We went to Milan to tour with the Mission office Senior missionaries last month.  It was a great day, they really knew how to use our time efficiently.  We visited the da Vinci Last Supper, which was so beautiful it took my breath away.  It was returned to the original painting by da Vinci a few years ago, so is very light and fading.  The space in front where Christ's feet were is missing from someone cutting in a doorway years ago. But the personality and detail is really a beautiful sight. You'll notice they are reacting in groups of three to his news that one of them will betray him, I notice this leaves him alone with his closest friends and supporters.

The first of November we decided to read the Book of Mormon before the end of the year.  It required reading 10 pages a day, but Elder Martin invited the ward to join us if they wanted to.  It wasn't mentioned again, but in fast meeting in January many ward members and families shared their experience reading during the Christmas season and the special blessings they felt . We were amazed at the faith so many had with no encouragement to take up the challenge at such a busy time of the year.  It was such a special blessing to read those sacred scriptures while Christmas was being celebrated around us.  The military families are truly inspiring to us, they sacrifice so much sending their Priesthood Dad's off to war and training so often and carrying on alone in the face of so much.  They are special warrior's in God's army in this day.  The wives too are exceptional.  We have had a bunch of births since Christmas, and most Dad's are going or gone on deployments.  Please remember those who protect our freedom in your prayers.  We in Italy have been asked to pray to help the temple building in Rome, you may want to join in that worthy cause as well.  Thanks for your prayers, we do feel them helping us to strengthen the good members here.