Dearest Family and Friends,
I told you that I had much still to share--so this is a special message about an incredible experience. We have so many really faithful, sacrificing members who come from areas around Rome to serve each week--come rain or shine. Our Thursday AM "Coordinatrice" is Silvia Guidara. She and her husband, Emanuele, live in what I can only describe as "the Hill Country" around Rome. Their place is aptly named "Castelnuovo di Farfa," Lazio , Italia. (a 10-acre getaway with rolling hills, hundreds of olive, fig and peach trees, not to mention a huge garden that grows at least 4 different kinds of berries--trailing each other in their "maturing season". There were so many types and varieties of "verdura" (the Italian name for vegetables).
The setting for the pergola where we ate a very relaxing lunch, with wisteria vines flowing over the edges on all sides was reminiscent of an old Italian movie set where perhaps Sophia Loren or Roberto Benigni (or Marcello Mastroianni, tho I do not know him as well) might come strolling through this beautiful yard or come "sit 'a spell' on the patio. It was truly a magical day and we still haven't quite figured out WHY we were invited to enjoy this day along with the Boyntons and the Sanos--2 other Temple Missionary couples.
But FIRST THINGS FIRST:
SO ON Sunday, July 9th, 2023--we made our way to the Sabina Branch of the Roma Est Paola,(Rome East Stake) which meets in the Conference Room of the Hampton by Hilton Rome North Hotel in Fara de Sabina. As we entered the Foyer of the Hotel--there were the Missionaries who are assigned to the Sabina-area--2 Anziani and 2 Sorelle, to greet us. There was a YW meeting going on in the couch/lounge section of said Foyer--and we could hear Prelude music coming from the open room down the hall. As we stood talking to the Missionaries, all these people--whom we know from our service in the Temple, came streaming through the doors! And so many Temple Ordinance Workers!!This is a Branch--that has so much talent and faithfulness oozing from its members--I will not be surprised if it becomes a Ward soon. And I'm sure the reason it is still a Branch is that the numbers are not there to create a Ward--but every one that is assigned to meet in this Branch--is almost a100% attender. (And we learned later from the Guidara's that there were 25 other members who are faithful--missing due to vacations.) So it was a very wonderful Sacrament Meeting time. It seems that the arrangement with the Hotel is that this room (and a few others upstairs) are rented for each Sunday unless otherwise noted and the Stake and The Hotel management are "on-board" with these meetings and people coming and going as they do. Then, the Sisters enjoyed a Relief Society meeting taught by a Sister who "taught from her heart"--while the Brothers left us to go upstairs to Priesthood. Ron reported that he had truly been taught the gospel in that Priesthood Mtg that day. This visit further reinforced that the Church is growing and sustaining itself in Rome and the areas around it. And because we have seen and worked with these Saints in the Temple--we were greeted so warmly--the "Italian Way" (which I love!) a sweet peck on each cheek and warm "Benvenuto". It never gets old!!
After the meetings--Fratello Guidara joined us in our car and guided us to their home. It was about 30 minutes from where we had Church meetings--but to go another way--to serve in the Temple--they would go about 30 minutes total. So they don't feel like it's any kind of a sacrifice. The road to reach their home is a typical country-lane--trying-to-be--2 lanes where you go along always watching the curves for a "surprise" vehicle coming from the other direction. But these people , for the most part, are all neighbors and they watch out for each other--so to back up and let another pass by--is no big deal. We drove up a small hill and to an open gate which we passed through and arrived at the Guidara Home. (I hope I can include enough pictures for you to get a feel for what it was like.) Now the Guidaras are not wealthy--but they have used their hard work and provident living skills to create this beautiful place. Three of their 4 children are now either married or living on their own--so this Couple are putting the finishing touches on turning part of this home into an AirBnB--which just launched this week on the VRBO site. (Although Silvia said she'd rather people just contact her directly when they are ready to Book--she can give them a better deal). It will be more like a "respite from City Life" to Book a room here--but one could not be disappointed with the serene surroundings or the delicious meals (that are available to also Book).
Another view of the Pergola Ron and Carol Mumford seated for lunch
L to R: Beth Sano, Silvia and Emanuele Guidara, Ron and Carol Mumford and Rod and Vicki Boynton
There is also an ABBEY just down the road that we stopped at for a quick look. The day was so HOT--we had all just about 'melted" by the time we got back in the car to return home. Emanuele Guidara has a limousine and taxi service--so he also does guided tours--in and around Rome, or all over Italy if one prefers. He would have loved to keep us longer--but we were "done" due to the 100+ F Temps!! BUT OH WHAT A LOVELY TIME!!
SO WE ENDED ANOTHER WONDERFUL SABBATH WITH SOME NEW FRIENDS FROM ITALIA. "GRAZIE MILLE to the GUIDARAS"
And we say Thank you to our Family and Friends for all of your L💕VE and support!!
Sorella and Anziano Mumford
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