Doug's final day at Institute

Thursday morning I woke up after almost 8 marvelous hours of sleep! That has been a long time coming. I still was feeling a bit weak all day, but with enough meds was able to make it through. Anziano Balzotti called to ask if I could help him drive some missionaries from one train station to another, because the subway line was down. I simply wasn't wasn't feeling strong enough to drive anywhere, and I suggested that he simply have them just take a taxi, which was cheap and easy. He liked my suggestion. Late morning I walked down to Conad to stock up on Gatorade (trying to keep my fluids up) and another bag of cough drops. I also got an email from the Motts at the MTC. Somehow they manged to run into Daniele, who also just arrived there, and make the Rome connection.

We left a little early so that I could show the Balzottis where to take the Motts next week to get their codice fiscale. The government office is right next door to the temple, but parking and finding the right entrance is tricky, so I walked him through it. We arrived at the Institute early, taking the freeway again. Anziano Balzotti is now fairly comfortable with our various routes downtown. Soon a very familiar group showed up: Riccardo, Krista, Jomar, plus former Ganziani Mansell and Smith. Riccardo had a big hug for me, since he will be out of town starting Friday. They all hung around for a while, with me finishing my lesson prep.

In the afternoon took my second antibiotic pill from this new course, hoping that it would reverse the tide. For Seminary, we had 8 kids, plus two others (Matteo, Pamela) who couldn't make class but dropped by briefly to say goodbye. As long as I stayed seated, I was doing pretty well. We played bingo after a short lesson, then ate some cookies, and I got big hugs from all of them as they left. This class has been a lot of fun for everyone.

 

Pamela

Donatella

Valentina (Daniele's sister)

For Institute, we had a big group: about 35 kids signed in during the day. That was very gratifying, especially because of the last minute schedule change due to the Friday transit strike. The Balzottis got the crack chicken dinner all ready and warming in the crock pot, then drove up for a final dinner at the mission home with departing missionaries who had stayed an extra few days to attend the temple dedication. They got back in time to set things out at the end of class. They have been so wonderful, quietly and efficiently helping out while I have been somewhat out of it due to my cold.

There were some folks from Meridian Magazine who wanted to interview some of the kids and get photos of them for an article. It was challenging to find room for them, my class, as well as the online Pathway class that evening, but somehow it all worked out.

Our lesson was on the Kirtland Temple dedication, D&C 109-110, which I skipped ahead to because of the temple dedication coming up here this weekend. I had them sing "The Spirit of God" to the tune of "Now Let Us Rejoice", which is apparently the melody used back then. It is fun and a bit strange to hear, but the meter works perfectly. We read a bunch of verses from the sections and discussed the power of the temple and its covenants in our lives. There were several visitors in town for the temple dedication, who participated nicely in the discussions. Amazingly, I was able to stay on my feet for over an hour during the lesson, which I attribute to the adrenaline I get from teaching, not to mention Excedrin. 

At the end of the lesson, I invited Anziano Balzotti in for a presentation from me and the two Ganziani: our final Ganziano tie! Twenty was exactly the right number to buy. He was delighted with the gift, and the kids applauded loudly.

After that we had the closing prayer and crack chicken sandwiches. I sat down in the kitchen for most it, but I got to visit, hug, and take photos with a lot of the kids. It was a wonderful sendoff for me.

 

 

 

Here are some photos of me with different kids.

Andrea, Almendra

Maria Jose, Ilario

Francesco, Joyce

Linda (we gave her a ride home too)

Chris

Jayno

Joyce

It was a bummer last week when I missed Dee's finale, but this evening made up for it. Once I got home, I had a brief chat with Dee. Her dad is home: confused, agitated, weak, and generally not doing well. She needs to get some in-home help real soon, and she knows it. Now I just need to get better enough that I can fly home.