Christmas in our neighborhood :D

New Experiences

We attended a lunch at the church in our neighborhood this afternoon. We had a lot of fun and met a lot of the people in the church and were able to have more substantial conversations. To our surprise, the lunch was not a traditional Italian-style lunch. It was more like an Italian potluck dinner. Lots of pasta!!! Tortellini with white sauce, rigatoni with red sauce, pasta with greens, pasta with eggplant, and even a lasagna made with weenies and tuna.

There was a lady sitting next to us that liked to serve those around her. She would ask people if they wanted some of the dish she was serving and put some on their plates if they said yes. But for me, she didn't even ask. She put everything on my plate! Then, she came around with a green ring of something. I looked at Jason in despair and he said, "Just say: no grazie." So, I prepared myself to speak up, but before I knew it, I had two helpings of this green thing on my plate. Turns out, it was spinach and peas and maybe some broccoli. Yes, I ate it. Everything was very good!

Each week that we have been to this church, there is a man that speaks to us. He speaks as much English as he can, but mostly Italian. He's been trying to tell us something for a while and finally this morning he found someone who speaks both languages fluently and had her translate for us. This was his message: I am so glad that you are joining us here at this church each Sunday. He's a very sweet man. He talks a lot, but his wife is really quiet. A lot like Jason and me.

Our neighborhood is all decked out in lights for Christmas. And to my absolute excitement, the lights are blue!!! It's like they knew I was here! We hope to post pictures of the neighborhood lights soon. In the mean time, please be praying for us as we enter into the week of Christmas. Pray that God would constantly remind us that He is all we need.

Blending In...

Well, I guess I'm starting to blend in here. First, an Italian woman stopped me (even though several others were around) for directions (thankfully, it was for directions to a building that was right in front of us). Then, at the grocery store (also when several others were around), an Italian woman asked me if I could help her find something at the store. It's nice to fit in...some times.

The Christmas Tree in the Galleria

This is a tree that is set up inside the galleria in Naples. They call it a Wishing Tree because people come to place letters on the tree. These letters are usually addressed to Santa or Baby Jesus. Most of these letters are not requests for personal gain, but more along the lines of world peace, or healing for a family member. This week, after the 6 meter high tree was placed in the galleria, a group of kids (the oldest of which is said to have only been 10 years old) stole the tree. How? I have no idea!

The remains:

Notice the small red piece of paper there. It's a note. The note reads as follows:

Dear Santa, may those that have created this havoc and all their kin become sterile and therefore unable to produce more trash. This city and the vast majority of the people who have no voice deserve better.

Wow! That's way harsh!

It's Christmas Time!!!

It's finally okay to decorate for Christmas in the states. However, since they do not celebrate Thanksgiving here, we decorated for Christmas a week ago.

"Love is the reason for Christmas." -John 3:16


Our Christmas Tree:


Our front door:


On top of our cupboard:




Three precious dogs in Santa hats:


The bookshelf:


Closer look at the bookshelf:


Christmas tree candle and angel:


Joseph and Mary holding Jesus:


Thank you all so very much for your prayers for us during this season while we are so far from our families. We appreciate it and have felt God answering them.

This evening, Jason and I have an incredible opportunity to go to some friends of Charlie and Shannon's house to learn to make an Italian lasagna. Please pray that the conversations will be pleasing to God and that we would fade to the background so that they would be able to see Him in us.

Tomorrow, we will be getting together with our team to celebrate Thanksgiving. Please pray that we would experience true fellowship and grow closer as a team.