Arrived in Italy

Made it to Italy right on time on Monday, June 1. Before we left Kansas City, we were given letters from the Avant missionaries here in Italy. We were informed that no one would be at the airport to pick us up, we would be in the dark (no communication, except for emergencies) with the team for a time. This is all a part of our 3 phase cultural immersion. So upon arrival we had to change our u.s. dollars to euro, get a cab, and try to communicate to the Itallian driver our address. I must add that the only thing we messed up with was walking out of the airport, I led us through the emergency exit door instead of the nice revolving doors to our left! Oops! We got some interesting looks from the people there! (As well as a nice alarm sound!)
Janae & I waiting in Chicago to fly to Munich.


One of the missionaries (guy named Dustin who worked on dish crew while a student at MBI), was in the appartment waiting for us. He gave us keys, phones, journals, and other info, but he simply told us that we had to figure stuff out on our own, if we had an emergency, we are to contact him. So part of the instructions is for us to attend Itallian school Monday-Friday at the given address, and then we also are to explore a few areas and acquire bus passes and groceries. (All of this with a few maps, no english! and jet-lag!!!)

We walked around looking for internet the first afternoon, found none. Yesterday was a holiday, but we only found that out after we wandered around forever looking for internet, a place to exchange our money, and to buy euros. Well, all we found yesterday was all we needed, we found our school! Since it was a holiday yesterday we were not expected to be at school because it was closed. (Nice since we needed to figure out how to get there and how long it would take us to get there!)
A lizzard we found on our walk, played dead the whole time, but I am convinced he is alive!

So at the end of the day, after much frustration, tired legs, and some hunger, Janae and I journaled for a while, and talked about other things. But what God taught me through the difficulty yesterday in our searches, came earlier before we left the apartment. Bethany Baxter gave me some cards to read every day while I am here in Italy, and the first one that I read yesterday said this: "You have EVERYTHING you need." At the end of the day that was so true. All we had accomplished was knowing where our school was and that was our only need! We may have thought that we "needed" internet or bus passes, or money, but no, just directions and exploring! Praise God, He does know our every need, and He helped us navigate our way in an unfamiliar land!

Today was our first time at the Itallian school. I realized how much spanish I know and remember! But I am having trouble with recognizing the different sounds of the letters. Pray that Janae and I will learn the language and not get frustrated! There are simmilarities to Spanish, but it is still a whole nother language!

We did find internet, hence this update, but it is limited time since we have limited money since we have not found a place yet to change our money to euro. If you read this LONG update in the next few minutes, pray we find a place to change our money! And a place to get bus passes.

I will update again soon, I hope! The first phase of our cultural immersion project ends tomorrow, but that means that we will be on to phase 2. Pray for that phase, as yet again, I am sure it will hold new unknowns and challenges!

Thank you so much for your prayers. I am praying for you as well!