Another Week

Another week passed in Pordenone & we had a lot of good things happen! First, it was Sister Hunter's birthday!! Sorella Astel and I made a surprise tiramisu (senza cafè-without coffee) and it was our first Italian dolce we made without the help of real Italians.. and if I do say so myself, it was prettttyyy good. 

Birthdays on the mission are funny hahaha.

ride of my life

First I'll tell you about Monday. It was awful, but because we are missionaries its fine, hahahah.  So it's really hot here--like really really really hot.  All four of us missionaries agreed to go out to lunch with one of our members after weeks of inviting us.  She is this short Romanian women who works in a fabrica.  

After district meeting, we all got on our bikes and rode to her house.  She was leading us to her favorite restaurant.. but little did we know it's like three or four towns over.  We were biking through roundabouts and on freeways.  

Then as we were riding our bikes on the side of the freeway, I heard a clink and a clank and then my bike fell apart. on the freeway. three towns away. in the hottest weather I've ever been in. 

It was funny because Ana (the member) was yelling at cars to stop, but they didn't.  So she flipped my bike upside down and tried to fix it.  Then we decided we need to leave the bike and walk the rest of the way to the restaurant.  

something fishy

It wasn't the much farther of a walk, but little did we know she was taking us to Mela Rossa which is like an Asian Hometown Buffet.  I ate sushi and fried I-don't-know-what.  I accidentally had some tiramisu with coffee in it in front of her (oops). I didn't know.  And I had some fishy pasta (pasta with fish).  I can't even accurately describe what I ate...  

take one for the team

But the other copia had the new senior couple pick them up in their car and take one bike.  Sorella Astel and I took one for the team and biked home with Ana using the other sorelle bikes.. After we dropped Ana off, we went straight to the PAM and bought two giant coca-colas to kill off all the strange food we put into our bodies.  

dinner with the president

By then we had to cancel all our appointments and it was time to go to our dinner appointment at our stake president's house (a BIG DEAL) -- just Sorella Astel and I with the little Italian we know. We were so terrified.  

So I switched back to the man bike (saddest moment of my life) and biked to Cordenones' house the next city over (about the same distance from home to HUB - her dad's workplace in Riverside) hahah to eat more food.  But it went really well and we were able to communicate and the food was really good and then we went home and went to bed.  Normally we don't spend all day eating, but Monday was for "strengthening the ward" hahah.

tricksy

So remember our friend I told you about who is from the Ivory Coast with no thumbs and half his skull cut out? It has been rough getting him to progress, but Sorella Astel and I KNEW that if we just got him into the church he would like it.  (Our church building is very special, and there is no other one close to it in Italy. The American ward meets there, and it's just like an church building in the States, but better.  Once you get inside you don't want to leave! plus it has A/C) 

So Sorella Astel and I were making our game plan to get Emanuale in church.  A "District" style missionary would would be like, 

"Let's have a lesson about the importance of coming to church and we can bear our testimonyies and maybe shed a tear or two."  

But we decided that we were gonna buy snacks at the grocery store and leave them in the fridge at church.  Then we were gonna trick him into coming by telling him we got him a surprise but we "accidentally" left it in the fridge and we have to walk over there and go get it.  

So we pass by his house and long story short... it worked!!  We gave him a little tour and it was awesome.  He's coming to church on Sunday, I'm sure. 

loopy

About my sinus infection: it's getting better!  I'm on antibiotics, but they make me kinda loopy, hahah.  I'm just on the gross tail-end of the sickness where I need to cough up that green junk all day long.  

the scarf treatment

But it's so annoying because Italians have this thing where they're convinced you can get over ANY sickness with a scarf.  I thought that was just a myth, but its a real thing.  They actually think that.   

Evidently the reason I'm sick is because it's so hot outside and then I go into the church and turn on the A/C.  Going from the hot to the cold is very bad for you and you have to wear a scarf.  If you knew how hot it was... it's just not going to happen. 

So I just get yelled at by the Italians. I don't care.

Also I'm pretty sure the drugs they gave me get me a little high.. That's Europe for ya. 

The Sanders said my package arrived yesterday, but I haven't picked it up yet! so excited. 

I LOVED ALL MY EMAILS THIS WEEK! all the pictures were so cute. I sent you a package mom. Let's hope it gets there. I'm not sure what my address is.. I would just send everything to the mission home or the Sanders' address. 

Six months for Kaitlin, yay!  I like to count myself down from Kaitlin's mark because then it's like I get an extra transfer at the end, hahaha.

conversations from home

Mom: I don't think it's bad to plan things for when we get back, hahah.  Also thought Civil Wars took a break?  That's a good surprise they have a new album!  I heard a Bon Iver song walking past one of the shops and died a little inside.. I miss them terribly.  Also you flew through the Chicago airport?  That's the last American airport I was in!  They have realllyy good popcorn there. SCOTT LOOKS HUGE. in a nice way. 

Yeah I know dairy makes my sinus infection worse! If there is one thing my mom taught me, it is that dairy makes everything worse but also everything better. 

August SUCKS. 

Also you have NO IDEA how much I loved that picture of our sweet anziani.. I MISS THEM (in an appropriate missionary-type way).  I haven't seen Ostegar since Milan Day Two and Gneiting since the end of Transfer One. (I sent her a picture one of the missionary moms posted of two of the elders she was with in the MTC on an exchange together.)

Paige's MTC buddies Elder Ostergar and Elder Gneiting

Bekah is so beautiful (with her baby belly).  

I MISS KATELYN KERR. She is next to get married and I want to go to the temple with her, but it's fine.  I guess I'll wait.. 

Also tell Maria Miranda that: No, I haven't learned Italian yet, hahah.

Also that was really nice of Andrea to say (I received a message from one of the members of her ward saying that she is doing a good job as a missionary) - so haha you can talk to him because he speaks english because he served a mission in Georgia (the state not the country). 

Also he gained 85 kilos on his mission so that makes me feel better about my 15 pounds. Also you can keep the chubby pictures of mom coming... (I sent her a pic from my mission)  they make me feel very very happy. hahaha but seriously! 

I love you all and I'll see you soon!

(Email Sent - August 7, 2013)

Hospital Visit

Hi Family!

I have a sinus infection! Yayyyyyy (= It literally is awful, but I got some things from the farmacia that are suppose to help so I'll be okay.  (Don't buy your tickets out here just yet, Mom) 

We had to go to the hospital and it is so SKETCHY!  You just walk in and it's super hot and there are sick people everywhere.  No one cares what you're doing there and you don't have to check in.  We went in the elevator and this man comes rushing in with his daughter on his back, and her arm is in an "S" shape --like so scary-- and he was yelling at us in Italian.   

Then while we were visiting a lady in our ward who had surgery (you didn't think I  had to go to the hospital did you? hehe),  the lady next to her ran out of oxygen and literally was on the verge of death.  It was just the craziest thing I've ever EVER seen.  My mind is still blown. 

shark week
That video of Krew saying, "shark week"? so cute... 

I thought it was funny because we were at a lesson with this huge African man from the Ivory Coast who is missing his thumbs and like half his head (SUPER nice guy, just looks kinda scary) was talking to us about the Ivory Coast and somehow we got talking about sharks blah blah blah then I was thinking, "Hmm, I bet shark week is coming up.."  I WAS RIGHT! 

wedded bliss (missed)
Let's talking about ZOE and how she is literally such a beautiful bride.. thiisss is whhhyyyy I love her so much.

Mr. and Mrs. Bleak

pordenone
Lightning storms are sooo real here in Italy.  I took a super cool video.

Also one of our members said he found me on Facebook then pulled out his ipad and showed me (it was weird), but hey Mom you're doing such a good job.  Nice touch on the cover photo of Pordenone.  

The membri really liked it, hahah.  That picture is literally right down the street from my apartment.  I live on the same street as the San Giorgio chiesa.  It has a super tall tower with a green world thing on top (you can see it from google maps I would think). 

Oh exciting news.. so we got a call from the office this week and they told us to start looking for another apartment in Pordenone!!  "It's kinda urgent" they said... That most definitely means they're going to send elders here next transfer.. weirrdd 

I'm excited for my pacckkaagggeee.. whats in it? >=)

Also when dad was talking about Brother Palmer and scout camp, I remembered that there is a lady here in my ward who is related to them:  Austin Collins.  She is SO CUTE.  Did I already tell you that?  I love her so so much, and I think she likes me back, ahhaha.  But don't get the pictures from her phone because they are embarrassing.  

The plus side of being sick:  I lost 10 pounds! Yay! and bought a new dress at the market to celebrate!  IT WAS ON SALE - don't worry. 

OH YEAH! I got mom a present today and I knooowwww she's gonna like it.  I'm gonna try to send it today.  Let's hope it gets to you, haha.  I also bought one for me and my future house, so just pick the one you like the most and save the other one for me. ok? ok. 

Well I don't have too much time.  I'm feeling better.  I love you all.  I miss you all.  Everyone in Pordenone is doing well secondo (according to) me.  The work is moving forward.  

It's really, really hot here.  Every one of our investigators is leaving the city for the month of August and going to Calgari perché è troppo caldo qui per agosto (because it is too hot here in August).  Stoked about it, not really... baci baci 

With love from PD.  I'm on drugs that aren't allowed in America, 

Sorella Paige O'Connor

(Email Sent - July 31, 2013)

Principessa di Pordenone

According to one of the missionary moms,  Milan Mission received 27 new missionaries this week. What a challenge for President Dibbs on his first transfer as a new mission president!  Paige is staying in Pordenone with the same sisters.  Here is some of what she said in her emails to us:

To Dad:

 I miss you too! Is it bad I want it to be Christmas already? (When we can Skype with her.)

So your predictions were right!!  After reading Kait's email  (http://sorellakaitlinoconnor.blogspot.com/) last week we went out and got kinder eggs and I thought for sure I was leaving and Sorella Pearce got a flying dragon... but we are all staying! 

I've been suupperrr emotional this week but it's fine. I don't know, it's just this thing I do now.. get emotional.  Missions are hard! and people just don't get what I'm trying to say!  That's probably because I say things in broken Italian, but I get a third chance here in PD to make everything right! so that's cool.. 

Today a beetle flew on my face while I was riding my bike and I thought i was going to die. I was so scared. 

Also I think you would like "olio di peperoncino" I think thats what its called--it's super yummy.  I bet Mom could find it for you on Amazon or something. look for it!  you're welcome(: 

Also I'm glad I don't have to carry a film camera; you were right. 

I love you!!!!!!!!! wow I miss you & keep up the great work.. seriously. 

Your'e in my prayers always

To Mom:

Hi!  I miss you and sometimes (always) want to call you and tell you how I am doing. THIS WEEK WAS HARD. & I cried and it was embarrassing.  All I could say was, "I just miss my mom, that's all." 

But I'm not getting transferred!  It was weird because we didn't actually get a call.  It was like mid-day yesterday when Sister Pearce made a call.  She had to do some digging, but we are ALL staying here in Pordenone for another transfer!  

President didn't really change much in the Italy Milan Mission this transfer.  Our entire district is staying the same (not mad) but we are adding another companionship of elders!  So today we went to Burger King to celebrate & that's where I saw the news of the bambino royale.  Stoked on it.  

Do I want to know his name so badly? yes. 

Do I probably have to wait a REALLY long time to find out? yes. (the sacrifices I make...) 

Am I dying to know what my birthday present is? yes.

Can I wait? no, just tell me.

Now that I'm thinking about it, I'm not sure I know how to put music on here so its probs best you do it.. I can figure out the conference talks though.  But that would be such a blessing.  (Can you put Justin Beiber's Silent Night?) and all the others you see fit.  Just as long as they bring in the spirit.. use your best judgment (I trust it). 

Things I need/want: (I asked her what she wants in her birthday package.)

Can you run into lululemon and grab me crops? I need some for biking under my skirts&dresses. I could do black or I can handle a cute pattern or color. (matching isn't a thing in Italy) 

Healthy snacks from Trader Joes (I MISS TRADER JOES)  

Just like ANYTHING you would think a missionary would want I probably want (I'm okay on peanut butter though. Americans don't disappoint) 

Just DONT SEND me junk food. I literally can't do it, and if you send it I'll eat it. 

Make sure you put in lots of pictures!

AND A JUMPROPE & popcorn seasoning.

But you have to send it probs within the next week. 

Literally Weston is SO BIG! & I respect the top knot in church! (I actually think it's MORE respectful than having it long and scragly in your face for sacrament) Keep it & Rock it, Bubba. 

MOM, YOUR HAIR LOOKS SO GOOD. don't cut it.  I know you're thinking about it... but don't!

Also, you're really good at writing me emails hahah you always say exactly what I need to hear ahahha 

I wish we were in the same time zone and you could chit chat with me. I miss you & i think about you ALOT. but not in a distracting way

(Emails Sent:  July 24, 2013)

Transfers this Week

brain freeze
We can't even begin to guess what's going to happen with transfers.  It's a weird situation because three have us have been in Pordenone for two transfers, but Sorella Astel has been with her simps for two, 
Sorella Pearce has been with hers for two, and I'm the black sheep who has been with each set for one.

My District!

Chess with the Members

Sorella Astel and I want another transfer together so we can hit six months and my birthday together. But you just can't try to guess or you'll have a brain freeze. 

meeting the president

We met President Dibbs and his wife Thursday!  They are awesome.  In my interview, he was asking me questions and I was telling him about my life.  When I told him I liked art, he told me I would do well in Florence.  FINGERS CROSSED.  Lots of leather goods there, hahah.   Also, I'm sure the work would go well too...

President and Sister Dibbs

"dying" (but sad) to go home

So much has happened this week, but at the moment I can't remember anything!  We had to say goodbye to our beloved senior couple today)= the Jacobs are "dying," I mean, going home to America.  

Paige and Sister Jacobs

We helped them clean up their house, and then they took us up to the Alps at the ski resort and we had a picnic!  It was great!  Also, we went with them to get their last gelato.  It was very sad. 

Picnic in the Italian Alps (with a Goose) - the most beautiful place I have ever been to

double dare

You asked if we really made Sorella Pearce lick a bug zapper.  That is the truth.  She's fine.  Such a trooper.  

Today we bet her a gelato she couldn't catch a goose.  We lost.  She claims to be quite the duck catcher back home. 

In the meeting with President, he said that we will have ipad minis within the year!  Also, there are some other cool things I wrote down, but don't have my notes at the moment. 

OH I am sending you home a letter with the story of one of our investigators.. It's super crazy, but I don't like talking about who I'm teaching over the internet.  I don't know, feels weird.  

sweet somethings

So I was saying my prayers at night, and I was just talking with my Heavenly Father about sweet nothings.  Then when I was blessing Kaitlin, like I do every night, I realized she was probably saying her prayers too! because we're on the same time schedule!  I don't know; I had never thought of that before... 

Sorelle O'Connor

Another tender mercy this week was that someone gave us a ton of old Liahonas in Italian and the first one I opened had a Rose Dall painting in it, so I cut it out and put it in my study room.  So I have one now too, Mom.  

But I would really appreciate if you were to get a "mini " sized picture of the one you have and laminate it (like my patriarchal blessing), and I can put in my scriptures. that would be awesommmeeee. 

"About His Father's Business" (Boy Christ in the Temple) by Rose Datoc Dall

I love my email time! 

I looked at my blog because you told me not to, but you're doing so good!

Sister Jacobs was telling me the royal baby is due this week.  WHERE HAS TIME GONE? 

Also I got a little teary over the cute picture of Bekah next to my picture at the missionary map. 

Scott is seriously so tall. gross! 

Paige's 13-year-old brother has passed us all up

Also can you send me a usb... maybe two.  Our dvd player in the apartment has a spot where I can connect one, so I was thinking of having one with conference talks etc. and one with church music.  It would be cool cause then I could download talks and play them in church for our investigators as well.

I dont know what else to say... I love you all and miss you all. 

Paige

(Email Sent - July 17, 2013)

New Apartment - New President

Happy Fourth!  

So we went on the base and Sorella Jacobs (senior couple wife) who leaves in two weeks (sad) took us to Taco Bell and then for milk shakes.  I was kind of "on one" as Mom would say hahah.  

I sang God Bless America, American the Beautiful, Star Spangled Banner, & Yankee Doodle. All the classics. It also goes without saying it was required to wear red white and blue. 

Sorelle Pearce and Hunter with Sorella Jacobs in their patriotic gear

out with the old
Then we moved!  It was crazy.  Our new apartment is so beautiful.  But EVERYTHING in our old apartment had to be taken to the dump because it was so gross.  I spent the day smashing desks, tables, & chairs etc.  It was fun and also a little hard.  

in with the new
Then we spent to rest of the day helping put together new desks tables, & chairs.  

If I don't learn anything more on my mission, at least I will know that I can assemble chairs from IKEA the fastest. 

new kitchen

the pompelo is to die for here

Church History is pretty cool (Did I ever think those words would come out of my mouth?  I'm gonna go with "No.")  But history in general is pretty cool. Italians are obsessed with it. -- Probs because everyone's house is older than America.  (Paige's sister, Kelsey, is going to Nauvoo, IL on a Church History Edition of EFY)

shocked
I finally wrote Dylan Johnson.  He was a little...shocked I'm a missionary hahah.   Also he wants me to get him ties.  I told him I would if there was any room in my suitcase after all the shoes I'm going to buy. (We both know the probability of there being room in my suitcase is pretty low.)  But overall he is doing well!  Love that kid.

now:

Sorella O'Connor

serves in Italy

Elder John Dunn and Elder Dylan Johnson  

serve in Peru 

then:

Paige, Dylan, Katelyn - Dance Festival (circa '08?)

Paige and John - neighbors (circa '97?)

Okay, a Justin Beiber song came on in the Taco Bell on the Fourth of July annnd I listened a little bit. oops. il pentimento e per tutti right?  ("there is repentance for all")

We haven't met our mission president yet, but we do tomorrow!  They are going to bring us mail too! Don't try and guess what I'm most excited for;  you'll be disappointed. 

I just really hope Pres. likes me and keeps me with Sorella Astel another transfer, because then we'll have spent six months of our mission together & also my birthday! (August 29th)  hollllla 

I had a dream Mom was best friends with Sister Hunter's mom.  Sister Hunter and I compare mom notes and they are on the same level. hahahahahaha. 

playing dead
Oh so I started doing this new thing (missionaries are so weird).  I've acquired a new quirk where whenever someone brings out another food course or it's just too hot or I get 6 new spider bites that night... I pretend to cut all my main arteries and die and then someone has to come close my eyes. 

(The making someone close my eyes part isn't all that new--I did that before the mission.) But the members think it's HILARIOUS!  Sister Pearce, on the other hand, well.... hahahah

(This is Paige pre-mission practicing her "movie dead face."

I believe this scene is from Hunger Games after she eats Nightlock)

But the work is going really well! 

Love you long time & ciao for now, 

Sorella Paige O'Connor

P.S.  OH also all our sweet little members went to the temple last week in Switzerland and put our names on the prayer roll!  cute, huh? They're the best.

(Email Sent - July 10, 2013)

Homeland

To Dad:

It's actually going very well missionary work wise!  We had the best numbers in our district this week, but numbers aren't important, hahaha...but if they were... we would win.  

The language is coming really fast which is good.  Our grammer is poco a poco but people understand us.  Also we teach a lot of Africans, so they speak very simple English and Twi (dialect from Ghana). 

We watched the broadcast!  It was AWESOME (ha I'm such a missionary).  But seriously. 

Heck yeah, the members are supposed to do ALL the finding!  That way 19-year-old girls don't have to wander through parks where Romanian men try to kidnap me, hahaaa, I mean them.  

Seriously I will be such a good tweeting missionary; I'm sure of it.  We'll see how long it takes for the good stuff to get over to Italia!  But seriously, we are stoked on it. 

Do missionary work.  You will be blessed per eternita! 

Awww Dad I love ya. keep up the good work! ciao ciao baci baci

To Mom:

We haven't heard from our new mission president yet, but we are moving Friday!  I'm so excited because we will be in centro (downtown) and closer to church, sono grata.  But that also means I have to paaackkk so that stinks.

america

Paige in CA 2012

Tomorrow is Fourth of July and I'm going back to my homeland:

the American base.

close enough right? but seriously I'm going to have Hot Cheetos and not feel bad about it.  probs even a root beer and a cheese burger! (the things you miss about America).  Seriously America is great.

referrals or setups?

But this week was funny.  We got so many referrals!  But they turned out to be dates, so that was awkward.  We got a call from a random guy, and because we don't understand Italian we just set up an appointment with him (obviously right?).  

But then when we got to centro, he took us to the bar (not the same as an American bar) and he ordered us sparkilng water.  He said, 

"Yeah the family you talked to in the park gave me your phone number and told me you were pretty!"

 But we taught him a lesson and he turned out to be Muslim, so there's thaattt.  

Then one of our simps brought her cousin to a lesson to meet us, and it was weird.  I'm pretty sure it's the language barrier, haha, I don't even know!   

Also Sorella Astel and I both got our first marriage proposal!  hated it.  literally it was awful. hahahah but I'm over it.  

That's why the broadcast talks about the members doing the finding and the missionaries doing the teaching! It's seriously the best way.

green card
Sorella Astel and I had to sit through a five-hour culture class this week, and we get to go back tmrw for an hour and a half more (Happy Fourth of July) but after that we can get our permesso! (green card) hollllaaaaa

So I got this bug bite.. and I'm pretty sure it's eating my leg off, but that's normal right?

Our bikes broke.

Well someone just slashed our tires. mean huh?!  So we are back on foot until I can find a bike shop!

surprise
So last Wednesday our English class threw us a surprise party!  I was so confused.  We were in church waiting for everyone to come when a lady ran in frantically and was like,

 "You have to get in my car! " 

So we did, obviously, because we are missionaries, and she took us to a pizzaria where our whole English class and half the Italian ward were waiting for us and made us eat a lot of pizza!  Then they gave us lots of presents. 

But when I say presents, I mean food.  Literally they gave us 6,000 grams of pasta, nutella, pizza dough, ragu, mozzarella, Nesquick.  Seriously so much stuff and these cool pens.  I don't know.  I'm still confused as to why.

Ew, I had the grossest meal yesterday. I still feel nauseous thinking about it.  ONE of the appetizers was a stuffed tomato with baby shrimp and fry sauce. literally I can't do it. ahah anyways.

meanwhile...back at home
ALSO, an exerpt from my email from Marielle last week: 

"This week Joe went to answer the door and I hear 'Babe, Paige's people are here!' So we let them come in and I made them pray for you. It was nice because I know you're out there doing similar things."  cool huh?!

Paige and Marielle Jan. 2013

Also one of the young adults got called to Scotland this week! and he leaves on the 25th!  That's where Wyatt Clement got called to, right?  They should be friends.

Elder Clement

Hey Mom, you're great. I got mad love for ya.

I'll see you soon then (too soon to start saying that?)
anyways, xox sorella p oconnor

(Email Sent - July 3, 2013)

Baptism and Bug Zappers

Pordenone is good!  I cannot confirm or deny the fact that I bought a nightgown at the market this morning and am wearing it out in public with a cardi and belt.  

I also cannot confirm or deny the fact that Sorella Astel is wearing a matching nightgown with a different color cardi and belt hahaha.  To each their own, right?

We are alive and well!  We are working really hard and learning a lot.  We really have no other choice.

smarts

I think Sister Pearce is warming up to the fact that she is living with three 19-year-old girls, hahaha.  We bet her eight scoops of gelato she wouldn't LICK the electric bug zapper we have in our apartment one day at lunch, and she did it!

Literally she is the SMARTEST woman I have ever met, but in that moment of her life.. I'm not so sure.  Everyone always says sorelle and anziani have completely different missions, but I'm not so sure about that either.

Good luck on your hike, Mom!  My hands swelled up super bad yesterday from walking a lot with my hands down-- idk super strano (strange).   Keep your hands over your head when you walk (and make sure Kiefer takes a picture of that, ha).

baptism

My dear friend got baptized on Friday, and it was the most beautiful thing!  It didn't really count as "my"  baptism in the eyes of the mission because I'm in the other copia (companionship) now. (It's so hard but also great watching your friends progress without you).  But I am glad I was able to teach her; 

As for me, she is my convert and I love her.

We move into our new apartment next week and I am way excited TWO BATHROOMS, yippy.  

We also get new mission presidents next week, which is gonna be crazy.  I will miss the Wolfgramms!

We haven't seen the broadcast yet, but we want to so bad!!  We are hoping to see it Sunday.  (I'm praying it will be in English.)

Literally I love the pictures of Natalie in the nightgown cause I'm rocking the same thang. 

Sister Nelson in Riverside, CA

xoxo gossip girl. oops, I mean, Sorella O'Connor

(Email Sent:  June 26, 2013)