Taranto

Last weekend Eric and I took a 5 oclock train to Pisa and then, took a Ryan Air flight to Brindisi, Italy. Brindisi is very far south in Italy- which is why we had to fly. If we had a car it would have taken us 14 hrs to drive from FI to Birindisi. 

Allora. When we arrived we were greated by Vito and his wife Antonetta. They life in Latiana and allowed us to stay with them for the weekend. There are actually three churches in close vicinity to each other: one in Latiana, one in Mesana, and one in Taranto. The purpose of this weekend visit was to inquire about the church in Taranto- what they needed specifically and about the place and people in general.The church there is small in number- only about 20 something members. They last had an AI married couple working with them two years ago; I must say that this couple left quite an impression on the church in Taranto. It was obvious that the members here formed a close relationship with this couple and that the couple was successful in working together with the church. This is very encouraging to me. 

Saturday morning we left the house a little after 9 and set out for Taranto. Vito explained that he and Antonetta wanted to help us see and explore the city where we may soon be living and working. You have to understand that not only did they, along with almost a quarter of the church, show us around the beautiful city of taranto, but they spent their entire weekend helping us to feel comfortable in Taranto. This is humbling on so many levels. When you enter the mission field you go in order to be of service and encrouagement. However, every weekend that we have traveled or been a part of something, such as the youth retreat or this weekend in Taranto, I find that I myself am being encouraged and strengthened in ways and in abundance that I didnt know were possible. When they spoke about the couple who last worked with them, their faces completely lit up. They were genuinly happy to have us visit- and I am thankful for each of them and our time shared together. 

Here are Vito and Antonetta.

I of course made friends with their pup Maggie. I seem to be in close contact with pups alot...

 I think sometimes this is God winking at me..... =)

Ok, so we parked at the church building and set off to explore the city. Taranto is divided into 2 parts: the old and the new. The picture above is of the new. It was beautiful. The weather was perfect Saturday- sunny and zero rain. Antonetta kept saying that God specifically blessed us to enjoy a beautiful day together =)

Our first stop was for cafe. The day before was Luca's birthday and so he wanted to treat 

all of us to cafe and biscotti. 

Eric and Io.

Castle Sant Angelo. Later around 5p that evening we enjoyed a free tour of the

 16th century castle together.

This bridge is designed to open from the middle outwards because of the large boats etc in Taranto. Crossing the bridge lead us into the "vecchio" (old)  half of the city. 

Here we are! 

Massimo, Vito, Antonetta, me, Eric, Franco, Luca, and Fabrizio.

Here is the "vecchio" part of the citta.

Eric and Mino.

Antonetta e Io.

This was a random place that we passed.... but he was happy to pose for a photo. ha!

Another view of the old half of Taranto.

Fabrizio also has a Nikon and I think he likes taking photos more than I do! ha! It was fun being with another photographer for the day.

After crossing into the old half, we found a nice place to have a great sea food lunch. This was our fist dish, it included shrimp, muscles, and I think calamari. 

The second plate was at first a little frightening (I think mainly bc of the eye balls), but it was excellent. 

Eric with Franco and Fabrizio talking to David on the phone.

Fabrizio and his nikon =)

Another view of Sant Angelo. Bellessimo!

Here was our tour guide of the castle.

Luca, Fabrizio, Vito, and Eric.

That night more of the congregation met us in the city and together, we ate some of the best pizza I think I have ever had. However, Luca and Fabrzio's mother had just ate pizza the night before, and instead ordered a sea food classic: Polipo...aka Octopus. 

Here are the families we met. 

The Ricciardi Family.

The Verrardi Family.

Franco and his wife Enza.

The brothers, Fabrizio and Luca.

Massimo and his Famiglia.

The giovanni .....and Eric =)

As of right now we have not made a decision. However, the relationships we made this past weekend were inspiring and we are blessed to know these people. Please continue to pray for us as we will soon be making a decision where to go. Pray that we can listen for His guidance. We love you and miss you all very much- Ti vogliamo bene tutti!