Sorella Salsicia - Jasmine - Helping Hands

Sorella Salsicia is one of the first members of the church in Rome. She joined the church in 1974 when she was 44 (she is now 80). Our first Sunday in Rome, I heard her pray and was deeply touched by the depth of her testimony and love for the Lord.

Her health is not good and she doesn't walk well, yet she is the first one to church each Sunday.

Last month, out of the blue, Brother Calabrese came into our office and told us he was leaving to go to Sister Salsicia's home to pick up a lasagna she had made for Elder Burt and me. We were quite surprised. In less than 20 minutes, he was back with her homemade lasagna in a disposable pan. Mama Mia! It was delicious and the best we had ever eaten.

We called to thank her (letting the phone ring 20 times as Brother Calabrese suggested, to give her time to get to the phone). She was delighted that we loved her lasagna and that it was still hot when it was delivered. We also wrote her a thank you note (which she said she would always treasure). We asked for her recipe, which Brother Calabrese was kind enough to dictate.

Elder Burt carefully made her lasagna this past week. I say carefully because Sister Salsicia's last statement in her recipe says, "Non fatela asciugare troppo: questo è il segreto per la buona riuscita dipende dalla capacità del cuoco, s'intende!" Translation: Don't let it dry too much: this is the secret, for the good result depends on the ability of the cook!

On Sunday, I said to her, "Abbiamo fato il suo lasagna", we made your lasagna. When I said, "la mia matita" actually made the lasagna she looked confused, then smiled and chuckled (I had said "my pencil" had made the lasagna - I meant to say, "il mio marito".... sheesh... after that, I asked an Elder to translate for me!)Elder Burt's yummy lasagna!

Rome is covered with hedges and deck pots of sweet smelling jasmine! Samples....
Sunday - May 30, 2010

We participated with the Rome Stake Helping Hands - working in conjunction with the Community of Rome to deliver 150 wheel chairs donated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to those in need. After an inspirational message from President DeFeo we were given our assignments.

Elder Burt and Sami Cantafio

Looking over the map to our destination.

Loading the wheel chair.

Waiting for our recipient to answer.

A delighted mother receiving the news that their wheel chair had arrived.

Signing to receive the donation.

Husband joining in to transport wheel chair up the elevator.

This good husband and wife (with the help of two assistants) care for brain damaged individuals in their home. Their son (sitting) was the recipient of the new wheel chair.

It was a joy to participate in this activity.