Malta Week 23

The Great Wall of Malta, Ministering Training, Zone Workshops and Chair Pictures!

This week, the missionaries organized a P-day activity to the Victoria Lines Trail, also known as the Great Wall of Malta. The Victoria Lines, originally called the North West Wall, were constructed atop the escarpment known as the Great Fault. When built by the British military in the late 19th century, the line was designed to present a physical barrier to invading forces landing in the north of Malta, intent on attacking the harbor installations, so vital for the maintenance of the British Fleet, their source of power in the Mediterranean. 

This remarkable geological feature divides Malta and you can actually walk from one side of the island to the other on this trail.  Thank goodness the missionaries didn't want to walk the whole thing on that day. 

As we hiked, we also took in views of most of Malta.  It was a beautiful day and we loved the walk and the spectacular views shared in the pictures below.

After our long walk, we all ended up eating lots of pizza at Domino's!

A rainstorm ensued but ended with this beautiful rainbow.

Our English Classes continue to be smaller in size.  But we enjoy all the students and are happy for more one on one instruction. 

Monday Night English Class

Wednesday Night English Class

No pictures of Institute on Tuesday, but we're happy that we continue to have between 20-25 students each week.  

My big project this week was preparing a Ministering Training for the Relief Society Sisters. Branch and ward leaders from across Italy all met for a Leadership Training with Elder Stevenson a couple of weeks ago with the main focus on the Ministering Program. Recognizing its importance, the church arranged for their travel from various parts of the Italy and Malta. Our Relief Society Presidency, eager to initiate the program, asked me to organize the training.  I was grateful for the opportunity, as I have a strong belief in the value of this program. 

A beautiful crepe bar was set up, and the sisters gathered at the RS President's Apartment for training on Friday evening. The attendance was lower than expected, with just 11 sisters present. However, the training went smoothly. Sister McIntyre concluded the meeting with a moving solo of 'A Believer's Prayer.' Her performance was so touching that it brought tears to my eyes and closed the meeting with a profound sense of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Despite the low attendance, the evening was enjoyable, with delicious food and great conversation following the presentation.

Because so many sisters weren't there on Friday, Sister Byberg requested a repeat of the training on Sunday, which I gladly accepted. The Relief Society Room was filled with sisters who missed the Friday session, and I was pleased that a greater number could take part in the training. My hope now is for the implementation of what was taught, and that they will have rewarding experiences and create lasting friendships as they connect with their assigned sisters.

On Saturday, we had Zone Conference.  The actually called it a Workshop.  Since they had just flown us to Rome a couple of weeks earlier for the Mission Wide Conference, we did this one by Zoom.  We met together at the chapel for the meeting.  The Zoom was okay for the most part, but anytime they had a discussion, we sat in silence because the only mic that worked for Zoom was the one at the pulpit.  We're hoping for in person the next time around. 

They always sing the Rome Mission Song at the end of the conference.  The picture above is of all of us gathered in a circle singing.  That was my favorite part of the Workshop.

Sister Martinez had only one more week before she would be going home.  She had to return 2 months early due to a problem with her Visa.  We usually do the chair picture the week of transfers, but since she would be gone, we did them after Zone Conference.  We didn't have enough space for 11 chair stacks, so Steve was happy to sit in a chair in front of my chairs.  (The numbers and the number of chairs represent the number of transfers we've all been out on our missions.  Transfers are every 6 weeks.)

Somewhat Serious Picture

Shooting the missionaries who would be dying at the end of this transfer, Elder Wilding and Sister Marinez.  Dying means this is their last area, and they will be going home.

Goofy picture!  These missionaries are so fun, they crack me up!

On Sunday, the Beck's invited the Sister Missionaries and us over for one last dinner with Sister Martinez.  When we arrived, Jason Beck was out barbequing on his deck.  Can you imagine grilling dinner while overlooking the Sliema Harbour?

So gorgeous at night!

The dinner group!

 Sister Martinez, Loughfney, McIntyre, Bennett and Vedovi

One last picture with all the sisters on the eve of Martinez's departure.

A glimpse of the beautiful Valletta Skyline as we headed back to the car.