Saturday morning we arose around 9 something and began preparations for our holiday feast around 10 am. Laura and Angela, along with the boys began work outside. A few weeks ago we purchased some plants to refresh the outside of the Bible school. However, because of all of the rain we havent been able to plant them! Saturday turned out to be a perfect sunny day, so we took advantage of it. While the girls were busy planting, the boys took on cleaning out one of the garages- an all day event. ha. In the mean time, Debbie and Emily worked in the kitchen, finishing up all of the wonderful food we would soon enjoy. Our guest list was over 60 people and so, Erminita and David left early in search of more necessary plates and silverware. This left Andrea and me. About a week ago, I began designing a pamphlet for our guests to keep. Inside it included our menu and a short summary of the Thanksgiving story. Friday night, Erme and I dropped the file off at the local printing place here in Scandicci and so on Saturday our first task was to pick them up, cut them to size and to fold all of them! After this, Andrea and I began the decorations and cleaning around the house. We had a limited supply of decorations so we were creative and I think it turned out great! Along with leaves from outside, I found a print off online and and printed SEVERAL onto fall colored paper. We cut them out and placed the on all of the tables, along with center pieces Debbie borrowed from the Villa. We also made a huge Happy Thanksgiving sign and it also amazed me how much simple table cloths can do for a room. Anyways after it was all finished, we only had a couple hrs to get ready for our guests to arrive!
The outside of the pamphlet.
The Inside.
Doesnt it look nice??
Angela and Laura.
The boys.
The dining area.
Does it feel like fall??
Ok so I had to draw a turkey somewhere.......=)
The place setting.
In the midst of it all, Zoe felt like a nap! Ha!
Close to 8 pm our guests began arriving. I wish you could have been here. It was so fun, and at the same time, hilarious. People were filing in one after another, and if you have ever been to the Bible school, the entry way is not a large one! Coats were flying, hot Wassil was being served, and Italiano was running rapidly through the air! I cant remember the exact count, but I do know that the classroom space was set for 68 people and we found ourselves lacking space for about 10 or more people! Eric and David took the table out of the kitchen and set in the living room and a few others sat on the sofa. It was so encouraging to have such a wonderful turnout! Almost all of everyone's students came and some brought their family as well. We had such a great time! They all loved the turkey (they really enjoyed watching david carve it as well! Im not sure that they have ever seen one as big as the ones we had on Saturday.) and mashed potatoes (which, if you didnt know is very much foreign to them)- but most were a little apprehensive about the gravy. However, after the tried it, they loved it! Another confusing one for them was the cranberry sauce- the man at my table said he thought of it more as "dolce" (desert). Honesly, all of the food was a hit- some of our guests even went for 3rds!! I am so thankful for Debbie- she is so good about organizing these things and obviously- a wonderful cook! It could not have been the same without her expertise. Thanks Deb! If you are in Arkansas, she will be there for the holidays and is hosting/teaching and italian cooking school, proceeds to help the Bible School. If youre interested-please let me know and I will get you the details.
One of our two Turkeys! YUM.
Andrea, Erme, Peter, and Robbie.
Here is Andrea reading the Thanksgiving story before we began our feast.....
....all of our guests listening.
Let the feast begin!
We were all so happy that Rosa and her husband came!
I cant remember the man on the left's name but he is a friend of Roberta (the woman in the middle). Roberta is Debbie's student. She is such a blessing to everyone here. She also comes to our Monday night ladies Bible study. On the left is my student and friend Valentina and on the right, another student and friend Renata.
Valanetina and I. We are reading Don England's book as part of our study together. She is in Pharmacy school and really enjoys the science vs religion discussion. She is so sweet and very intelligent (her english is also very good). Im so happy we are friends! Bella Bella!
Clizia and I breaking the wish bone......she won!
Olga and Clizia and their father Valentino. The girls used some of the leaves as feathers- here they are pretending to be indians! =)
Me with Clizia, Monica, and Olga.
Renata and me. Renata is so good with her English that she teaches English to kids here in Italy. Next week, she invited Eric and I to come and speak to her class!
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