Package and Birthday

We got a package!!! It's so much fun to get a package. And God's timing is always perfect. He knows exactly what we need and when we need it. Thank you, Calvary, for your encouragement and support, not only through packages, but also through daily words of encouragement and prayers to the Father on our behalf. We appreciate all that you do for us!!

Here's a picture of the contents of the package:

Peanut butter, gravy and ranch packets, graham crackers, brownies, granola bars, reese's pieces, twizzlers, M&Ms, peanut butter M&Ms, pecans, letters from our friends in Mrs. Norris' Sunday School class, and a few pictures. Just what we needed!!! Thank you all!

Well...yesterday commenced my very last year in my 20s. I woke up to a pancake breakfast cooked by my wonderful husband. Then, I opened some gifts from him. Then, my friend Grace took me out in Vomero for some shopping. Good times! Then, Jason took us both to the mall...where there is A/C! That's reason enough to go for me!! ;) Grace and I shopped a little more and enjoyed the air conditioning. Then we headed over to our friends' Charlie and Shannon's for a wonderful dinner and some heavenly cake! Mmmm....good stuff!

This is the very cute coffee mug and cuptowel that MacKenzie gave me:

Isn't it precious??? I love it! Thank you, MacKenzie!

This is the purse that my friend, Christy, got me for my birthday while she was here in June. And she sent me two seasons of Friends, the TV show. :D Lots of fun!

Thank you, Christy!!!

Thank you, Grace!!! For going back to America right before my birthday and bringing me back some wonderful US birthday stuff!! AND for the turtle stuff and shirt. I just want to point out the little turtle key chain on the left of the picture...he is WAY cute in his little black shirt! Reminds me of my puppy.


These are the clothes that Jason got me! ;) And the things at the top right corner (Lindt White Chocolate truffles, a watch, and squishies for the bottom of my computer) were all purchased without my knowledge. If I haven't said so already, this man KNOWS how to pick gifts! :D

Thanks, Babe!!

Now..I don't have any pictures of the dinner that the Worthys made or the cake that Shannon made for me (it was a strawberry shortcake cake)...but, here's what the cake looks like so you can be jealous:


And the inside:

Oh yeah!!! And no matter how good this looks, it will never be able to do justice to how good it actually tastes! Not to mention, Shannon is an excellent cook!!

All in all, I had a wonderful birthday. Several notes from family and friends on FB (most of them from my friend, Cortney...thanks, by the way! lol). Several phone calls from friends and family in the states. Family and friends didn't seem quite so far away yesterday! We love and miss you all!

Long Overdue

Well, this post is definitely long overdue. It's going to be long, but I'll try to put more pictures and less words. :D Here's a few things that have been going on since our last post.

TENNESSEE
First things first, this is a story from the TN volunteer team that just has to be told. We were visiting a church in Rome and everyone handed their bags/purses to me to hold. Once Jason got his camera situated, he came back to get his bag. But instead, he grabbed Christy's purse and walked around with it for quite some time. Christy and I thought it was hilarious! That, my dear husband, is DEFINITELY a purse on your shoulder. ;)



WORLD CHANGERS
The International World Changers team has come and gone. They did an incredible job out in the neighborhoods and piazzas. It was a hot week, but no one complained. The most amazing story is that God brought a girl from Australia to the same hostel that our kids were staying in. Kerry is a very sweet young lady and lots of fun to be around. All week, they ministered to her and talked to her about Jesus. At the end of the week, Kerry accepted Christ!

Jeff (one of our IWC volunteers) reciting the value of pie:



SPAIN
Last week we traveled to Spain for a meeting in Madrid. It was a much needed week of worship and fellowship with colleagues that we haven't seen in over a year. Not to mention, there was a Starbucks right around the corner! I know that we live in a country that does coffee the right way...but sometimes, I just want my coffee the wrong way. :D Also, there was a TGI Fridays, and a Taco Bell, and a Duncan Donuts, and a Hard Rock Cafe....need I go on?

At any rate, the day that we arrived in Madrid, Spain was playing in the World Cup. What an experience! Here's the crowd on the bus:


Then we went to the piazza where they were showing the soccer match on a big screen. There were lots of people there. I knew you wouldn't believe me, so we got a video:



VESUVIUS/SORRENTO
Jenae and Brittany have been working with us in Italy for the summer. Before they left, they wanted to go to the top of Mt. Vesuvius and see inside the volcano. Jason and I willingly went along with them. And Jason was kind enough to make videos throughout the journey. (Please excuse my camera shyness and then blank stares in the first video...I'm a dork.) :D

The adventure begins...


Then takes an unexpected turn....


I have a special talent...


In Sorrento...


And we're back...



SAYING GOODBYE
I feel like I've had to say goodbye to so many really good friends over the past couple of months. First Kala and Ellie, then the TN volunteer team, then the IWC volunteer team, and then Brittany and Jenae. Once we got back to Naples from Spain, we had to get Jenae and Brittany to the airport so they could fly back to the states. Sad day! In memory of the late nights and good times, here's some pictures from our cupcake party.


Mmmmm....Thanks, Mom, for the cake mix and icing. :D


Okay...that's all I had. I think Jenae took most of the pictures. ;)

International World Changers

International World Changers is bringing a group of nearly 40 volunteers to work alongside us for one week. This week we are preparing for this volunteer team's arrival. Early on Saturday morning, we will be leaving to make yet another trip to Rome to pick up the team. Please pray for the safety of the team during their travel time and during the trip back into Naples on a large bus. Please pray specifically for these volunteers and the people that they will meet this week. We miss you all!!