LOTS TO REPORT . . . .I AM REALLY BEHIND!!

DEar Family and Friends,

So many things have been happening and I am just now settling down to compose my thoughts AND share with you some of the HIGHLIGHTS of these past few weeks.

First, let me share some thoughts from Anziano Mumford:

This, dated June 5, 2023

During our Temple service yesterday a brother, who was limited on time, came into our sealing room hoping to have two deceased family daughters sealed to their parents. We needed five persons to do this and at that time we had only two brothers and two sisters.

We were limited on workers, so I decided to go downstairs and look for a patron who could help.

I arrived downstairs and there was a Bro. Howe, all robed and ready to help.

He was in a bit of a hurry to dress and join his wife who was already waiting to leave. I asked. He hesitated but said he could help but would need to tell his wife.

From the top of the steps in the first floor, he spotted her, and hand-signaled to her on the floor below that he needed 10 more minutes. He then he came upstairs with me.

You could tell he was really glad to help.

All went well and he hurried off to dress and join his wife.

We completed the rest of our sealing work, and I walked into the locker area and was surprised to see that Bro. Howe was still there.

Another worker, Alma Allred - told me that as Bro. Howe was walking out, he turned to put his clothing in the hamper, and he heard a familiar voice. It was the voice of his favorite missionary companion, Bro. Di Carlo -now a temple worker - with whom he had served 25 years earlier and who was just passing behind him.

Bro. Howe had hoped against hope to see him - knowing that he lives 5 to 6 hours north of Rome. The companion’s stake was in Rome this week helping in the Temple.

The ten minute delay had brought them together.

Alma Allred (one of our fellow full time Temple Workers) told me that upon seeing each other it was like Alma meeting Ammon as they embraced and wept together - blocking the path for others to pass - but witnessing their joy - no one cared.

Bro. Howe’s extra service had brought them together.

The Lord loves his children, not just as a flock, but one-by-one.

We love you all.

One of our first Mondays in May--we were invited by our Humanitarian Missionaries, Anziano Darcy and Sorella Peggy Guymon, to join them on a "Walking Tour of Rome". Well,   since our friends, the Sanos were going--we decided that we would also. It turned out that there were only us 3 Couples and then the Guide's friends from the Army unit where Kim Huber, our Guide, her husband is Military. So it was a very manageable group and we really got THE TOUR. Kim does this for guess you could say, a Living--she has done it now for about 6 of the 8 years they have lived in Rome. BUT we were her last tour--her husband is leaving Rome for a new assignment in COSTA RICA--and they leave mid-July. So, finding that out--we were really so glad we took advantage of this FREE TOUR. We got HISTORY, LEGENDS, EPICS AND A GREAT ADVENTURE OF SEEING AND HEARING THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF ROME.  We didn't go into 1 museum, or 1 church (except at the end when we went over to the newly "reopened" SANTA MARIA SOPRA MINERVA CHURCH that is really known for it's Gothic beauty and some of its works of art (one in particular was Michealangelo's The Crucifixion of Christ). We just basically walked all over Rome (14,000 steps) and listened to her do what she's done BEST for the past 6 years. I think that one of the things I really liked is that SHE KNEW HER WAY AROUND--AND WE NEVER ONCE HAD TO STOP AND FIND OUT WHERE WE WERE OR LOOK UP WHERE WE WANTED TO GET TO ON GOOGLE MAPS.!! WE JUST WENT THERE!! It was a great day. We waited in line for some GELATO from a very famous place in Rome--but I decided there are tons of great gelato places in Rome--and I couldn't really "taste" all the hype. Oh it was GOOD--but so is Venchy and some of the other Gelato places we've been to and the flavors--my--you find different flavors the more you get around.  Ron LOVES Limone--and he usually pairs that with another flavor--but some times NOT. Me--the "sound of the flavor" gets me in trouble sometimes--and I end up NOT really glad I went for it!! Like AVOCADO?? it wasn't bad--but not rip-snorting good, either. 

All in All--what a memorable time we had!!

A sketched map of the Central Rome Area

A beautiful "Fiori Market"

                                              Kim Huber--our most excellent Tour Guide

Lookin' pretty good after a full day of walking (close to 1400 steps)

HUMANITARIAN MISSIONARIES, DARCY AND PEGGY GUYMON--THEY MADE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE TOUR--AND WE WERE INVITED BY THEM

EATING PIZZA from a sidewalk pizzeria--run by 2 old ladies who were delighted to serve Americans

FELLOW TEMPLE MISSIONARIES (and Best Friends) BETH AND FRANK SANO

THE GELATO PLACE WE WAITED IN THE HOT SUN FOR 30 MINUTES--FRIGIDARIUM--

It was good and they dip it in chocolate if you want. But we've had just as good elsewhere and not had to wait so long for.

                                                Our group in front of the Teatro di Colosseo

Another ADVENTURE and it really was just that--OUR TRIP DOWN TO ANZIO, ITALY over Memorial Day weekend.  We had heard about this city of Anzio from our friends, Alma and Robyn Allred. They just took a ride down there in early May.  It's about an hour south of Rome--right near the Coast.  If you know anything about WWII and the Allied Forces trying to help Italy get out of the Grasp of the AXIS Powers of Mussolini (ITALY) and Hitler(GERMANY)--THEN you will have heard about the Beach Landing at Anzio.It turns out that some of those "in charge" (like Generals) weren't all on the "same page" when it came to getting their particular troops to the places/positions assigned to them--and they allowed the Germans to get much more entrenched that they were initially. The element of "SURPRISE" was knocked out of the attack and there were many more casualties than there should have been. Many Americans and Italian soldiers were killed and there are two Cemeteries--one in Anzio and one in Nettuno (12 miles from Anzio) where the Allied Forces buried their dead. 

And the care given to these Cemeteries is absolutely AMAZING! THE CARETAKERS are paid by the US and they lovingly weed, plant and water the grounds meticulously. I've never seen anything that compares to Arlington--until I saw these. One is called the BEACHFRONT CEMETERY OF ANZIO--and that has graves of all the soldiers from Great Britain (England, Ireland and Scotland) and some Italian forces. Each grave has an individual saying imprinted on the headstone that usually came from the Family of that soldier that they wanted him or her to be remembered by.  There are Arbors of roses and green vines and rose bushes planted in lines in and around each row of graves. 2316 graves

And this  headstone really "caught myeye" as it's a soldier who came from where "our Ancestors lived"--a    Regiment called "The Sherwood Foresters" of Nottingham, England.                                       

   You can see the wheelbarrow, the weeding tools and even gardening gloves. . ; .       left for the Gardener to return after lunch.                                                 

Hopefully, we caught enough of it to show just how impressive it was! 

The other Cemetery--actually in the little town of Nettuno, is called the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and that is filled with graves of all the Americans who died from the War campaigns in Sicily and Italy through the liberation of Rome. This Cemetery was actually holding a Concert on Memorial Day afternoon that was organized by an RLDS member (now they are called the Community of Christ Church) and he seemed quite surprised but pleased to see our little group of 8 Missionaries there to hear this concert. This man has lived in Rome for about 20 years and is actually the leader of a small Community College that tries to find ways for their students to "Reach Out" to Rome and surrounding communities for service and enrichment projects. This Concert was put on by the band/orchestra from a small High School in or around Nettuno, Italy--which is where the Cemetery is located. We were kind of surprised it was not a Patriotic theme--but Memorial Day is, after all, an American Holiday. But they had worked up some numbers that we, as Americans, would definitely recognize like a medley of "Star Wars" and "An American in Paris" (Gershwin).  I think I remember hearing a short portion of Copland's  "Fanfare to the Common Man" but Ron says he's not sure. Anyway--it was short--but well done and we were happy to be there on that Special Day.  Before I leave this ADVENTURE---since this place is only about an hour's drive from Rome---we could have just driven up on Monday(Memorial Day,) and not stayed overnight. But there is a little War Museum in the town of Anzio, which we really wanted to see, but it isn't Open on Mondays. So we decided to drive over after our Sunday meetings and spend some time in these 2 little towns of Anzio and Nettuno. It did not disappoint!! The War Museum is little--and kind of "cluttered"--but for some reason as I walked into that oversized room full of all things Military that whomever it is that has been in charge of collecting, and displaying and honoring those brave men who came and fought there deemed was important---i got a lump in my throat and my chest tightened and then the tears began to flow as the rush of emotions came over me. And I didn't even have anyone in my own family who was called into the War. Nevertheless, it was real and as I saw pictures and watched a short video of the "Landing" (on the Beach) a feeling of Patriotism washed over me that I have not felt in a long time. I Was PROUD to be an American!!  And those in charge of keeping this little "Museum" open and tended to --seemed so glad that they had American visitors.  a few of his thoughts of that experience in Anzio and Nettuno.Since Ron did have 4 Mumford uncles who were involved in WWII, and one, Lyle Mumford, was actually in the "European theater" of the fight. So I asked Ron if he'd just pen,a few of his thoughts.

Anzio,,Italy

June 2023

Mom and I decided to go to Anzio. There are three Anzio/Nettuno cemeteries- two British, with 3,600 graves and one American with 7,600 graves.

It was reverent and humbling to see all the acres and acres of white crosses - and grounds, even now so well kept.

We felt we should go because Wayne, Lyle, Frank and Ferris all served - none in Italy, but in France, the Pacific, and the Philippines - and Dad was support on the farm and would have served if he could have.

We’re so glad we went.

Most families have decided to leave their fallen family members there - to be with their fallen buddies.

So many died.

Rommel’s Panzer forces were cutting thru the Allies’ eastern front - looking as though they could annihilate the French, English and American forces in France.

Churchill especially, wanted to hit the German “underbelly” (as he called it), requiring Germany to divert supplies and men away from France’s eastern front to try and hold Italy.

Italians had taken power from Mussolini and sent him away to some Island - later executing him. (Fascism places the government interest ahead of all else - individuals and people do what the leaders and government tells them.

(No wonder Marc so hated fascism.)

(When I was here 54 years ago, doors were opened to us as Americans because Grandpa had told them what Americans had given to liberate them from the Nazis. That often included us missionaries 30 years later. That same sentiment is not here now.)

US and English forces were already coming up from Sicily but there was a German line near Caserta.

Churchill’s plan wanted to leapfrog US/Brit forces northward, by landing them at Anzio beach so they could hit the German line from both the north and south directions.

There were many allied mistakes and disappointments, but ultimately it did help divide German forces.

This area is now known mostly for its beautiful beaches and recreation, but for those who look, it’s a place where soldiers here and families home, gave for the freedoms and county that bless us.

Oh, beautiful for heroes proved

In liberating strife,

Who more than self their country loved,

And mercy more than life!

God bless them.

I

The Group of Students responsible for organizing the Program who are students at this College and the Musicians (all with White dress shirts) who put on the Concert.  Of course, we didn't know ANY OF THESE PEOPLE--but they really wanted us to join their photo--so some of us did.

 

Time  was taken to put out an American Flag and an Italian Flag by every grave. (This Cemetery has over 7,785  graves). Nettuno is a charming seaside resort and we did not forget the Americans who died for our freedom. Each one of them earned our and your freedom. They are honored at the Sicily Rome American cemetery of Nettuno. 

 EISENHOWER'S MESSAGE AT THE DEDICATION OF THE SICILY-ROME AMERICAN CEMETERY indicates that this name was chosen --The Sicily-Rome American Cemetery--to commemorate American servicee memembers and Civilians fallen from the campaigns in Sicily and Italy through the liberation of Rome.(WWII)

This was the little WWII Museum in Anzio, Italy that the Allred’s (Robyn and Alma—a Temple Couple we serve with) had told us about. It is housed in part of this building—kind of cramped space and a bit “cluttered”. But whatever it was that was there— really got to me! A lump in my throat and tears running from the corners of my eyes as I thought of all those precious lives given in this Battle of Anzio. This battle was one, of many, fought to try to defeat the Axis Powers of Facism (Mussolini) and the Third Reich (Hitler and his Nazi Army). Freedom comes at great cost and sacrifice and I hope I never forget my blessings of enjoying such freedom all my life.

As I said, this was quite a small Museum (and cluttered) but maybe all that "stuff" being collected and put together to honor, to remember, to Thank those brave Soldiers for following commands and being the Patriots that they were--all combined to make this experience what it was for me. Very sobbering and yet so much gratitude (to the point of almost "busting" ) for what I have enjoyed as freedoms in my life--due to their sacrifices. OH I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN . . 

 

JUNE was FULL but not recorded---UNTIL NOW. . .

Hello to Family and Friends,

     I sent a little update to our Oxford Ward Missionary newsletter the first of July--and two words that described our situation here in Rome, Italy --hot and humid. Well it is now July 12th and the change in that description is--very hot and humid!! Ron says that he never remembers his time in Italy (and he was in and around Rome for the last part of his Mission) to ever be this HOT.  THIS WEEK THE TEMPS WILL FLUCTUATE BETWEEN 99 and 102 F. So yes, we are very happy to be serving IN THE TEMPLE where some days the Women's Inititatory area is actually quite chilly!! Each week or every other week--we have new workers come from out of the Rome area to be Ordinance Workers for a week--sometimes two. That is literally how we man the Temple with workers as we do not have enough serving in this area to meet the demand. So Stakes all over Italy "sign up" for the time slots that have been identified as "critical need for service" and then they come to Rome, stay in Patron Housing and come and serve on at least one shift a day (some are so excited to be here--they have signed up for both shifts with a short lunch break in between). And they are so needed! This week we started out with workers from Palermo.  It is in the "Sud of Italy" (southern) and it is very warm there. One Sister was changing in the locker room when I went down last evening to also dress to go home--and she was shakiing. She said it is too cold for her (I'm thinking she must mean downstairs)--but no, the air conditioning in the Temple is not something she is used to at all--and she was cold all day. I am sure when I see her today--she will be dressed warmly. So--I bet she was happy to get outside last night where temps had cooled to 90 F (at 7:30 pm). 

     The last week of June and the first days and weeks of July have been filled with so much. I want to just review some of those things here. Since March, many people in and around the area of the Roma East Stake have met weekly to practice and pull together a Musical Pageant by well known Latterday Saint musical composer and pianist, Kenneth Cope entitled "My Servant, Joseph Smith". It was presented in our Stake Center on June 28th, in a way as a remembrance of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum. There is a lot of musical talent in our Stake and they love to come together to perform. It was a great production--a little longer than they had planned ( a few technical difficulties and staging) but I think what so impressed me was that, with the exception of 2 Americans on the program--it was all done by Italians, in ITALIAN (no surprises there)  and they owned it!!  And the young Elders and Sister Missionaries taking turns to Translate over headphones for us who still need it!!  It was "Standing Room Only" and with the exception of a few young children wandering in and out--the audience was almost spellbound. The performers had practiced and they were well prepared!!  There are rumblings that a few of the closer Stakes --Milano East and West and Florence are trying to arrange for this Program to come to their areas. Not sure how or if that will happen--but it has surely made them happy to be so complimented.

     Next Activity, tho' it did not take place here in Rome, is something I want to just highlight as it has affected me --well our whole family, in an amazing way. June 30th, 2023 saw a very well organized Golf Tournament Fundraiser take place at the Birch Creek Golf Course in Smithfield, Utah. The name of this Golf Outing--The Bryce Mumford Memorial Golf Tournament.    

JUNE 30th, 2023

What an honor for us, even from here, to support such an amazing event that will help Bryce's wife Lissa and their 4 children --Pierson, Jane, Owen and Iris--see a coming together of so many who loved Bryce and wanted to help his family financially. Bryce loved GOLF!! . There could be no better way to remember him than teams of people playing a game he loved. It was organized by Lissa's cousin from Arizona and there were 15 or 16 teams of 4 golfers (Foursomes in golf lingo) who arrived to play on a beautiful morning the end of June.  Lissa and the kids were there to observe--well Pierce--the oldest-- was invited to be on one of the Mumford Foursomes which were aptly named The Jane Foursome and The Owen Foursome. I am so proud of my family for all the ways they supported--putting Teams together, fixing the lunch that was served, helping to get raffle prizes and sharing thoughts and memories about Bryce. There was even a Kids' Putting Contest for all the Cousins who could come and support (and such fun prizes and participation gifts awarded). We waited anxiously the whole day--for Reports to come in about who was there, how did things turn out and what the general feeling about how this activity turned out. Lissa reported that she didn't get a picture of all the Foursomes--but that there were even people who heard about it and loved the idea so came in support.  Aren't people just so good!!

L-R: Abbie Coats and her husband, Dylan and Cody Ralphs

The "Jane Foursome" Lincoln, Abram and Mitch Mumford and Dave Pierson

The Organizer of the event, Greg, Greg's Father, J D and Brigham Cook

Wade and Garrett Ward and Luke Smellie and -President Ron Smellie

Best Lil" Putters--Libbie and Iris Mumford

Custom Ball Markers  that were personally designed and included in Everyone's "Thank You" Package. I hear that Libbie and Iris were thrilled to get theirs

The "3 Mumford Musketeers"-- Hattie, Jane and Mia

Some of the Putters. Someone (I think Moff said Hollie) came up with the cutest categories for the Putting Contest The Categories and Winners :

BLINDMAN PUTT (putt with your eyes closed)--OWEN

LONGEST PUTT---GID

FLAMINGO PUTT (standing on one leg)--MIA (She made it in the hole)

1ST PLACE--with a score of 15---JANE

2ND PLACE--with a score of 16--PORTER AND MILLIE --TIED!

WINNERS GOT JUMP ZONE PASSES--ALL KIDS got chocolate milk and donuts

                                                 The Kids' Putting Contest--Mumford Cousins

"Pierce's Foursome"--Duke, McKay and Josh and Pierce Mumford

This Foursome includes Whop and Whop and Ba's friend from Driggs, ID , Neal Lutz and his nephew

Back to Front: J D Cook, Colin Rounds, T J Adams (Cam's bil) Cameron Rounds, and  Pres Ron Smellie

FYI--the Rounds Foursome and The Crumbl Foursome (as in the cookie)sensation) tied for Winners--Better Scores went to the Crumbl Team---11 under par!!

Missy, Duke and Lincoln Mumford (some of my Favorites!!)

Just a few pics of the Teams--Mumfords and friends were able to sponsor 3 Foursomes which was absolutely amazing.  Brad Mumford reported that his Foursome had a great time golfing, laughing and sharing Memories of Bryce. There is hope that this can become an annual event. 🏌⛳

 Another Adventure--July 3rd, 2023 found Anziano and Sorella Mumford in our car heading to Assisi, Italy. Home of the celebrated St Francis of Assisi and the "Festivale Lavanda" (Lavender Festival). We caught the "tail-end" of the Festival--but it was so beautiful we are so glad we went. We headed into the town of Assisi--where the Basilica of St Francis and the Duomo di San Rufino top the list of places to see in this wonderfully preserved medieval town. 

Assisi is a town and a comune in Italy, in the region of Umbria. Assisi on the western side of the mountain called Mount Subasio. It is an important place because of its art, its architecture andts history and it is especially important to the Catholic religion.

The Basilica of St Francis

The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Order of Friars Minor Conventual in Assisi, a town in the Umbria region in central Italy, where Saint Francis was born and died. It is a Papal minor basilica and one of the most important places of Christian pilgrimage in Italy

The Duomo di San Rufino--or simply the Assisi Cathedral--has a beautiful Romanesque facade featuring "3 Rose Windows"                  

The Rocca Maggiore--seen for miles around because it sits atop the highest hill in Assisi.     

St. Francis is known for his ministry to the poor and underprivileged, his care for nature and animals, and founding the Franciscan order.(religious order for men) Son of an affluent cloth merchant, St. Francis of Assisi lived in wealth and ease until God used a meeting with a leper to change his heart. He began his life-long service to the poor. 

Francis is often credited with being the first person to create a live nativity scene and the tradition still holds strong today. Each year you’ll see nativity scenes set up in every nook and cranny of the town of Assisi. TodayAssisi is considered a global symbol of peace. 

These 2 pictures --the one on top of this bottome one--are called "THE HALL OF THE POPES"

The Assisi Chapel has some very well preserved Frescoes

Our "venue" for Lunch in Assisi--Lovely

We had to "wait" to see the Lavender farm which hosts the Festivale di Lavanda as it closes during the middle of the day (like most of your shops and restaurants in Italy do). so we drove out to it--and took a few pictures before one of the owners/hosts found us and offered directions to where we could purchase lavender products of all kinds. Ron's phone died and mine doesn't take very good pics--so I missed getting a photo of the hundreds of "lavender offerings" that were displayed and on sale. I think she told us there are 63 varieties of lavender--but they did not plant that many. But it was so lovely!!

Rows and rows of beautiful Lavender is what we found in the lower area of Assisi. Can you imagine what a "calming effect" a field of lavender has on a person? We wanted to walk up and down every row--because it was so lovely--and changed as we got closer to it. But, then we thought better of it-as we realized the "outcome" of hundreds of people traipsing across the fields (not everyone respects beautifully planted straight rows and the need to stay in the furrows--not on top of the planted row). It was HOT so we did not stay but a short time but oh it was so lovely!!

As always--we wish we'd had more time to explore and learn more about this amazig little spot in Umbria.  They say that Christmastime is a fun and memorable time to go there.  

There is so much more that I could tell you--but I'll save it for another time. We are truly beginning to discover there is much more to Historic Rome than it's crowded Central Rome district of historical places. These little towns like Assisi and L'Acquila are just gems to get out and explore.

And so I close this Post and again reiterate how much we love and appreciate your support. We can "feel it"--and we are grateful.

Hurrah for Israel! Hurrah!!

Sorella and Anziano Mumford