A Leap not of Faith
We still don’t know for sure where we are going.
We submitted our papers on December 9, requesting we go to Italy. The papers went through a review process, and then went to the Missionary Committee on December 18. From there they were forwarded to the desk of one of the Apostles. As our luck would have it, the Apostle has not made a decision about where to send us.
We know this because the Italy Milan mission president has been calling the Missionary Committee every few days to track the progress of our papers. He has not been told which Apostle has the papers, but has been told that the General Authority in question has been out of the office and will probably not return until next week. So, we likely won’t know our fate until the week of January 5.
Of course, we are in turmoil. We have sold two cars, spent hours learning Italian, settled finances, purchased large luggage, taken family pictures, and have moved forward at an unhesitating pace. Marieta was even released from her ward callings. We are truly hurrying up and waiting at the same time. Could we end up in Africa?
More unsettled is our upcoming trip. We have been planning to fly to Italy on January 2 for a week of training before the current office couple comes home. They leave on January 16, but they won’t have much time in their last week to teach us very much. So, if we want their help, we have to go right away.
We can’t even call this a leap of faith. We have faith the Lord will send us where He wants us to go, but we have no idea what He might be thinking. We talked with the mission president this morning, who talked with the Missionary Committee this morning, and everything points towards us going to Milan. Our probability of going is likely to be greater than 90%.
What do you think? Remember that Milan is cold, foggy, and rainy this time of year. Keep in mind that we can take a lot more stuff if we make two trips. Remember that much of the work we will do is very specific to Italy–helping missionaries with visa issues, paying bills, and handling leases. We also would be able to see our apartment, so we would have an idea where we can put Marieta’s sewing machine. On the other hand, if we stayed home, we could save more than enough to money to ship anything we needed FedEx.
Should we go? Let us know what you are think we should do.
Love, Pete and Marieta
About The Author
W E Pete Peterson
Former Executive VP WordPerfect Corporation. Father of 6, grandfather of 23. Retired for now.
You do have a tricky situation on your hands. As I think about the choice you have, I come to the conclusion that my advice would mean nothing, as you are the ones entitled to the inspiration and guidance you need. Sorry!
Can’t wait to hear what you do. I’m happy for you. There is a sister missionary from our ward in that mission – Sister Kimberly Acerson.
Wow! What awesome news (I just joined the conversation). Like normal, I have no words to express my feelings of joy, excitement and nervousness for you. I know your lives, and the lives of those you love, will be changed for the better because of your service — not to mention the people you will grow to love in Italy.
The only advice I can give is to just pray your hearts out and MAYBE you might get an inclination either way. Good luck – tough decision!
Stay and spend more time with your family. Then pay one of your kids to send your stuff fedEx or better yet in person.–Brian
Whoa! Must be really puzzling not knowing your destination. I thought it was a sure bet going to Italy! I guess you will see shortly. What if it is Finland! RCS
I believe the Lord knows where you should go and you should not worry about it. As you say keep the faith and trust in Him, he will not lead you astray. My prayers are with you! Check costs either way on shipping your stuff and see which way would be guaranteed. Then make your decision based upon that. Best wishes! Love Tonya
No time is wasted in Italy. If you get sent to Paris, I will move in with you instead of house-sitting!
It would be nice to learn from the office couple that is already there. If by chance you don’t end up in that mission at least you will have a better idea of what an office couple should do and that might help you in whatever assignment you get.