Bill and Jen's Italian Adventure

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peskitaliano — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:58:53 +0000

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!

peskitaliano — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:04:28 +0000

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

peskitaliano — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:59:49 +0000

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

2 days relaxing.

peskitaliano — Tue, 25 May 2010 07:29:38 +0000

We left Friday morning and drove in the NEW car to Switzerland for a couple of days. The drive was beautiful and included a new pass instead of the long drive through the tunnel- (14 miles long, I think…) The snow had been cleared, but the walls of snow along the pass were HUGE-

We arrived in Lauterbrunnen had lunch at the Hotel Oberland- Rosti’s! Then we drove to the lift and spent the next two nights in the little town of Murren! Our hotel view was stunning, the decor was hilarious, the food was great and the crowds were minimal. This was in between seasons, so many shops were closed, only a couple of restaurants open, and it was relaxing, cool, sunny and perfect for our 2 days away.

We spent the next day hiking on a somewhat long and intense path, that took us high into the mountains, through forests and meadows that were blooming with thousands of tiny crocus, into the snow line and over some small streams! We hiked for almost 5 hours , and did not see too many people until we reached the end! The snow was really deep in some places and because it was melting, it was slow walking- mostly from stepping into soft deep snow up to your knees!

We had a lot of fun on this hike, and some funny challenges when we chose to take a short cut! Our afternoon and evening were spent enjoying the little town, eating great hearty food, and talking about how different our lives will be in two weeks when we head back to the states and home . We are thankful to the Lord for how He has provided this 2 years in Europe, for how He has encouraged us and helped us to grow spiritually, and most of all how He has given us a love for people- people who are different from how we are. We are humbled and excited to see what Jesus has in mind for us when we are back in St. Louis.

Today our friends Jeff and Amelia arrive from the states for 9 days- we have some fun local places to visit, an agriturismo to stay at in Alessandria, and time to enjoy fellowship with a couple that we know well and love! One or two more posts to come……..

Praise the Lord, all nations!

Extol Him, all peoples!

For great is His steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.

Praise the Lord!

Psalm 117

Love, Jen and Billy

Where do I begin?

peskitaliano — Mon, 17 May 2010 07:34:47 +0000

It is Monday morning, I am tired and have a lot to do, a lot to think about,many lists to make and not a whole lot of energy. I think it is both emotional and physical- Three weeks from today the movers will arrive to pack us up to go “home” to the states, home to our house, home to the “kids” (well 2 of 3), home to the animals, home to buying cars and home to familiar things. My heart is torn! I have come to love our life here, in spite of the stress and discomfort at times. I love my friends here and will miss them. I love our little church home and the people God has placed in our lives for this time. I love looking out the window at the mountains, well, if it is not hazy or rainy! I love the time I have had with Billy, and how that has encouraged our relationship. I love the challenge of speaking Italian and driving and living in a foreign land. The Bible tells us that when we are believers in Christ, we long for home- Heaven. I now understand that a little more because I have been a true foreigner!

The last two weeks have been BUSY! Women’s retreat (which was wonderful!) and included a visit from my friend Laura! We had fun exploring local places- Varese,Stresa,and Bellinzona- and eating good food! The morning she left, I quickly cleaned and did laundry (is that possible?) and my sister and her friend Mary arrived from London- the weather finally cleared and we had two great days, with clear mountain views to enjoy. We also went to Stresa, Orta and yesterday into Switzerland and exploring around Lago Lugano- there are some beautiful little towns to see! I am always shocked at the prices of the food in Switzerland…..We have eaten A LOT of gelato. Maybe that is why I am tired! We have eaten at our favorite local restaurant da Gennaro several times recently- I will miss the fresh seafood and branzino. And of course, the head waiter, Vincenzo!

It has been a bit of a whirlwind of activity! We are beginning to say goodbye to some of our friends, which is hard. We are looking forward to arriving home and seeing what great plans the Lord has for our life in St. Louis, Missouri! Praising Him for His grace, mercy and faithfulness.

For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight, for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard. Isaiah 52:12 ESV

Jen and Billy

Mom

peskitaliano — Mon, 03 May 2010 06:44:47 +0000

Two years ago I was standing with my mom as she died . She had suffered for most of her life with undiagnosed bi-polar disorder and later, with alcohol related dementia. The last 3 years of her life were spent in St. Louis, in assisted living and then a nursing home, close to where we are from. I am thankful to the Lord for the time He gave me to help care for her and to love her in a way I had not before. The care and coordination of a parent who is suffering is hard. I did not do everything perfectly, and learned a lot by trial and error, but in the long run, I felt that my mom was honored and so was God.

When I look back through my journal and read what I was writing about- the many prayers about her care, her nurses, the hospice staff, my heart, our family, her family, her pain, her rest, her dying…..and then I see the hand of God. I think I saw God’s hand often, but as I look back two years later, remember, and read, I see direct answers to prayer, and His amazing comfort, hope and faithfulness.

In the last two weeks of her life, Billy was living in Italia, one cat was really sick and I thought was dying, we had just come back from Andy and Jessica’s wedding and her suffering was intense. I prayed for wisdom,my witness to others and wrote scripture to remind me of God’s faithfulness. The day before she died, I wrote, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassion never fails. They are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness. I say to my self, The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.” Lamentations 3:22-24. All day I sat in her room, singing to her, praying for her and letting the staff know her pain needs. Billy was home from Italia for 3 days, and he was amazing- praying for me and for my mom, and just being there. God’s timing was just that. His timing. Perfect.

I wrote how thankful I was for His peace, His presence and her rest. I wrote how thankful I was that Cornell, a hospice nurse, had allowed me the privilege of helping to bathe her the day before- a man who serves the Lord by bathing dying people. I was humbled. It was like watching the hands of Jesus. I wrote about Lizzie coming to say goodbye to her grandma, and for her comfort. I sang Amazing Grace to her, and prayed that when I left that evening that she would sleep deeply and wake up with Jesus.

I bolted out of bed the next morning, grabbed my backpack and bible and drove to the nursing home. Some funny things happened when I arrived, but the most amazing thing was that about 15 minutes after I arrived, my mom died and went home to be with Jesus. Nothing dramatic. But I saw the grace of God firsthand, as the staff heard, and all came up to cry with me and comfort me. What a gift this was!

Two years later, I can honestly say I am fine! I do not miss the suffering, I do miss the time with her though. I am aware of God’s amazing grace, mercy, healing and faithfulness, and His perfect timing for everything. He is God.

I wrote in my journal some thoughts about Heaven that came from scripture. Heaven is where God is enthroned, it is high,there are treasures there,it is a place where man enters,a place where everyone rejoices over repentant sinners,a place to ascend to, eternal bodies are there, where our citizenship is, if we are believers in Jesus Christ,where Jesus and God live, what believers look forward to, a place that will one day be made new, where born again believers in Jesus will worship the Lord for eternity, and where tears will be wiped away. Heaven. Home. Something I look forward to!

My journal entry the day after her death says, “ My heart rejoices knowing that my mom is home with You, Lord. What a precious privilege it was to be with her yesterday morning as she took her last breath and entered eternity. What peace there was in her room, on her face, in her broken body. What joy and sorrow was felt as I said goodbye to her and assured her it was time to go. How gracious of you Lord to allow her to live until I arrived at Manor Grove. Thank you Lord.”

Amazing Grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me….my chains are gone! [Chris Tomlin]

Rejoicing in His goodness, Jen

An extended visit!

peskitaliano — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 10:16:34 +0000

Andy and Jessica along with Billy, left early yesterday morning to return to the states- I was sad to see them leave, but thankful that they were actually leaving due to the 9 day delay all because of the Icelandic volcano eruption and closed European airspace- A bit hard to swallow at first, but we prayed, trusted God with the timing of all this, and then relaxed and enjoyed our time together. We played cards, did housework and yard work,went to the grocery store together, slept,ate too much, cooked amazing food together, and tucked in another weekend trip to Firenze and Pisa- which was a lot of fun!

Backing up a bit, Billy accidently ran over part of my foot with the BMVoo on Wednesday evening as we were leaving to go to the men’s bible study/dinner…..wow- that is an odd experience! I am thankful that nothing seems to be broken, and except for some crazy bruising and some discomfort, I am fine! I was a little more slow with my walking in Firenze and spent time elevating my foot, and was even able to pedal the 4 person bicicletta in Pisa- which was wild but really fun!

Florence (Firenze) was busy, crowded, rainy and a lot of fun to visit. None of us were too concerned with touring every museum, so we had an enjoyable time walking around, seeing the statues and watching street musicians, and of course having gelato and good food. We stayed in an apartment/hotel and loved having the larger space and table for card playing. Andy and Jess are quite competitive………

I will have to post some other pictures of our time with Andy and Jessica- our travels were extensive ! I think they have a lot of pictures on Facebook already- with more to come. I will end with a picture of my foot- not pretty, but my feet are not pretty to begin with!

By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me- a prayer to the God of my life. Psalm 42:8

Thanking the God of my life for His love,

Jen

31 years ago today!

peskitaliano — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:28:28 +0000

Thirty one years ago today, in Chicago, Billy and I were married! We were 23 and 21 years old, had no idea what we were doing, but we were sure that marriage was the right thing to do! And I can say with total honesty that I am so glad we did!

Our married life has had its ups and downs, its trials and blessings. It has not always been easy with two people who have their own ideas about most everything! But in the midst of our selfishness and stubbornness, we grew up and remained committed to one another.

Our hair is now sprinkled with gray, our skin has more and more wrinkles, and our muscles are not as firm as they once were. Does this matter to us? Nope. We love one another no matter what!

At a marriage conference we once attended, we were told to make a list of all the things we liked about each other and cherished about each other….if I recall correctly! The list was then posted on our refrigerator for many years as a reminder to us of our love for each other. It was read by a lot of different people and seen each day by our kids. We were sincere in what we said.

Today I want to tell you what I like about Billy and what I cherish about him as a little gift to him on this special day-

I like his nose. His blue eyes. His skinny legs. His funny sense of humor. I like the way he kisses and the way he smiles at me! I like the way he says ciao ciao when he comes home at night and how he is so willing to help me with the garbage and the carrying of the laundry baskets. I like how he sings with passion in church and how he teaches sunday school. I like how he gets up each work day with enthusiasm and works hard, no matter how he feels about it. I like his heart for missions and how he gives freely of his time and his money. I like that he thinks it is ok for me to stay at home and “work”. I like how handy he is and how is helps others that are not so handy. I like that he is available and loving toward me even when I don’t really deserve it. I like it that he helps me take my compression socks off at night. I could go on and on…..

I cherish my husband. I cherish our relationship and our marriage. I cherish each day we have together and the time we are able to spend alone. I cherish the children we have had together and their spouses! I cherish his love for Jesus and his salvation- both a gift from God! I cherish the fact that Billy is faithful to me and our marriage. I cherish the days we have remaining here in Italia and the years we will have back in the states ! I cherish his love for me and his willingness to lead me each morning in a devotional. I cherish him. I admire him. I try hard to respect him in the way he deserves to be respected, and I look forward to the years the Lord will give us together, no matter how long !

Happy 31st Anniversary to the one I like, cherish and love- Jen-Jen

Travels with Andy and Jessica….

peskitaliano — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 07:36:24 +0000

Andy and Jessica arrived on Saturday the 3rd of April from Charleston- it is so much fun to drive to the airport in anticipation of a visit from people you love! We have had a busy week and a half! It was rainy in Varese, but rain does not stop us from going out.

Easter Sunday was spent sleeping in and church in the evening- and enjoying the Lindt gigantic chocolate eggs with fun prizes inside like tattoos for Jessica and a mini electronic racing game for Andy- I know they will treasure those……

Our circle tour began Monday morning with Venice- a very crowded train and really crowded Venice! Easter Monday is a holiday in Italia. Andy and Jessica enjoyed a gondola ride while Billy and I enjoyed a glass of wine! It was a long, fun day- with a lot of walking ! We stayed at a huge villa about a half an hour outside of Venice- it was really beautiful and the restaurant had great food! The geese on the property were not happy with us- and hissed often,except when Jessica fed them dandelions!

Our second day took us into a town called Trieste, on the Adriatic Sea- where we toured a little aquarium and looked at all the jellyfish in the marina area- we drove into Slovenia from there and walked around the grounds of a castle and went into town to eat, but only found a bar with “toast”- a word for a grilled ham and cheese- not what we expected, but we were just stopping through on our way to Austria!

We arrived in Villach Austria, which was a stopping place before heading north into Salzburg- it was a nice place to stop! More on Austria in the next post! Ciao for now!

Love, Jen and Billy , Andy and Jessica

For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5

Fun with Susan!

peskitaliano — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 08:59:49 +0000

This past weekend, Billy and I packed up our clothes and a few fun Easter gifts for my sister and flew to London! It is amazing to think about these weekend trips to various places, and how blessed we are to be able to see so many fun places that we never would have been able to before living in Italia.

We arrived in the evening and took the tube to my sisters apartment- and went out to a great dinner at a french restaurant – good food- all of London seems to have good food! Saturday was spent looking around at antique stores amid crowds of people, eating good food and even indulging in a cupcake……they do not have cupcakes in Italia…..

We enjoyed walking around, the beautiful spring, only brief periods of rain, and spending time with Susan! We met some of her friends for a glass of wine before heading to the theatre to see Blood Brothers- the music was good. Did you know at intermission, you can buy little cups of ice cream? A late dinner in China town, time change and no schedule for the next day was nice! London is crazy at night! Especially on the tube. Very entertaining!

Sunday was beautiful- walks through huge gardens after breakfast out (another missing element in Italia!) and then off to see Lion King at the theatre for a matinée show- what fun that was! Seeing it in the theatre is amazing- the singing and costumes were great. Sunday evening was spent at a great fish and chip restaurant- The fish was HUGE- and really good! The chips were wonderful! It was a fun weekend.

Best part was visiting with family- we miss our families! How fun to have my sister and her sweet kitty just a couple of hours away by air!

It is also fun to think that in 4 days, we will be going to the airport to pick up Andy and Jessica so they can spend two weeks with us! Our travelling with them will take us to Venice, Trieste, Slovenia, Austria, Germany and Switzerland! With a few stops in between places…….

We are attending a going away party tonight for one of the young women that we met at church- she is returning to UK before starting a job in Switzerland- the Expat life is full of hellos and goodbyes- and is painful! We love all the people we meet, form quick and strong friendships, and miss them when they leave. We will be saying goodbye to several families starting in a couple of weeks-

Preparing for the Milan area women’s retreat that our church sponsors- I will be sharing my personal testimony and also a brief teaching session from Lies Women Believe- a great book. There is a lot to prepare for in a short period of time, so my days are full ! Please pray that many women will come and that husbands would be willing to watch children, and money would be provided for those that do not have enough to attend. Some of our friends churches are even giving to our little church so women can attend at no cost! What a gift this is!

Looking forward to Easter- to the worship of the risen King! Jesus! Praying for so many that do not yet know the truth about who He really is- and praying that we might be willing to share that truth, no matter what the cost. HE IS RISEN!

The Lord has risen indeed Luke 24:34a

Love, Jen and Billy