Home

We have been home now for 11 days. I am glad the jet lag is over!  Now that I am not as exhausted, I can share a little of how this transition has been. Just a list of some thoughts about leaving Italia and being home!

Jet lag- uffa.Family- wonderful! Animals- a lot of work, but I still love them.  House-still here and thankful for all of Lizzie and Danny’s hard work.  Grass cutting-good exercise.  Missouri summer- HOT and HUMID.  Airconditioning-amazing.  Disposal-amazing. Big bin for recycling-wow. New cars in one week- a bit stressful. but we like what we bought!  Paying cash for car/truck- :). Hard to stop speaking italian, especially not saying pronto when answering the phone, and grazie,si or ciao.  Laundry is very fast here -not so much ironing!  Church is HUGE and a little overwhelming, the preaching from Proverbs is speaking to our hearts.  It is nice to be able to call the kids at a normal time without all the yawning.  Wal-Mart -hard to find stuff. Yogurt- horrible here in the states, time to start making my own again. Gelato- I miss this, but there are a couple of places with good gelato! Making bruchetta for the family-yum. Driving and being able to read all the signs-nice! Tomatoes- not good here,I will have to find a farmers market. Purpose- a bit unclear for me,but Billy is happy in his new job! Time to de-process-good. Hearts-happy to be home,missing our friends and church family in Italia…… open to all God desires for our future!

We  are home. Grazie Dio!

Love, Jen and Billy

Packed!

Monday the packers came and packed- that is what they do!  They finished quickly and only left one thing out, and I forgot to take one picture down, so these are in our suitcase.  We will arrive at the airport with 6 large suitcases- I think we will need a cart or two!

Both cars and keys go back to Billy’s office in the morning- and a guy will take us to the airport we hope he brings a van. Our permesso’s will be left at passport control.

This has been an emotional and tiring week- many parties, dinners, saying goodbye to various groups of people and trying to keep this all in perspective.  We will miss our friends.  We will be happy to see our family.  Our hearts are happy and sad at the same time!  But God is good, He is faithful, He comforts, He guides and directs our path, He is our Rock!  I am thankful for my loving and patient husband, and for how he has helped with all the packing, cleaning and laundry!  Praying for safe travels home tomorrow morning- and patience with the impending jet lag.  More to come when we arrive home!  Arrivederci ! Ciao Italia!  Ci vediamo!

Thoughts on going home

Today I had to say goodbye or ci vediamo (see you soon) to some precious women I have come to know and love- It was a sweet morning of fellowship, celebration ,praise,worship and sharing of verses from our study and how we have changed through the  CBSI study of the Pentateuch this past year.  My heart is full of joy and sorrow- I hate to leave, but I know that there is a reason, even beyond Bill’s job back in the states.  God has a reason for everything- He is Sovereign, and I trust Him.

The food was amazing- as ususal!  Tiramisu, brioche with fruti di bosco,verdure torta,fruit galore,cheese from the mountain areas,egg casserole and deviled eggs,beautiful homemade cookies,bread with tuna spread, and of course, coffee!  We ate, talked, had a baby shower for Keila,encouraged one another, prayed together and for each other,cried together,shared what we had learned,sang “God be with you till we meet again” and then filled bags with pantry stuff that cannot be packed in our shipment- what a blessing this morning was.  I will miss these wonderful women that the Lord placed in my life for this season.

God be with you till we meet again;by His counsels guide,uphold you,

with His sheep securely fold you;God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again; neath His wings securely hide you,

daily manna still provide you;God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again;when life’s perils thick confound you,

put His arms unfailing round you;God be with you till we meet again.

Till we meet, till we meet, till we meet at Jesus’ feet;

till we meet, till we meet,God be with you till we meet again.

Resting in His unfailing arms- Jen