I just called to say, "I love you."

Stevie Wonder knows his stuff.

He knows phone calls make people feel loved.

That's why the 2 week frustration of not being able to get our Lingo phone to work ended tonight amidst gleeful squeals.

We have tried so many things. Different plugs, different configurations, different electronic stores, and different Italian men trying to understand our predicament.

All to no avail.

We have had some small moments of victory.
Paolo was very nice and found the right adaptor for us.

True, he did want three kisses afterwards. But, hey, he did come through for us.

Katies has spent countless hours sitting with all the cords and boxes and computers sprawled out on the floor trying to assess the situation. (see picture above)

All we wanted was to call our family and friends and say--how much we care and that we mean it from the bottom of our hearts.

Not too much to ask.

Stevie wouldn't think so.

But the Lord heard our prayers and tonight Regina spent an hour on the phone with Jeffery.

We love Jeffery.
Nice American boy.

Lingo had to do something and we had to change something and then....



All the boxes were happy.
Then came the squealing.

So, Lingo is signed, sealed and delivered.
(Sorry I couldn't resist.)

Thanks Stevie. And Lingo. And Jeffery.
We are truly grateful.

May telephone-induced joy begin.

From Florence to wherever....its all possible now.

Abito in Firenze!

This is just a quick post dedicated to where I live!

I took these pictures the other night after we spent some time on campus.




A little peek at the Duomo through the streets.




A view of most of the city from Piazza Michelangeo.




One of my favorite places, Piazza Repubblica. There are always tons of people listening to live music at night. The gypsy band is always a hit.




A gorgeous sunset over the Ponte Vecchio. This is called the "bewitching hour," you can't see this and not fall in love with Florence!

My New Home

Sorry for the delay in the “I arrived” post, but when you’re in another country you’re not always in charge of your own schedule.

For starters, praise the Lord (and thank you for your prayers) that my team and I got here safely and with very little hassle. I navigated the Frankfurt airport like a pro and managed to get my way through customs with only minor trouble. FYI: if the German government comes looking for me, I’m only here for three months. All my bags made it, so me and my stuff were joyfully reunited. I feel bad for the poor guys who had to lift it everywhere, and my Florentine cab driver wasn’t super excited about it, but to me my luggage and what it contained lets me feel at home.




My apartment is super cute, and super tiny. Here’s a picture of me and Katie’s room. I got to rearrange furniture right when I got here, which oddly enough, happens to be one of my favorite activities—so I was jet-lagged, but pleased.




We hit the ground running after we unpacked, and had a team dinner that night.
The next day we ventured out to get sim cards and cell phones, which took a mere 3 hours. Notice how happy I am to have the errand done:




After that adventure, we defrosted out freezer in our little dorm-sized refrigerator. I thought this would be a good picture to introduce you to my new roommates. They are very handy with a knife and boiling water.




My team leader and his family arrive tomorrow and ministry and language classes will commence next week. I am anxious to get started doing ministry, because right now I feel mostly like a mute, tired American. I don’t speak much during the days because I lack the skill and when I do speak they pretend to not understand me. It’s a frustrating game they play—but I will master it!

-----shorter blogs to come, I just had to get it all out.


Thanks for your prayers!

How much deodorant do YOU use in a year?

That's right. You heard me. How much?
I guess-timated about 4 things of deodorant in a year.
Now, I am feeling pretty self-concious about posting that number because I do not know where I will fit on the scale of deodorant use. But to date, no one has told me I stink, so I'm thinking I'm okay.

These are the questions to ponder when you are packing for a year and the country you are going to live in does not have anti-persperant in their under-arm concoctions.
Right now you may be thinking, "eww gross!" And you would be correct.
LIfe in another country is a stinky matter.

I for one, am praying that with my 4 sticks of d.o. I will not be one of the many with b.o.
I may try to look European, but shame on me if ever smell like one.

With this dilemma conquered, I am ready to leave in two days.




I will keep you updated on the travel process. Please be praying for my flight to Frankfurt--I will go it alone.
Yep, me..... in Germany.....alone.....for a few hours--we'll see how many ways I can mess that up.

sv