Adapting to different cultures is usually difficult, and many times perplexing and mind boggling. Take Italy’s standard greeting of kissing both cheeks. It’s really not as standard as you may think. Because usually people here just sort of touch cheeks and kiss the air. And furthermore, cheek kissing is often considered inappropriate in many business or formal settings.
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Our Towns is really our Tale of Two Houses. Ah, the complex fascination of expat life (challenging, frustrating, but so blessed)! In fact, new acquaintances often ask, “So where are you from?” Our response? “Um, have you got an easier question?”
Continue reading “Our Towns: Where is Home?”
Though often thought of as a French dish, Italians equally love their lumache! And our village is no exception! In our area of Abruzzo, the little town of Scerni is known as the snail-loving village!
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One by one they filed in, sitting around the smoky fire in the dark, dingy room. The entire village, it seemed, wanted a look at the Americans. While I in turn, through teary, smoke-filled eyes, examined them. Our new town folk, for this was our new home.
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Moving to or even visiting Italian villages is a unique and sometimes perplexing experience. Expect people to stare (and I mean really stare) as you walk down the street, without letting it give you a complex. No, you are not funny looking or strange. They just don’t see many outsiders, and curiosity is one thing people don’t lack!
Continue reading “Life and Missions in Small Town Italy”
We love this nation, although of course like any place, Italy has its share of negatives and downfalls. But somehow, when we look back over the years, all we see are the people we’ve grown to love. The beauty of the land and culture. And the thread of God’s unwavering faithfulness woven through from beginning to end..
Continue reading “The Day Italy Stole our Hearts”
Signora Sheila 