Dad in Venice - a perfect SPY!

HOW FUN IS THIS!!!

Cliff (dad) was on business in Europe - in route from Berlin to Slovenia.  The best route was to fly to Venice, rent a car, then drive to Slovenia.  We had sent him with a fun Easter package for Francesca, and he wasn't sure if he'd mail it or try and sneak it on her door step.  He landed on Saturday, rented the car, then plugged in the address for the church in Maestre, just outside of Venice.

He walked in as members were arriving to watch General Conference and asked a woman if the missionaries would be coming.  After she said yes, Cliff asked if she would give the package to Sorella Montagnoli.  The woman asked if Cliff was her father, then went on to tell him so many kind things about Francesca.  You can only imagine how that warmed his heart!  He asked her to convey his love and to give her a big hug from her daddy.

He then quickly slipped out and parked around the corner at a restaurant.  Just as he got out of the car, he spied our little Sorella Montagnoli walking across the street!  He tucked himself near the wall so she could not see him.  (It kind of looks like he's in a bush!  Very Cliffesque - except no camouflage!  I'm sure he wished he had his good binoculars!)  

Francesca is in the brown sweater, walking with her new companion, Sister Gillette

He watched her walk into the church courtyard and absolutely loved seeing her in her missionary element!  She had NO IDEA he was there.  He said she looked so very happy.  Talk about warming his heart!

Sister Montagnoli & Gillette - walking in the church courtyard to watch Conference

Lucia, Sarah, and I (mom) had gone to the "All Italy" mission reunion Fri night and met Francesca's former Mission President and his wonderful wife.  She LOVED the Wolfgramms and we LOVED meeting them and thanking them for all they did for our little missionary.  We took a picture and sent it to Cliff.  He thought he was missing out, until he completely one upped us by actually seeing her!!!  What a great spy!  Maybe he should change professions? :)

Lucia, Sister Wolfgramm, Mom (Martha) & President Wolfgramm

Francesca's doorstep

Francesca's apartment complex

After Francesca walked in the church, he decided he would find her apartment and leave some more surprises on her doorstep!  He bought the traditional Italian Easter cake (Colombo), a big chocolate Easter egg (Italians do that instead of Easter baskets), and some roses.  He rang the citofono and a woman buzzed him into the complex.  He left the surprises on her doorstep, then headed off to Slovenia for work.  Now, who's heart will be warmed?!  Yep - our little missionary!!!  I can't wait for her letter this week to get her reaction!!!!