA finished putting the meds and probiotic back in the meds bag. And then we put ourselves back together and began our long walk to our gate. That's my report--except now we've been summoned to verify our passports. I-yi-yi!! (that all worked out too--we just had to show our Visas and to prove we had permission to go to Italy)

    It is now November 10, 2022, and I cannot believe that we have been in beautiful Italy--in Roma for over a week and we have really "hit the Ground Running!!  And besides that--we arrived sick with colds and coughs. But there have been so many to help and support us---and we have so needed it!! Ron actually went to the Temple on our first Saturday here (Nov 5th) but it was decided that I needed to stay home and try to get feeling better for Tuesday. (Nov 8th). We did go to Church on Sunday (Nov 6th) but I just needed to go home and go to bed. We met some wonderful people --many of who are departing in less than a month. The Goodes--they are a Rome Mission Office couple who met us at the airport and took us to get our phones working and to the Post Office to get our Permesso (Permission to Stay in Rome) started. You get the paperwork going and then you are invited to come back in 5 months to have fingerprints and finish the process.  Now that's a system!  The Goodes have helped us with lots of things at our apartment and are just so kind.  They will really be missed!!  I know you are not supposed to "compare" Missions--as they are all so unique--but I just have to say that having all the Temple Missionaries (plus some very wonderful other Senior Missionary couples) in the same apartment building in New York was the biggest blessing!!! We felt like we had a "family" and it was just so easy to be with each other and do things together.  Here--because the Temple Dept decided that the apartments on the Temple "Piazza" (which I think were built to house the Temple Missionaries) will now only be used for Patrons who want to come to the Temple and stay a few days to do Temple work.  Now the Mission is scrambling to find housing for the new Missionary couples that are coming in the next few weeks and months and we are spread out --and not within walking distance of the Temple. And many of us (including us) do not have cars and so we have to rely on others to get us around.  That "car situation" is also being worked on--but it all takes time. 

    Well, we have been shopping 3 times--yes 3!  We even went to the Porta Roma Mall (supposed to be the biggest in Europe) and it is BIG and the stores are lovely. Right next to it--but separate is a huge IKEA store and another version of Home Depot called LeroyMerlyns. Huge pieces of real estate!! Ron says he's not going back--but "we have our ways"!!

There are still so many stores in that Mall to discover and Christmas is everywhere!   So that is my very brief recap of our first week on this Mission.  We are very happy to be here--but language is a big problem for me and I am truly hoping and praying that with some harder work and effort than I have given it lately--it will get better.  The Italians in our Temple work have been so wonderful and kind, for the most part.  We have only met the morning shift people, which changes each day, and they really do talk a lot with their hands!!  ITALIA IS WONDERFUL!!

Ciao, for now.

Sorella Mumford