Hello everyone!

   I sure hope you had a good Christmas! Mine was a flash of light and a blink of an eye and then it was gone. It was really weird. It didn't give me much warning and then it was here. And then it was gone. Haha, now I can look forward to the next one. It was great to see all of you! Everybody is looking great and I am so, so, so happy that you are all safe...MOM.  Don't scare me like that, Non si fa questa cosa!  But I am very happy you are all well, for the most part anyway. It helps me know my prayers are being answered.  I pray for you all every day and night. And I have heard of the miracles that are happening in your favour. 

    This week for work was slow, but successful...I think. We were able to meet with our investigators and teach them, and we were also able to see Dexter, a less-active member. We watched Finding Faith in Christ. He really enjoyed it and we were able to bear testimony of the power and authority of Christ. We also watched it with one of our investigators, David, because he had been refered to us from Germany and apperently that is how they talked with him and why he was interested.  So we watched it and he enjoyed it a lot! Afterwards we talked about faith and why it is so important. He is from Nigeria, and the people I have met from there have all had a really strong testimony of faith.  So it was cool.  Haha, if you want to grow your testimony in faith, just go hang with the Nigerians for a week and you'll have it!

   We met with Miguel and his mom, and taught them about the birth of Jesus Christ and how much God loves us. And it was really good. His mom is less-active and she hasen't been able to come to church for a long time. We are trying to meet with her more often because she really likes the lessons and wants to participate.

   Other than that, we did a lot of finding and no one wanted to listen. You just have to keep your head up and try again!

   Thank you guys for all you do! Yes, I received your e-mail ashley.  Haha, we will for sure have to sing when I get back. Per Forza! Alright, well you guys are awesome and I love you to the moon and back.

   Stay safe and remember the importance of the gospel.  It can help you get through some tough stuff.

   Con Grande Amore, Anziano Rigby 

Hello fam :)

   So yeah, We will Skype on Christmas day. Would 4:00 be okay with you? That would be 8:00 in the morning your time? And if not that time, it would be between that and 6:00, so 10:00 your time. We are going to the Perigos for Christmas. They are an American family in our ward.  So it should be pretty good. The husband is actually Italian and apparently he LOVES to eat on Christmas. So we will be eating, and eating,...and eating. :) 

   And wow! Thank you for all the presents! Haha, it was a pleasant surprise when they came. And I love the Nativity.

   This week we had the Ward Christmas party, and we also went caroling!  I played some songs at the Christmas party which was really fun. And then yesterday we went to the Spanish Steps to sing to people.  It was way cool!  We sang for two hours straight.  I'm not gonna lie, I was pretty tired afterwards but we were able to get a lot of people's attention from it.  While we sang there were others handing out biglettini and talking with people.

 Other than that, I don't have anything really.  I will talk to you on Wednesday!

   Love you guys!

Love always, Anziano Rigby

December 16, 2013

Questions we asked Elder Rigby:

1.  Do you guys hang up stockings by the fireplace just for decoration? No, We don't have a fireplace, and we don't have stockings. The tree is about the extent of our Christmas decorations. 

2.  What is the Italian word for Christmas? The word is Natale! And Santa Claus is Baba Natale.

3.  What is your favorite thing about the Christmas season in Rome?  Hmm, I'm not sure.  I haven't really seen anything cool here yet for Christmas. They don't celebrate Christmas like we do.  Oh!  They have these really cool nativities that they set up. Those are pretty cool.

4.  Are you having opportunities to do any Christmas musical numbers anywhere? Yes!  This coming Thursday we are having a Christmas party, and me and Anziano Barone are playing Winter Wonderland together (me on guitar and him on the bongos). And me and Sorella Pace are doing Still, Still, Still (her on the violin and me on the guitar), instrumental only.  And then I might sing and play a song by myself, who knows.  Haha.  We also are going caroling a couple times this week. (Italians don't know what it is. The only people who do it here are the gypsies begging for money.)

  

And I will be calling next Tuesday, I believe to set up the time for Skype. We aren't allowed to use members' computers so we will see what we can do.  But I think we will do it on Christmas day.  I just don't know what time. We are trying to figure it out. Soooo, yeah.  You might get a call next Tuesday!

December 16, 2013

Hello everyone! 

   This week has been good.  It has flown by, and I can hardly believe it is almost Christmas.  It sounds like a lot is happening!  And it sounds like its pretty cold!  haha.  It also sounds like the choir concert went well.  I am glad.

   We have continued to teach Miguel and he is progressing well. We are praying for him and his baptism. 

   We met with a family this week from Nigeria. The dad's name is David, and the wife's name is Heli. They are really cool. We did a lesson zero with them and they really liked the Book of Mormon. They said that it's really important to study and read to know for yourself.  So that is what we invited them to do.  We are supposed to meet with them this coming week and see how it went.

   We also met with the husband of a member this week. We asked his wife if we could come over and teach him.  She said she would talk with him and give us a call.  She called us and gave us the okay.  So we went and tried to talk with him just to see what he believes and to get a starting point. He would not have any of it.  He talked the entire time and would not let us speak.  He has done some "research" about the Church and has compared our Bible with other Bibles, and he has his own idea about Jesus Christ and what he did.  It didn't go very well.  But as I have looked back on it, it has helped me grow my faith.  Every question, or point that he brought up, we had an answer for.  But when we would try to answer the question he would change the subject and talk on something else. And we would have the answer for that too!  But he would not listen.  It really helped me realize that I know this is true, and also that there are some out there who truly are not ready, or don't want to be. It was pretty sad to know that he doesn't want to listen or change.  Even when his wife is such a strong member.

   That is really all I have this week, nothing much has happened.  I hope you are all well.

   Love you! And I'll talk to you next week, but not through E-mail on Monday.  I think our Skype session takes the place of it? We'll see :)

   Love Always, Anziano Rigby

Some pictures borrowed from President and Sister Waddoups' blog:

Elder Rigby with his new companion, Elder Barone

Happy!

Re-enacting in the Nativity at Zone training

"A few of the guys I was in the MTC with." 

(left to right) Elder Rigby, Elder McMillan, Elder Busdicker, Elder Kiser, And Elder Bee.

"Boise State pin I found in the death closet...represent!  Haha."

"Christmas presents!  hahaha."

Hello ya'll,

  Wow, that is kind of sad to hear about Bounce (editing note: he is referring to a business we are closing).  I feel bad that I didn't do more while I was there to help with it and stuff like that.  I also feel bad about being such a bum before the mission.  Haha, I could have gotten a lot of stuff done... around the house, with school, at Bounce... everywhere.   It sounds like you had an awesome Thanksgiving! That is way cool.  Haha, yeah we had a pretty good English course Thanksgiving dinner thing.  I was never able to find sweet potatoes, but I'm still looking.  I hear they are out there somewhere...   

  Today there is a sciopero  (strike) with the transportation.  They have them every couple weeks or so, but this one is supposed to last for 5 days or so.  So it should be fun trying to get places...haha, vediamo (we will see)...

   Yes we will be able to skype for christmas! It will either be Christmas day, or the day after Christmas. Which works best for you guys? The thing is we are going to the Perigos for Christmas day (they are an American family in our ward).  And then we are going to Valentinas for the 26th, but we will get it figured out. :) The recorder did get here! I'm gonna try sending some stuff :) 

  So for work...

    Miguel is having a hard time right now. He has had to start working on Sundays and now he is not able to make it to church.  But he still wants to be baptized really bad.  I have never met a person with such a desire, or such a kind heart.  I know I'm the one teaching him, but in reality he's the one teaching me.  I have been praying for him every day and for guidance in how to teach him and how to help him. When he first told us the news I was heart broken, as was he, but I told him to pray that night for comfort and guidance, and I did too. The next day we met with him and he told us of his experience. He prayed and remembered one of the Anziani saying that you can find answers to your questions in the Book of Mormon.  So he read and found a couple versus that really helped him and it was really what he needed at that moment.  And I also felt that everything was going to work out.  Because his heart is in the right place and he really wants this for himself.

   It goes along well with what mom was saying about prayer and the nessecity of it.  I have learned so much about the importance of prayer here in the mission.  It really does make a huge difference in your work, and your ability to work.

   Well, I better get going if I'm gonna try to send stuff.  Keep up the hard work. 

   Love you all!!! Talk to you soon!

   Love always, Anziano Rigby

Elder Rigby and Sorella Picirillo as Piligini

"I know my hair looks funny. Haha, We said I looked like someone from Who-ville."

Pictures borrowed from Elder and Sister Andrew's blog:

Thanksgiving dinner at English Course

Pilgrims and Indians enjoying turkey together.

Roma 3 missionaries at a baptism

Hello everyone :)

   I hope you had a good week, it sure sounds like you did!  I had a pretty good week too.  Not much has changed and not too much has happened, but that's alright. 

   Yesterday we went to Valentina's to have lunch and to help put up their Christmas tree, and all the rest of their decorations.  It was really fun!  I really enjoyed putting up Christmas stuff.  It kind of helped it feel like Christmas. And then we had some really good hot cocoa. :)

   This week in studying, I have been reading the book of Helaman.  I have been trying to re-read the Book of Mormon before Christmas and it has really helped to strengthen my faith and knowledge of the scriptures. And I just read about Samuel the Lamanite, and Nephi. Samuel had gone to teach the Nephites and they had rejected him. So he was on his way to another city when the Lord told him to turn back. And he immidiately turned around and went back. While, in the meantime, Nephi was teaching without much success. And then Samuel got on the wall and told of the signs, and the coming of Christ. At which time many miracles happened, and many people were converted. And who did they go to, to get baptized?  Nephi!  I think this is way cool because they probably didn't know each other personally, and they were from different people and different backgrounds. But they both taught the same things, and because of Samuel's faith and courage there were many people that were converted to the gospel. And because of Nephi's patience and steady work, and worthiness, he was able to baptize all those who came to him. They were two seperate people that followed the Lord, and who the Lord was able to use to the changing of hearts, and saving of souls. And we can be like that too.

   Our work is going well.  Miguel is still coming to church and reading the scriptures. We are supposed to meet with him tomorow after English course. We are not able to meet with Daniela, Valentina, and Milagros this week because they are too busy... I am really hoping that we can find a time that they can meet with us regularly.  And we just had a man call us this morning saying that he has a Plan of Salvation pamphlet that he read and now he wants to come to church, and he wants a Book of Mormon!  I just about dropped the phone when he said that.  So we are meeting him Thursday after English course. 

   All in all, the work is moving along. My Italian is still pretty bad, but I'm working on it. I was telling Anziano Barone how just this last week I taught the Plan of Salvation in Italian for the first time. Not because we don't teach, but because there are no Italians in this area.  So it is taking a lot of will power to speak and learn Italian.

   Well that's really about it. Tomorow we have a specialized training which should be fun.  I hope you guys are doing well, I love you and think of you everyday.  Have a good week.

   Love Always, Anziano Rigby

Q&A:

Did you have a Thanksgiving activity or dinner?  Yes we had a thanksgiving activity with our English course. It was really fun!  Sadly, I was not able to find any sweet potatoes but thats alright. I'm still lookin'.

How is the language coming along? It is....Idk. It is quite frustrating sometimes. Specifically when I see those who came in with me speaking way better then me. The thing is, we are in an area with a lot of English speakers so, more often than not, you are speaking English with people. So it is really hard for me to learn because I'm not forced to speak it. So I am really trying to just speak it more and to study really hard. But I can get the point across and I can understand most of what people say.

Howdy Howdy Howdy!

Good morning everyone!

   Okay first big news. Our P-day is now on Mondays! So...yeah. haha

   Anyway, I am really sorry I haven't sent any pictures recently. We have been really busy the past few weeks, but I have some now. :)

   Conference was so good! I was able to see all of them except the Sunday evening session. I got a lot of this conference. I thought it was interesting how a lot of them tied their subject, whatever it was, to the atonement. And I think that is so cool because lately I have been studying how the atonement is not just for sins. It is for sickness, pain, sorrow, and weakness. The atonement literally covers all our un-godlike qualities if we allow it to.

   Haha I had to swim 2 miles I think? Not too much. I have probably eaten a couple pounds of gelato since I came here. It's pretty good.

   This Saturday is transfer call day! I think I might be leaving. haha But I don't know. I will let you know on Monday what the the plan is. Today we are going shopping! Haha The sales are still going on a little, and so we will see if there are any good deals. I still need to buy a borsa. 

   The weather has been so wet! It has rained everyday this week. But it's cool. I kind of like it. 

   This last week we had a hard time getting people to make appointments with us. But we have the English course every Tuesday and Thursday. I remember you were wanting to know If we get a lot of people. Yeah! We usually have about 40 people. There are people from every where, and with all kinds of languages. French, Italian, Arabic, Bangladesh. Its pretty cool. Alright well I better go so I can send some pictures. I love you all! Talk to you soon!

   Love always, Anziano Rigby 

Hellooo :)

Hello everyone!

   Wow this week has gone by fast! It is weird that it is already October. It's weird when you put it that way, I am 1/6th of the way through my mission...

   And this week is general conference! Woohoo! I can hardly wait to listen to all the talks! It sounds like you all are having fun, and staying alive. That's good. Haha. Yes I did receive the sheet music, thank you! I love them. I haven't had a ton of time to play them, but that's alright. And the photobucket works great! I really enjoyed all the pictures. You got some great shots!

   So this week has been good. We started off with some great days full of lessons, but soon they started falling through left and right. So in order to combat this bad luck, we went to visit less-actives! So our week of lessons, turned into a week full of lessons with less-actives. Which is not a bad thing at all, just different.

   So that was the beginning of the week and then on Saturday there was a stake cultural dance activity. So all the members did traditional dances from their home country. There were dances from Italy, Philippines, Peru, Dominican Republic, and Bolivia. It was really cool! I loved watching all the different styles of dances from the different regions. And then afterwards, we had food from each country. It was delicious!

   I am starting to like these people more and more everyday. It helps that I can kind of understand them now, But there is still a lot I don't pick up on. That is one thing I have been praying for a lot more lately. For charity. I am not one to go out of my way to talk to people, and I don't have a lot to say, so I have been working on being more open, and talking with people. And slowly, I think I am opening up. It still takes a lot of effort, but It is getting easier.

   There is not much more to say. The work is moving forward, and so am I. When I keep busy, I have a better attitude. The days that I am frustrated are the days where I feel I didn't accomplish much. Thank you for the packages. I will let you know If I get them. Haha Usually someone from our group goes there every week, and we are supposed to drop some stuff off there tomorrow I believe.

   Oh! I almost forgot. What part of the Philippines did you go to? I have been meaning to ask but I keep forgetting.

   Alright well I love you all and pray for you everyday. Tell Cody I love him, and that I say hi. Haha. Hope you all are having a good day. Talk to you next week.

   Love always, Anziano Rigby   

Fall Is In The Air

Hello fam! Well this week has been pretty good. The weather is changing, and it is nice! I really like this time of year. There are so many changes. I was reading a talk in the Liahona for this month about seasons in our lives. It was by Uchtdorf, and it talked about how we need the different seasons in our lives. A lot of times we wish that we could always have a nice "spring day" where we don't have troubles in our lives, and we can be care free. But we need the "Cold winter days" to enjoy the "hot summers", and visa versa. It really made me think about how I react to bad days, and how I need to understand that we all need to have those bad times to enjoy the good days.

   It sounds like you guys are having fun there! You are going to have an awesome trip. I can't wait to see some pictures! That is absolutely my favorite place to go. It is so peaceful, and calm. you can really think out your problems, and come back with renewed energy.

   The work has been going well. we had 7 other lessons this past week which is pretty good. but none of our investigators came to church...which by the way was amazing!

   On Sunday, we woke up at :.30 to go to a meeting with Elder Ballard that was just for the missionaries. He talked to us about the work in Italy, and what he thinks we can do to help the work in our mission. He focused a lot on dispensations. because when someone understands dispensations, they understand the need for a restoration. He also said we should focus our efforts on those who are 12-40 years old, and families. he also talked about how God and Jesus Christ were the first missionary companionship of the latter-days, and how we are literally representatives of Christ.

   And then in the stake conference, he talked about the importance for members and missionaries working together. He also talked about the blessing of temples and he said something I really liked. He said "Every time you drive by the temple you should think about where you came from, why you are here, and where you are going. It is because of the temple that you can have the comfort of knowing no matter what happens in this life, you can be together for all time and eternity." It truly is a wonderful blessing, and we should want to share it with everyone who will listen because they can have that comfort as well. 

   Well, It is getting time for me to be done. I recieved the hard drive case. Haha I'm sure the hard drive will get here soon. Thank you so much for sending me one! 

   Don't ever worry about me getting mad hailey, I am never mad. Thank you for even writing me!

   Mom, Preach My Gospel is an amazing book. And chapter 6 is one of my favorites to study. You will learn a lot if you study it well.

   Port keep up being awesome. but don't die on the hike this time! haha

   Dad, You shouldn't have to get it destrung. That is one of the many beauties of compounds. :)

   Alright, I'm out of here. I love you, and am praying for your safety.

   Love always, Anziano Rigby

Q & A with Elder Rigby

Q: Do you guys go to an Internet cafe to access the computer and can you print you're emails?

A: Yeah we go to a cafe to do internet. I could print them but they cost money. I received your package and the letters! last Thursday. I am working on writing back. You could write to my home address but its not as likely to get there. The post service here is all kinds of messed up. Sometimes the post man won't come for a couple weeks because he wants a break. It's just a lot better to send it to the office. haha



Q: Is it easy to find fresh food there?  Do you eat pizza EVERY day like some of the missionaries

 A: The fruits and vegetables are always really fresh because they don't really know what fridges are. ( Just kidding they do) But it is expensive to use them so everything is just fresh. The tomatoes here are REALLY good. I know you would love them. We don't eat pizza every day, every week we do, we eat a lot of pasta though, almost everyday...



Q: What is the biggest thing that has surprised you about your mission thus far?

A: Hmmm, I would say how fast it is going. I don't know about you guys, but it is going pretty fast for me. Which I am pretty grateful for. Not that I don't like it here, but yeah haha

Pics from August

The Sisters

                                                        The missionaries in Rome 3

Rome 3, Sept 11

Hello Everyone!

   This week has been full of finding, and full of little miracles!

First off, it is great to hear about the weather there! You will have to enjoy it for me because this is my favorite time of the year. It reminds me of riding four-wheelers, taking the Bronco out, going on hikes, having a great Thanksgiving, and all the other great things that we do. Haha soooo wink wink.

   So this week we did a lot of finding again. But it has been really good to see the fruits of our labors. The success comes as you are obedient, and not only willing to talk to everyone, but literally trying to talk with everyone. But the most important thing I think is listening to the Spirit. Like I talked about last week, it's just the little feelings you receive and then following them. I am far from perfect, and I have a hard time remembering to listen, but it is always there. It is just really quiet.

   The language course is going well. We have quite a few people attending, and we just put out more advertising so hopefully it will grow even more. Almost all the people here in Rome know at least a little English because it is taught in the schools and there are a lot of people from other countries who speak English, but it is usually very little. It's kind of funny to think that I sound like that when I try to speak Italian, but oh well. I just feel bad for those who have to figure out what I'm saying.

   We don't have any baptisms coming up for a while, but our ward has 3 on the 22nd! It is way awesome! I am so excited for them all. They are the investigators of the other Anziani, and the Sorelle. Oh! I don't know if I told you this, but I'm sure you've heard it from somewhere. This Sunday Elder Ballard Is coming to combine the Napoli, and Sardegna stakes so there is a big stake conference here in Rome. It is going to be pretty cool.

   I am witting some letters to you guys so sorry if this is short, but I'm saving some stuff for the letters.

   I can't wait to hear how the hike goes! You will have so much fun I can already tell.

   Well, I'm not sure if I have pictures to send or not. If not, I'm sorry. haha I need to take more I know. Oh and thanks for sending the hard drive. I appreciate it.

  l love you guys so much I pray for you everday, and I keep you in my thoughts constantly. 

   I will talk to you later. 

   Love, Anziano Rigby

Rome 3, Sept 4

Hello everyone!

   Wow, you guys all sound so busy there! It is good to hear. I have to say I really miss fixing sprinklers and doing random jobs around the house. I kind of fixed our toilet the other day...but that's about as exciting as it gets!  

   Dang, gluten free, che figo (that's cool)! I wish I could do that...kind of. I am constantly worried that I am gonna get a gluten allergy or something cause I eat so much pasta! But the good news is I am cutting back. (I also eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables.) Oh! on the subject of food, Mom, could you send me some of your recipes like your cornbread, and cornmeal rolls and cinnamon rolls, and some healthy recipes? I would love it if you did! But anyway. Way to go Ash!

   Alright. So this week we got transfer calls, and I am staying here with Anziano Bennett. Anziano Sargent got assigned to Sardegna. It is sad to see him go, but I know he will do great there. Anziano Robinson is staying, and he is going to be training! So we will have another greenie in the house!

   This past week we have had a lot of people cancel on us, and not show up to appointments. Kind of a bummer, but what can you do right? So we have done a lot more finding, and street contacting! It has been a good experience. And I am getting better at it. There are three things you need to remember when doing street or house....anytime really. We call them the three P's. Powerful, Prayerful, and Positive. It is so important to remember these three things. It turns what could be a bummer of a day into a day of success and miracles.

   Just yesterday, we were waiting for someone for an appointment but they didn't show. So we went and did street finding! As we were contacting we walked past a huge apartment complex. We felt we should go in and knock on some doors, so we did and nothing came of it. As we were walking away, there was a couple with a 2 year-old girl in the parking lot so we talked with them. They thought we were TJ's and so we explained who we were, and what we do, and what we believe in. This whole time their little girl was running around carrying a bag. She would come up to me, and look at me so I would smile and say ciao, and she would smile. Then she would run away and do it all over. Then she came up to me and she started pulling things out of the bag and handing them to me and she would say what they were. She was the sweetest little girl! We had a good discussion with this couple and then asked them if we could exchange numbers so we could talk more. He said "numbers no. But I will go to your site and learn more." (We had given him a little pass along card with our information.) He then said this. "I must tell you. This is crazy. My little girl never talks to strangers, let alone plays with them. You must be good people, and you must have good hearts, because she never does this." 

   Now I don't write this to say I'm a good person or anything, because I am far from it. But me and Anziano Bennett had been talking about how babies and little kids can sense a difference. They can feel a difference for some reason, and because of it the man wanted to learn more about who we are. Because of his daughter.

   After we talked to them, we felt we had accomplished what we were in that area to do. It was not a huge feeling at all. But just a slight difference in how we felt. When I was younger, I always thought missionaries could feel the spirit so strong and it talked to them more. That is not what it is at all. We can all feel the spirit, and we don't feel it any more than anyone else who is listening. But that is the secret. Becoming accustomed to listening to it. In our daily lives it may be harder because we have other things to think about. Here in the mission field, our purpose is to listen to the Spirit, and only listen to the Spirit. so it seems easier. Also we strive to be exactly obedient. I think, just like in the mission field, every little thing counts. Being obedient isn't just something for missionaries, it is for everyone. And I think we can all do better at that. Me anyways. haha

   Well, that was my cool experience for the week. I don't have anything really to say about what gets me down. I still can't understand much of what people say on the street and that can get frustrating, but only if you let it get to you. I'm sorry I don't have more to say. I think it is one blessing of the mission that you remember the good things, and the bad things seem to fade away. Like with the MTC. I can remember that it was one of the hardest things I have done, but when I try to think why, all I can remember are the good times, and good experiences I had. That might sound silly, but that is what I have experienced so far. Just one of the many small and tender mercies of the Lord.

   Thank you again for all your e-mails. And thanks for the spiritual thoughts! I loved what you said about Laman, and Lemuel. It is all good and fun and uplifting to talk about those topics until you start contending and I think it is interesting how Nephi asks if they had inquired of the Lord. Because it is always when we start relying on the knowledge of men, and our own understanding, then Satan is able to sneak in contention. If you are relying on what God has said, or what prophets have said, there is no room to contend. Very interesting indeed. Thank you for that.

   Alright I better go. I love you all and I hope you are having fun and staying safe! See ya later dudes!!! (Movie Trivia) I'll give you a hint. It's a Disney movie. :)

Ciao!

    Love always, Anziano Rigby.   

Rome 3!

Hello everyone!

   I am constantly amazed just how fast time flies. This week has been really good.  

Don't worry, I am writing in my journal, and I am trying to be specific. I miss days sometimes but I am doing pretty well. This week has been pretty busy. First off, we had a baptism! It was a wonderful service. There was a good turn out, the baptism went flawless, and I got to conduct!...And Sing! haha The musical number went great. We ended up doing it so it was just vocal and violin. It was fun. 

   So here is a cool experience I had this past week. Me and Anziano Bennett were going out to visit less actives one morning and as we were waiting for the bus to come. Anziano Bennett felt we should get on a different bus and go finding. He asked my opinion, and I agreed. So we got on a different bus and got off at a stop. We started talking to every person we came across. The whole time trying to figure out what we were doing there. We got to a spot where there was a split in the road, and no one was out. We decided to say a prayer to ask God to help us know why we were there and how to help his children in that area. We concluded our prayer and started walking. we came across a park with a man walking his dog, so we went and talked to him. He was nice but he was not interested. After talking with him, we saw another man back on the street. We started talking with him. We learned he did not believe in God or Christ. He had been abandoned by his parents when he was a baby and he had always wondered why God, would allow that to happen. He asked us to sit down in the park near by and we accepted. We talked with him for over an hour about our message, the restoration, the Book of Mormon, prayer and the Holy Ghost. At the end he still wasn't sure about all of it, but he allowed us to say a prayer at the end and we were good friends by the end of it all. As he was walking away, I received a strong impression that he was who we were there to see. Even though he did not believe in God. 

   I know that God loves each and every one of his children no matter their circumstances. Listening to the spirit, and being willing to follow it is so important. I am so grateful for this opportunity I have to be here. And thank you for all of your e-mails and letters. Every time I read them it makes me want to do better. And to work even harder so they can have an eternal family like I can. You know, the plan of salvation is one of the hardest principles to explain, and yet it is why we are here, and where we are going. It is the plan that tells us how we can be truly happy. I am getting better at it, but I just find it interesting how such a simple and important principle is so difficult to describe. 

   Allura (well), the work is going well. We are searching for some nuovi simpatizzanti (new investigators), and we are happy and safe. I love you all! And I will talk to you next week!

   Love Always, Anziano Rigby

Rome 3, take 2!

Hello Everyone!

   Thank you so so much for the E-mails and for the update on life!  First and foremost, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!! I know I am not there to celebrate with you, or give you a big hug, but I always keep you in my thoughts and prayers, and I give you a big hug and kiss every night before I go to bed.

   

   About the money, no I haven't received your letters or package yet.  (from a different email - I will just go and get them the next time we are there, it should be this week.  I can't wait to see what it is!)   I did however receive a wedding announcement for M'leigh, that was cool!  Anyway, I pulled it out (money) because we are supposed to have some emergency cash.  So don't worry.  I am thinking about getting a guitar though...

   So Hailey, the money here is called a Euro.  It is not much different than what you have there.  I do have a journal, but I have been kind of bad about writing in it the past week (I need to be better).  It really helps you remember what you did that day, and also it really helps you see the hand of the Lord in your life.  Don't be scared, we all get scared once in a while, but when we do we can pray for comfort and peace.  Heavenly Father will send angels to watch over you.

   Porter, good job for not jumping out the window (editing note - his younger brother attended another ward's Sunday School and half the class decided to jump out the classroom window and run around the outside of the church before the teacher got there). Sometimes there are temptations and people we want to be like that don't always do the right thing. It is important to keep our standards, (even if it is something little like that.). It will help you in the long run because you will already have the habit of being good.  How was the dog-sitting?  I bet it was pretty fun.  I like their dog a lot.  Have you driven my four-wheeler yet? Actually, it needs a new chain first.  Once you get a new chain on it, have Dad teach you how to drive it. :) 

   Dad, how is the Bronco running? I know you have been driving it more often. Has it seen any dirt since we took it out last?  I can hardly wait to go hiking with you again.  It will be really good.  I am excited to hear how it goes (editing note - the fathers/sons/cousins/brothers like to go on a yearly hiking trip together). The fishing sounds surreal!  Hailey could do it I think, but I might take her on some smaller hikes before then just to get her used to it, and to guage if she could.  But I have no doubt if I told her she couldn't make it she would prove me wrong.  She always has been stubborn that way (which is not always a bad thing, it just means she has more in herself than she thinks).

   I am glad to hear you are jogging, Ash! You will see a great improvement, trust me. A lot of people can't even go that far so you are doing good!  I haven't gone on a run since I was in the MTC.  I have run to get to the train a couple times, but that's it.  Every morning I do a whole bunch of sit-ups and push-up, and curls and what not. I meant it when I said I want to come back in better shape than when I left.  Keep up the good work!

   Alright, Mom!  The work is good!  Yes, that was one of our baptisms (editing note - We had seen a picture from another blog of a Nigerian man who was baptized on Sunday in Skyler's ward).  He is the coolest guy I have met!  He is always happy and always has something good to say.  He was so happy at his baptism.  It was great.  

  Ha, I got that music the other day because we have another baptism this Saturday for another one of our investigators.  She asked me to sing so I had to find a song and we all really like that one (editing note - the song is Savior, Redeemer of my Soul by Rob Gardner - go check it out, it is beautiful).  I would love to have more music! And English is as good as any language so I am perfectly happy with it.  We have another baptism this Saturday and that will be awesome! They are from the Philippines.  The dad is a member, but no one else in their family is. When the daughter accepted the invitation to be baptized, the dad could not stop saying how happy he was.  He says that he prays every day that his family will come to know the Gospel is true and one-by-one they are.  He is so strong in the faith, it is way cool.  The Filipinos are awesome here. They all know each other and they are always doing something together. And always inviting the missionaries and their friends.  If one knows something, they all know it.  If there is some activity going on, they all go.  They are the coolest people ever.

   I love that story you wrote about how you just never know who will accept your message.  It is always intimidating to go up to some people and ask them if they would like to know about our message, but you just never know who wants to hear it.  Like just last night, we talked to a guy who didn't think we knew what we were doing, and that we aren't helping anybody.  It is sad to see people like that who don't know the truth and that will not open up to find it, because I see this Gospel change people daily and I know I am helping people become happier.

   Well I better finish up so I can send some pics!  I love you all.  Have fun tomorrow and stay safe.  Keep up the good work and never stop pushing for your dreams. Talk to you later!

   Love always, Anziano Rigby

Elder Rigby's zone

 Elder Rigby with a new member

Someone doing laundry in Italy! They thought it was funny that it went smallest to biggest.

A random road in Rome

Castle of St Angelo

Rome 3 and pictures!

Hello Everybody!

   This week went by really fast! I sure wish it keeps going like this because I miss you guys! But I am also really happy to be here.

  I did hear about the Venus fly trap! I sounds awesome! This summer has gone by pretty dang fast. And I haven't even had a chance to get a farmers tan because I was inside studying a language for the first half of it! (Which I still can't really speak) But I am getting better at understanding it...Slowly. Hailey you are right. Spiders are Creepy! Big ones are really creepy. But I'm sure he will have lots of fun in the garden.

   I am having a great time here! Like I said, I miss you guys everyday but I wouldn't have it any other way. Porter, I am glad you had such a great time edging the yard! I really miss working in the yard in the summer. I was kind of relaxing in a way. Because afterwards you could see what you had done and it looked really nice! And I kind of miss driving the tractor. But Enjoy it while it lasts. You learn a lot from working outside. Have you gotten the slack line out at all? If not, you and Hailey should. Its a shame to have it just sit there.

   Oh man, Zip lining would be so fun! I think you would like it! 

   I am sorry I haven't written any letters yet! I need to go get some stamps and I will try to get some out this next week. I have not seen any castles as of yet. But we are planning on going to one next Wednesday. I believe it is called the Castle of St Angelo. 

   The City is VERY busy. Especially around the Colosseum and such. But there are just a lot of people in general. We live farther outside of Rome on the east side near an area called subergusta? (not sure on the spelling.) 

   Okay, I have pictures! I will send them in a separate E-mail.

   We Have a couple new investigators we are starting to teach. and we have One getting baptized this week, and hopefully another the week after. They are so cool! You can really feel how much they love the gospel. Whenever I am around them I always feel happy.

   I have not had to teach in church yet which is good. I'm not sure if we do though. We do however translate for each meeting.

   Well I better get this sent off. Keep up the good work on the cars dad! Its never fun unless you have a couple unforeseen problems. Tell Chad congrats for me and send my love. 

   I love you all and Hope you are doing well. You are in my prayers daily. Have a good Week!

    Love always, Anziano Rigby    

Statues of Neptune and the East and West Winds at the Trevi Fountain in Rome

An unexpected email from a thoughtful Missionary Mom

A thoughtful mother sent us an unexpected email today...! This is what it said...

"My son returned home from the Milan mission six weeks ago and we have been traveling through Italy the last few weeks and spent yesterday and today in Rome. We passed 4 elders yesterday in town and saw the same two today at the train station as they were waiting to meet an investigator, so we took their picture. I remembered your name (Rigby) from the missionary mom emails, so hopefully I am sending this picture to the correct mom from Idaho. If so, it seems these two are working hard and enjoying Rome!
It is always a highlight running into the missionaries.
Just thought you would enjoy a picture!

**As a side note, the "missionary mom emails" that she refers to is from a group email list for the moms with missionaries serving in the Italian area. This allows them to receive/provide support to each other while their missionaries are serving in Italy!

Ancient Roma

Hey sorry I didn't put anything in there about the ruins! I totally forgot! Haha I'm still new to this whole one e-mail a week thing. I forget a lot of things. The ruins are amazing. It is really hard to explain just how big and spectacular they are. I have a lot of pictures I will send when I remember to bring my cable!

   One of the coolest things is Because Rome was just added on to, all the ruins are still standing. So as you are walking, there are random buildings just kind of sitting there crumbling which have been there since Jesus walked the earth. The aquaducts are everywhere! There are parks here and all the aquaducts just run through the parks. People walk on them and play on them. They are just part of the city. Also, the wall that surrounded Rome Is still standing. And it is just called "the wall." We constantly pass through it. It is seriously crazy how much history there is here, just sitting there! I have seen the Spanish steps, part of the Roman Forum, multiple basilicas, the fountain with the statue of Neptune (I can't remember what it is called) and a couple more things. Just today! Some of the statues are just more than life. It is crazy. Also there is a huge building with a statue of Caesar on a horse in front of it and a couple other statues? We passed by today. Wow. It is mind blowing to think they built all of it!

   Alright, well I better go. I love you! 

Okay till next week. Arrivaderci!

    Love always, your brother Skyler 

Good morning Idaho!

Hello Everybody!

   Thank you for your letters. It is great to hear from you. I am so so sorry I haven't sent pictures! I keep forgetting to bring my cable to hook it up to the computer. (They don't have SD slots.) I promise I will get LOTS of pictures to you next week. Please forgive me.

   This week has gone by really fast. We have been teaching quite a few lessons to investigators and less actives. A lot of our investigators are Filipino and African. We also have some Romanians as well. Its crazy because Italy is a little bit of a melting pot. People come here from everywhere to find work. Africa, Romania, Bangladesh, Korea, Philippines you name it, they're here pretty much. So its pretty cool because we have copies of the Book of Mormon in tons of different languages. We live in an apartment in a big building kind of like a hotel... Pretty much everyone does though because that's the only way there would be enough room and...no one can afford a house. People here are pretty poor. And a lot don't have Jobs. But those who really want a Job always seem to find one. 

   We take trams and buses everywhere we want to go. I never realized how big Rome is but it is HUGE. It seriously takes forever to travel across. On buses anyway.

   The food here is pretty dang good. We eat pasta pretty much everyday, and I am probably getting fat already because of it. Luckily, we don't eat gelato everyday or else I would be in big trouble. Gelato is incredible! They have so many flavors you can choose from you are bound to like something. My favorite is Blackberry with creme. Its great. You will definitely have to try some when you come! The pizza is also really good. The cheese that they use is really good. I wish I knew what kind it was. And the sauce id different. I don't really know how to explain it, but it is great!

   So my usual day goes like this. we study in the morning until 10 and then We either meet with an investigator, go finding, or whatever else until 1:00 Then we go back to the apartment because literally almost everyone goes home. The shops all close, the restaurants might stay open I'm not sure. But there is no one on the streets. So we go home, eat, and study some more until 4:00 when we go back out for the rest of the day. Usually if we are planning ahead we can have lessons all night with people which is great! But sometimes people cancel or don't show up so we do some finding. We focus a lot on trying to get referrals because it is so much more efficient. We also focus a lot on Language course (an English class the missionaries teach every week). We get a lot of investigators from that. We hold it every Wednesday and Thursday. It is way fun! We teach all kinds of people. And a lot of people show up. People with all kinds of languages. A lot of what I mentioned earlier, as well as Italians.

   Oh! Yes we play soccer! We play it once a week with less actives and investigators. Either on a Friday or Saturday. It is way cool. Most the time I can't understand what they are saying but we all have fun.

   So yesterday I had a cool experience, I gave my first blessing in Italian. It was to a less active member who moved here to find a job to support his family. His family stayed in his home country. He was having a hard time adjusting to the area, and he was also really worried for his family, along with missing them a lot. So me being the Verdino (the greeny), I was given the great opportunity to do the blessing. It was a great experience for me as I hope it was for him. It was not eloquent, of fast, and I'm sure he didn't understand all of it, (he speaks Spanish) But he said he could feel that It came from my heart. (Hopefully my heart is close to the same thing as the spirit.)

I love you all and it is great to hear about all the things you are doing. May God bless your lives and keep you out of harms way. I think about you everyday. I will see you soon.

   Love always, Anziano Rigby