Making Pudding

Okay, so pudding should be easy enough to make, right? Not when Lacey Mai and I are left to do it on our own with Italian instructions.

I don't remember the exact instructions on a Jello instant pudding box, but I don't remember having to heat it up... But we did according to the directions.

FYI: don't use babelfish to translate instructions - it will just confuse you more. Go with what you know.

So we heated it, then heated it some more, then we got distracted and next time we looked, it had bubbled over the side of the mixing bowl and was dripping all over the microwave.

there is good news: it actually tastes good! (though I prefer mine cold)

Festa di San Matteo

Friday was a holiday in Salerno - the festival of San Matteo, the patron saint of the city. We attended language class in the morning, rested in the afternoon, then came home to see things being set up for the procession. Earlier in the week, Lacey Mai and I had met a shop owner, Vincenzo, and his granddaugher (we think), Maria Grazia, at their store. They invited us back to watch the procession from their shop Friday at 6pm.

Being in Italy, we thought that if we arrived a few minutes late, it would be ok. Whoa, were we wrong. There were masses of people blocking our path. Only after several minutes, back roads and "permiso.. scuza..." were we able to get to the shop. Then it only got more interesting. The parade was lining up right in front of the shop. We met Micheala, Vincenzo's daughter (we think) and then realized this may be a difficult time. Neither Vincenzo or Micheala speak English...and we speak horrible Italian. Sooo after a few short charrades games, we watched the procession without speaking.

I had always heard of these processions but never seen one. It took somewhere between 20-30 men to carry the different statues of saints down the road. There were so many people in this parade - seemed like every priest, nun, etc were in Salerno. Check out the pictures.

Reflections:

If this is such a big deal, I wish we could have a parade for Jesus. Isn't He the coolest ever? We got to thinking, this procession was a rather boring event, just people walking, different marching bands for the different saints represented, but mostly just a peice of entertainment for locals. Everyone in Salerno and visiting towns showed up, but how many actually understand what is happening - or care? I don't exactly understand the role of patron saints, but I've decided I want to be in a parade for Christ. It would be the largest, most festive parade ever! I want to be a part. Shoot, I want to just see it! Instead of statues, there would be stories - stories of what God has done throughout the world, stories of lives changed because of Jesus. Each "float" would represent God moving in the world. Just think of it! It gets me so excited. Granted, it may be because I took classes in event management - but I believe it goes even deeper - a desire to make God known and celebrate His work. Let's be a part of the parade!

What a week! Arriving, settling in, cleaning - and of course, eating. If ever traveling in Salerno, Gerry's is the best deal on gelato: one euro for 2 of your favorite flavors! So good.

Today we went to church in Battipaglia, a smaller city about 20 minutes from Salerno. Due to train schedules, we arrived nearly an hour early which allowed us to stop in a bar (cafe) for cappuccinos and cornettos (pastries). This church is why there is a STINT team in Salerno. One of the national staff in Florence met the pastor during a trip and the pastor encouraged Agape Italia to look into Universita de Salerno. He is also very involved in MLK - the other student organization that is evangelistic.

I absolutely adore attending worship services in other languages/cultures. It is a constant reminder that God is so much bigger than the English language and the United States. Then, singing praise to "How great thou art" in Italian just put the icing on the cake. How great is our God!

As a team we did a 24-hr celebration of God allowing us to do ministry in Italia. We ate at a fabulous restaurant and took a Saturday trip to Amalfi where we hiked (lots of stairs) and then relaxed on the beach. It was a great excuse to get out of the city and spend time as a team.

First Day - or is it second?

Thank you for all the prayers!!! Travel was incredibly easy. I don't believe it's ever been this easy getting to Italy. We were able to load and unload luggage from trains, planes, and buses relatively quickly! (of course, we're all a bit sore today as a result) We have arrived in our apartment.

Perhaps the funniest occurance yesterday was trying to stay awake. Don't attempt this while sitting on comfortable couches. Our team took turns waking up and then waking up others. We ate at one of my choice little restaurants for dinner - Il Caminetto -my choice because it was my birthday. We ate faster than anyone else there - and then again tried to stay awake for the bill. Then we headed to the best little gelato place in Salerno - Gerry's. I got my favorite strattietella and nutella flavors, and went back home after a little walk along the water.

Then we proceeded to sleep for 12 hours. That would be until 1:45pm local time. But man, did it feel good. Now we're working up to lunch and introducing the teammates who have never been to Salerno to the city.

Ciao for now!

Tiffany

Word of the day(s): doppotare - to go (ordering food to go)
generally food is 1/2 price if you order it to go!!

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