Today I was thinking about things I like about Italy. My list goes on and on. I have developed a love of hanging clothes out on my balcony as does the rest of the Italian population. I love the fresh smell ,
And since I am on the fourth floor, I like to look at the view of the mountains around me, and of course I see the colorful apartment buildings right next door.
I can also see our town castle up on the hill.
One thing that I really like about Italy, is their use of outdoor space. Every few blocks they have little piazza's which are open areas with a few benches and usually a statue of the Madonna. This is where neighbors and village people mingle and gather in the early evening before it gets dark. There are always lots of old men who will just be sitting on a bench and watching all the people go by. They smoke their cigarettes and occasionally talk to each other. But it seems like there is not a soul who stays in their apartment, but they all are walking around town, or standing around talking, or just sitting on a bench.
Paul and I even do that sometimes!
Of course, one of our favorite things to eat here, is pizza. Battipaglia has the traditional Napliatano pizza's which are a very soft yummy crust with any type of topping you like. Our favorite pizza place is Donna Sophia's right around the corner from our apartment.
Our favorite hike to take the missionaries on, is just about 10 minutes away, in the mountains overlooking Battipaglia. There is an old medievil castle ruin between two rocky clefs. The hike is exhilarating and the views are beautiful. We usually take a picnic lunch.
We love Zone conference in Pozzuoli where we get to see about 24 missionaries from the Napoli Zone.
Of course we think it's the best zone in the whole mission. We love to sing our mission song together.
We love eating at our investigators homes. It's more than the food, but of course that is good, but we love these good people who have close families and wonderful family traditions centered on strong beliefs in the Savior.
Most of the food they serve comes from their gardens:
Here we have zucchini flowers breaded and fried, potatoes, tomato salad, fried egg plant, green beans, egg/zucchini frittata, Italian bread and a lettuce salad.
Our English classes, two nights a week, are a highlight for us. We love these kids so much. They come every time, and love us back. We have a fireside in our home every other Friday night to discuss the gospel. We feed them American pancakes afterwards and we get a good group.
I have to admit that I like taking the train. It's very relaxing and I don't have to worry about getting killed by crazy Italian drivers! Here we are waiting to take the train to Rome. I guess we are checking to see if Paul spilled any pasta sauce on his tie!
I love these little mountain villages that are everywhere. You feel like you are way back in time. The buildings are crumbling, and the people have such a weathered look. They must have so many stories to tell.
I love the doors and windows on these old buildings. The building could be the ugliest structure you have ever seen, with thirty coats of paint peeling and the cement patching all coming apart. Yet the doors are gorgeous and the windows are brightened with pretty shutters or flowers. It's a very pleasing mix.
We have loved working with each and every missionary that has come to Battipaglia. We have had them over for many cooking lessons. Some of our favorite lessons were learning how to make Sister Ghio's tortillas. Oh my they are good. Paul is now an expert!
We have taught them how to make Ivan's lasagne. It is one of our favorite recipes.
Our little branch is really like one big family. Everyone knows each other. The active members have served in every single calling possible, sometimes in 5 or 6 callings at once. We can not even begin to realize the sacrifices they make to be members of the church. We have several eternal investigators that come to everything and have even been dressed in white and at the font, but can't make that final step....yet they remain active. We love the and pray for each one that they may be blessed for their faithfulness.
I have really enjoyed serving in primary where the kids are so patient with me as I try to speak Italian. I have loved working with Carrie and Greta.
Paul and I have learned a lot about each other as we have served this mission. I am guessing that might be one of the reasons we needed to go on a senior couple mission. It is a refining time and a growing time. I appreciated him more than I ever have before. He will do whatever he is asked to do, to help anyone. He is so patient with me. He is learning to understand me better than ever. I am accepting our differences better than I have before. We are two very different beings. We approach all things different. We each have very different strengths and weaknesses. I am discovering that I have a lot more weaknesses than I had heretofore thought! But I love him all the more because of this growing time. I am so thankful that he is my eternal mate and my missionary companion!
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