When Chris and I first moved to Bari and I was feeling a little worried that I would survive 18 months in a new country without family and friends around, he told me--just wait and see--you will be very sad that you are leaving Bari when the time comes because you will have made so many friends. It is so true. I have some very close friends here that I will be sad to say goodbye to.
One of our most dependable friends here in Bari has been Vito Caricola. He was a friend of Chris's when Chris was on his first mission 40 years ago and he has become even better friends now. Not only is he his twin (same birthdate, time even!) but just a really kind person to us both.
Two of the families are the two Bishop's and their families--the Valentini's and the Mongelli's. They have been so kind to us and will always have a special place in our hearts. We love them dearly.
The Valentini's went out with us to dinner one night along with Lucia Lapenna (we have been teaching her English--she is a good friend of Gabriella's and is an opthlmologist) Above is Lucia Lapenna, Gabriella Valentini,(my English speaking friend), Ettore (Bishop) and daughter Valeria Valentini.(who also speaks English)
Bishop Mongelli and his beautiful wife Pina are in the picture above along with
Ruben, their son. He has been one of our GANS and we love him and his parents so much.
Above is Fratello Ramuni and his wife Angela and their daughter Ludovica (missing is their other daughter, Silvia) along with Angela's parents the Palmisano's. This family is very special to us as well. Hard to say goodbye but hope to see them again in the future! Fratello Ramuni speaks excellent English so he always made me feel comfortable.
Above are Giulia and Piero Fierli from our English class (on Chris's right and my left) along with their family. They have been like family to us and have made English class so fun to teach. Sergio, their son in the back, is a chef and made us the most wonderful dinner, even giving us the recipe.
These kids were our kids while we were on our mission. They kept us feeling young and made our mission so much fun. We'll miss you raggazzi! We wish you great success in years to come. Please keep in touch!! ( I see we are missing a few--Gianni, Claudio, Ruben, Ilaria, Giorgia, Rosa) 💖
Above is Valeria and her little girl Elizabeth. We were able to speak at Valeria's baptism and she is a very special person to us along with her precocious little girl. Ti voglio bene, Valeria!
Last, but definitely not least is our Samuel. How can we leave this man who is like a son to us? We love him. He has been an example to us of courage, determination, patience, faith and love. We expect great things from Samuel in the years to come.
We will never forget you and you will always be in our prayers.
Elder and Sister Fitzner, it is hard to imagine that your missionary service is drawing to a close. Your Canadian ward family is excited to have your return and hear of all these amazing people who have touched your lives and no doubt in return you have impacted them. Thank you for your example of service and dedication. Looking forward to your return.
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