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My beautiful friend Cettina (top left), the very first friend the Lord provided in Milan, invited me to visit her in her home in Sicily. Knowing that it would be a wonderful cultural and language experience, not to mention fellowship with some precious women, I took a week off of school for this opportunity. I flew out with an Italian friend from Milan, who also knows Cettina. We spent half of the week in the Catania region and the other part at a town further east, near Vittoria with some other Italian friends.  

I was able to enjoy swimming in the tranquil, blue waters of the sea.  I also discovered that the famous almond and lemon granita (an iced drink that the Siclians are famous for) completely lived up to their reputation. More importantly, I had many opportunities to foster relationships, experience Sicilian hospitality, and to be encouraged and hopefully encourage some beautiful sisters in Christ.

My brain was taxed fully in this trip as I was hearing and speaking (not always coherently) Italian from morning to night and definitely had my share of moments where I could not keep up with the banter flying around me nor did I always understand what was so funny.  I hate it when that happens. : ) God and I had regular conversations that kept me sane!

It is not every year that a relative turns 100 years. My dad's Aunt Elizabeth arrived at this honorable age in July of this year. I was pleased to be able to find an extremely reasonable Ryan Air flight so that I could take a long weekend and celebrate this occasion with my German relatives. My dad's sister, Margaretha and my Uncle Wayne also flew in from the states for the festivities. It was very special to spend time with Irmgard and Eckert, my dad's cousins. Their hospitality was incredible! We enjoyed some wonderful German sausage, a variety of good foods at their son's restaurant, and even a bit of Shakespeare--in German of course. In the picture on the bottom, middle, the mayor of Bremin is making a congratulatory speech to Aunt Elizabeth, as she smiled and nodded with the graciousness of nobility.

Four beautiful women (Jen, Jean, Lorene, and Susie) from Trinity church in Redlands, CA joined our team for an unforgettable week of prayer and fellowship. Along with hearing more about the culture and ministry here and praying over specific challenges with us, they were also able to connect with some Italians who shared their story of God’s pursuit in their lives. It was such a rich, full week, truly a gift from the Lord. It was so full that in good Corrie fashion, I forgot to take many pictures. I will post some of the others from this memorable time when they arrive in my hands.

This is a class that I spent three months with at Lingue Due, one of two language schools I have frequented here in Milan. The sad reality of language school is that people are quite mobile, in and out for various reasons. One needs to say good-bye just after becoming attached. It has really been a pleasure to get to know this group and to spend some time with them outside of class. God has opened up doors at various times to share bits and pieces of my story and my faith. Although I am with a completely different group now, this one will remain on my heart!

In May, I joined Via Strambia Church (not to be confused with the church plant we are working on developing across town) for a three day church retreat in nearby mountains. I roomed with an Italian gal, named Daniella (first photo, to right of me), and enjoyed both the beauty of the place and the believers that surrounded me. Although this was a huge stretch for my language learning, the sessions, the worship, and the fellowship over meals was a blessing.

Our Friday night Bible study spent a day in the mountains near Lago Maggore. A splendid view awaited the many of us who hiked up and the few that took the lift. We enjoyed a tiny little restaurant that grows most of their products that they serve. Among the food enjoyed was wild boar and gellato made from their own mountain goats. It was delicious. Even better then the food was the opportunity to build relationships around the conversation and food. I made a fun little friend (niece of a gal that attends our study), whose Italian at three, was far more advanced them my own.  

Another privilege of being home for my visa was being able to join Trinity EV Free Church in their annual Christmas trip to Mexico. Our vehicles struggled through the rain over inches, even feet of thick oozing mud. As we pulled up to the church with hundreds of shoeboxes, a long line of children were already patiently waiting outside in the steady drizzle for a chance to take home a Christmas surprise. Some were barefoot and many had no jackets, but most wore a smile on their faces as they pushed and prodded and waited for their turn. Each boy and girl was ushered into the small church where they chose the gift of their choice. They then exited through the rear with a sense of accomplishment and pride and proceeded to the grassroots carnival; miniature, makeshift games we had set up outside. After the morning festivities were complete, the last gift given, the games and candy tucked away, we headed over to help the construction crew finish a new home for a family of five. The rough-hewn shelter they had been living in was near by the construction site and a mom and young daughter were cooking up a storm to feed a team who needed the food much less then they did. It was their way of showing their appreciation. The rain persisted and many of us put garbage bags over our heads for protection. After finishing the home, we prayed together with the family and gave thanks to God for providing it for them. On one side of the green house in bright red letters was the word "JOY," painted on when the pre-fab work was done in California, it was intended to be covered with fresh paint. The family, however, did not want it painted over. And so it remains, in my mind's eye, it sits on a hill, in the drizzling rain, surrounded by mud, as a reminder of the provider of that home--a reminder of the true source of joy.

After the wedding in January, I was able to enjoy a few days with my family before heading back to Italy. My niece and I got to go swimming and play "chase the ball."  We brought in the New Year at my sister Heidi's home with a "Murder Mystery party." Yes, we even dressed up to help us more fully get into our parts. I am certain that Chuck and Cullen enjoyed this very satisfying evening, despite their frequent protests. Marta made a very special hat to help Melinda bring in her 28th birthday on Jan. 1. We celebrated with a delicious breakfast of salmon and lox, while Elly celebrated by spiraling her Cheerios into the air.

One of the blessings that came out of returning home to work out my visa issues was my being able to be a part of my cousin Kristi's wedding (practically a sister since I was young!). There was a beautiful ceremony, with a special memorial to her dad, who passed away several years ago. He would have loved every minute of the ceremony, dinner, and dancing that followed. Kristi was radiant as she sang a love song to Jimmy. Kristi's nieces and nephews and cousins helped to keep the party on the dance floor alive, and Kristi's mom, Lea, gave a lovely and personal toast. Jimmy got serenaded with "You've Lost that Loving Feeling" and my niece won everyone's heart just be being her darling self.