With the current restrictions in Italy, I try to take pictures of everything wherever and whenever I can. I can’t wait for the day when can post pictures of castles, historical artifacts, volcanoes, and beautiful vista’s. Until then…
I was quick to learn a way to communicate with my family, from Italy, to the United States – FOR FREE! The name of the app is “WhatsApp” and if you’d like to connect with me, my contact information is below! That’s my new Italian phone number listed, but I can only accept telephone calls from inside the country of Italy. So please contact me ONLY through the app. I hope to hear from you soon!
A couple of days ago I noticed a sign on the front desk in the hotel from the Naples USO inviting us to the breakfast room on Easter morning. The flyer read, “Free Easter Goodies,” which I must admit, made me SO EXCITED! I still feel like a child on special holidays, perhaps due to the fond memories from my own childhood.
The Naples USO had goodie bags for children and a different gift for adults. I just HAD to share these special gifts with you (pictures only). I can’t wait to eat some later!
A short time ago, I was sitting in a nearly empty Chapel in Naples, Italy. I read His Word, read Scripture references on a screen (and wrote them down to record on note cards), worked on my Believing God Bible study, and pondered my life journey in the faith.
I was so blessed that God gave me such an amazing Mother. When I say that God gave her to me, I mean REALLY gave her to me. I was adopted at 5 months of age and because of that AMAZING gift, I was raised in faith. REAL faith, not pretend faith. My mother was the walking image of Christ in flesh. She was humble, selfless, filled with His Spirit and the best Mother on Earth. I was raised in the Catholic faith, by a Christian woman. This chapel is used for numerous faith services-one being Catholic, reminding me of her.
I am incredibly blessed and thankful for the gift of faith my mother instilled in me growing up. But overjoyed at the work God has done in me through so many others in the faith after her death in 1980. Today we celebrate Easter – HE IS RISEN. Christ was beaten and died for our sins-yours and mine. But because of His sacrifice, we are all forgiven! We have the gift of the Holy Spirit, living in us as believers! I hope to glorify Him all the days of my life!
When I made the decision to accept this position in Italy, I fully intended (and have been relatively successful) to take advantage of digital reading. I am physically exhausted carrying books with me that weigh a ton, am not opposed to technology and thought I could make the transition easily. One hardbacked book I have been unable to do without is The Bible. Due to the restrictions in place, my shopping options are quite limited and I was unable to purchase one locally. I was planning to order from Amazon, but don’t know how long it will take and really didn’t want to wait!
I sent an email to the base Chaplain asking if I could please purchase a Bible, if he had spares. He invited me to come to his office and allowed me to visit the “library” to look around. He said I was welcome to anything I wanted. OH MY GOSH!!! Are you kidding?!?!?
With all the restraint in my body, I selected only a few books and one DVD Bible study, which I will return, of course. Those who know me, know the author of the Bible study I chose. BETH MOORE!!! I’m in heaven! I started lesson 1 today of Believing God!
And guess what else they had in the office? Volunteer applications for children’s ministry and Vacation Bible School! I SO NEEDED that! Obviously everything is up in the air at the moment, but I want to be ready when all returns to normal!
I pray you experience any amazing Easter this year. No matter what is going on in our lives, we can rejoice because – HE IS RISEN!
But you’re wrong. The other day while walking through the hotel lobby, I saw a man wearing a Brew Thru t-shirt! I almost stopped him! I wanted to ask where he was from because the Outer Banks brings us all together – no matter where we are in the world!
When I interviewed for this position in August 2019, I NEVER thought I would be selected. When I received the news I WAS selected, I never imagined my first 30 days in this beautiful country would be like this. And if I’m completely honest, I’m being affected in a negative way.
What’s still amazing to me is that God hears EVERY prayer, no matter how small. Even when our prayers have no specific request, He answers in ways we never imagined.
On Saturday morning, I was trying to think of something I could do to pass the time in my room (besides reading books, playing sudoku online, watching television and movies, going to the mini mart for food, and doing laundry next to the mini mart). I remembered, as a child, I use to play solitaire and card games with my Dad. It was always so fun. I knew I could play solitaire online, but I thought it would be more fun to purchase a deck of cards, if I could find one and if I would be allowed to. Look what showed up on my door last night…
Then today, when I went to do my laundry, a young man came in with his DOG! OH MY GOSH!!! He was the sweetest dog and he KNEW I was his fan right away! He came right over to me, loved on me and gave me the most wonderful kisses! I wish I had my phone so I could post a picture, but I didn’t. But I hope to see him next weekend when I return and I’ll be ready!
I read today that the quarantine may be extended to May 1st. I will continue to watch for special gifts given to me when I least expect them. One example is this beautiful photo I took on the shuttle last week…
Well, yesterday’s quarantine allowed me the wonderful opportunity to finish The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers.
Another rather lengthy read that held my attention the entire time. Not only did I love this story, but I loved the way I was caught COMPLETELY off-guard near the end of the book. I NEVER put the pieces together, but the minute I read the words, it all fell in place! What a fabulous book! A MUST read!
I had to take a clip from one of the pages, which will make sense when you read it. It’s my reminder of the location in which I read this amazing book!
Let me begin by saying, it doesn’t take a lot to excite me (those that know me well can vouch for that). I decided this morning that it was time to try some “local” food and beverages that I can find in the American grocery stores where I am permitted to shop.
As you likely know, Italy is on extremely STRICT lockdown guidance and disobedience could end up costing you a fortune in fines and/or possible jail time. I have NO INTENTION of doing either.
So THIS is a picture of my discovery, which I imagine will NOT DISAPPOINT!
I decided to focus on one book this weekend rather than two. The result, one down one to go!
What a great read! I often get bored with books of this length and set them aside prior to completion. Not so with this book. I thoroughly enjoyed every page.
Blessings Galore in Naples Italy 