Benvenuto in Italia!!

Ciao! I made it to Italy on Monday, Sept 5, 2011! These past few days have been quite interesting. I began language school two days after I arrived. I am in a class with about 10 other people from  America, Holland, Germany, France, Australia, India, Mexico, and a few other places. It is so great meeting so many people from different places. Language school is a lot to take in, and can be very exhausting, but I really enjoy it. I'm learning a lot and am getting to know a lot of different people.

Although I have been to Italy before, I have been reminded of  some things since being here.  One is that most cars are very small here. There aren't any trucks or really any big SUV's, which considering the roads are so narrow, is probably a good thing. In the mornings and afternoons I see people sitting around on park benches talking or at a coffee shop, which is called a “Bar” in Italy. Most places do not open until 9 or after and close from 1:30 to 3:30 for lunch with the family and maybe a nap. Italians also love American desserts. Brownies and cookies are a huge hit here! These are just a few observations...so far...haha

Things are starting to pick up around the Bible School. Last Wednesday we had a meet and greet with the people who want to study at the school. I've never experienced something like that before. Having people standing around me just wanting to listen to me talk and loving my accent, haha...the students are so nice and friendly. They were so excited to be at the Bible School and they are so eager to learn. We have about 70 students on our list.  Then on Saturday we went to a meeting with the women of the churches in Tuscany. It was great to meet all the women there. The topic of the meeting was "who inspires you." Each person talked for a few minutes about a person in their life who has really inspired them in their Christian walk. Even though I couldn't understand a lot of it, haha, I could tell by the looks on the women's faces and the emotions in their stories that everyone was so encouraged. 

On the way to the womens meeting.

I had my first student today! It was such a unique experience talking with her. I know we will both learn so much from each other. I am so excited about spending more time with her as well as my other students which I will meet later this week!  We also met with a lady from the church, Liliana.  She turned 92 years old today so we took her a cake and talked with her and her sons for a while. Liliana was part of the church in Florence when it first began and has such a strong faith. She has been such an encouragement to the Avanti Italia workers.

 So, now that things are getting on more of a schedule here, this is what a typical week at the Bible School might look like...

 On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays we meet with students. Monday nights we have Bible study in English. On Wednesdays we have an English class for the kids. Thursdays are visitation day where we do something with different people from the church. That night there is an English conversation class at the church in Florence, followed by a short supper and devotional.

Thursday night Bible study.

 Friday is “Physical Fridays”. Basically we just take care of things that need to be done around the Bible School or the church. On Friday nights we have different events with the students like movie nights, American cooking classes, and we might be starting a chorus. I will also be attending language school every week day for about 3 months. We also have several other activities throughout the year that I will tell you about as they come :) There is a lot of good work going on here. I'm so excited about getting started! Thanks for your support and please continue your prayers for this work! Ciao! We'll be in touch!