Two weeks ago.......

Ciao tutti! There has been so many going ons these past two weeks that I had to split them into 4 different blog posts! Make sure you get caught up, because by Thursday we will be in Taranto and will have many more new wonderful things to tell =)

The Wednesday before last, my student Renata (I went to visit her class a few weeks ago with Andrea) invited Eric, Emily, and me over to her parent’s house for dinner! The menu? Homemade pizza! There were all different sorts- cheese, spinach, and pepperoni-YUM. Pizza was followed by homemade Tiramisu. It was fantastic. I have to say, I normally am not partial to Tiramisu because it tends to be too bitter for my taste. However, this was exceptional. She said the secret is to not leave the biscotti soaking in the coffee more than a few seconds. By the way- did you know in Italian 'Tiramisu' means 'pick me up'? Isnt that funny?? After dinner we sat and visited around the table for some time, when we moved into the living room and Renata's mom decided to play some home videos! As a family, they used to visit southern Italy every summer together. So when they heard that Eric and I were moving south, they wanted to show us some live footage! It was so much fun! It felt like we were a part of their family- laughing at the old home videos and having a great time together. I am really going to miss them! 

The next day was "visitation day" for the guys. We try to meet with someone during the day on Thursdays to get to know them better and build stronger relationships. They met with our friend Andrea, who is an artist living in Scandicci, and went out to eat together at a sandwich place called Bottega. 

That night was our Thursday night church. If you were wondering, the new lesson plans that the boys are putting together have proved to be successful! We plan on taking these down to Taranto with us to use there as well. After the English class, we had our small supper and Bible Study, and to our suprise, we had a new visitor. Moses is currently teaching Art History at a university in Florence and is studying English in the mean time. He said he eventually wants to apply to Harvard University in America! He is from China and attends church in China. He was very excited to be at church and has continued to attend Sunday and Thursday services at the church building, as well as our Monday night studies at the Bible School! 

Next, was Friday night American cooking school at the Bible School. Each Friday night of the month we have delegated a different activity. Each of us had decided which we would be responsible for and so far it is going great! The cooking school had a limit of 10 spaces (due to space and funds) and of course it was full! Debbie and Laura are in charge of this activity - the menu for the first dish was pot roast with carrots and potatoes; followed by a berry cobbler for desert. It was a success! In fact the next month for the cooking school is already full! 

Although the week was very busy, Eric and I were aware that our time in Tuscany was shrinking. We decided to spend our last free Saturday visiting a small mid evil town right outside of Florence called San Gimignano. It was absolutely beautiful. This day was a good rest in between a very busy time for Eric and I and we were very thankful for it.

The countryside.

Eric and me.

On top of the tower over looking the city.

God's beautiful creations..... 

The following Sunday was Danielle's baby shower!! We were so excited to finally bring all of the planning and preparation together to enjoy the fruits of our labor! 

Gifts for Baby Bejtja!

The stroller, car seat, bassinette combo was from Danielle's family in the states! They sent the money from America to Debbie and then we purchased it here for Danielle in Italy! =)

A book/card for Danielle and Luli.

Danielle, Andrea, Me, and Eric.

Ha. This was hilarious. We asked for two volunteers for a game without telling them what they would have to do. The object was to see who could drink the most of the juice out of a baby bottle the fastest. Rosa won! ha!

She is so funny. ...

Luli and Danielle.

This was another one of the games- the "Dirty Diaper Game." We filled about 12 different baby diapers with random things such as: garlic, peppermint oil, Nutella, coffee, etc. Then, we passed around the numbered diapers and the guests had to guess what was inside each of them. This turned out to be really cute and funny as well.

Renata and Antoinella playing the game.

Lisa and her parents also attend the Florence Church of Christ, and many Thursday nights Andrea and I have her in class. She is a doll and of course she wanted to help open the Baby gifts =)

Me and Renata.

Renata, Andrea, Me, Danielle, and Antoinella.

I have to say that I believe the shower to have been a complete success. It was so fun to plan and organize all of this for her. We are truly blessed to have so many wonderful friends here in Italia.  Please continue to keep Danielle and Luli in your prayers for their new adventure as parents and pray for a safe and easy delivery for Danielle.