NEW CAR, NEW JOB, CONCERTS, AND PHONE CALLS

Ever since Robert went in to the MTC I have felt like Giovanni wouldn't find a job until Robert left for Italy, or possibly longer. We have been blessed during these past two plus months in so many ways that I can't even write them all here. But to me one of the greatest one is that of peace and comfort. Knowing that our Heavenly Father has been with us every step of the way watching over us and mindful of our needs and prayers.
For unemployment purposes Giovanni had to submit a minimum of two job applications a week, which he was doing anyway...but one of his old co-workers told him how they had gotten a job working for Wells Fargo Bank. She said the job interview process was long, but she finally got the job. So on a Wednesday evening Gio applied on line. Thursday morning they contacted him and set up a phone interview for that same evening, and at the end of the phone interview set up an on site interview for the next day at noon. Gio got home around 4 PM, and at 4:30 Pm received a phone call with a job offer to start on Monday May 10th! So, yes, finally Giovanni has a job and just like I felt it would turn out. The only down fall, well, two downfalls are, 1- he works in SLC out by the airport at the corporate office and the drive is about 50+ minutes each way 2- the hours are M,T,Th, Fr, and from 10:00-6:30 PM so he doesn't get home until later, however he misses all the traffic both ways, and that is nice.
We knew with this job that having two minivans wouldn't work. The gas would kill us! So we talked to some friends and started looking around and decided to buy a natural gas car. The place doesn't normally do trade-ins, but we just happened to walk in with our Ford at the perfect moment, and they did a trade in and so with the van and some cash that we had we got a 1998 Honda Civic. It only has 82,000 miles and it costs about $3 a day for gas for Gio. So that comes out to $15 or $20 a week max for gas, instead of $80-$100 a week with the van! How blessed we were. We really love the car too!

Gio seems to like his job so far too, so that is also an extra plus!!!

This past week it was also the Hope of America concert at BYU! Brian has been in show choir at school and this was the last concert of the year and it was combined with several other schools in the area. It was such a nice evening to enjoy hearing the kids sing songs and show their gratitude for this great country that we live in! There was also a tribute to the BSA!

The flag is actually all the kids in the choir. It was such a neat evening! How lucky we are to live in an area where the schools and children have the chance to be a part of something so great!
Sunday was Mother's Day! Gio made breakfast and then I opened gifts and cards from him and Brian, and I even had a card from Robert that he mailed before he left the MTC that I waited all week to open! I received a Blue Tooth so now when I drive and talk on my cell phone I will be safe! We got one for Gio too since his commute is so long now! I also got an IOU for the Lion King at Capitol Theatre. It is the Broadway show on tour. We will get on line and buy the tickets this weekend! It will be a fun night with Gio and Brian. I only wish that Robert could be here for it! He LOVES the Lion King! One of his favorites!!!
We went to Grandpa and Grandma Lorraine's home to take her a small thought for the special day. It was fun to visit with them!

The best part of the day of course was to talk to Robert on the phone. He told us all about his trip to Italy and his first few days there. Here is a bit of what he told us:
The plane ride was long and not to much to do. He was tempted a few times to watch the movie on the small screen of the person in front of him (they were watching Avatar), but he didn't because it was against the rules. Once the arrived in Milano part of the missionaries went to the mission home and the others to the Duomo. He was in the group that went to the mission home. They had interviews with the President, ate pizza, learned about mission rules, etc, then it was their turn to go to the Duomo and talk to people. He was with Elder Jake Barney from AF and one of the AP's. They talked to people and the AP helped them out when they needed it. They then went to the mission home and Sister Dunaway (mission president's wife) made lasagna for them all for dinner. They stayed in a hotel for the first night (he said it was full of Asians-he wondered where the Italian's were hiding). In the morning they met their trainer (new companion) and he got on a train for 5+ hrs. Went to his apt dropped his stuff off went out to run a few errands back to unpack and to bed. He woke up Friday and the work began. He met some of their contacts, knocked on doors, did some service, back to unpack some more, then out again. On Saturday they walked all over San Remo and he was exhausted. He said that Sunday in church was great! The members were all very nice. There was a potluck at the church afterwards, so the missionaries ate there, then went out knocking on doors. He said that Anz Mosley is really good at this "missionary stuff". The knocked on one door and the people said they didn't want to talk because they were watching a soccer game on TV, so they asked if they could go in and watch the game. The people said sure! So in they went. Of course they did bring up about the church~ended up the people were atheist and not to interested in anything, but it was a good learning experience for him. One comment that Robert did make was that he realized how long two years really is! He said he and his companion get along well, but it is strange with only two of them! Then we just talked about things here at home, etc. It was nice to hear his voice and let him know that we love him!
After getting his email today I feel much better about the whole thing! He will do great!!

Here are a few other fun silly pictures that we have taken over the past few weeks.

Life is great, we are happy and every day feel blessed for all that we have and for the blessing of peace and comfort that we feel. We pray continually for our son Robert while he is serving the Lord. However at the same time we know that it is because of him and his service that we are so blessed at this time. My friends think that when I cry sometimes when I talk about Robert it is because I miss him. True, I do miss him, however the tears that fall are of joy and gratitude to a Father in Heaven who has blessed each one of us in so many ways. Most of all as I read Robert's emails and hearing his voice I know that his testimony of the gospel is growing and that he is becoming a man. He is also such a great example to Brian and that means to much to us! The tears I shed are for joy, not sadness.

To read Anziano Bona's latest email, go here.