We didn’t quite get enough of Tenno’s crystal blue water, so we went back to soak in some more. As we enjoyed the fresh lake water and warm sunlight (praying and sending good vibes to push the rain clouds away) we chatted about everything from Danna’s towel clothing business in Hawaii to Emilie’s boyfriend in Utah.
No April rain, no flowers bloom
No wedding Saturday within the month of June
But what it is, is something true
Made up of these three words that I must say to you
I just called to say I love you
I just called to say how much I care
I just called to say I love you
And I mean it from the bottom of my heart
No summer’s high, no warm July
No harvest moon to light one tender August night
No autumn breeze, no falling leaves
Not even time for birds to fly to southern skies
I spent the night with the girls at their place near Trento. In the morning we went to church together and I taught the relief society lesson in broken Italian. Somehow between pre-written questions, words on the board, quotes from the conference message, scriptures, and a lot of praying for the gift of tongues… we were all able to communicate and the spirit was felt in the room. I enjoyed teaching so much it made me miss my seminary students from the last three semesters, and it made me miss my mission. I love to teach because in the process I learn so much.
After church I said goodbye to the three amigas. We smiled and hugged, but the goodbye hurt a bit. What a fun time we had! And it ended too quickly. Best of luck to the girls as they continue their travels in the defender.
The extended family came to celebrate Pietro’s birthday on Sunday evening! Francesco and Maria prepared loads of food and two cakes! They know how to throw a party: lots of good food and good people.
The torta sfoglia is a traditional Italian cake made of layered pastry and creme (and sliced strawberries).
Fogli means “sheets.”
We also invited the missionaries and they had a great time meeting the extended family! This transfer we received a new Elder in the Trento branch: Elder Kinkade! He is from Utah but his mom is Italian and grew up in Verona.
The evening was perfect: pleasant weather, good company, and the best food of my life. I took a bite of the pasta, expecting just another ordinary pasta, not realizing that my life was about to change. If taste buds could do a double-take, that’s what happened. Turns out that this pasta was made with zucchini, tomato, and… brace yourself… smoked ricotta cheese and smoked salmon. My excitement over this flavor combination could hardly be contained. Francesco and Maria laughed as I adamantly insisted, my voice energetically rising, that this really is the best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth. It almost brought me to tears, truly.
La Vita Italian 
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