brea persing

One Year ago...yesterday :)

2012-01-13T12:35:00.000+01:00

Hello all. I just realized that it's been a long time since I have blogged. I apologize for my not keeping up. I wanted to share with you something, A YEAR AGO...YESTERDAY, I stepped foot on italian soil! That's right, a year ago yesterday I arrived in Verona, by myself, to embark on the most amazing journey God has ever had me on.

And now, a year ago...TODAY...Hannah arrived. :)

Wonderful weekend

2011-11-14T17:12:00.001+01:00

Hello again. It's been a while, I apologize.

Hannah and I just got back from a wonderful weekend with our friends in Modena. We relaxed, read books, went to a free Christian concert, talked and had a lot of fun. It was great to just relax and also have fun. While the fire was going, Hannah and I were talking about marshmallow's and Carlo went downstairs and got some, but then we were talking about s'mores. Never hearing of the concept, he asked us to make some. It was a lot of fun. We also went to the Italian church Hannah used to go to when she lived in Modena and went bowling with some friends. I did awful but still had a lot of fun. It was great to be around younger people (our age) and just laugh. :)

I'm sure we'll be going again sometime soon and I can't wait :)

Ciao tutti.

refreshing

2011-10-11T17:41:00.000+02:00

A couple of weeks ago Hannah and I went to Modena to spend some time with her friends, the family that came and picked us up in March and took us to Lake Garda. It was such a great weekend. It was time to relax, physically...not really mentally (at least for me, it was all in Italian) and just hang out. Carlo and Loretta are such wonderful people and really just love people. I remember the first time I met them I couldn't really speak to them not understand them because everything was in Italian and I didn't know much then, but now, six months later (because we went in September) I was able to communicate with them and understand, mostly, what they were saying. It was a lot of fun. Also since I didn't take my computer, I took a couple of books and did a lot of reading.

Here are some pictures of that weekend...

For church on Sunday we went out to the park, just the four of us, and read from the Word, did some singing, took the Lord's supper, challenged and encouraged each other. It was awesome.

He chose...

2011-08-29T18:18:00.001+02:00

Moses?

Okay...so I'm in the process of reading "i am not but i know I AM" by Louie Giglio and it's a really good book. But Giglio is talking about Moses and when he was at the burning bush...here's what the books says...

When He said, "You go and bring them out," He wasn't thinking Moses was going to actually do the delivering. God wasn't counting on Moses' skill or power to break the chains of bondage that held His people captive. God was going to do all the work, He just wanted a leader with skin to speak on His behalf and lead the people to His promised destination. All along God was counting on Himself to pull the story off—not Moses. Definitely not Moses.

When God said, "You go," He was implying: "I am going to do this with or without you, Moses, but I've been searching for just the right partner, a regular guy who will believe that I am able to do exactly what I have said I will do. You just need to merge onto the highway of My agenda—My promised before, now happening, already in motion agenda—and watch Me go. Don't deviate from what I am saying. Trust Me. Follow Me without fear of any man. This is going to be amazing. Oh, and by the way, I could do it all by Myself, but I'm choosing to use a human vessel—a tangible, flesh and blood ambassador for the cause. And I am choosing you, Moses. So now you go!" (pg. 34)

All emphasis of underlines, italics and bolding have been my own.

Grazia (Grace)

2011-08-12T08:04:00.000+02:00

Efesini 2 (La Nuova Diodati) ITALIAN

Egli ha vivificato anche voi, che eravate morti nei falli e nei peccati, nei quali già camminaste, seguendo il corso di questo mondo, secondo il principe della potestà dell'aria, dello spirito che al presente opera nei figli della disubbidienza, fra i quali anche noi tutti un tempo vivemmo nelle concupiscenze della nostra carne, adempiendo i desideri della carne e della mente, ed eravamo per natura figli d'ira, come anche gli altri. Ma Dio, che è ricco in misericordia per il suo grande amore con il quale ci ha amati, anche quando eravamo morti nei falli, ci ha vivificati con Cristo (voi siete salvati per grazia), e ci ha risuscitati con lui e con lui ci ha fatti sedere nei luoghi celesti in Cristo Gesú, per mostrare nelle età che verranno le eccellenti ricchezze della sua grazia con benignità verso di noi in Cristo Gesú. Voi infatti siete stati salvati per grazia, mediante la fede, e ciò non viene da voi, è il dono di Dio, non per opere, perché nessuno si glori. Noi infatti siamo opera sua, creati in Cristo Gesú per le buone opere che Dio ha precedentemente preparato, perché le compiamo. ...non avendo speranza ed essendo senza Dio nel mondo. Ma ora, in Cristo Gesú, voi che un tempo eravate lontani, siete stati avvicinati per mezzo del sangue di Cristo. Egli infatti è la nostra pace, colui che ha fatto dei due popoli uno e ha demolito il muro di separazione, avendo abolito nella sua carne l'inimicizia, la legge dei comandamenti fatta di prescrizioni, per creare in se stesso dei due un solo uomo nuovo, facendo la pace, e per riconciliare a ambedue con Dio in un sol corpo per mezzo della croce, avendo ucciso l'inimicizia in se stesso. Ed egli venne per annunziare la pace a voi che eravate lontani e a quelli che erano vicini, poiché per mezzo di lui abbiamo entrambi accesso al Padre in uno stesso Spirito. Voi dunque non siete piú forestieri né ospiti, ma concittadini dei santi e membri della famiglia di Dio, edificati sul fondamento degli apostoli e dei profeti, essendo Gesú Cristo stesso la pietra angolare, su cui tutto l'edificio ben collegato cresce per essere un tempio santo nel Signore, nel quale anche voi siete insieme edificati per essere una dimora di Dio nello Spirito.

Ephesians 2: 1-22 (NASB) ENGLISH

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course ofthis world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived inthe lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath,even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace inkindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. ...having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longerstrangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are beingbuilt together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.

Different ways of thinking, Part 4

2011-06-29T06:59:00.000+02:00

From David Platt's book, "Radical". Check out Part 1, 2, and 3. This section is tied directly to Part 3 where David is talking about the question, "What about the needs here?"

It's 6,783,421,727 and counting. As I write this chapter, this is the population of the world. According to the most liberal estimates, approximately one-third of the world is Christian. These estimates include all who identify themselves as Christians, whether religiously, socially, or politically. Likely, not all of them are actually followers of Christ. but even if we assume they are, that still leaves 4.5 billion people who, if the gospel is true, at this moment are separated from God in their sin and (assuming nothing changes) will spend eternity in hell.

Again, 4.5 billion.

And most of them live outside the United States.

In light of all that we have seen in Scripture, certainly God has given us his grace to extend his glory not just to areas of need here but to areas of need around the world. Not either here or there, but both here and there.

In all this missions talk, you may begin to think, Well, surely you're not suggesting that we're all supposed to move overseas. That is certainly not what I'm suggesting (though I'm not completely ruling it out!). But this is precisely the problem. We have created the idea that if you have a heart for the world and you are passionate about global mission, then you move overseas. But if you have a heart for the United States and you are not passionate about global mission, then you stay here and support those who go. Meanwhile, flying right in the face of this idea is Scripture's claim that regardless of where we live—here or overseas—our hearts should be consumed with making the glory of God known in all nations.

I know there are probably some folks in the church I pastor who wouldn't mind if I left and lived in another nation. I say this kiddingly (I hope!), but, after all, isn't that where people who are passionate about the world go? But this is exactly why the church I pastor is stuck with me (as long as they'll have me). Because from cover to cover the Bible teaches that all the church—not just select individuals, but all the church—is created to reflect all the glory of God to all the world. Because every single man, woman, and child in the church I pastor is intended to impact the nations for the glory of Christ, and there is a God-designed way for us to live our lives here, and do church here, for the sake of people around the world who don't know Christ.

So what is this God-designed way to live? All this talk about having a heart for the world may sound a bit cliche and even seem a bit hollow, but what does it mean to live for the glory of Christ in all nations?

Different ways of thinking, Part 3

2011-06-25T00:47:00.000+02:00

If you didn't read the previous, I'm reading through "Radical" by David Platt and sharing some of the things he talks about in the book. Currently I'm sharing on the global mission, etc. If you missed the previous posts, check them out here...Part 1, Part 2. This section talks about the question from the "I'm not called to foreign missions" to "What about the needs here?"

Maybe the most common response that arises among Christians regarding the global purpose of God is "What about the needs here?" Why dow e need to be involved in other nations when there are so many needs in our nation?"

Among Christians in Birmingham (where I pastor), I often hear this statement phrased something like this: "I don't need to go to all nations, because God has given me a heart for the United States." Others might say, "God has given me a heart for Birmingham." These statements sound spiritual, but when we probe deeper, they seem more like smoke screens.

The are smoke screens because most of us really are not very concerned about the needs right around us. Most Christians rarely share the gospel, and most Christians' schedules are not heavily weighted in feeding the hungry, helping the sick, strengthening the church in the neediest places in our country.

But even if we are doing these things, we would still be overlooking a foundational biblical truth when we say our hearts are for the United States. As we have seen all over Scripture, God's heart is for the world. So when we say we have a heart for the United States, we are admitting we have a meager 5 percent of God's heart, and we are proud of it. When we say we have a heart for the city we live in, we confess that we have less than 1 percent of God's heart.

Certainly there are great needs here. But must we insist on dividing the Great Commission into an either-or proposition? Who told us that we had to choose to have a heart for the United States or a heart for the world?

Francesco

2011-06-20T18:41:00.000+02:00

This is a video Team Italy One (in Genoa, Italy) made of an interview with Francesco, and Italian believer and now missionary.

Different ways of thinking, Part 2

2011-06-15T01:13:00.000+02:00

In my previous post, "Different ways of thinking" I am talking about the global purpose for our lives, our calling, thinking, and how it aligns with scripture as written in the book I'm reading, "Radical" by David Platt. If you missed it, check out the previous post.

Here's a story David talks about on how one can "make disciples of all nations" after the ending of the last blog, "Isn't it the same for today?"

When I sit down from lunch with Steve, a businessman in our faith family, it's obvious we have different callings in our lives. He's an accountant; I'm a pastor. He is gifted with numbers; I can't stand numbers. But we both understand that God has called us and gifted us for a global purpose. So Steve is constantly asking, "How can I lead my life, my family, and my accounting firm for God's glory in Birmingham and around the world?" He is leading co-workers to Christ; he is mobilizing accountants to serve the poor; and his life is personally impacting individuals and churches in Latin America, Africa and Eastern Europe with the gospel.

Steve and others like him have decided that they are not going to take the command of Christ to make disciples of all nations and label it a calling for a few. They are not going to sit on the sidelines while a supposed special class of Christians accomplishes the global purpose of God. They are convinced that God has created them to make his glory known in all nations, and they are committing their lives to accomplishing that purpose.

In Romans 1:14–15, Paul talks about being a debtor to the nations. He literally says, "I am in debt to Jews and Gentiles." The language is profound. Paul is saying that he owes a debt to every lost person on the face of the planet. Because he is owned by Christ, he owes Christ to the world.

Every saved person this side of heaven owes the gospel to every lost person this side of hell. We owe Christ to the world—to the least person and to the greatest person, to the richest person and to the poorest person, to the best person and to the worst person. We are in debt to the nations. Encompassed with this debt, though, in our contemporary approach to missions, we have subtly taken ourselves out from under the weight of the lost and dying world, wrung our hands in pious concern, and said, "I'm sorry. I'm just not called to that."

The result is tragic. A majority of individuals supposedly saved from eternal damnation by the gospel are now sitting back and making excuses for not sharing that gospel with the rest of the world.

But what if we don't need to sit back and wait for a call to foreign missions? What if the very reason we have breath is because we have been saved for a global mission? And what if anything less than passionate involvement in global mission is actually selling God short by frustrating the very purpose for which he created us?

i am not but i know I AM

2011-06-12T22:40:00.000+02:00

I heard Louie Giglio's sermon this morning from a sermon series he did a few years ago called "History". It is such an amazing series and I am so glad that I am able to study it with friends. This sermon and the information in it really impacted me about the realness of God and how big (a word that doesn't even come close to the size of God) and how small I really am.

Throughout my life I have been making God so small and inviting Him into my story...when in reality, HE already has His story and is inviting me into it.

I couldn't find the video or audio sermon online...but here are the notes from it (don't worry, they're short).

Also, he wrote a book about it, "i am not but i know I AM" which is in hardback and also in audio form. I will be purchasing this book soon and I hope you will consider it as well.

Different ways of thinking

2011-06-10T15:05:00.001+02:00

This section is from the book, "Radical" by David Platt and it's entitled "I'm Not Called" (pg.72-74)

Before you judge, I want you take a look at what it says and then align it with scripture and see where your thinking lines up. This is to challenge you and me about if our thinking is American or Biblical. I will be breaking the next few parts up in different blogs, so be ready for more. Also, I would have paraphrased, but he says it so much better.

I wonder if we have in some ways intentionally and in other ways unknowingly erected lines of defense against the global purpose God has for our lives. It's not uncommon to hear Christians say, "Well, not everyone is called to foreign missions," or more specifically, "I am not called to foreign missions." When we say this, we are usually referring to foreign missions as on optional program in the church for the faithful few who apparently are called to that. In this mind-set, missions is a compartmentalized program of the church, select folks are good at missions and passionate about missions. Meanwhile, the rest of us are willing to watch the missions slide show when the missionaries come home, but in the end God has just not called most of us to do this missions thing.

But where in the Bible is missions ever identified as an optional program in the church? We have just seen that we were all created by God, saved from our sins, and blessed by God to make his glory known in all the world. Indeed, Jesus himself has not merely called us to go to all nations, he has created us and commanded us to go to all nations. We have taken this command, though, and reduced it to a calling—something that only a few people receive.

I find it interesting that we don't do this with other words from Jesus. We take Jesus' command in Matthew 28 to make disciples of all nations, and we say, "That means other people." But we look at Jesus' command in Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest," and we say, "Now, that means me." We take Jesus' promise in Acts 1:8 that the Spirit will lead us to the ends of the earth, and we say, "That means some people." But we take Jesus' promise in John 10:10 that we have abundant life, and we say, "That means me."

In the process we have unnecessarily (and unbiblically) drawn a line of distinction, assigning the obligations of Christianity to a few while keeping the privileges of Christianity for us all. In this way we choose to send off other people to carry out the global purpose of Christianity while the rest of us sit back because we're "just not called to that."

Now, we know that each of us has different gifts, different skills, different passions, and different callings from God. God has gifted you and me in different ways. This is undoubtedly the case with the disciples. Peter and Paul had different callings. James and John had different callings. However, each follower of Christ in the New Testament, regardless of his or her calling, was intended to take up the mantle of proclaiming the gospel to the ends of the earth. That's the reason why he gave each of them his Spirit and why he gave them all the same plan: make disciples of all nations.

Isn't it the same today?

John 14:26-27

2011-06-09T23:44:00.000+02:00

26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [*Jesus speaking to his disciples], He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, not let it be fearful.

*emphasis added

Refreshing...very refreshing. Lord, that you would guide me, mold me and make me into the woman you have created me to be. That I would be obedient to your words and commands. Lord that I can be a reflection of your light and give you all the glory...because no glory is due to me, only you.

To God be the glory

2011-06-07T20:03:00.002+02:00

This is all I have to say (or sing) right now...

To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,

Who yielded His life our redemption to win,

And opened the life-gate that all may go in.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the earth hear His voice;

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

Let the people rejoice;

Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,

And give Him the glory; great things He hath done.

Oh, perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,

To every believer the promise of God;

The vilest offender who truly believes,

That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,

And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;

But purer, and higher, and greater will be

Our wonder, our transport when Jesus we see.

A letter

2011-06-07T14:01:00.002+02:00

Today I received a letter in the mail that was a family friend and supporter that was very encouraging! It's nice to receive snail mail when I am in Italy, it's different receiving an actual letter or card instead of an email, though I very much appreciate emails too. I have very much enjoyed the letters and cards I have received, thank you to those who have sent them.

Thank you also for the encouraging phone calls, emails, facebook messages, etc. if you have sent them. They mean so much to me and help me to keep moving forward.

update on running

2011-06-05T22:03:00.000+02:00

running will have to be put on hold for a little bit. I took an extra day to rest because I had a shin splint in my right leg, it's wasn't too bad so I wasn't really concerned. But a few days ago my knee started bothering me again and when Hannah and I were in Mantova yesterday, it got really bad. So, I will do physical therapy on my knee to strengthen it up and then continue (or start over) the couch to 5k running plan.

I don't think my knee hurting is related to running. I have been wearing my knee brace while running and actually haven't really ever had problems with my knee and running (on a treadmill at least). And it hasn't been hurting while running or after...I think it's just because of all the walking I have been doing, maybe the change in weather, and the fact that my knee is weak and needs to be strengthened. So, I'll let you know when I get started again. Until then, please pray for strengthening and healing of my knee. Thanks :)

Cycling

2011-06-05T20:39:00.000+02:00

As I was getting ready to church this morning I heard whistles outside, and helicopter and thought maybe a riot was going on outside. As I looked out the window, I saw a massive amount of cyclists going by. There must have been a huge ride going on today. It really make me miss my bike...but alas it will be here soon!

Mantova

2011-06-05T20:30:00.000+02:00

Hannah and I had the opportunity to go on a short day trip to a near by town in Italy called Mantova (Mantua on English maps). It was fun as we walked and show the cute little town/city whatever you want to call it, as well as relaxed by the lake. Here are some pictures...

This is the oldest and most unique church in Mantova because it's round

A garden

Hannah and I

Hannah took a new picture for me since I chopped all my hair off

An Italian asked Hannah to take a picture of them, he was from Milan and spoke really good English (well, after he found out we were Americans), and then he took a picture of Hannah and I

The clouds were so beautiful

A part of the main piazza (square) in Mantova

The Castle

The lake

Peach Cobbler

2011-05-27T13:33:00.000+02:00

This could really be any fruit cobbler, but I prefer peaches.

This was my first time making homemade peach cobbler. It was make from scratch with FRESH peaches, not canned peaches. After about half of the peaches, I finally figured out a better way to core the peaches...but that and pealing is are definitely messy jobs. Here is the finished product...

I can't wait to try it! Have to wait until tonight though because I'm taking it to a birthday party.

Randoms

2011-05-24T12:25:00.000+02:00

Here are some random pictures I thought you might like to see...

Homemade Macaroni and cheese! First time from scratch. It was so delicious.

This is Bill (from Colorado) and Cristiano (from Italy). I met Bill while I was at the hospital getting my blood test. He's a very nice guy and talked to his friend that worked at a wine place and we were able to take a private tour. It was a lot of fun. Bill owns a Bed and Breakfast outside of Verona that he has invited me (and friends) to. I'm so excited to go sometime!

The view from the rooftop of the winery. The vineyards!

More vineyards. It was a lot of fun. Lots of stairs though.

Also, I was finally able to get some Coriander (a.k.a. Cilantro) seeds...and here's the first growth. I am so excited. I can't wait until it's fully grown so I can make some homemade salsa! :)

running

2011-05-23T11:17:00.000+02:00

I still don't like it yet, but I will "press on toward the goal of the upward calling". :) Christ said that our body is His temple, so we need to take care of it. I have failed at that many times, but I am trying to better myself and my health by eating better (using Weight Watchers) and physical exercise. Yes, I know I am in Italy and I walk everywhere, and that helps, but I need to do more. I have started the Couch to 5K running plan. I can run on a treadmill really easily but have always struggled to run outside, even when I was in sports in high school.

So, today was Day 3 or Week 1 and I am tired. I can tell that I am getting stronger but I still don't like running outside yet. Yes, I love the breeze, the fresh air (infiltrated with a lot of second hand smoke), and the scenery...but it's harder. I will not give up. Hopefully I will continue to get better and enjoy running after the nine week program. We'll see. Pray for me. :)

Oh, and I found out last week that I'm not Celiac. Not sure what's wrong yet, but hopefully in the next few weeks/months the doctor and I will come to a conclusion and move forward. They confirmed NO Celiac by the biopsy they took when I had the endoscopy, but I am still waiting for my test results from the blood tests. They should come in sometime this week (hopefully). But until now, still in limbo...but Praise the Lord I am not Celiac. :)

Testing

2011-05-05T22:06:00.000+02:00

So I went to a hospital today outside of Verona to go to a Gastroenterologist. Hannah and I got the name of a doctor from a friend of ours here in Verona. We had to take a bus to get there, no big deal.

When we got there, we had some problems with them "finding" me in the system because they put my first name as my last and my last as my first, and then had problems because it wasn't showing I was a resident. I was ready to give up at that point...this has been such a process and I am just done with it. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

The lady redid stuff in the computer, I paid and then went upstair. We waited about 30-45 min. before seeing the doctor. That was after going through the "nursing home"part of the hospital that smelled awful. It was dinner time and had I had food in my stomach, it wouldn't have stayed there.

We were finally able to see the doctor, I say we because Hannah was there for support and to translate. I am so thankful because the doctor was a woman, she was very nice, spoke English very well, very informative, and is serious about me getting tested asap and all in one day. Generally, doctors do things step by step here. You take one test, then another, then another...different days, could be weeks apart, etc. With me she said, "tests all in one day as well as an endoscopy".

Yes, you heard that right. She's very confident that I have Celiac, based on the fact that it's in my family, and I have a lot of symptoms. Apparently frequent headaches and thin fingernails are on the list as symptoms as well. Anyway...so since I'm not a part of the medical system here in Italy, she is going to go out of her way to do all the testing at that hospital, do the endoscopy herself, as well as organize it with others so I can pay for everything in cash. So thankful!

She looked at the blood test I had already done and she said that I am anemic (news to me), so she has to check my iron to see if it's high or low...apparently you can be Anemic and not necessarily have low iron. Anyway...I'm anemic, she's going to be testing my liver for liver disease, testing my thyroid, testing to see if I have antibodies for Celiac and confirm with an endoscopy.

With how she was talking, I'm thinking more of this testing will be next week. I'm ready to finally know but at the same time I'm nervous. Please pray for me in this. I have given it all to Christ and His will be done. I am already at peace if I have Celiac or not, but if I don't...testing will continue to see what's going on.

Never say never

2011-04-24T14:09:00.000+02:00

Today I did something I said I would never do (a few years ago) and that was eat McDonalds. lol.

After Easter service with Penny, Hannah and I, we were walking by McDonad's in Verona and decided to go in and take some pics (for Penny's kids) and we decided to eat lunch. So for dinner, we're having what we were supposed to have for lunch...chicken, asparagus and potatoes.

Happy Easter. Buona Pasqua!

Woohoo!

2011-04-18T10:52:00.000+02:00

Okay, so as you know, I have been struggling with my weight and being healthier...especially with having to watch my gluten intake (oh, I can't do a lot of soy either)...so it's been fun and interesting. Well, even when watching more of what I ate (so I thought) I was still gaining weight. So, as much as I hate "counting calories" I decided to go back and try Weight Watchers. It's worked for me in past (as well as some in my family)...but before I would do it for a month and then says, "oh I got this" and then just stop. Hence, gaining weight again.

So, I started weight watchers last Monday...weighing in at 158.8 lbs and when I weighed myself this morning...I was pleasantly surprised to have lost 3.4 lbs!!! That puts me at 155.4 lbs. All I did, was change how much I was eating (yes measuring and weighing), focusing on more fruits and veggies (which I like anyway) and drinking a lot more water...which my bladder hasn't gotten used to yet lol. I still walk everywhere since I'm in Italy and I'm trying to take the stairs more often to my flat than the elevator.

I guess we'll see what happens next week too! :)

The Church for "Outsiders"

2011-04-18T10:47:00.000+02:00

This is an except from Francis Chan's Forgotten God.

A while back a former gang member came to our church. He was heavily tattooed and rough around the edges, but he was curious to see what church was like. He had a relationship with Jesus and seemed to get fairly involved with the church.

After a few months, I found out the guy was no longer coming to the church. When asked why he didn't come anymore, he gave the following explanation: 'I had the wrong idea of what church was going to be like. When I joined the church, I thought it was going to be like joining a gang. You see, in gangs we weren't just nice to each other once a week—we were family.' That killed me because I knew that what he expected is what the church is intended to be. It saddened me to think that a gang could paint a better picture of commitment, loyalty, and family than the local church body. [personal emphasis added]

The church is intended to be a beautiful place of community. A place where wealth is shared and when one suffers, everyone suffers. A place where when one rejoices, everyone rejoices. A place where everyone experiences real love and acceptance in the midst of great honesty about our brokenness. [Do you really believe that, in your heart of hearts? Would you live differently if you truly believed that?] Yet most of the time this is not even close to how we would describe our churches.

Without the Spirit of God in our midst, working in us, guiding us, and living and loving through us, we will never be the kind of people who make up this kind of community.

What does your church look like?

Jesus, please fill me with your Spirit and my team, so that when the church is raised up here in Verona and beyond, it will look like a gang...with honestly, loyalty, commitment and family.

Night on the town

2011-04-15T15:29:00.000+02:00

Well, not really...just out to dinner. Since Hannah and I had a really long day yesterday, we decided to dress up and go out for dinner. Nothing fancy...just Italian pizza...but at the number one rated Pizzeria in Verona. It was really good. Here's some pictures of us dressing up. It was a lot of fun.

Being the guinea pig

2011-04-14T11:34:00.000+02:00

Yes, that would be me. Hannah is with me, but she has already gone through most of these processes and in a different town.

What am I talking about? I am the first one on our team to apply for my Permesso di Siggiorno (Permission to stay in the country) in Verona. See blog post here. Then after getting the paperwork and applying, I had to go back and get fingerprinted. See blog post here. After getting fingerprinted they gave me an "appointment" as to when my Permesso would be ready to get picked up.

That date was last Thursday. I was given advice from another missionary to wait a week or two to go and see if it was ready. So, Hannah and I went this morning, leaving my apartment at 6 a.m. to wait in line with all the other immigrants who were hoping to get their Permesso di Siggiorno. This week it has been chillier in the morning, so I was all bundled up in my winter coat, cloves, scarf and hat and we waited in line for two hours. When they finally opened and started sifting through who needed to go where, they told me to come back at 10:30 a.m. because my "appointment" was last week.

So, we got up early and waited in line for nothing. Oh well, we went and stopped at Hannah's favorite coffee shop and got cappuccino's and brioche (croissants). We went back to our apartments and hung out until we decided to try again at 10:30. We got there, waited about 20 minutes till it was our turn, and the lady said...all in Italian of course..."It's not ready, it's still in Rome. Didn't you look online first?" Hannah replied by, "No, no one told us we could or gave us a website."

So, I left without my Permesso, told to give it another 10 days and look online before coming.

This is the information I have gathered for my team...Always take a book with you to government places because you will ALWAYS sit (or stand) and wait. When they say you can pick up your Permesso, look online first. And when it is ready...you don't have to get up so early in the morning to go pick it up. You can wait until 10:30 and wait less than half the time.

At least being single with no kids, it's easier for me to be the guinea pig than one of the families having to take their kids with them everywhere.

John 14-16

2011-04-13T10:28:00.000+02:00

I have been reading the book Forgotten God by Francis Chan which talks about the Holy Spirit. It's a great read, I would recommend it.

Anyway, I am reading the chapter "A Real Relationship" and Chan encouraged us to put the book down and read John 14-16, in a new way, noticing..."particularly how Christ desires that His disciples have peace and how He comforts His disciples with the truth that they are not left alone" [personal emphasis added].

So in reading John 14-16 this morning, there were definitely things that struck me more than before (especially with the new circumstances that I'm in). I read it as if I hadn't ever read it before and in a way that I was one of the disciples, Christ was telling this to me specifically.

Here are a few verses I noted particularly [anything in bold is personally emphasized]...

"Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me." John 14:1

"...I go to prepare a place for you." John 14:2a

"Truly, truly I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father." John 14:12

"...every branch that bears fruit, He prunes [to cut or lop off] it so that it may bear more fruit." John 15:2. This means that Christ cuts off the fruits of the branches (cuts our fruit from the branches) so we can bear more and better fruit.

"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." John 15:4-5

"You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves; but I have called you friends..." John 15:14-15a

"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Mind you, this is just a small list of some of the verses that impacted me. There are many more. I would encourage you to open your Bible and read John 14-16...with new eyes. Asking Christ to speak to you through His living word.

Modesty

2011-04-06T11:31:00.002+02:00

Dear Jesus, please help me become the woman you have made me to be.

Porsche!

2011-03-30T19:30:00.000+02:00

Mmm...after getting together for coffee with other missionaries that are here in Verona, Hannah and I saw this as we were walking home. Yes, drool was coming out of my mouth lol.

Esselunga

2011-03-27T17:49:00.000+02:00

Esselunga...you ask, is a grocery store. The pharmacist, when asking about gluten-free food, told me (she had to tell me a couple of times because she was speaking in Italian) about it. Esselunga isn't a normal grocery store though, it's HUGE with great prices. It's like a mini walmart, with some things other than food items. yay!

Going in, I was just looking to see what kind of gluten-free foods they had and pick up a few. I was totally amazed by the variety of things they had, as well as American products. Did you know that most of Häagen-Dazs ice cream is naturally gluten free? I know that now! :) Yay! It was a lot of fun. Hannah and I were in there for 2.5 hours. I know, it's a long time. We were going through every isle, still reading a lot of food labels, and looking at everything (we had to do research for our team ;) ). God definitely blessed me with small surprises. I know, you're thinking "with food", but you don't realize how blessed you are until you can't have something anymore. It's been a challenge to figure out what I can eat, realizing some if the things I can't eat anymore (unless I make it myself) like oreo's, cookies and cream ice cream, etc. So, to have some small blessings come in foods I couldn't eat before but can now because of gluten-free alternatives is AWESOME! One of my favorite sauces on pasta or tartufo (truffles - which is a very delicate mushroom found in Italy) and they had a truffle cream that said right on it, gluten-free! I also found gluten-free pizza...HUGE plus. I'm not against making my own, but making pizza crust is a really long process. Maybe some day I'll do it, but right now, no. It was a lot of fun and it gives me a sense of peace knowing that there are more options out there than what I found at the other stores, oh...and cheaper. :)

So with the new gluten-free flour that I had bought, I tried my hand at baking gluten-free bread (so I could make sandwiches) and my first attempt was successful. If you know anything about baking gluten-free, which I now know a little bit, it's MUCH different and a while different beast. Gluten-free dough is more like muffin dough than bread dough when putting it into the oven. It's crazy, but the bread tastes really good!

Christ's provision

2011-03-20T14:35:00.000+01:00

I am truly blessed by the people in my life and how Christ has provided through them and other things.

More recently the thing I'm talking about is my new situation with gluten. I have been having a lot of problems the last month or so with stomach issues. But I started to notice it was only after eating something with gluten in it, i.e. pizza and pasta (normal for me since I'm in Italy now). So, I decided to try going gluten free for two or three weeks.

My journey for that started yesterday. I know, not too far in, but I am already feeling much better and haven't had any problems. Also finding out from others that Celiac runs in my family. Which means, they cannot have anything to eat with gluten in it. If they do, it does permanent damage to the intestines and could lead to cancer. So, with that said, in my new journey I am being pretty strict since there is a high possibility that I could have Celiac also.

So, I have had to do a lot of research. I think God has been preparing me because this summer I decided to switch from mostly processed foods to organic and making most everything from scratch. I love to cook and now that I knew more about foods and such I could do it more. So, this is good because to go gluten free means cooking much more and being VERY careful about what you eat. Thankfully for me, I love fruits and veggies and those are free from glutens (in their natural state). Anyway, one of the biggest blessings has been Hannah. She is my teammate and has done so much research for me. She also has a friend and former roommate from college that is Celiac and she was already familiar with stuff. Another blessing is that Celiac is pretty common in Italy and they take it very seriously. So, I should be able to go into a restaurant and they will have gluten free food, knowing how to deal with it separately form other foods, etc.

Another huge blessing was from today when I was at church. Hannah and I went to the local Evangelical church that we have gone to before. The people are very friendly, we actually met a few women who are english speaking, but in particular I met "R". She is probably in her early 30's, engaged, very nice (can't wait to hang out with her more), and also found out she was a doctor. Since I still don't know that much Italian, Hannah talked to her about my situation (that was after we had already had a great conversation with her) and she knew about the testing and such for Celiacs. This is a HUGE blessing. I say that because Hannah and I were in search of a private doctor here anyway, and to find a woman doctor who is a believer is a HUGE BLESSING, on top of that she knows a lot about Celiac and such. This is great.

So in the midst of a new situation, that was now unknown to God, he provided and brought blessings in ways I hadn't even thought He would. Thank you Lord for your provision and blessings, I am shouting praises to you from the rooftops. Please continue to pray for me in this journey. It is a healthy move regardless, but I am finding that some of my favorite foods will not be of consumption anymore and I'm not sure if I can find alternatives. Thankfully, they do have gluten-free pasta...I will survive! :)

150 Years!

2011-03-17T18:59:00.000+01:00

Today celebrates the 150th year of Italian Unification. According to the guy in the Crepes shop, Italy is not really unified in people, but as a country they technically are. Anyway...this morning as I was walking to class...yes, school was still open, the streets were quiet, a few people walking but no busses, no cars, and no motorcycles. It was very peaceful and quite nice. I saw a lot of Italians with Italian flags hanging outside their windows, on their balconies, and in store windows. It was really neat to see.

Today also celebrates St. Patricks' day...so be careful that the leprechaun doesn't come and get you. lol :)

Turning a corner?

2011-03-14T19:55:00.000+01:00

Okay. If you haven't noticed...I haven't been posting my "monday weigh-in's". This is because I have been very busy but also because I have been gaining weight again. So, today was one of those days where I was feeling bad about myself but I think I have started to turn a corner. As in, today instead of wallowing in my emotional state, I decided to work out. It felt really good. Though I have a long way to go to get back to where I was before I got to Italy in January, I think I am headed on the right track of discipline in working out when I'm frustrated or sad instead of going and getting a gelato or something else. So for me, I feel better now. Unfortunately, I still have my Italian homework to do. Please continue to pray for in language learning. It is very difficult and some days I don't want to learn or speak Italian. It has to be a disciple, and I'm still working on being a disciplined person, because by nature...I'm not. :)

Cultural Differences/Observations

2011-03-05T20:07:00.003+01:00

Here are a few cultural differences/observations. Things I have observed since I have been here so far.

- Italian's DO NOT serve bread with pasta. You can either have it before or after your meal, but NEVER during.

- There is smoking everywhere and everyone smokes (even the "high school" kids)

- Street clean up is FANTASTIC and very prompt

- City parades are 3-5 hours long, not just an hour

- Stores close on different days, either in the morning or afternoon, or all day. Most stores, unless their really large stores, are closed from 12:30 - 3:30 daily

- You can walk everywhere and the bus is really easy to navigate

- You're not allowed to have Parmesan cheese on all pasta dishes

- Everything takes twice as long

- You can't really find "easy to make dishes" in the supermarket, you make everything from scratch...unless it's frozen pizza.

- When eating pizza, everyone gets their own. The crust is much different, not as thick as American and it's really easy to eat one pizza per person

- True pizza by the slice is not triangular, it's square and thicker

- They do not have large cups of coffee, you have caffè - which is a shot of espresso.

- Good wine is cheap

- There are so many different kinds of cheeses you don't know where to start

- There's a difference between a pizzeria, osteria, trattoria, and ristorante (all different kinds and prices of restaurants)

- Frizzy water is everywhere and not expensive

- Italians think if you're not wearing socks or a hat when it's cold you're going to catch a cold. Also, they think that the air conditioning, moving air, or sleeping with your hair wet will cause you to get a cold

- a bar is Italy is really a cafe (but alcohol is served everywhere here, even in McDonald's)

- Apartments are really small because everyone is out all the time. Actually everything is small, including the streets, stores, and cars

- The post office is very different. You pay your bills there, you can get a cell phone plan through them, you can do your banking, your government documents, etc.

- There are specialized stores for food everywhere: cheese store, fruit and veggie market, meat shop, horse meat shop, bakery, wine shop, supermarket (general stuff)

- Crossing the street "red" lights are optional, not a mandatory stop and wait

- You have to pay for trash and water, and there is a TV and radio tax

- There is soft porn everywhere you look. There is hard porn in the "gas station...without any gas" shops for everyone to see (Called a tabbacceria) :(

- Sometimes you have to pay to use the public bathroom, and a lot of times it's just a hole in the ground

- Washing a load of laundry takes at least two hours, the load is super small, and you have to hang dry them. It's very rare for anyone to have a dryer.

- Most showers are only big enough for you to fit your body in (not very many bathtubs)

- A carpeted house if pretty much non existent

- You have to wash your dishes by hand, again...very rare to have dishwashing machines

- Everything is in metrics and cooking is done using grams

- A lot of things are done in black (illegally) instead of white (legally), which is why you must always ask for a receipt

That's all I have for now. I may think of more later.

Papa Gnocchi

2011-03-04T17:02:00.000+01:00

This week is the Carnival of Verona. It ends today, Friday with a parade and the King of Gnocchi. The story of how this got started is very interesting...view here. If you're not sure what gnocchi is, here's a good reference.

I discovered another cultural difference today while at the parade. Parades in the States usually last maybe an hour and aren't that long...at least the city ones. Here, the city parades last anywhere from 3-5 hours and are really long.

Here are some pictures.

Papa Gnocchi

TONS of confetti

I had a lot of fun watching the kids through confetti on the people in the parade, as well as silly string.

returns

2011-03-04T16:38:00.000+01:00

I needed to return something in FNAC (like a mini Best Buy) the other day. It was approaching day 22 of the receipt. There wasn't a return policy on it so I figured, it hasn't even been 30 days so it should be easy right?!?!...not :)

Hannah and I went inside to the cashier and she told us that I could either exchange it or get in-store credit. No problem. She said we had to go over to the information/customer service desk to get that done. We went over there, the lady stamped my receipt and sent us to the back of the store to the service desk. We waited in line...an Italian line (a bunch of people standing in a group knowing who came before and after them) for about 20 minutes...observing the new coffee shop that was put in. Hannah talked to the guy, he checked my product..."unopened" (in Italian of course) and sent us back to the information desk. He said they just wanted him to check to make sure it was still sealed (seriously?).

When we got back to the front of the store to the information desk, the lady behind the counter was from Nigeria and her first language is English. We got into the conversation because her name was Faith, that's what was on her name tag and Hannah pronounced it in english. That's where our mini conversation started. She knew we knew english at that point because no Italian can pronounce her name correctly because in Italian her name would be pronounced F-ah-ee-t (h's are silent in Italian).

She talked to a coworker about returning the product because she was only there temporarily (at the store) and didn't have access to do that. So he told us to go back to the service desk in the back of the store. When we explained that we sent back there before and then sent back, he went back there himself. When he got back he asked what I wanted to exchange the product for. In-store credit. He said it wasn't possible because it had been a LONG time since I had purchased it. It had been about 20 days but he said you have to return things there within 7 days. Faith talked to him and so he went to his supervisor and she allowed the in store credit. Yay. Only took about 45 minutes...for a 3.99 € credit. :)

McDonalds

2011-03-04T16:27:00.001+01:00

This gives a whole new meaning to "drive-thru" Taken in Bologna.

a painting

2011-03-01T15:08:00.000+01:00

As I was walking this morning to language school (really late) through Piazza Erbe, I saw a man painting from a distance. I have seen artists with traveling easels and such before but as I got closer, I was amazed. This was a man in his 70's or 80's painting the Piazza. The painting was beautiful and almost finished. It had the beautiful blue sky in it with some puffy white clouds, the different colored buildings and, of course, the daily market stands.

It was really refreshing to see someone painting a beautiful piece of art, full of color and life. It put a smile on my face.

Marathon

2011-02-20T13:53:00.001+01:00

Hannah and I saw signs about a Marathon going on today, Sunday throughout the weekend. I was really exhausted from the long day yesterday and not feeling the best...so I stayed home. As I was laying down, I heard "Acqua" really loud. I looked out my window and I saw the marathon going by my window. It was awesome and very inspirational. I saw young people to old people running, I saw those running with people who were confined to a wheelchair and then a little later I saw a woman running with her daughter in a running stroller. It was really neat.

Conforama

2011-02-20T13:53:00.000+01:00

Conforama is a store Hannah and I found (through the guy who has helped Hannah with things that needed fixed in her apartment) that is like IKEA. It has the furniture and all the small stuff one would need for an apartment. It's really neat. One thing we found is, they don't deliver the small stuff...only the larger stuff. So, it's one of those stores that is less expensive like IKEA but it would be good to rent a car and drive there.

Anyway, it was a beautiful day out (Saturday), and Hannah and I were ready to get out of Verona and see more of Italy, as well as find a piece of furniture for me called a Pouff di Letto (and foot rest thing with a single bed folded up inside). We took the bus to Affi, which was about an hour one way, and then got off at our stop. We were aware that we would have to walk a little bit to get there, very normal in Italy. We, however, weren't quite sure where it was. The bus driver gave us directions but they weren't very good. We saw a lady at the crossing and asked her. She was very nice. She said that if we waited a few minutes, she was headed across the street to pick up her daughter and she would show us where it was.

We figured we could get there ourselves and didn't want to disturb her in what she was doing. So, Hannah and I headed off until we came to a cross section and we weren't sure which road to take. Then behind us we hear someone running and yelling at us. It was the lady's daughter that was running to tell us to hang on, they were going to show us where to go. So we...Hannah...talked to the girl in Italian as we waited for the mom to put her backpack in the house. We thought she was just going to walk to the corner and give us directions from there. NOPE. She drives the car around and told Hannah and I to get in, since her and her daughter were headed that way to get some errands done. We were hesitant but it was a lady and her daughter and they were super nice. So we got in, the lady showed us the sidewalks and such we needed to take to get back, and dropped us off at Conforama. So thankful for her.

We were really hungry because it was after 1 p.m. at this point. We found a coffee shop, had some sandwiches and then headed off across the street to Conforama. Our goal was to go through there and then go into another store so I could find some jeans. Mine are only lasting 2 days tops (takes atleast a day to dry them) and they're too big now. As we were in Conforama though, the item we went to go get was discontinued (not stated on the website) and the guy said there were no more in Italy anywhere. So I saw on a bed/couch thing and started thinking about other options. We found an air mattress...but it was super heavy and there's no way we could carry it back with us. So we purchased the things we had in the cart (yay...I finally have more than one set of sheets) and headed back to the bus stop.

We waited about 30 minutes at the bus stop for the bus and then got on. We were very blessed to see the beautiful sunset again as we were driving back. I also notice (on the way there and back) that there were a lot of vineyards and olive trees around. I can't wait until it's growing season so when we take the bus again, we can see lots of green instead of brown. :)

After getting back (left at 11 and got back around 5), we decided that a long day deserved some gelato. So, Hannah got chocolate, and I got mango and strawberry. It was really good. We got back to our apartments, hung out and had dinner and then called it a night.

fingerprints

2011-02-20T13:03:00.001+01:00

So on Friday was my big appointment at the Questura in Verona to get fingerprinted for my Permesso di Siggiorno (permission to stay in the country).

The day started off with the sun in full bloom and me being early to language school class...can you believe it, early?!? On the way I dropped by the bar (a coffee shop in Italy - but yes the do serve alcohol...but so does McDonalds) and gave the barista some cupcakes that Hannah made. I have started to get to know the barista, "R" better and found out she is originally from New York. Though she does speak english, she continued on in Italian. That's good for me though. We get a break from Italian class everyday and I go into her place. It's smaller and more quant than where all the other students go. But the blessing is I have gotten to know "R" better and she me. It's good. She has even given me a few discounts on cappuccino and a croissant, as well as blessing me with a free cappuccino on Friday went I stopped by and gave her some cupcakes...she's so nice.

So I was in class early but left early because I had an 11:36 appointment to get fingerprinted. Well, Hannah and I got there at 11 a.m. and it was packed. I told her..."I feel like am immigrant"...and Hannah reminded me that we were lol. We took a number and stood outside. Then once it was a little less congested, we went back inside to see if we could find a seat. No seats to be found. However, a guy looked familiar to Hannah inside...odd I know...but it was a guy that was in her language class. He came over and we all started chatting. He is from Minnesota and is a semi-pro cyclist, currently racing on the Verona team (has for a few years I guess), and is trying to pick up a professional sponsor. Super cool. We had a great conversation. We also found out that his appointment was at 8:30 and had been there waiting for his number since 8...yes, it was about 12 p.m. at this time. Good thing Hannah and I brought along some good books. Alas, his number was called and he gave them his paperwork, etc and Hannah and I sat down, as there were many fewer people. Apparently 12 p.m. is the cut off time for appointments.

After waiting, talking, etc...my number was finally called...1:25 p.m. (been there almost 2.5 hours at this point). They ask for my documents, get my fingerprints and then ask me to wait. They took me into this waiting room area where I sat down and waited some more. The lady through the window asked me if I was married, "no" and then she stared at my eyes, trying to figure out what color they were. "Are they green or brown (in Italian of course), and I said "both...Hazel" She said they don't have a word in Italian for Hazel eyes...so Hannah and I said green.

Then, this lady came out wearing blue latex gloves and I had to go into another room. At this point, more relaxed because David, the cyclist, just said that they get your fingerprints again. Whew! So as Hannah and I went in they were putting away the toys they give to children. They gave one to Hannah, it was funny. They had a really good sense of humor, but I think that was because it was the end of the day and I was an American. Italians have a huge prejudice toward immigrants, especially those of a different skin color. Thankfully for me, they love Americans...so I'm good! :) So we had some good conversations, laughs (which I found out was VERY rare), and I got finger and palm printed. They struggled getting good prints because apparently my hands and fingers were dry. They said that next time I should put hand lotion on my hands that morning or something so they can get prints easier. Apparently every time I have to renew my Permesso I have to get fingerprinted all over again. As we were leaving, I realized that we were the last people to get waited on...as it was a ghost town in the lobby and the lady took of the rubber gloves after I was done (apparently she doesn't change them between every person...according to David, the cyclist). I was out of there by 1:50 p.m. Oh...and they told me my Permesso would be ready to be picked up (another long day of waiting in line) by April 7...which is really quick considering most people have told me it took a year or so to get their Permesso the first time.

At this point, Hannah and I are super hungry because we hadn't eaten lunch yet. So as we are walking back to the apartments and to stop by a coffee shop to get a sandwich, we saw a beautiful site...snow capped mountains! It was much clearer out than it had been the past few days and it was just a beautiful site. We grabbed a sandwich, got back to our apartments, grabbed our bags and headed off to the grocery store. It's the grocery store we will only go to during the day. So, we picked up a few things and got back in time to grab a short nap.

Hannah, while on a walk a few weeks ago, found a hill and a staircase, so she went up it and was able to see a lot of Verona from this hill. So, we decided that we were going to trek up this hill and watch the sunset tonight. Something beautiful and relaxing...seeing the city and God's beautiful blessings. The sunset was absolutely breathtaking, peaceful and calm. It was also a little cold, so after our way back down the slanted stairs...yes slanted downwards, we went for some hot chocolate and reading and then dinner at one of our favorite pizzerias. I decided, instead of pizza this time, I was going to try their pasta...mmm...it was good! For me, it was a HUGE MILESTONE in my Italian speaking (at least a noticeable different). I was able to order everything in Italian and ask the server questions in Italian with little help from Hannah. I was so excited. A few weeks ago I couldn't do that. Yay!!!

So overall it was a great day, full of adventures and constant reminders that God is in control and His blessings come in different ways, shapes, and colors.

Here are some of the photos from the sunset...but to view more of them, click here!

White Studebaker as promised

2011-02-20T12:27:00.000+01:00

Here are the pictures of the white Studebaker from the post "Week two has commenced" as promised.

Her dress was absolutely beautiful

my walk home

2011-02-17T18:00:00.001+01:00

...today put a smile on my face. There were a few things that made the earlier cloud covered sky a little bit cheerier (is that a word?). Well the sun came out, but it was going down by the time I was walking home. But on the walk, I saw a beautiful beagle. If you know anything about my upbringing, you would know that I was raised by a father who loves beagles and raises them. It was nice to see one...even though I didn't get to pet it. I almost feel as though I need to get a dog just to fit in here...they're everywhere. But, I will abstain from getting a dog...as I don't want the responsibility right now. And with my track record...lol...I would end up sending to my parents.

As I walked through Piazza Erbe and toward my street, I saw two priests in training. It was the first time I had seen priests, or priests in training on the street. They were in their normal robes with sweatshirts on top. I have seen many nuns walking around, but it was the first time I had seen priests in training. It was neat.

I heard some birds singing to each other. I haven't really heard them yet since I have been here and it was refreshing to hear something that reminded me that spring was coming...yay!

And...as I was about to get to cross the street to get to my apartment...I got stopped by a Japanese lady and her mother. At first I thought they wanted to give me something...but then I noticed they had a map in their hand. They were trying to figure out where they were and how to get to their next destination...and thankfully, I was able to tell them how to get there. The daughter spoke english...and I'm assuming that she asked others to help her and they couldn't understand her. She was very thankful and I was happy because I got to speak english to someone other than Hannah and the students and the language school, and because I knew the area well enough to get her there! Yay...I have improved my ability to read and navigate the maps and streets in Verona (at least to the touristic places lol).

As for now, I need to do my homework and study Italian because I feel like a failure in my class...even though Hannah said it was a necessary step in learning a new language, even though I don't like it...and then I have tomatoes I need to use. So it's spaghetti pomodoro for dinner with a caprese salad!

Week two has commenced

2011-02-14T19:45:00.002+01:00

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times"...my phrase for the day.

Today hasn't been the best of days, but that's okay. Hannah and I are planning a dining in experience tonight of pizza and a movie, so that will make it better (even though we're watching "La Vita Bella"..."The Beautiful Life").

It took everything in me today to get out of bed, I was so tired. I was fighting with myself, trying to justify sleeping another hour and going to language school late, but I finally got up, ate breakfast, got ready and went to school. On the way there, walking like I normally do, my ankle turned and I sprained it again. The same ankle I sprained when I broke my foot in Dec. '09...the foot that has been hurting the past week when walking. Yeah, perfect timing right? I was so close to home and I almost turned back and didn't go to class, but against all odds...I continued on my journey and went to class. It wasn't too bad today either...except for the fact that we changed rooms because there were two students added to the class...making 10 in the class. TOO many students I think, but their maximum for classes is 10. I'm kind of hoping another student will join because then they have to split us up and we would be 5 and 6. We'll see. These two new guys are from Israel and know like four or five languages already, but I don't remember which ones.

Anyway, during the break I grabbed some cappuccino and a croissant with chocolate in it in the bar (caffe in Italy) and relaxed. Went back to class and talked to Laura (a teacher) about finding a foot doctor. With socialized medicine, she said I would have to find a family doctor first and then they would tell me where to go. But she said until I find a doctor, the best thing for me to do was to go to the hospital to the emergency room, wait six or seven hours until they can see me and get some x-ray's. Well, Hannah was looking in on a language class tonight at 6 pm...so I knew I couldn't go today...so I decided to wait until tomorrow. Surprisingly, after class, my foot didn't hurt that bad. My ankle just felt weak. I tried to go to two different pharmacies but they were both closed until 3:30. I had lunch with my new friend Judith and this little place down from the language school. They have wonderful pasta and it's cheap prices. I couldn't tell you the name of what I had today except that it was divine and I wanted another plate, even though I was already full. :)

On the way back to the apartment, I fell upon a Studebaker in the middle of the street. It was beautiful and white. I took some pictures of it (coming later) and then saw the beautiful gown the bride was wearing as she kissed her groom and the professional photographer took their picture. She was beautiful, the dress was amazing, and the car topped it all off. It put a smile on my face (the car that is).

I also ran into Hannah and we had a nice short conversation. I was headed to go to her apartment when I saw her and she had just stopped by my apartment and was headed to a free concert in a piazza for big band. I would have gone, but my ankle hurt and I was sick of walking at that point. So, when I got to my apartment, I decided to take a nap. It was a lovely nap. After waking, I headed to the pharmacy to get an ankle brace. Thankfully, the pharmacist knew a little english...I was in luck! I asked for an ankle brace and the only kind they have are the elastic kinds...like socks. I wanted something with a little more stability but apparently you can't get ones like that unless you go and see a doctor. So, I got the sock one, called my dad and had him get the one from my room (cause my mom is getting ready to send a package) and give it to my mom to send. So for now, physical therapy on my ankle to strengthen it up start/finish the homework I need to do for class tomorrow.

Oh yeah, Happy Valentines Day.

My apartment

2011-02-12T16:10:00.000+01:00

Yay, my apartment is finally finished...except for the fact that I don't really have anything on the walls yet. However, once I get my painting stuff, I will do some paintings and put them on the walls.

To view the pictures of my apartment, click HERE. Enjoy!

Kindergarten all over again

2011-02-08T16:21:00.001+01:00

...that's what language school felt like on my first day yesterday. When I finally got to the school, thinking it would only be a "casual" 10 minute walk...it was a fast paced walk taking 12 minutes. Needless to say, my calves were on fire by the time I got to the school...a few minutes late. *Note to self, leave 20 minutes early to walk more casually to school and be on time.*

So, when arriving to the school, I sat down where they were getting ready to start "orientation" for the new students. They talked about the school, classes, and extra curricular activities the school provides, both free and purchased. Yes, it was all in Italian. I understood most of it, of course I had heard most if it already because I went to the school a week or so earlier to check it out.

After hearing about the school, they took those students who had never studied Italian before and they started class. Since I studied Italian in Florence for four months is 2006, and had been studying Rosetta Stone Italian, they had me take a test to see where I was at in my Italian. Lol...it was a joke. I think I got done in about 15 minutes because I didn't know over half of it. The teacher took one look at it, smiled, and took me to the beginners class.

I was a little intimidated going into the class because the other students had already started lessons, which means I missed the first few pages in the lesson book. Oh well, no big deal. At this point, I was already overwhelmed because of the test and that only heightened during the class. I was counting down the time until we were done. Thankfully, we had a break early and then at noon, our class and the other classes got together for an hour of conversation and snacks. It was nice.

I met a few advanced students while snacking, as well as a lady from Australia who is here for a month and another lady from Pennsylvania who is here for two weeks. I had a great conversation with them in Italian with some english mixed in! Then, I was headed back to my apartment.

My Italian class consists of eight individuals, including myself. A girl from Australia fresh out of high school, an female art student from Malaysia, a party boy (late 20's) from Canada who has been living in multiple countries for the past few years (England, Germany, and now Italy), a girl from Latvia (I think) and also fresh out of high school, a girl from Greece (who has a hard time figuring out why someone from the United States-"the most beautiful country in the world" would ever want to move overseas, an older lady from Germany, a guy (roommates to the party boy above)...who is also a partier and in his late 20's...from England and hoping to get a job here, and then me.

After getting back to my apartment, Hannah and I went for about a two hour walk on new streets, finding many new stores, a newly (still under construction) gym that has kickboxing and karate (YES!), and a little grocery store that is very close, in case it's night time and we need to go to the store for something...much safer than the one down a ways down on the street we live on that we were told to not go to at night, to the fruit market (surprisingly running into my new teacher Enrico and his girlfriend) and then back to the apartment. By that time, I was so exhausted that I needed to take a nap (being so overwhelmed by language school and such) and Hannah graciously made dinner for the two of us later. We had great conversation...but I needed to get home "early" so I could do my Italian homework and get to bed.

So, today was much better at language school, not as overwhelming and more fun. I saw both of the ladies I had talked to the day before and went to lunch with the lady from Australia. She is currently staying with a host family and I invited her over to dinner on Friday to join Hannah and I. I, and she, are both excited! So now, I have even more homework to do tonight for my Italian class tomorrow than what I had to do last night for today. So, I better get to it. Ciao.

Monday on Tuesday

2011-02-08T15:56:00.000+01:00

Well...yesterday was a really long day...so sorry I didn't keep up with my Monday weigh in schedule. However, I have GREAT news....I am down to 153.6 lbs! I haven't been down to this in over a year. I also lost 1.25 inches this week...wahoo. The awesome thing, I'm still not intently working out...but I am walking everywhere and am eating better now that I'm settled, have gone to the grocery store and am cooking much more.

It's very settling being settled into my new apartment (no pun intended). I'm hoping to get weights soon to continue on with the workouts I was doing in the States before I got to Italy. Before I get weights though, I can still use my big ball, since I blew it up a few days ago. I'm excited!

I've fallen in love...

2011-02-01T18:36:00.002+01:00

with Cappuccino and Tarallini that is.

This is not a picture I took, it's off of google.

The Cappuccino is so beautifully made here, usually with a fun design on top. They are the perfect temperature also, not too hot so you can't start drinking it right away and not too cold that you're asking them to heat it up.

I did take this picture :)

Tarallini is a bread-like snack that comes in many different "flavors". It comes in "flavors" i.e. different herbs and such with Olive Oil (pictured), Red Peppers, Rosemary, Onion, and I'm sure others that I haven't seen yet. My favorite is the Olive Oil and Rosemary. They are super addicting too...after a while they seem to have disappeared from the bag as it lay empty on the table.

Today, not having started off so well with a few obstacles...I went during lunch time to a coffee shop and had some cappuccino and did a little reading then off to the market to get some fruit to snack on (saves me from buying junk food). Then, after getting back to the apartment and making a few phone calls and writing a few emails, I was able to go back to the language school (for the second time today) to fully enroll in classes. On my way there, I was doing my usual brisk walk...but on the way back, I decided to take my time. I found a Chinese restaurant on the stroll back and a bakery that sells lots of stuff, fresh tarallini, other baked goods, olive oil, etc. I stopped in there and got Hannah and I a few treats (hence the tarallini all' olio di olivia pictured above). I also decided to stop and get some gelato. The chocolate gelato was screaming my name, but I went with the Mango and Strawberry gelato which was like sorbet and it was fantastic!

It was nice to look at the streets in a different way. Instead of racing through the crowds to go somewhere or get something, I just took my time...watched the people, looked at the shops (lol window shopping...cause it's in the tourist section and super expensive), enjoyed the scenery and ate my sorbet. It was a nice end to a rough start.

One Stop Shops

2011-02-01T12:33:00.001+01:00

They don't exist here. There's no such thing as Walmart here. I'm not complaining, but just presenting the obvious.

When it comes to food, you're best to go to a cheese shop for cheese, a bakery for bread, a fruit market for fruits and veggies, and the grocery store for the rest.

When setting up an apartment, you go one place for pots and pans, one place for dishes, one place for glasses, etc. I wish I could just go one place inside the city for all of it, but dishes are cheaper some other places, where good pots and pans are good at other places. Here, a little ways outside the city, we have Mondo Convenienza (something like that), which is kind of like IKEA. Hannah and I finally figured out how to get there and were hoping to go today, but it's not looking like we can go today. I'm hoping to be able to get almost the rest of my things there because it's better priced there. I have been very thankful, so far, in getting things for my apartment that were on sale and/or at the market.

Here, a "furnished" apartment means an apartment that has a kitchen in it and the toilet and such is in the bathroom. I was very fortunate to already have a table, couch, bed, and some lighting in my apartment...but not much else. The things I have already gone shopping for, have been smaller things, things I could carry, etc. Some stores I can only get one of two things, etc. So, it seems like I'm shopping a lot, but a lot of times I'm only getting a few things in multiple stores.

That's just how life is here. Setting up an apartment is no small task, and most if it you have to do with walking and carrying it. Thankfully, Mondo Convenienza will deliver...so we'll see how that goes.

It's been an interesting adventure so far, frustrations and joys, but I am so thankful for what God has taught me so far and for the encouragement and prayers of friends and family.

Monday Check

2011-01-31T11:12:00.001+01:00

It's Monday again. Most of you are groaning. I'm happy. I get paid today and that means I can go and get the rest of the things for my apartment and start living in it! YAY!

In the mean time...since I am still at Hannah's apartment and most of my things (besides clothes and such) are at my new apartment...including my scale, I could not weigh-in. However, I did do measurements and I have lost another 0.75 inches! Wahoo...I guess all the walking and carrying of stuff is helping.

I'm hoping in a few weeks to buy some weights and really start working out again! I'm excited. Until then, I just keep walking a lot, carrying heavy bags and such and try not to eat all the time...even though the food is so good. :)

Have a great day

Dishes

2011-01-28T23:05:00.000+01:00

Oh the joy of setting up an apartment. Yes, I got my keys today and Hannah helped me move some of my stuff over there. We scrubbed the kitchen together and I did more cleaning while she cooked dinner at her apartment, which is about 30 feet away front door to front door.

After the wonderful mexican dinner that she cooked, I went back and did some unpacking, which included the kitchenware that I had either purchased already and/or brought with me in my suitcases.

Admire the drying of all the dishes. Unfortunately, this is nothing compared to what it will look like on Monday and Tuesday as I come back from purchasing plates, silverware, and pots/pans. :)

Snap, Crackle and Pop

2011-01-27T20:14:00.002+01:00

the olive oil goes in the sauté pan and onto my new kitchen apron. It has now been broken in. I went to the market right down the street and picked up a lot of fresh veggies and such and decided to make a stir fry for dinner this evening for Hannah and I. It turned out really well.

Stir fry included:

Olive oil and garlic

Caramelized onions

Broccoli

Green beans

Small pinch of red peppers

Mushrooms

Zucchini

Red potatoes

Grilled chicken

Tomatoes

Sauce:

Olive Oil

White wine

Oregano (little)

Basil (little)

Salt and Pepper

Half a lemon squeezed at the end

Now, I get veggie happy when I'm making stir fry, so I made a lot. But, it was so good Hannah and I ate over half of it. So what you see in the picture is what was left over after we ate all that we wanted. It's very balanced too...two parts veggies, one part potatoes, and one part chicken. Mmm!

New Page

2011-01-27T18:13:00.000+01:00

Care Package ideas...if you're interested. It's here on my blog under "some links". The direct link is here though. Enjoy!

Timing

2011-01-26T23:15:00.002+01:00

I think the hardest thing, besides Italian, to get used to is the difference in time. In the States, things are open all the time and it's unusual for a store to be closed on any day, except maybe Sunday.

Here, it's different. I have found that most stores are closed on Sundays (not too shocking), Monday mornings and Wednesdays. And most things are also closed from 12:30 to 3. It is really hard to get used to. Hannah and I found out today that the fruits and veggies market right down the street is closed on Wednesdays...but of course didn't find that out until after we walked down there.

Oh well, I guess it's something I will have to get used to. Please pray that it is sooner rather than later. I'm not really complaining because I know it's a cultural thing, it's just different and something I have to get used to. Can't wait to go and get more fruits and veggies tomorrow though!

Lots of walking

2011-01-24T21:58:00.000+01:00

Today Hannah and I walked TONS. It was crazy. This morning: visited both language school and one organic market that were near one of the schools (cause the other one was closed). Walking past the Castle was on the way...so pictures are below. Lunch at home. Afternoon was more walking again after we missed the bus, signed my apartment contract (get the keys on Wednesday to start cleaning), the other organic market because it was open now, hot chocolate and a bad piece of chocolate cake, a couple of bus rides, more walking, stopping in a few shops and getting a few more apartment things, dinner at home, catching up on computer stuff and now getting ready for a movie. Peace

Organic Market

2011-01-24T19:19:00.000+01:00

Crazy how different organic markets are overseas. I walked into two different ones here expecting most of the names to be in Italian. To my surprise, most of it was in German and French. So, neither Hannah nor I could understand it. Thankfully, I could figure out what a lot of it was because I recognized it.

Since I'm not as concerned about the food here and pesticides, I will be doing most of my shopping at the regular market. However, there are a few things at the organic market that I cannot get in the regular grocery store, like...rolled oats (oatmeal), almonds, almond milk (which is super good), cranberries, (super expensive), cranberry juice (Hannah said she's never seen before in Italy), and soft bread.

Last night...all I wanted was a peanut butter and jelly sandwich...but the joy is taken out of it when you have to work really hard to bit and chew the bread. I am so thankful to find soft bread...because I really didn't want to have to bake it myself. :)

Weekly weigh-in

2011-01-24T08:17:00.000+01:00

Ah, I finally found a scale while buying things for my apartment. So, I jumped on it this morning not sure what it was going to say. Since I left, I have only gained .8 lbs...wahoo! Not too bad with being in the land of cheese, bread and pasta. So I am now 156.8 lbs. I did, however lose 1/2 inches total in my body...so that's a major plus. Especially since I haven't been working out since being here...unless you want to count the long walks everywhere and carrying heavy groceries and things for my apartment.

Overall, I'm excited!

Italy VS Europe

2011-01-23T23:01:00.000+01:00

lol...this is even funnier after being Italy. It gave Hannah and I really good laugh this evening...especially since we have experienced some of it...

Market Day

2011-01-22T20:52:00.001+01:00

Wow...what a day. And it was a beautiful day to top it off.

The day started with a cappuccino and a croissant from the coffee shop, then as we were taking pictures of the beautiful sky off of the bridge, we talked to a guy from Hungry. We, Hannah and I, talked to a lot of people today. It was great.

Hannah and I, the Hungarian guy took the picture...from the middle of the street.

We had a chance to check out the bus system today and it's not bad...better than what I had anticipated. We went to the market on the outside of the soccer stadium that happens every Saturday and I was finally able to find an inexpensive comforter for my bed! Added with the other bedding I got this evening, I have all the necessities for moving into my apartment on the first! Wahoo.

The market (reminded me of the market in Florence)

Overall it was a great and beautiful day...new experiences, and lots of fun conversations with Italians and non Italians alike.

Me in my new hat...so excited I found one. Usually they're too big :)

The beautiful clear night last night as we took a stroll for pizza and gelato.

Tomorrow...we go and check out the Evangelical church here in Verona. I'm excited! :)

Nutella

2011-01-19T19:24:00.000+01:00

...a wonderful hazelnut spread that's in jars as big as peanut butter back in the states.

What I found funny was seeing a "travel" container of it like you would see peanut butter back home too. My favorite, a half a spoon of Nutella matched with a half a spoon of peanut butter....pure bliss.

Complicated

2011-01-19T18:36:00.000+01:00

That is the word for the day. Most everything today has been complicated, with the exception of a few things. But who said life, or days, would be uncomplicated?

I needed money today to secure my apartment, but it didn't show up in my bank account. So, Hannah and I had to continue on to get my "social security number" for Italy. Surprisingly, was and painless...except trying to find the building. We decided that coffee would be good after that, so we went inside a bar, which is the name for an Italian coffee shop, and had cappuccinos and Brioche (a whole wheat and honey croissant).

After getting home, eating lunch, and trying to take a nap, I checked my account again to see if the money was there to secure my apartment, nope. So, I made a phone call to my mother (thanks mom!) to get money to secure my apartment so I wouldn't lose it...called the bank to get an ATM withdraw increase for the day, and I was off. First ATM, didn't work. Went and got copies of documents needed on the way to another ATM. Second ATM, nope (I said, "Lord, are you trying to tell me something?"). So, I called my mom, who called the bank on the other line. 10 or so minutes later, they told me to go to a different ATM and try again. Yay, it worked...in two transactions lol (ATM had an outgoing limit).

Then we were off to the real-estate agent's office to secure the apartment and sign some paperwork. So, I have now secured my apartment and do the rest of the paperwork on Monday. I will then, after paying February's rent, get the keys to the apartment and be able to move in on Feb. 1!

We, Hannah and I, decided after all that to get hot chocolate!

Hot chocolate here is much different though...it's thicker...kind of ilk watered down pudding...but VERY GOOD! They use Lindt's chocolate..mmm! Then headed home and now I'm writing about it. Hope you're enjoying my "funny" adventures in Italy :) I'm sure there are many more to come.

Fur Coats

2011-01-19T18:32:00.003+01:00

Okay. I have noticed in walking around the city that it is a trend for older women to be wearing fur coats, mainly brown. So, when Hannah and I were out walking today to secure my apartment we counted, in 2 hours time, 11 women wearing fur coats. Just a funny observations.

Laundry

2011-01-19T18:32:00.000+01:00

Doing laundry in Italy is much different than in the states. Here, the washers are much smaller...i.e. two normal towels, two pairs of jeans, a wash cloth and hand towel...and it's full. It also takes two hours to wash one load, and you can't use any other type of electronic devices while the washer is going or you might blow a circuit or breaker (whatever they're called).

Since it's cold outside...we hung the clothes outside today at around 1 pm...at 6 pm when we came home, the clothes were still drenched. So, here is what the result was of that...

you guessed it, putting them on the radiator in the bathroom to get them to dry faster. We'll see if they're dry by morning.

brie

2011-01-18T21:33:00.000+01:00

Mmmm...brie cheese. I am now in the land of cheese, pasta, bread and wine. I wonder if I'll continue to loose weight like I had been lol. I have had the pleasure of purchasing brie cheese (and mozzarella) and, when warm enough, using it as a spread on crackers. Oh how I have missed having this cheese, inexpensively, at my disposal more than before.

To fresh cheese, bread and pasta...I salute you! :)

Post Office

2011-01-18T15:46:00.000+01:00

Well today I had the joy of applying for my Permesso di Sigiorno (permission to stay in the country), which you have to apply for in the first eight days of being in the country or you will be exiled from the country and never allowed to return again...pretty serious stuff.

Yesterday is when Hannah and I went to the Post office to pick up the documents to fill out. Let me tell you a little bit about the post office. When you walk in, you have to punch a button (choice of three) on a machine that gives you a number...and then you wait (another common thing in Italy). Other differences about the post office in Italy is you can pay your bills here, do official paperwork, buy books and such, do your banking, but you can't buy stamps...please tell me how that makes sense?

So I filled out the paperwork last night for m Permesso di sigiorno, then I had to go to a Tabbacheria (little shop like a small gas station in the US) to get a stamp (not postal stamp, official stamp) for my paperwork. Then I had to get every page of my Passport copied, but that Tabbacheria didn't have a copy machine, so we had to go to another one. The challenge was, most everything in Italy closes from 12:30 pm to 3 pm...and the current time was 12:45. So we walked around until we found another Tabbacheria and were able to get copies. The we had to walk back to the post office, take another number and wait some more until it was our turn.

The postal workers have been very nice, which is very different than what Hannah told me about Modena...she said they weren't nice at all. So she was super excited about how nice and helpful they were. So it took about 20 minutes to make sure all the paper work was filled out correctly, fill out some more paperwork, and then pay (including gov. stamp from tabbacheria) 72.12€ which is $96.04.

But all the paper work has been submitted, I have another appointment at the Questura (another gov. building) in February to get finger printed and then WAIT...I was told about a year...to get the card. More than likely it will almost be expired by the time I get it, which means I will have to renew it right after I get it lol. But, at least I'm "official". :)

Shopping

2011-01-17T20:14:00.002+01:00

I have had a fun time shopping today for my apartment. Hannah and I really came at the perfect time because right now there are sales everywhere...which apparently only happen twice a year. So almost all of the things I bought today were 50% off! So excited. The only thing is, when shopping here, you only buy the amount in which you can carry. One disadvantage to not having a car...I can't just put the bags in the back seat or trunk and drive them home...I get to carry them for blocks and blocks, which get heavier and heavier each step :)

I can't move into my apartment until February...but here are some pictures from when I looked at it.

The view from outside my "balcony)

Bedroom (Double beds are made up of two single beds in one large frame)

Walk-in closet - VERY rare (but super excited)

Kitchen - with an oven (also not very common).

Couch that comes with the apartment (furnished apartment)

Entry way

Washing machine - yay!

shower

Exposed beam ceilings - love 'em

bathroom

Normale

2011-01-14T21:02:00.000+01:00

So as Hannah and I were going around the city today, in the afternoon, we were on a mission for a few things. At that point, we were on a mission for a little sticker that would have Hannah's name on it for her apartment. Well, we went to a normal "convenience store" and they told us to go to a different place. That place told us to go to another place, then that place told us that the other place around the corner does the sticker ones. On our way we found where I could buy a hair dryer and flat iron (praise the Lord), and then we finally made it to the place to get a small sticker with Hannah's name on it for her apartment. Yes, I thought ahead and got it for my upcoming apartment as well.

According to Hannah, that is VERY usual. On the way, I was happy to find an art store that put a huge smile on my face...not that finding an apartment this morning didn't. :)

Today we walked a total of about 3-5 miles...no joke. My legs are going to be as strong as steel after this five years is over. lol :)

Don't drink the water

2011-01-13T15:20:00.000+01:00

Thankfully, is not a problem in Italy! I am so thankful for that. :)

So I went to sleep around 9 pm...right after seeing one of the funniest things ever, the show Glee dubbed in Italian. I woke up around 3:00 am...getting five hours of sleep. I laid there trying to fall back asleep but was unsuccessful. So I jumped online, checked a few things, made a few phone calls and then lay there again, falling a sleep again around 4ish. I figured I would wake up in an hour or two. To my amazement, I didn't wake up until 11:30 a.m...feeling super rested. Then I realized I had missed breakfast. Oh well, missing breakfast was so worth the "catching up" in sleep and feeling rested!

I MADE IT!!!

2011-01-12T17:01:00.000+01:00

Well, this is what God has taught me over the last 24 hours..."Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" Proverbs 3:5.

Here's a little nugget for you as to why that verse has been so important.

As my family is driving me to Chicago yesterday, I received a call from Hannah stating that her flight from Oklahoma City to Chicago was cancelled. Panic mode for Brea...that meant I had to fly over to Italy by myself. Before I wasn't nervous because I had Hannah to lean on and she knew Italian. I don't know that much. So after I got off the phone with her I just heard the Lord saying, LEAN ON ME, not Hannah. So, I just prayed and asked others to pray as I flew by myself.

My flight to Frankfurt was good. Sat next to a guy that engaged conversation and asked a lot of questions about what I was doing. Didn't sleep much on the flight. Didn't feel well after eating the awful food served on the flight, (note to self, if it looks yucky...don't eat it) :)

When I got into Frankfurt it took me about 20 minutes to figure out how to use the phone and phone card together to call my parents and let them know I made it. I got on my flight to Verona, another good flight. When I landed I was slightly nervous about my luggage, getting it all together, going through customs, and then getting a taxi to go to the hotel. ALL of my luggage was there, I had to problems with customs, got a great taxi and got to the hotel. The next challenge after that was trying to ask for a phone card to call the United States at the store. I felt so bad for the lady who was trying to figure out what I wanted. But I got it (thanks to a guy who was there who knew a little spanish too), called my parents, called my team leaders, and then called Hannah's parents to see if she was on her flight this morning...and SHE WAS! That means, if everything still goes smoothly, I will see her tomorrow!

Thanks for all the prayers, I felt them. I am so excited to finally be here and can't wait to get things going with Hannah tomorrow!

Ciao

Packing

2011-01-11T04:00:00.000+01:00

So I was unsuccessful at keeping with my three suitcases...I had to pull out that fourth one (the fifth one is my carry-on). They are, however, all underweight! So, I am headed to Chicago tomorrow with my parents and a family friend. Then, my friend Laurie who lives in Chicago is meeting us at the airport and seeing me off too. So excited! Can't wait to get through security, meet up with Hannah, fly over together, and see what God has in store.

one day closer

2011-01-07T02:35:00.000+01:00

Every day past is one day closer to me leaving for Verona. Reality is starting to set in more and more as people are saying good bye, my commissioning is coming up in only a few days, I have been online looking at hotels, and taking care of last minute details. 5 days and counting.

I'm excited and a little nervous at the same time. Excited to finally be there and can't wait to see what God does. Nervous that I won't be able to communicate well, nervous I'll get lost (that happens easily). It's sad to leave my family and friends but am looking forward to what is ahead.

Love you all and I am so thankful you have been a part of this journey with me. Cool thing is...it's only the beginning!!! :)

Ah New Years

2011-01-03T14:51:00.000+01:00

I love singing in the New Year. I think it's going to be a new tradition for me! Ringing in 2010 I was at the Urbana conference and we were worshipping in the new year with multilingual worship. Ringing in 2011...there was an awesome Bible study by a friend and then we worshipped after the clock struck midnight. It was awesome and I am so thankful for encouraging friends of the family!

Also during New Years, minus being sick most of that week and not working out, I didn't gain...but I didn't lose either. So, still at 156 lbs but did loose a few more inches!

So, looking back over this past year and my, "getting healthy"...I have lost 6 lbs and 9.5 inches since June! I guess the eating right and working out is paying off. :) It's not just a diet thing for me though, it's a lifestyle change of making right choices, enjoying life, and being healthy...taking care of God's temple.

Happy 2011! Here is a cool link I found, from kung fu panda, that sums up what I am preparing for this year...http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=612337548552.

Success

2010-12-27T20:46:00.000+01:00

I was successful at not gaining any weight over Christmas! I am still 156 lbs...so I didn't lose any, but I did lose another 0.5 inches! wahoo! I have been faithful at working out and it is totally paying off!

I didn't work out with my personal trainer today because I have been sick (sinus problems), but I am hoping to work out with him later this week and that all this sinus crap will be over with. :)

Christmas

2010-12-27T20:44:00.000+01:00

Ah, such a great time! I had so much fun hanging out with family and relaxing. Here are some pictures...

My nephews (over Thanksgiving, but Christmas with them)

Left to right: Josh, Ben, Micah, and Chris

Me and my nephew Chris

Sister-in law, Lori, Micah, and Shawn, my brother

My sister Tami (holding Chris), My brother-in-law James (holding Ben) and Josh

The whole family, minus my parents

Grandparents (my parents) and grandsons (my nephews)

4th generation photo (Dad's side)

My aunts, grandma, and dad

My cousins on my dad's side

My mom, dad and I

My nephew Micah

My mom and I

The Hiding Place

2010-12-24T17:30:00.000+01:00

I am reading the book, The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom, which is a true story of a woman and her family who helped Jews escape from Hitler's concentration camps, triumphed and then became of the most renowned evangelists of her time. Her father made a profound statement when Corrie's love, Karel, came and introduced his new fiancée to her...

"Corrie," he began instead, "do you know what hurts so very much? It's love. Love is the strongest force in the world, and when it is blocked that means pain.

"There are two things we can do when this happens. We can kill the love so that it stops hurting. But then of course part of us dies, too. Or, Corrie, we can ask God to open up another route for that love to travel.

"God loves Karel—even more than you do—and if you ask Him, He will give you His love for his man, a love nothing can prevent, nothing destroy. Whenever we cannot love in the old, human way, Corrie, God can give us the perfect way." (page 47).

toughest yet

2010-12-20T21:34:00.000+01:00

Well I worked with my personal trainer again today, like I do every Monday and he said, "this is going to be the hardest workout we have done yet". Normally I would say, Great, super sarcastically, but since my best friend was here over the weekend we went out to eat a lot, so I was kind of excited. Boy...was it a doosey. I was so tired after lunch that I came home and took a nap. :)

So, the weekly weigh in is as follows...I lost another 1.5 lbs...so I am down to 156 lbs! One pound at a time right :) I have three more weeks to work with a personal trainer and then I'm on my own in Italy. I'm sure things will be really crazy the first few weeks I get there, so I'm not guaranteeing anything, but hopefully things will settle down after that and I will be able to get some workouts in.

Huge blessings!

2010-12-20T02:11:00.000+01:00

Wow, what a weekend! My best friend Charity was able to come for the weekend and see me before I left. I was so thankful for that. We had such a great time, did some old rituals (buffalo wild wings, mexican food for lunch after church, etc.), and had fun chatting. It was so awesome, she made me some crocheted hats and they are awesome, thank you Charity.

So it was a huge blessing to have her come, but let me also share with you what happened today, Sunday. I had the opportunity to speak in another Sunday school class, then I went into my father's sunday school class, also a supporting sunday school class, and they presented me with the most amazing gift...and check that made up the rest of what I needed for my start-up costs. No, they didn't know that before they gave me a check, it was so amazing. Then, I got the most amazing gift from a friend of mine that blessed me beyond what her and her husband know. I then went and sang carols and such with my dad at the church and some friends and it was a great time of fellowship.

Thank you everyone for your gifts, prayers, encouragement, and support. You have been a blessing beyond what words can express and I am so thankful to call you friends.

God bless and Merry Christmas!

More down

2010-12-13T19:34:00.000+01:00

Alright, I lost 1/2 lbs this week...so I'm at 157.5. However, I am a lot stronger and have more muscle...and muscle weights more than fat, so it's all good. Though only 1/2 lbs, I did lose 1.75 inches this week...so I'm super excited!

I worked out with my personal trainer today and he, again, kicked my butt. He turned the intensity up and added new, harder, elements. I have to admit though, it felt good...afterwards.

plane ticket - check!

2010-12-10T16:38:00.000+01:00

I purchased my plane ticket yesterday to leave for Verona January 11! I am leaving with my teammate Hannah from Chicago. It is an overnight flight and we will arrive in Verona on the 12th. Please be in prayer for us as we prepare to leave and that all of our support will be committed and coming in. Hannah is at 82% of her support and I am at 85% of support...needing another $570/month in new commitments. Visit Avant Ministries to sign-up to start giving. Any amount is awesome and such a blessing.

Please pray that God will move mountains for Hannah and I as well as our team, especially for my teammates Josh and Amber. They are currently at 34% support and were told by Avant that if they are not at 50% by the end of this month they will be asked to leave our team. This would be a huge upset for our whole team, as we feel that God has put us all together for a reason.

one down

2010-12-07T02:01:00.000+01:00

Monday weigh in...158 lbs. One pound down from last week! I have worked out with a personal trainer three times, including tonight and he kicks my butt every time. I can, however, feel myself getting stronger as some of the things he has me doing is getting easier and we are already increasing some of the weights!

So, tomorrow morning I am going to shoot for my first spin class and see how that goes. Spin class, in case you are unaware what it is, is a group of people on inside bicycles, getting their butts kicked by the instructors. They say you usually burn about 450 calories in 45 minutes. So more than likely, I will die on the bike and need to be peeled off the floor lol.

a journey

2010-11-26T18:42:00.000+01:00

Alright, so I started trying to lose weight again in July (after my foot surgery) and changed what/how I ate and started cooking a lot more, which I really enjoy. I was successful at losing 10 lbs, but slipped up and gained some of it back. I was using my foot surgery as an excuse not to exercise. I have never really liked going to the gym and just working out, I'm more of a person who likes to be involved in activities, but have decided to give it another try. Since I leave for Italy January 11, I joined my "local" gym for a short-term things because I want to learn how to use equipment again, learn what to do when I don't have all of that equipment available and be healthy.

Today was my first day working out and I did 2.5 miles on the treadmill! My starting weight is 159 lbs and my goal is to get down to a healthy 130 lbs. My reward for hitting that weight, a new tattoo! No, I'm not sure what it would be yet or where it would be...that will come later. I talked to the personal trainer at the gym and will be working with him every Monday until I leave and for on Friday's for the first few weeks. I'm really excited/nervous at the same time.

I am going to try to check in every Monday with my weight and how things are going. Hopefully this will keep me in check and strive to be a better/healthier person.

Italy

2010-11-18T00:08:00.001+01:00

Excerpt from "Italy: Land of Searching Hearts" by Evelyn Stenbock-Ditty (pg. 205-206)

"Despite the amazing growth of evangelical witness throughout all Italy, it is still a very needy mission field. Statistics show an increase in fifty years from 1/4 of one percent population Protestant, to 1/2 of one percent! Communism, cults, and the Catholic church content for souls, but seem not to satisfy the hearts truly searching to know God. To those who pray for Italy, your brothers and sisters in the land send their heartfelt thanks. Prayer is their lifeline. They need companionship of your daily, fervent prayer. To those who are called to sponsor missionaries, radio work, literature projects, and special efforts, as Erma Wiens [the book is about Arthur and Erma Wiens and their story as missionaries in Italy] would say, "Thank you for being such a vital part of the team!" To those called of God to serve Him abroad, the people of this land so near to Macedonia send a warm and sincere invitation, 'Come over and help us!'

And to tourists who come to see the sites of Rome, as you gaze in awe of the magnificent cathedrals, splendor of art collections, and wonderful ancient gardens remember that the greatest work of God in Italy was not done among the rich and mighy, but one by one, by a man under house arrest chained to a Roman guard.

That's the way God works! In surprising, exciting, and marvelous ways, He is still drawing people to himself in this land of searching hearts."

I GOT MY VISA!

2010-10-23T23:15:00.002+02:00

Whew, it's been a crazy waiting time.

Yesterday it had officially been two weeks since I had applied for my VISA in Detroit and I was told 1-3 weeks. I had a tracking number for my USPS Express envelope in which my visa and documentation would be shipped back to me in. So everyday I have been checking to see if it had been scanned and in transit...no luck, until this morning.

I saw this morning that it was registered out of Detroit last night, went through South Bend and was in Goshen ready for delivery. So, I figured I would either get it today or Monday.

I went down to my mailbox around 1 p.m. to get the mail and saw the "orange" card from USPS stating they tried to deliver a package but wasn't home. I HAVE BEEN HOME ALL DAY. I called the 800 number for USPS and, sorry, complained because I had been home all day and no one came to the door. I was able to find the number to the local USPS where my package was housed and called there. He spoke to the Currier and she said she came up in the driveway and honked, she saw our big black dog and was afraid to get out. Well, our dog is super friendly and was in front of the door because it has been raining. Still, not too happy because if you're afraid of dogs and you deliver mail, carry maze. Anyway, so the person I talked to on the phone said I could come by the post office around 4 to pick it up since he would still be there, even though the office was closed.

So I arrive around 4, the postal worker hadn't been back from her route yet, so I do some running around and then come back. I was there about 10 minutes and I was handed the package. I get into my car, "rip" it open, and there was my APPROVED VISA!

I was/am so excited.

Thank you Lord for my VISA and for Your provision! Now that I have my VISA, all I have left to do is raise the rest of my funds ($760/month more) and buy my plane ticket!

I am Avant

2010-10-19T18:57:00.003+02:00

How I got hooked up with Avant

Pumpkins

2010-10-14T05:19:00.001+02:00

Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff — including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside you to shine for all the world to see. This was passed on to me from another pumpkin.

Applying for my Visa

2010-10-11T00:22:00.002+02:00

On Friday, October 8, 2010 I drove to Detroit (where the Italian Consulate was for the state of Indiana to apply) to apply for my visa to go to Italy. Thank you so much if you prayed for me, I felt your prayers all day. Let me tell you about the adventure...

My friend Laurie, another missionary with Avant who is leaving around the same time as me for Spain (pray for her as she awaits her visa as well), drove here from Chicago and went with me to Detroit. It was a pretty easy drive, not too much construction or traffic, thank you Jesus! We parked in downtown Detroit, walked to the building where the consulate was, signed in (I guess in this high rise any guest has to sign in), went to the consulates suite, signed in and gave the lady my paperwork. As I gave her the paperwork I heard, "Oh, we have a new application now, can you please fill this one out?" Yikes, and quick sense of panic arose in me, but I made it through it. The new one had some different questions in different places, etc., but overall not too bad, pretty painless. I turned it in and she said, "Okay, we have everything, you will receive your visa in the mail in about 1 to 3 weeks."

Left there, went to the Contemporary of Modern Art Museum in Detroit, went to lunch not too far from there and then headed off towards Toledo, Ohio to Cabela's (my mom had points there so I wouldn't have to pay for it myself, thank you mom!). It really only added 15 minutes onto our time back home. It was the first time ever for me being in Cabelas. I went there because I needed to get a lightweight, small air mattress/pad because when I first get to Italy, the apartment I am starting from is furnished in the sense of a kitchen, but no beds. So until I find an apartment of my own, I will be sleeping on an air mattress/pad.

We get there, I was told I couldn't use my mom's points unless she was there physically (p.s...I did have a note with her signature on it - just like the old days). We, Laurie and I, decided to go look at them anyway so I could try them out and buy online. Went up and found the perfect one. Looked for it on the shelf...nothing, looked online (my phone)...nothing. Hmm...so we took the display one to the information desk and she said it was the last one, they weren't selling it anymore. She said it was on sale. I asked her if she could reduce the prices since it was the display one and they weren't selling it anymore. I asked a certain price (would have made it 50% off of the original), she said, "I don't know if I can go that low." Then, a few moments later, she said, "Yeah, I'll give it to you for that amount." I was blown away, I was almost jumping out of my skin (things at Cabela's are expensive, just in case you have never been there or on their website). It was an amount I was willing to pay out of pocket. So, she wrote me a slip stating the price and I took it down to the cashier and asked him if I could use my mom's points (which I was told no before) and he said, "Sure, not big deal". HOLLA! So I got the air mattress/pad for 50% off AND I was able to use my mom's points...so I didn't pay a dime! It was awesome.

Then we headed on the road again, back to Indiana (three states in one day, six states in two days for me), went to my grandma's surprise birthday party, she's 80, hung out or a while, then went back home and chilled.

It was a great day, so much fun! Now I just have to wait for 1 to 3 weeks to receive my visa in the mail and I am leaving Nov. 30, SEVEN weeks. Please pray that my visa will come in quickly and that I can get the last 30% of support I need ($1120/month) raised before I leave Nov. 30. If I am not at 100% of my support on Nov. 30 I can't go and have to wait until it's raised.

Please pray with me. Grazie

Grand ol' 26

2010-10-04T16:10:00.021+02:00

Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes.

I started the morning off by getting a text from my dad saying "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" and finishing (well I finished it at 2 a.m.) a 263 page book in only four hours, first time ever in my life. It's called "Sold" by Patricia McCormick about a thirteen year old girl from Nepal who was sold into sex slavery in India.

Then I went to sleep and woke up to my nephews, in their room, saying "mommy" :)

Hung out for a while, watched cartoons with my nephews, ate breakfast, got ready for the day, played around on the computer (of course), paid off my credit card (WAHOO), took pictures of my nephew making cupcakes with my sister for my birthday (red velvet), checked out Avant's new website that went live last night that I designed, talked to a few friends on the phone, ran into an old friend in Nebraska and chatted, watched some NCIS (favorite show), had dinner, ate cupcakes, and now hanging out with the family.

At 7:28 p.m. (EST) I officially became 26, wahoo. Honestly, doesn't feel any different. This past year has been an awesome one and this coming year has some awesome things in store as well.

Some of the things that have happened over the past year...

I went to Red River Gorge in Kentucky to go hiking last year for my birthday

I had a new nephew (Christopher Wilson)

I broke my foot, wasn't too excited about that

I went to St. Louis with my friend Charity to the Urbana '09 conference, which was AMAZING!

Hung out with my team (Avant team that I'm going to Italy with for five years) during training in Kansas City, MO for two weeks (and a few times since)

Had a huge art sale (raise support). Was the first time I had ever displayed my art for sale.

Moved back in with my parents in Goshen, IN

I rode my bike 117.5 miles in three days with my friend Laurie, others from Avant, and some other friends in Iowa

Had foot surgery

Lots of support raising, seen God do some AMAZING thing.

Grew more spiritually than I ever have

Made some AWESOME new friends that I thank God for everyday.

Spent my 26th birthday in Nebraska with my mom, sister, bro-in-law, and nephews.

It's been a fun, hard and challenging year but absolutely worth it. Can't wait to see what happens in the years to come!

the church

2010-09-23T23:00:00.004+02:00

This is something I didn't think about before until I was in the position of being a missionary.

Don't get me wrong, there are some wonderful things about the church, and no church is perfect but here are my current frustrations...

Where in the Bible did Jesus ever say, "figure out your giving once a year during budget meetings and tell others, after the budget has been finalized, you're sorry but the budget has already been figured out for the year and we cannot commit to more giving until next year"? I think the church made a dangerous turn when they became institutionalized and started running like a business. I understand, having a budget is a good thing, but where is the trust, the faith that Jesus will provide? I feel as though the church has put themselves in a box and don't know how to get out of that box because of fear, fear of the unknown. It is stated in the Bible MANY time, "DO NOT FEAR...", yet we really don't take that seriously. "I will never leave you nor forsake you" Hebrews 13:5.

I wish a church, when introduced with a new project or missionary, would pray and seek God about what He wanted them to do and obey accordingly, even if that means they need to look at the budget differently. If it is what God really wants them to do, He will provide.

Dear Jesus, please help your bride, the church, to destroy the box they have put themselves in and to obey you according to your will.

Shallow Prayer

2010-09-22T02:31:00.002+02:00

Now is not the time for shallow prayer. Now is the time for deep, fervent, productive prayer. This is serious, and I need serious prayer to get to Italy, as well as my team.

Will you join me in deep, fervent, productive prayer with God?

Humpty Dumpty

2010-09-07T20:46:00.004+02:00

"Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall, All the King's horses and all the King's men couldn't put Humpty together again!"

Thankfully for me, in my case, Humpty was "for the most part" put back together again.

Sunday: Finished editing, put them on facebook, then put them on my external hard drive. Hadn't backed up a lot of things on my computer's internal hard drive in about a month and needed to. So I closed my computer because I was going to take it down to my room to do so. In the time of closing my computer, taking it downstair and opening it up again...IT CRASHED. Yep, my hard drive crashed. To me, at that moment, it was the END OF THE WORLD. I was on the phone with my friend Luke for a while trying different things to get the hard drive to register again, no luck. Called my friend Laurie to talk to her and thankfully she was able to calm me down a little more.

Monday - Labor Day: Much more calm this morning. Realizing that God know's what's going on and He will do what is best for me, even though I may not think it is best for me. The nearest Apple store is in Indianapolis, so I drive to Indianapolis and have an appointment set up at the Genius bar (where the "experts" look at your computer and try to fix it). The guy said my hard drive was friend...already knew that...thankfully I could just install a new hard drive instead of having to get a new computer. Whew, $140 instead of $1500! I was able to convince the guy to let me keep my old hard drive (apparently they're not supposed to do that), I went to Fry's Electronics and got a USB hard casing for the hard drive. Had a few people look at it, no luck in getting any data off, but it registered that it was there on a PC, not the Mac though. Bummer. So I'm driving home and Luke finds some software that I can use on my parents PC to transfer the data from my Mac hard drive to the PC. Get home, try it, no such luck.

Odd thing, my mom tells me to put the hard drive in the freezer (she heard it from a computer person before) to get it to extract data. Luke's dad said the same thing. Meanwhile, I'm redownloading all of my software onto my computer and some of the files I had on my external hard drive. At this point, the hard drive is really cold...perfect! Try it in my Mac, no go. Put it back in the freezer. Try it on the PC, recognizes it and getting ready to transfer it, my mom's computer freezes - GREAT! Back in the freezer. Try it again on the Mac, registers but can't get any data off of it. Back in the freezer again. By this time, it's like 2 a.m. so I'm taking "naps" between this.

Tuesday: I was planning on going to a free ZUMBA class (salsa like work out) when I decided to try it one more time on my mom's PC. WALLA...it recognized it AND allowed me to get data off of it. I was able to retrieve the important files and such from it, SO EXCITING. Such an answer to prayer. I only see what's in front of me and God see's the whole picture, all for His glory. I was okay if I had lost a lot of the data, but really didn't want to have to recreate it. Thankfully, I didn't have to recreate all of it.

Thank you Jesus!

Moral of the story: BACK EVERYTHING UP EVERY WEEK and TRUST GOT TO GET YOUR THROUH EVERYTHING, even the small details. :)

Authenticity

2010-09-05T22:47:00.007+02:00

"Being authentic means living life together as fellow strugglers in life's journey."

I heard this a few weeks ago. It's so empowering. It means that we don't have to be perfect, even though we try to make it look like we are. It's okay, we don't have it all together. In James 5:16 James says, "Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." [emphasis added]

Live life together, be authentic, share your struggles and pray for one another. Live in REAL community with each other.

I am so thankful to have a family of believers that I can go to, talk about what I'm struggling with, receive prayer about it and then have them do the same with me. Thank you Jesus for these friendships.

On a lighter note, I went on a bike ride today. This is a "bigger" event than you would think because I haven't been on my bike since June (117.5 miles - read blog here) because I had surgery on my foot and haven't been allowed to do anything. I successfully rode 7 miles. That was after changing a my flat back tire. First time I ever changed a bike tire, it was interesting but I did it. Now I need to start riding my bike more because I have a 30 mile bike ride on Saturday, September 18. Which is only 13 days away...yikes.

What a month

2010-08-27T02:51:00.004+02:00

Whew, what a month it's been. I started out the month in Kansas City, MO (2.5 weeks) and was able to hang out with my team, friends, as well as raise support. During my time in Kansas City I headed to Mound City, Kansas to spend some extra time with Troy and Penny, my team leaders. I had a blast both in KC and in Mound City. Can't wait to get back together with my team again. I would share pics, but I didn't take any...sorry.

Then I flew back to Indiana, was there for a few days, drove to Chicago to stay the night with my friend Laurie, she's a missionary as well going to Valladolid, Spain. "Jumped" on a plane the next morning to go to Minneapolis, MN to hang out with my friend Luke, also on the team to Valladolid, Spain, and some of my supporters, Matt and Darlene. Luke and I volunteered at the church, went out on the lake with his parents (I fried like a tomato), watched a few movies (Inception is a MUST SEE if you like mysterious action movies that make you think), rode on the motorcycle, went to church, went for ice cream a few times, went to the park, I cooked dinner once, and hung out with some of his friends. Had a GREAT time!

We had dinner at McCormick and Schmick's. Matt, Darlene, Myself and Luke.

Sunset over the Coon Rapids Dam

My favorite photo of Luke. Candid shot that looks like a picture out of a movie :)

Luke and I...he's such a great friend! He leaves for Spain September 21 and I'm super excited for him. Won't be too long till I'll be in Italy and go over to see all of my friends of the Valladolid, Spain Team!

Then I flew back into Chicago from Minneapolis, stayed the night, drove to Indianapolis for a fundraiser I had at the Southport Chick-fil-A and I'm here till Sunday when I drive back to my parents house to sleep in my own bed! Yay.

Overall it's been a great trip, exhausting, but TONS of fun!

Not my day

2010-08-15T01:31:00.004+02:00

Let's do a recap...

1. Flew from Kansas City to Indianapolis, my luggage was too heavy. Switched things around, no big deal. I actually sat next to a girl who used to date my cousin, small world. We had a good conversation.

2. I get to my car in Indy, mind you it's 85 degrees, and my air conditioning doesn't work again. So I have a three hour drive ahead of me without air conditioning with the sun shining on me the whole way.

3. I lost a supporter.

4. I get home and take care of our outside dogs. One got away and I was unable to catch him...grrr.

5. As I'm trying to track him down, the dog (he's running a rabbit or deer at this point) on the four-wheeler, a branch comes up and cuts my ankle, the one I had surgery on in June and it reopens some of my scar - OUCH. I rush inside to clean it and bandage it up so it wouldn't get infected or get something inside of it, cause I was out in the woods.

6. Then I start opening my mail since I have been gone for 2.5 week and I get a letter from Anthem saying someone hacked into their system and my information was compromised, stating that they obtained my SSN.

Seriously?

So Dark is Europe

2010-08-13T18:07:00.003+02:00

This may help you understand why Italy, and Europe in general, is such a mission field.

New Look

2010-08-12T18:31:00.000+02:00

Hello. I realized it's been a while since I have blogged, and I have so much to catch you up on, but before I do that (next post), I wanted to see what you thought of the new look for the blog. I decided to take a peak at it this morning and as I did, the background image had disappeared. I was on a new search for a background and found this instead. I'm quite pleased with it. I have made edits to it, of course, and this is the final result!

Enjoy...

Worship the ascended King.

2010-07-01T17:14:00.002+02:00

"Let me tell you what I mean by ascended. It means that He also descended. He went into the lower parts of the earth. He was buried, He came out of the tomb, He's ascended on high, He's filling all things everywhere. We need to be distracted by the ascended Christ. We need to worship Him. Recognize this, that unless you are being fed with the word of God so that you can put your gaze upon the ascended Christ, you have nothing to say, to anybody. Because God is marching to put His ascended Son in front of everything. And if you're not looking to Him and you're not captivated by Him, you're not helping. So build your life on the word of God to meet with that ascended, risen Christ, the King. Worship the ascended King." by Scott Maxwell, SOTR Intro (Songs of the Redeemed - JG & Alex Faith).

117.5 miles

2010-06-22T16:14:00.005+02:00

Okay, I have needed to write this blog for a few weeks but had surgery so EVERYTHING has been put on hold. So here it is...

June 10-14. Springfield, Iowa. 117.5 miles on my bike. 3 days.

I went with a group from Avant, the missions organization I am with, for their yearly bike ride. Laurie, a good friend and missionary to Spain came with me. We, Laurie and I, had to go a day early because of our driving situation (my mom dropped us off in Iowa and then went on to Nebraska to spend time with the grandkids).

Day 1
Thursday: So my mom and I head to Chicago to pick Laurie up, that's where she lives. On our drive, and beautiful, stupid, bird decided it wanted to join us, so it flew itself into the side of the truck. My mom and I heard a large thump and then we saw the feathers. I felt bad for the bird, but it was stupid enough to fly into the truck. lol. Anyway, so we get to Chicago, load up and head for Iowa. We get to the camp grounds in Iowa and it's pretty much empty. We unload everything and my mom leaves and heads for Nebraska. So we're here, by ourselves, with no mode of transportation except for our bikes. We realize, the camp store isn't opening up at all that day, which means to firewood and no ice. I know what you're thinking..."WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO". We ROUGHED it...lol. Kinda.

We set up our tent in the most beautiful are possible on the campground, don't worry, we had already reserved that spot, and then we put our heads together. We had enough ice in the cooler to last us until the morning, so we didn't really worry about that, we figured we would ride our bikes to the nearest town in the morning to get ice since the camp store wasn't opening until 4 p.m. Oh, side note, as we are setting up our tent, a camper came up beside us and set up in less than 15 minutes, it was kind of funny since we had been taking our time and had been setting up for over an hour at that point.

Anyway, so the next thing we needed to figure out, we had no firewood, since it's illegal to bring it across state lines. So we grabbed our bags and went to the different camp sites that, trying to find wood left over from the last weekend. We found a pretty good amount, and then after we did that a guy came over and offered us wood. After we got all the wood, Laurie started a fire. Pretty quickly too, I was impressed! :) By that time, it was past dinner time. So we started dinner. We made mac n cheese, hot dogs, and salad. Serious, it was good. We packed up the left overs and called it a night.

Yeah, our adventures weren't over then. We went and took showers since it had been a long day and we both got into the tent right before it started to rain...yep, you guessed it, RAIN. Since we were in a small tent, we then had to get our bags and such and put them on top of our air mattress with us so it wouldn't get wet. We thought it was only going to rain, it STORMED all night. It was crazy.

Day 2
Friday: We woke up super early in the morning, like when the sun rose. I think it was around 6:30 a.m....TOO EARLY if you ask me. So we got up, at breakfast, rang out the town and hung them on posts (we forgot clothes line), and got things around so we could ride into town to get ice. Well I went and uncovered the bikes which were tied to at tree where I was greeted with a few roaches (disgusting) and then realized that one of the bikes broke in transit, so it took us about 30 minutes, but we finally fixed it!

Apparently, Laurie and I aren't very good at communication because as we were getting ready to go into town for ice I said that Guthrie Center was closer and she thought I said Panora was closer. So 8.5 miles into our bike ride, when we should have been at Guthrie Center, we realize that was had a miscoummunication and we were headed to the town that was 12 miles away instead of 8. Since we were already that far, we rode the rest of the way to Panora, IA and got ice. 12.5 miles...one way. So, of course, we had to ride that back. We were told of a trail that we could ride on but as we were riding back, we saw that the path was closed, so we had to go on the roads again. Going wasn't too bad, minus this hills, but it was that busy. On the way back was a different story. People WERE NOT happy that we were riding on the roads. We got yelled at, a few horns blown at us, I almost got hit by a car, and we got flipped off. I just shook my head at the ill educated and selfish people who think that only they have rights to the road (look at the laws). Anyway, that's a whole other post about bicycle laws, etc. So we finally got back, 25.08 miles and a quarter of melted ice later. Only to have the first family of the ride come in not even 20 minutes later.

The Howells. Sandra works for Avant and her husband works in the prisons. They brought their daughter Nikki and her husband Jordan. I have actually known them for about a year but never met them in person, so it was nice to finally meet them in person. They also are missionaries but are with BBFI and going to the Philippines.

So we met, hung out and set everything else up as the rest of the people showed up. Randy and Linda (work at Avant) and Mark (director of SCCP at Avant) and his wife and daughter. It was definitely a great crew!

Sandra and Bill were the amazing chefs of the weekend. So they started dinner, Spaghetti, we finished setting everything up. P.S. we thought we had a good tent until everyone else came, and then we realized we had the kids tent of the weekend...lol. Dinner was AWESOME. We then sat around the campfire, had great conversations, and turned into bed..again, right before the rain. Thankfully, Laurie and I were able to pawn our stuff off into the Howells GIGANTIC tent so we could actually stretch out and sleep. It was nice.

Day 3
Saturday: We got up, ate breakfast, and got ready to go on the trail for our longest day of biking. We started off as a whole group (Raccoon River Trail), rode to the first town, found a dog wondering around and Jordan took it back to its owners. A few turned back at that point, they weren't planning on riding a lot. Then, we rode to the second town (all on a trail).We ate lunch there and then biked more. It was beautiful scenery. Most of it in the woods area. It used to be a train track that turned into a bike path. We went all the way to Waukee and then we turned around since that was the end of the path. The way back was harder. We actually went downhill most of the way there, which means we started on the wrong end. So most of the way back was uphill. During out time uphill, when we were about 4 miles out from the next town, I felt a few sprinkles and I knew it was just going to downpour on us. It was Bill, Laurie and I and we were going uphill and all the sudden it started to pour down rain, with, seriously, 30 mph wind. We were in the worst spot too because there were no trees around or anything, so we had to keep riding until we found a tree or something to shield us. I think I was going about 7 mph on my bike, it was crazy. We finally got behind some trees and a few minutes later the wind died down enough so we could carry on to the next town.

The Raccoon River Trail

Getting ready to ride
Laurie and I with our bikes. So proud of both of us!

This was the group of us at the first stop with the dog.

The area we were riding

As we got to the next town, there was the rest of the crew under shelter. Only two of them didn't get wet, Mark and Nikki. Nikki was a POWERHOUSE and the leader for the whole ride. She was waiting there for the rest of us. And then the rest of them had turned back at an earlier town and didn't go the full distance that the rest of us went...so they got soaked too. They were only about a mile out when the rain started. It was still fun thought. So we finally started riding back to where we started and finally made it. 56.27 miles! Since we got back much later than we had planned, we got pizza instead of cooking. Mmm...was it good! We ate back at the campsite, since some of our party was already back there. We finished eating and then, again, had great conversation around the campfire. Thankfully, it didn't rain that night, but it did actually rain every day that we were there, but we had a great time anyway thought!

Laurie and I after lunch. We both wore red on the first day because it's said that you work harder when you're wearing red. :)

Day 4
Sunday: We got up (without alarms all weekend) and ate breakfast. Thought we were slightly sore, we were ready for another day of cycling. Thankfully, this was a shorter day of riding because the bike path from one town to another was under construction. Apparently there was a huge event the next weekend where they needed it fixed for.

After breakfast we set out for riding. Half of the group stopped after 10 miles out and turned back and the rest of us went the rest of the way. Thankfully, Jeffersonville, was our halfway point and where we ate lunch. Plus, most of the ride there was uphill, which meant the way back was much easier. Nikki, of course, was in the lead for this whole ride as well. We rode 36.15 miles. While we were riding the Bruner's had to take down their camp stuff and head back to Kansas City because they needed to be home, so unfortunately I didn't get to say good-by to them, but I'm sure I'll see them soon anyway. We actually got done riding sooner than what we thought we would, so we headed back to camp, hung out for a while, took naps, and then started cooking dinner. We had a great dinner. I can't recall what it was, but it was good! When we were done, we sat around the campfire, talked, then played Apples to Apples. We didn't get through the whole game because it started to sprinkle, so we packed up really quickly and ran into our tents. It actually didn't really rain, just sprinkled a little bit, but it was okay because we were all tired anyway.

Those of us who rode the whole thing on the last day

Laurie and I both did over 100 miles in three days. The most I had ever done in a day was 41 miles and she had only done 10 miles. So proud of both of us. She did 101 miles in three days and I did 117.5!

Day 5
Monday: We woke up, ate breakfast, and then started to get everything around to leave. Well, Laurie and I had to wait until my mom came by to pick us up from Nebraska, which wasn't going to be until the afternoon, so we helped everyone else out. We thought it was going to rain so we kept our tent up with our stuff in in just in case it did. Fortunately, it didn't. Everyone had left except for Sandra and Bill, they stayed with us until my mom came. They also helped us pack things up and load up the truck, which we are super grateful for! We drove back, dropped Laurie off in Chicago, and came back to good 'ol Goshen, IN

Overall I had a wonderful time. I got to know people at Avant better, hang out with Laurie, and finally meet Nikki and Jordan. I picked Nikki's brain as she is leaning more about nutritional eating and such, it was really neat the things that she brought and what I learned. She makes homemade granola bars, etc. Super good. I, myself, am trying to focus more on eating healthier and eating more nutritious stuff instead of loosing a certain amount of weight. I mean, I would like to loose weight, but for me now, it's more about being healthy.

Anyway, it was a great weekend, with lots of laughs, great conversation, quality time, my personal best in cycling (117.5 miles in three days), great scenery and great friends...you couldn't ask for anything more!

*Thanks to everyone on the camping trip for photos! Most photos in this post are from Nikki Nisly!

6:00 a.m.

2010-06-12T17:59:00.002+02:00

Okay, so I'm in Kansas City, MO this weekend for a festival with Charity (it's her birthday) and I have had the opportunity to hang out with my friends at Avant and such.

This is super cool so I just have to share it. Yesterday morning I was going to get up early so I could go pray with the Avant staff (they do so every morning) and I had set my alarm for 6:00 a.m., but apparently I didn't actually turn the alarm on on my phone. So at 6:00 a.m. the alarm clock in the other room started going off and I woke up. I looked at my phone and realized that the alarm wasn't turned on to wake me up. I think it was a total God thing, it was really cool.

So I got up, did my normal morning thing and then went and prayed with the staff. It just so happened this week they were praying for the missionaries who were in deputation (raising funds) to go to Europe, which included my team. So it was just really neat to pray for the people I was in team training with (Team Spain-Valladolid and Team Uruguay-Maldonado), as well as my team and others.

I had a great time, talked with a lot of people and hung out. Can't wait to come back in August!

Green grass and a shining sun!

2010-05-27T00:56:00.002+02:00

Ah, so I have moved back to Goshen, IN in with my parents. I am now out in the country surrounded by woods and fresh, green grass. The sun has been shining, the birds singing, the wind moving, four-wheeling, and the dogs barking! Yep, barking dogs. We have puppies right now (about four weeks old) and have some more coming next week.

It's so peaceful out here though. I have not yet gone outside at night to gaze up at the star filled sky, but that is definitely my intention, nor have I gone and ridden my bike, but hope to tomorrow.

In the midst of the peaceful outside, it is super crazy inside. My room is stacked with boxes from moving and boxes from before that are labeled, garage sale, Italy, or storage. So I am trying to unpack my day to day things, which going through the other boxes trying to figure out what I am going to pack and take with me to Italy, what is worth storing (not much) and what I'm going to sell in the garage sale (July 15-17 on Nappanee St. in Nappanee, IN). Once I go through those boxes, I have a whole other set to go through in the barn. I will be super busy, but it will be nice when I can actually sell all of it (all proceeds going toward my project costs to get to and stay in Italy) and no longer have "things" bogging me down.

It's super freeing to get rid of stuff, trust me...YOU SHOULD TRY IT! If you happen to feel the need to do that before July 15, I am happily taking donations to sell during my garage sale, as I stated above, all the proceeds from the garage sale will go toward my project costs to get to and stay in Italy!

No more stalling, got to get back to it. Ciao

Best lunch EVER!

2010-05-20T19:32:00.003+02:00

Okay, I just had the best lunch ever and, surprisingly, I was the one that made it. When I went to the grocery store the other day, I bought a lot of fresh, organic produce. So when I got up this morning, not having to wake up at a 5 a.m. alarm since my job is now over, I felt inspired and decided to cook my lunch using the fresh produce.

The new creation:
I sauteed broccoli, green beans, mushrooms and tomatoes (added last) in olive oil. Only adding salt, pepper and onion power (only because I didn't have an actual onion around). Then I added the sauteed chicken (in Olive oil) and WA-LA, the best lunch ever!

Fresh produce, no preservatives, NO LACK IN TASTE! Mmmm...can't wait to eat more, since I have some left over!

BRAVA!!!