Take from this world. There is so much that it offers you.
Learn from others. Sit at the feet of the wise. Learn their ways.
Humble yourself to God's direction and wisdom.
Be willing. Give back. Love.
These are my goals.
Join us.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Olives

Olive Oil. It is used for everything in the kitchen. I love it. It makes everything taste better, and work better. When our meat slicer was a bit stiff, the chief just poured a little olive oil over the runners and it worked beautifully.  The weather here has been searching for snow but apparently not able to pull it down yet.  It has been cold most nights and rainy on occasion.  Today, the Sabbath, greeted me with a smile of sunshine and blue sky.  I look forward to snow, though.  I miss it.  Last year I went from summer to summer to summer and miss out on winter altogether.  This year I hope to go up north toward Austria and the Alps to find snow.  Snowboarding in Italy- this will be a brandnew experience for me.  I am a bit jealous of myself!
I look forward to my dad and sister coming a few days.  We will meet in Florence and then go on a road trip through the northern part of the country- La Spezia, Milano, Verona, Venezia, Bologna.  These plans are quite likely to change though in the last minute.  I do know this- it's going to be an adventure!  I am excited to see them.  I love road trips.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Recent Happenings

I have been in Forli for three weeks now and I love it here. The language is challenging but I'm catching on quickly.  I am taking Italian lessons on Monday and Wednesday. The teacher doesn't know any English so it will force me learn Italian even quicker. I understand a lot more than I can speak so it is difficult during conversations because I can't always add my two cents. It teaches me patience and how to choose my words and think before I speak.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Forli

I ride my bike from Casa Mia down the main street for about seven blocks.  The street Ts and I take a left.  From there I ride about a mile heading out of town.  I find a road that looks like it might lead to some where interesting and follow it.  There is a vinard on my right surrounding a large brick house.  I start up the narrow road.  It bends and twists and climbs for more miles than my legs care to recount.  When I reach the top this scene awaits me.  Hills.  Colline.  They stretch before me as far as the sea.  A soft fog holds them together and the cows graze on their grass.