Fun in the Sun!

*FYI I started this blog post almost three weeks ago before we left for Florence, and I didnt get to post it before we left. We were planning on staying in Florence for only 1 week, but instead stayed 2. I will get you caught up to speed in the next post asap! For now, enjoy the happenings of almost a month ago!

Carmela 2011

Well, after Angela and Arnold left, we were back on the move again! Remember when I wote about that  Saturday that we took to rest and how I spent it painting a pitcure? Ta-da! Here it is! Sorry the photo of it isnt that great. To tell the whole story, about a month ago, I broke the flash on my camera- honestly, I dont even know how it happened, other than somehow I knocked it good with my right hand. Boh. Anyways, I waited too late in the evening to take a picture of the painting  before I gave it to Carmela Thursday night, and without a flash, the photo came out a little blurry. Anyways, she really loved it and it made me happy to be painting again. 

Its funny how God knows just what we need and when we need it. Another confession, even though we felt so close to Italy before we left for the states, returning, I found myself enduring a long stage of what I guess was/is culture shock again. Inevitable I suppose. I felt down, tired, hot (its been over 100 degress almost every day here) and just unmotivated. Looking back on these two weeks, im remembering what our friend Jim said to us last year when we were trying to sell our house and it felt like we were running out of time with a no win situation ahead. He said to us in an email one day, "Its always darkest just before the dawn."  These past two weeks I personally have been struggling alot living here in Taranto, and I was just about at what felt like "my emotional limit", when God stepped in. The blessings that he poured out on us over these past two weeks have been incredible- and I even found myself a little surprised...We always try to pray even when we are feeling down or discouraged that His perfect Will will be done, and His work will be done even if we are tired or weary- and we never doubt this- we dont worry about His plans succeding or His Spirit being fruitfull, but sometimes we, or more I, forget that he also will replenish us when we seek Him.

These past two weeks have been a time of rest, fun, and what felt like the hand of God moving us along as we enjoyed some of His blessings. What an incredible reality to be a child of God. 

Eric, Sergio, and Luca (Eric's student)

the week started off with Tuesday- Eric had class with Jon, then we met to go to Ninetta's house for lunch where we enjoyed a massive lunch :) and she surprised me with two cotton dresses that she said she saw in a store and thought of me, and so she bought them! When we were finished, like every other time, she also made sure to send us home with left overs, fruit, and dessert! She is one sweet lady. This past time, somehow we got to talking about pets, and she mentioned that she would like to have a Chihuahua! Its actually really sad because she is very afraid to be on her own. Her husband passed a few years ago, and now she lives alone. Since the passing of her husband, she has been mugged 6 times! Every time in broad daylight. She said, a few times, the muggers even followed her up the steps inside her apt building and stopped her in the stairwell.. I  cant imagine such a thing. Now she only goes out in the mornings. Eric and I have been talking about how fun it would be to find her a small dog to give her constant company..and maybe even a little bit stronger sense of security...a small dog that likes to bark. 

Later that evening, I had my second class with Sara. She is such a smart girl. we had some great discussions and I am excited to keep studying with her. The next day, Wednesday, Luca came over in the morning and helped us finish up  translating for Thursday. While Angela and Arnold were here, we found out that they had brought back a bunch of Dr Pepper. Luca loved Dr Pepper when he was visiting in the states, and it is not found here in Italy. Seeing as how Luca has helped us so much with these videos, we asked Angela and Arnold if we have a Dr Pepper to give to Luca on Wednesday. Wow, was he surprised! haha. The look on his face was priceless :) Thanks Angela and Arnold! That evening, we made plans to go out with our students (who happen to be together, my student Antonella is with Eric's student Luca). It was great to finally get together! We ate at a meat place close to San Vito (along the coast)- yum. In Italy, they have what are called "Bombette"which are pieces of meat usually rolled into a ball wrapped with bacon. They are so good! We also got to meet Luca's brother Sergio. After dinner, we headed back to Taranto and enjoyed some Icies on Lungo Mare. 

Thursday evening we had our Nooma get together at our house, and had a guest vistor- Aunt Tina! Aunt Tina is the aunt of Carmela who we see often and have grown quite fond of :) In fact, the next day, we all went to the beach together- Eric and I, Aunt Tina, Carmela and Laura, and Carmela's friend Carme and her daughter Maria Carla who are from the Domincan Republic. I havent got the whole story yet on why they are here, but they have been living here in Taranto for about 10 years now. We are getting to know them pretty well also because they are such good friends with Carmela and little Laura. I guess you could say that we went to the beach a lot these past weeks, because, we went again for the afternoon on Saturday with the brothers and their mom Adele! I think it is the heat that is pushing us all into the sea.. . 

Joelle, Pier Francesco, Fabrizio, Viktor, Eric, Luca and Andrea

Our plans for Sunday after church? You guessed it...the beach! Remember when we took the improvised trip to Roma a few weeks back to visit Joelle and Viktor? Well, Friday the 12th of August, they came south for a visit! They stayed with the Verardi family in Latiano, but we made plans to meet up with them in Brindisi Sunday evening with the brothers and Adele. This Sunday in particular was a special night  in Italy. August 15 is called Ferragosto. Im not exactly sure of all the details, but it is a day of appreciation for the Madonna, and its basically a national holiday. Anyways, the a lot of youth of southern Italy, as well as some families, spend the night on the beach. People bring tents, BBQ grills, lights, music, and camp out- and at midnight everyone lines up on the beach and jumps into the sea! 

Luca and Eric

Boys will be boys :)

Despite all of the crowds, it actually was a really beautiful evening. It wasnt too hot, and there was a nice cool breeze that stayed along the coast.

 Eric and I as well as the brothers and Adele, didnt stay the night on the beach like the others, but after having fun together, instead returned back to Taranto just before midnight. 

The next morning, we were up and at the bus stop around 8am to catch number 8 to the train station in Old Town. Where, like every other time, we would catch the train to Latiano where we would get off to meet the Verardi's...or so we thought. We kept circling the station looking for the time for the ticket we bought for the train heading towards Brindisi. It wasnt posted anywhere. Finally, its after the departure time and its our turn at the front desk, when we learn that because of the holiday, instead of a train departing for Latiano, it was a bus... that left 10 min ago. However, everything turned out ok. The brothers were able to come and take us from the station to Grottaglie where Franco and his brother met us and took us the rest of the way to Franco's parents villa in the country side of Latiano. Last time we were here was for mother's day, remember? This time it was Franco's birthday! Again, the whole family was present, as well as the family of Franco's wife, Anna Maria. It was a great day of feasting and celebrating with the Verardi's and we were thankful to be a part of it. :)

Franco's Parents

The next day, Tuesday, was full of baking cookies, translating, classes, and meeting new friends later in the evening. It felt good to have the video completed early in the afternoon for the Thursday devo and afterwards we enjoyed a nice visit with Fabrizio and Luca. 

Later that evening, we had made plans to go and eat dinner with some friends of our students Luca and Antonella, at their summer villa. The couple who was hosting the dinner party was very nice.Interestingly enough, he turned out to be a female basketball coach, while she was a high school italian teacher, who studied English in college and spoke very well. The dinner was almost American in that it was pot-luck style! This was why I had been baking cookies all day :) We enjoyed rice and breads and meat cooked on the grill.  Besides Eric and I and our students Antonella and Luca, I would say that there were probably about 10 other guests at the villa that night. It is always fun to meet new people and start new friendships. They were of course very intrigued about us living in Puglia to work with the churches and teach English. Antonella was so funny- she kept trying to get her friends to start classes with us! I told her she was the best agent I have ever had :) I also was especially excited for Eric that night because turns out that almost all of the men that night said that they like to play basketball! (which is rare here in Italy, being that soccer is the most popular sport here.)  There was one man in particular who invited Eric to play with them in the fall. Apparently they meet as a team once or twice a week and play throughout the fall season like Eric did while we were living in Arkansas. We enjoyed the evening together very much and are excited to see where these new friendships will lead. Our students are very sweet and I think they like the idea of sort of taking care of us while we are here in Puglia. :) 

(Left to Right) Laura, Enzo, me, Carmela, and Aunt Tina

This picture makes me laugh. Eric and I were supposed to be at Carmela's house at 10 am that next morning to leave together for the pool. I was late and we were trying to hurry to get there, when I tripped (wearing flip flops) and bloodied up my big toe in the middle of the road! No time to stop! we kept hurrying until we arrived! Anyways, here is Enzo and Carmela bandaging up my big toe- I think this qualifies us as family officially. :)

This day was probably one of the most fun/relaxing days we have had here in Taranto. Just another little blessing :) Carmela invited Eric and I to go with her, Laura, Aunt Tina, Carme, and Maria Carla to a "pool." We were thinking yeah! a pool sounds great! something different for a change from the usual beaches. However, it wasnt until when we got there, that we realized how much cooler it was than just a  regular pool!

Laura and Maria Carla

We got a little lost on the way there. The pool was 4 km right outside of a town called Crispiano. It was strange because, when we finally found it, it was literally in the middle of no where! Complete country side.

Entering in... we later found out that the pool is connected with a hotel facility (to the left). Carmela, Eric, and I went to scope it out, and it was so beautiful on the inside. Really nice and really relaxing.

Here is the "pool!" I dont know about you, but this is one of the best pools I have seen in a long time! what a treat! the water was so nice and cold, and the chairs and umbrellas were free to use! They also had a space where picnic tables and chairs were provided to use for lunch. And of course, there also was a Cafe bar that included Gelato. All of it was great. So. Much. Fun.

Maria Carla and Laura

Like most swimming parks/pools, there was a half for adults and one for kiddos. I have no idea how many times the girls went down these slides- but boy did they have a blast!

This slide was what I guess you would call an intermediate level slide?? :) All of us went down and it was fun. I took this picture above of Eric and the girls. We stayed until 5 that evening when we set out to return back to Taranto. It was an hour drive and I wanted to be back in time before my 6 :30 pm class with Sara. By the way, I cant remember if i already said this, but we are studying the Life of Christ together. She is really eager to learn what the Bible says, so i thought it was most important to start with Jesus! Please keep our studies in your prayers. I am excited to see how God will work in this area :)

After class with Sara, we met up with the brothers to go into the old city again. This would be our last chance to see Eric's student Jon's art gallery because the next week we would be in Florence for the family retreat. this time we went in with directions. we found the galleries easy enough and visited with Jon for a little. Later, we found a band of the brother of Fabrizios friend Grazia, where we stayed and enjoyed the music for awhile.

Friday morning Eric and I went out for an excursion to Auchan. We waited for the bus for over an hour until I went in and asked someone advice for a different bus we could take. They werent surprised that we had waited that long and advised us to take bus number 8 instead, get off on Via M. Greccia, and then take another bus from there where we were told there would be several options- and in fact there were. We hadnt waited 2 minutes when number 29 came around the corner and we hopped on to finally arrive at Auchan. (remember Auchan is like our Walmart...sort of). I have to tell you that spending the day in Auchan was like a date for us. It was so much fun. Like I said Auchan is like a Walmart, but its different for many reasons. One of which is that it is inside what is like a shopping mall. So before we even entered into Auchan for food items, we were able to look into other little shops inside the mall part. We even got to enjoy McDonalds for lunch! Obviously, I can look back on these 11 months that we have been here and write about many ways that we have changed and grew, things we have learned, new relationships, but right now, I just want to say how much Eric and I have grown together in our marriage. It is so neat to get to watch your spouse grow spiritually and to experience these hard times and growth spells together. When we get to have time just the two of us, I really really appreciate it so much now. Its a treat to get to be together and again, we are thankful for times like these, little moments of peace and joy together. Again, looking back on these past two weeks, I can see how clearly God blessed us with several of these little moments and I am reminded of the time Jesus compared earthly fathers to out Heavenly Father. When he said, "If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:11

Anna Maria 2011

We had church that evening and afterwards we went for a pizza and gelato with Fabrizio and Luca. Saturday turned into a uneventful day and I was able to finish the portrait I had started of Anna Maria. Before she had left for the mountains three weeks ago, she had asked me if I would paint her portrait, of course I was delighted to! I really wanted to get it finished for her before she returned from her trip.

Sunday Laura and I always have class together..here she is putting up her memory verse for the week :) Later that evening we spent time with Carmela , Enzo and Laura at another one of Carmela's aunts beach villa enjoying conversation and of course gelato!

The next morning, they invied us to go with them to the beach again! This was a new beach that we had never been to before called "Gira Sole" which means sunflower. This beach is ctually more rocks, but viewing it is absolutely beautiful and the water as always was so clear and blue.

At one point throughout the day, we took a walk along the rocks and look what we found! Fresh sea salt everywhere!!

I really wanted to taste it, but I was too chicken.

Eric climbing on the rocks!

As stated above, we have A LOT to fill you in on concerning our stay in Florence. We just arrived back to Taranto yesterday evening, so I am working as quickly as possible to get the new post ready :) Also, please pray for us during this time. We are at some crssroads and need prayers for wisdom and discernment. Please pray that God will make his will be VERY clearly known to us. We love you all and are always grateful for the opportunity to be here in His service. 

Nooma and Sack Lunches

Another two weeks have flown by!

Two Wednesdays ago, in the afternoon, we went to Anna Maria's house to help her pack for her yearly trip to the mountains. August here in Taranto is hot, and it is too much for Anna Maria. She stays three weeks up north in Italy until the dead heat here in Taranto has passed and she can return. We miss her already =( but the times we have spoke on the phone, I can tell she is relaxing and feeling good.

Later that evening finally met up with Loredana and her husband Francesco. if you remember, Loredana is the friend of my student and friend Renata in Florence. We have been trying to meet up again since we arrived back from the states in July. Of course we had camp and the unexpected trip to Rome, so we have been staying a little busy. Anyways, this time, we decided to ask the brothers, Luca and Fabrizio, if they wanted to join us! We all met at the pizzera called Airport in Grotaglie where Loredana and Francesco live. It was so nice to see them again! they are such a sweet couple and we are quickly becoming close friends. We probably stayed and talked at the restaurant for three hours! Which sounds crazy to us Americans, but here, its just the way of life. Afterwards, we enjoyed a stroll around the city and even got to see Loredana and Francesco's new house! They have been visiting Tuscany this past week, so we hopefully we will meet up with them again next week.

Sara, Silvanno, and Anna Maria (the new family), Franco, Eric, Luca, Andrea, Mino, Enza, Laura, Carmela, and Enzo

We started off Thursday with our last lunch with Anna Maria until September when she returns back from the mountains. In the mean time, a little before Rome and a little bit after, we crunched in some time to do some translating. . . 

While I was in America, my dad and I got up early one Saturday morning to do some Garage Sale shopping (our favorite activity together :), and at the first one, Dad points to this stack of blue cased DVDs and asked the couple what they were. Come to find out, they were the first 20 DVDs of the Nooma series! They only asked $5 for the whole set of 20! talk about a bargain! ha. 

Here in Taranto, Eric and I have been trying to think of new ways to get the church to become more unified. Some sort of get together outside of Sunday morning service, but also something where we could have the opportunity to have discussions about life, Christianity, challenges....etc. Finding these DVDs has been such a blessing. 

It took us a good 8 hours to do all of the translating and to create and insert Italian subtitles for the first 10 minute long video. If youre not familiar with the Nooma series, each DVD is 10-15 min long. Each one discusses a different topic and presents the viewer with opportunities to respond to the ideas represented in the video. Basically, the videos challenge Chrisitians to examine what it means to be a Christian living in the society we live in today, now. Why do we do the things that we do? Who are we listening to? What does the Bible say? What did Jesus say and do? How did he live while He was here? 

The videos are specifically useful in our work here in southern italy, because it the videos are thought provoking and challenging. Italy as a whole runs very much on tradition. Tradition in the home, in the workplace, in society, and in religion. Traditions arent always bad, but we believe as Christians, we have to be careful to understand who we are in Christ, what we believe, and what that belief in Jesus compels us to do. We are trying to help the members to gain a better understanding of why they call themselves Christians and what exactly that means today in the city, work, school, church, home, and world that surrounds us today. 

We were a little apprehensive, wondering who would come..or if they would come, when to our surprise the entire church (minus the elderly ladies) came! Including three of the teens and a new family who are friends with Franco and Enza! It was great. The video went smoothly (Luca helped us alot by overlooking our work to make sure everything was in correct translation.Thank you Luca!) and was followed by a great discussion afterwards =) For snacks, I made peanut butter cookies (a new thing for them!) and a homemade punch that our family makes for every Christmas and new years. As I expected, they were a little hesitant on the punch (Italians like everything separate. This is why they have 6 course meals, bc everything has to have its own plate. This to say, they dont like when things are mixed together. ..I didnt tell them until after they drank it that it included sprite, lemon soda, juice and lemon sherbet.) at first, but after they tasted it, they really liked it! Anyways, the first night went great and we were very encouraged by the start of this new outreach.

Me and Katia

Afterwards, we, Mino, Andrea, and the brothers, met Andrea and Katia for pizza! 

Andrea, Eric, Mino, Luca, and Andrea

Later, we took a stroll around Taranto and enjoyed some gelato and time together =)

All together =)

Andrea and Katia; Me and Eric

What a fun night!

Luca, Laura, and Carmela

Saturday morning, we made plans to take a small ferry across the sea and spend the day at the island called St Pietro with the Riccardi family! 

Me and Laura being silly!

Passing the Old Town as we went.

Eric and Marco 

Ilva

We were obviously not super excited about getting into these waters, as the island is directly across from Ilva...however, the famliy was very excited for us to join them and we were very happy to get to spend some time together with them (any time we get to do things with the members is an opportunity to grow closer together)...we just tried not to dip in the water too many times...=/

Arriving at St Pietro!

It really was a neat place. The shade of the tall trees against the sun shining on the waters. Its really such a shame that Ilva has to destruct so many things in Taranto..air, water, jobs, health... Honestly, it really could be a very beautiful city with lots of things to offer. You cant help but really feel for this city and the people living here.

The beach was small but pretty. We really liked that you could turn in your ID in exchange for an umbrella and really nice beach chairs! It also was nice that they had little picnic areas for lunch as well as a coffee bar. When we took a walk around the island, we also found a small basketball court, a sand volleyball court, and a huge soccer field. We also discovered that St Pietro is also a military marine base. 

Brothers Marco and Luca

Me and Laura

Carmela, Eric, Laura, and me

Returning back to Taranto after a day at sea!

The next morning, after services, we ate lunch with Franco and Enza and their family. Afterwards, we met up with the brothers and Andrea to have dinner at the their house and watch a movie together. It had been a long time since we had visited their house and it was nice to be together. We even learned how to play a new card game with Napoleon cards! I just want to say how thankful we are for Fabrizio and Luca. They are the glue of the church here in Taranto and we are so thankful for their loving and generous spirits. I wish I could describe what hard working and loving Christians they are. They are always thinking about others and their example is shining bright in this city. Its hard to imagine that even 7 months ago, we didnt know them!

Monday we were lucky to basically have the day to get organized and time to work on preparing the next Nooma video. Tuesday I had my first class with another new student Sara. Sara is the 16 yr old daughter of the new family who came to our apartment with Franco and Enza for the first Nooma video. She is a sweet girl and speaks english very well. I was surprised at the  questions she was asking in regards to English grammar etc. I had to stop and consider the correct response! ha. Her family is catholic and she said that they go sometimes to church. She is intellectual, likes to read, and wants to go to school up near Milan, to be a pediatrician someday. She also said that she had never read the Bible, so I am excited to study together with her. Its always such an interesting and a great learning experience to study with someone for their first time. There are always new perspectives and interesting points of view. Of course, it is always also beautiful, almost magical, to watch as they read and discover the love God has for us.

Sack Lunch

Wednesday we did something different.

As you know, every first Sunday of the month, we eat lunch with Franco and Anna Maria and their family in Latiano- about a 45 min drive from Taranto. Every time we go, we take the main highway directly from here to there. On the way, i cant help but notice is a small dirt road that runs parallel to the highway. This road is visible from the highway. Lined up along this road are prostitutes. The first time i saw them, I was taken aback. Im really not sure that I had ever seen a prostitute in my live, really ever, let alone 8, 9, 10 of them, in broad day light on the side of a busy highway.

 I couldnt shake the idea, that who they are, what they are, seems like is just accepted as truth. As if, they were unlucky. Dealt a bad hand, and thats it. thats life. I understand that we are Americans. That we have this sense that is born in us to want to change the world, to change and overcome, to pull ourselves up and make a life. As hard as I tried, for the 6 months that we have been here, I couldnt quit thinking about them. 

Finally, one day about a week and a half ago, while still thinking about them, and wondering, what in the world can we contribute to this?? I thought about Jesus. What he did on this earth with us fallen, sinful people. He loved us. He served people. Then we thought what about something as small as a sack lunch? We got really excited about the idea and asked the brothers if they would want to help us with this. 

We picked last Wednesday around noon to leave Taranto in search of these women. It was exciting doing something that we would have never approached in America. When we finally located them, we pulled off the main highway onto the dirt road and held our breath as to what we would soon be confronted with. All of the women were African women. Each one had a cell phone, sat in a white plastic chair, with a face full of makeup. Some wore pany hose for bottoms and bikini top for a blouse. Approaching the first two, we stayed in the car, and the women were on my side, so I rolled the window down and called out that we had lunch. The first woman was actually probably more of a girl, I would guess 18, and seemed unaffected by the gesture. However, the next six behaved differently. I wanted to look them in the eyes. I wanted to see them I guess. I dont know. They had a confused look on their face, and after handing them the lunches they looked quietly back at me and said thank you. 

We could see them once we got back on the highway, and I looked back to see them opening and eating their sandwiches and drinking their waters. I know it wasnt a grand thing, but to us, it was. To be exposed to that type of life, right in front of our faces, was humbling to say the least. It was a strange sensation bc on one hand I felt overjoyed that we were forcing ourselves outside of our zone, doing something like Jesus did- feeding people, loving "sinners." But then my heart was broke bc I felt so torn for them. If they wanted to, could they really even escape from this? What could we do to help? The last girl we saw was no older than 16 years old. All alone, on a pile of trash, waiting for someone to pick her up. How is this acceptable? Why is it accepted?

There were three side roads that we ended up finding. On each road we noticed an SUV with an italian looking person behind the wheel, parked off the side of the side road, and they were watching. At first, we didnt really take the time to think about who or what they were. It wasnt until afterwards when thinking back on it that we realized that they were probably their pimps..or in Italian "Protector" -some protector. I realized this how big this twisted thing was. They women were African, the Protectors italian...the women as far as I know could be in some type of slave trade. It could be tied into the maffia. All sorts of things we didnt consider at first. What is most puzzling is that this is allowed to happen. Im sure it does in America too; Ive just never been exposed to this, and its shocking and heart breaking. Please pray about this situation. For these women. 

                                      

We also taped the verses Matthew 11:28-30 around the sandwiches.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Laura and Carmela

That evening, we met Carmela and Laura under our apartment at 5pm to walk into down town. Eric's student Jon Michele owns several art galleries within the Puligia region and is in the know concerning upcoming community events etc. Last week he told Eric that every Wednesday night from 6pm until midnight, the community of Taranto is opening the old city up to the public in hopes of reuniting the old city and the new. We hardly ever venture into the old town, 1 bc it is an hour walk from our apartment, and 2 bc its a little unsafe for us to go in alone. This is part of the reason that Jon said the community is trying this avenue to bring people into the city. So much of it has been abandoned, and the people across the bridge who live on the "new side" of the city, have no reason or desire to venture into the "old side." It was a really nice evening. Shops were open, art, and music, and lots of people filled the streets.

Above reads: "Taranto clean, is more beautiful."

We found many of these signs throughout the city as we walked that night. It seems they are trying to encourage a cleaner community. We also saw new trash cans with similar signs posted above them. 

This is Carmela's aunt who does lots of things with us. She has been very fun to get to know :)

This is the Duomo of Taranto. The inside is packed full of rose and green marble. Absolutely beautiful.

Still waking through the city. We have walked through the city a few tims before, but seeing it at night time was a different experience. It felt like we were on some type of movie set. It was astounding how many of the buildings were abandonded. We even saw a few buildings and one church that had been closed off from the outside. Someone had cemented up the doors and windows so that no one can enter in again. Isnt that wild? Again, it was another humbling experience to see how the people lived. I dont think we realize how truly fortunate we are in America, or at least I didnt.

A sign about Ilva that says,"The Smoke Kills."

Inhabitants of the old city.

One of the open art galleries we found!

This lady sat perfectly still and allowed me to take her photo! 

We exchanged a smile and a wave goodbye.

Fabrizio, Simone, and Luca

Look who we found! The night was a lot of fun exploring the Old city together. 

Anna Maria and Silvanno

The next morning I got up early and baked over 100 chocolate chip cookies! no joke. It was funny bc sometime before I got started Franco called me while he was working with Anna Maria. He said Anna Maria had something to ask me, and he passed the phone to her. When she picked up she asked, "Are you making more of those cookies tonight?" haha. The evening went wonderfully again. Everyone came and we really enjoyed each others company. We started probably around 6:30 and everyone stayed until almost 10pm! . . . and there were only 2 cookies were left!

Franco Ricciardi

Sara, me, Francesco, and Anna Maria

Francesco is the son. At first he was a little shy, but by the end of the night Francesco was warming up to us. I even got a kiss on the cheek and two big hugs! :) 

This was Francesco saying No to pictures. :)

Me and Carmela on the balcony out front, right before the rain hit.

Saturday Eric and I enjoyed our first day of rest since we got back from America. After over two months of running from one city to the next, we decided it was time to have one day to ourselves. It was much needed. We slept in, took a nap, Eric looked up some newly translated church songs, and I even painted a picture! I think I would relate what we do here to a doctor on call. We try our best to always available, anytime for the people here in Taranto. However, with this type of work, it is necessary sometimes to take a day to rest. . .

Sunday, Eric and I both did something new and a little scary. Eric prepared and gave his first sermon in Italian. He worked really hard on it and he did such a great job! I am so proud of him! I, on the other hand, prepared lunch for three Italians: Fabrizio, Luca, and their mom Adele! You may be thinking that this is not that big of a deal, but for me it is! They are pretty particular here in Italy about their food and how to prepare their meals, so I was intimidated to say the least. Anyways, I did it! 

Later that evening we traveled with Fabrizio, Luca, and Andrea to the city of  Grottaglie. Grottaglie is becoming one of my favorite cities here in Puglia. It is really quiet and picturesque. There are so many little marble alleys that lead all around the city. Not to mention the amazing ceramics that the city is famous for. 

Jon Michele and Eric

Eric's student Jon Michele who told us about the Wednesday nights in Taranto, had another gallery opening Sunday night in Grottaglie and invited us to come! There were lots of people and we could tell Jon was really excited :) 

The gallery itself was really structurally interesting. It was like a marble cave mixed with a mini cathedral, and modernized.

The entire show was "recycled" art- meaning all the art there was made by recycled things. Bracelets made of plastic spoons, lamps made of gasoline bottles, paintings on old dresser drawers....basically lots of cool stuff. 

There was an upstairs room as well that was all jewlery.

Outside were all sorts of hors d'œuvres, including fried egg plant, italian cheeses, biscotti, and mini 

tomatoes. 

I didnt know this until the week before last when we were in Grottaglie with Loredana and Francesco, that Grottaglie is also known for its street art like the one pictured above. 

I particularly like this artisit. He/she has a few works like the one above that we have found in Grottaglie. 

Sunday night, I received a text from Angela asking if we would want to meet her and Arnold for lunch Monday in Taranto! They were taking the ferry from Greece to Bari and were wanting to drive and meet up with us. They were making their way back up to Florence and though they would stop by. 

What a great surprise! 

Arnold, Angela, and me

They were only able to stay for the afternoon, but it was really great to see them. I prepared Fettucini  Marsale for lunch and afterwards we toured the old city and of course ate some gelato:) It is always wonderful and such a great recharge to get to have visitors!

Continue to keep us and the work here in Taranto in your prayers. Thank you for all of your love and support! We miss all of you at home but Lord willing, we will be back in the states in December. We will keep you posted on this, as we are in the process of trying to plan. . .  and find some cheap tickets.