My Sweet Little Joys in Life: 10/18/12

We have the house together( if that ever really happens) and have been doing school for three weeks. We are ready to get out and see Europe now. They ( those that have moved to Aviano) say it takes about six months to feel accustomed to the way Italians live. I've also talked to many that have moved from Germany and England to Aviano whom all have said Aviano is different and seems to take longer to adjust to the lifestyle. I can see why that is.

I've learned that I have grown accustomed to the convenience's of the American lifestyle. It's been a bit challenging at times figuring out how to live like an Italian. The electrical outlets are different in Italy... none of our appliances, that I feel are a necessity :-) , actually work. My husband has been a champ in finding the right tools to help me in this area so I can "feel" like I can do whatever is I need to do with the appliance we own. The recycling is getting easier and I don't have to stop as often to think about where the trash is suppose to go. I have figured out how to wash the dishes in a tiny space without breaking my back. I get a good workout for my legs. I have also figured out that I can't use the dishwasher, dryer, and washer at the same time. I've popped the circuit breaker too many times to count. You would think I would learn after going outside numerous times to push the lever back up so our electricity works again, but I still forget until we have no power. The laundry takes 4 1/2 hours to do one load and that's only if you want to leave them at a damp dry. That being said, I am getting used to not having laundry or dishes ever caught up on. We usually have one or the other that was forgotten, due to not being able to turn it on. I also have figured out how to flush most of the toilette's and wash my hands without asking for help. I am not scared to drive down the one lane roads meant for two way traffic anymore, my breaks work really well. I've also figured out that the bikers on the road have the right of way. When you want to pass them,just swerve around them, even if there's on coming traffic because the other car will end up hugging the road so all three of you can fit on the road and nobody has to slow down a bit:-) Trying to communicate with Italians when neither one of us speaks each others language is quite entertaining. Hand motions, grunting, and blank looks are not rare for this family's way of communication. I think the people watching us probably think we are from the caveman era. All of this just takes time to get used to, patience, and lots of laughter( something we're still working on). We have a lot of mistakes to be made and things to learn, but we are feeling a bit more comfortable and sane.

We are involved in many activities. One of our highlights throughout the week is our weekly co-op on Thursdays. It is held at the base chapel with other military families. We are taking many classes which include economics, art, music class that is looking into the greatest composers, book club, writing class, piano lessons, cooking class, and a dance class for Jana. Samantha was too small for the dance class. Jana also is involved in horse riding lessons, and violin. While she loves the horses and learning how to ride, it's been a bit of a challenge (good kind of way) because she is learning mostly through observation. Her teacher speaks a limited amount of English and all the other children in the same class speak Italian. Her teacher is wonderful and willing to learn how to communicate better to help Jana become a good rider. Jana told me her teacher said the other students thinks its really "cool" to have an American in class with them. That gave her that extra boost of confidence she needed. James is involved in Taekwondo, which is on base, two nights of the week and Ike is teaching him how to play the mandolin.

Samantha is still learning the violin with the added piano.
I am able to work out again and am enjoying taking violin lessons with the girls. Ike and I are also on the worship team together. Ike plays the piano while I play the violin for church.
Ike is feeling settled with his new job. He is getting into really good shape because the young men at the squadron are in charge of putting the pt together. He came home many nights sore from the difficult workout, he almost threw up at. They keep him on his toes.

We have been attending a southern Baptist church. The pastor is American and his wife is Italian. They have a big heart for the military, Italians, and for people in general. The church has welcomed us in as if we were family, which in a sense we are. The congregation is made up from mostly military families so it is constantly changing. Our theology might not line up with theirs but there's something to be said about a family of believers gathering together to worship our Saviour. Sweet fellowship. We are gaining some amazing friendships through our church. I am thankful we can live across the ocean, yet still feel at home and loved by the people God has so graciously put us in contact with.

This business is only for a season. All too soon it will be gone. I pray as we go through this time we will seek our Lord with earnest greediness not forgetting why we are here and what we are to do, to Glorify God and enjoy Him forever. I thank Him for life here on earth and the everlasting life that is to come.