Phone returned. Two lessons
In the morning we went to Metro, where we found Maddalena, who returned my wife's phone. Apparently it had been left on a shelf right next to some cookies, which are always distracting for certain members of our family (not that I'm naming names here!).
My wife made some Snickerdoodle cookies to say thanks. Maddalena said something to the effect of "can you believe it? I'm an honest Roman". Last year she found an envelope with over 14,000 euros in it and turned it over her manager instead of putting it in her own pocket. Great lady! We were so delighted to get the phone back -- it saves us both time and money.
We also did some shopping for tonight's dinner while there, then headed to the Institute, arriving just in time to open up, with a ton of stuff (two heavily laden trips) to carry up from the car. My wife put herself directly to cooking "church potatoes" with ham and chicken, but she had to cut up frozen French Fries to make the equivalent of hash browns, which aren't available here as far as we know. It was way too much work, and she says she'll never do it that way again. The result looks good, however.
I taught the Seminary Doctrinal Mastery class at 4pm, with five students this time, which is a much nicer number. We had a good conversation about the Godhead and how we can relate to them and learn from them.
Tonight I taught the GANS BofM Institute class, subbing for Ugo who is out of town. His parents are here to babysit the kids, so we'll get to see them in church on Sunday. My lesson, 2 Nephi 1-8, went pretty well, I think. My style is rather different from Ugo's, with lots of questions that make them think and interact; it seemed to take them a while to figure it out, but they seemed to be paying attention quite well.
Afterwards we had my wife's wonderful food, which is now all gone, as well as arancini (a Sicilian specialty rice ball) made by Francesco.
Everyone had plenty to eat!
It was a good day, but we are exhausted and glad to be home. I like the words of Nephi: "we lived after the manner of happiness", which I explained was a choice, not something that just happens. We are very happy to be serving here.
