Europe

I think I read Mistress of Mellyn ten times in high school, as well as every other Victoria Holt the library owned. I was sure that I was destined to become a governess, or a ladies companion, and that I would need the skills they portrayed.
While the governess desire has... pretty much been quenched.., my companion skills were still waiting for their chance to shine. The chance is almost here! My friend, Maria, called me in January and said, "I get to go to Europe, but I need somebody to go with. Wanna come?"
"Well, I'll have to think about it...." NOT!
So, tomorrow Maria and I leave on the ultimate road trip. We're flying to Frankfurt Germany; renting a car (but don't worry, I am the proud owner of an international driver's license) and driving through Switzerland, France, England, Belgium, and back to Germany. In 10 days. And we're staying in a castle!! And we're going to Bath! (Can you hear the little girl squeal?)
But, getting back to business, like a good companion should-
I've done everything I remember reading, that a good companion would:
I have biscuits packed and ready -in case we're famished and fatigued.
I have a light weight walking jacket available -as well as a 'heavier wrap.'
I've googled some maps in case our carriage gets turned around.
And, I've got some flash cards with 'help' written in four different languages.
The only thing I think I'm missing is a ball gown -you know, in case we accidentally get invited to one.
But, I think we'd have to pass anyway, as we've already done that chapter. It would get too confusing and kind of muffle the plot -what with John and Bert, and all.
So, yup! I think we're ready!
What more could there be?
Wish us luck! (Because our children may beg to differ that our governess-ing duties are finished, and might want us to return.)
Au Revoir!

I'll keep you posted

Bert's caught in the middle of a tornado, coming home from work.
His phone just went dead...
I'm thinking a slight leg scar would be a good conversation piece, but anything more than that WOULD NOT BE COOL.

And those signs were in English...

I drove two hours to get an international driver's license yesterday. I finally found the hole in the wall business that offered them. It took all of four minutes. They asked for my signature, a picture, and fifteen dollars. They got out their glue stick, folded a piece of cardboard to stick it on, and stamped it. That's it! I'm pretty sure I could have manufactured a similar document at home.

"Really, that's it?"
"Yup. Have a great trip!"
"Do you have any pamphlets or international driving directions I should read? Like maybe what side of the road I'll be driving on, or..., or something?"
"Nope."
"How about any signs in other languages that I should be aware of?"
"Nope. You'll be fine."
"Have you done it before then?"
"Nope."
"oh. ok.... Well, goodbye!"

I was a little unnerved.

But, I suppose not nearly as much as the officer and thirty or so panicked drivers, who had to swerve and dodge me when I pulled out of the driver's license office, into one-way, oncoming traffic. At 50mph.

In the words of Charlie Sheen...
"WINNING!"

He Made It!

Elder Justin Ellsworth

Italy Milan Mission
Via Gramsci, 13/4
20090 Opera (MI), Italia
Italy
(first pose in Milan)
-Justin's the good looking one on the far left-

Dear Family,

Wow. Where to begin. Soooo much has happened since that phone call a week ago (Iàm (keyboard is weird no apostrophy I guess-' ah nvm found it) sorry for the phone call with dad. I agree it was 'quiet' but it was so good to talk to you (voi).

I also have a bit of sad news... This is the first transfer that they started limiting emails, who i can send them too, and did away with culture days. So I only get an hour on the computer- but i'm not as put out as others might be, as anything is almost better than the mtc.

Hmm... where to start. The plane ride was looong. That day was long. I figure I stayed awake as long as Jack Baur does that day. Good luck in the frankfurt airport- itàs kinda ugly and customs\security scare some people. Not me, I love the german-english accent, I think it's funny. When we arrived in milan we met the ap's and the mission prez and his wife who then took us to the mission office. Let me tell you now that there is no way I will ever become an AP. The sole reason for this statement is that they drive cars. Driving in Italy- I have no words. I about kissed the ground when I got out. I also have never driven stick- I'm beginning to see holes in my education. :)

Anyway we didn't get to go to the doumo (did you look it up yet??) but we did a little 'casa' (knocked doors) and had interviews\instruction before we got to the hotels. The next day we got to sleep in till 7:30 and had a little more meetings before we met our trainer and found out where we were going. So you guys knew where and who before I did. When they announced Trieste the only thing I knew about it was that it looked like it was in Slovenia or Croatia and supposed to be cold. I said my goodbyes to my mtc anziani and headed out on a long train ride. I didn't get here until about 1am.

Trieste- You probably know more about it than I do but let me share a bit...

It's Big. The first impression I had was a Italian San Fran. I know I haven't seen the horizon line at all while I'm here. The buildings are altissimo but they're all different and build into each other. Alot of them have gargoyles\heads\statues randomly. Pretty cool. My comp said to me I represent half of Gesù Cristo in this city, I don't know how many people are here but its a lot.

It's Windy. They have a name for the wind itàs called 'la bora'. Some streets have a bar you can hold on to keep from flying away. Yesterday was the first day I experienced it and it was pretty bad, they said it was at 160 km (90mph?) and was knocking a good couple of people and dumpsters over. One member Guilia (way cool, she took us to a sushi-go round yesterday for lunch) said it was the worst sheàs seen in eight years here. I think we're just going to clean the apartment today and avoid it. But we've planned to go to a giant cave, the castle (forget the name), the rice-factory turned concentration camp and Venice in the next few ones.

I love the people here though. Casa is tough but when It goes right it makes it worth it. I'll have to explain it in my next letter. I have to write the MP now (I'll probably forward that letter too)

Ciao Ciao. I loved hearing what everyone is up too. I love and pray for you guys.

Anziano Ellsworth

I've included some pictures that are in the mission boundaries: