we're back dudes!

I never thought being connected to the internet could make me, could make us, so happy. We checked about 2 hours ago on this hot, Friday afternoon and we are officially connected again; we are back in the game coach!

Here are some pictures from our time on Ischia, a little island off the coast of Napoli. We (meaning his family and I) had to take a huge ferry over and despite the 100 degree weather and almost throwing up (both Antonello and I...oh, and his sister) from a long and windy bus ride over to the other side of the island called Sant'Angelo, we settled down and had some lunch. Sant'Angelo is an old fishing town that allows no cars on it's little streets. After taking the bus as far as it could go, we had to walk the rest of the way down into the village where many colored houses lined the hills. Even though Capri is more famous and well-known, people consider Ischia to be more beautiful. Both are amazing in my book.

a view of an old lighthouse from the ferry on the way to Ischia

more amazing views of the hillside on our journey to the island

Emanuela and I

*cheese* on the ferry

the hillside on the harbor at Ischia

our ferry, the "Medmar"
lovin' the taxis

the village in Sant'Angelo

more views...
a beautiful mosaic leading up to the hillside

This video is taken on the ferry back to Napoli and I love it because a guy was walking around with his accordion playing music for us ferry folk. Only in Italia.

17 days and counting until I start school. Excited, yes. Ready, AAAAAHHHHHH! I just found out I have a test on the first day of school and this has left me a little worried. My mom said I came out of the womb with a furrowed brow but I think it's time to unfurrow (word?) it.

Living here the past 2 months has taught me more about myself than a lot of other things I have gone through. Going through culture shock and being so far away from everything that has been safe and comfortable and familiar in my life, is turning out to be the most beautiful thing that could have happened. I am truly finding myself and more importantly, finding out who my beautiful Creator is.

There are days though, where I want to run back to the U.S. to find washers AND dryers instead of hanging ALL my clothes outside on a line; or going to my favorite coffee shop/bookstore instead of looking down the street to find run-down stores and garbage; or to turn on the t.v. and watch reruns of "Friends" instead of soccer, soap operas, & more soccer; or to have my studio and independence back instead of being around family every day.

....each day I am beginning to thank God for the simplicity of hanging my clothes and how peaceful it is to help grammy. I look at the streets and see people who are trying to survive and who need Jesus in a powerful way; an opportunity to share. I can't wait to go to a soccer game now and when I think about it, I don't really miss my shows. Independence will come but right now, I am surrounded by people who love me and care for me.

God is amazing. I am going to go watch the sunset and talk with my Dad...

...no internet

Sad news...we lost internet connection at grammy's and can't add to our blog at Antonello's parents house. AAAAHHHH!!! I am updating our blog from Doug Valenzuela's house, a missionary from Twin Lakes Church. Antonello and I are having cheeseburgers and french fries for dinner tonight at their house and I am OH SO EXCITED!

Pray we get this figured out soon; I can't be away from contact with the U.S. (I might lose my mind) :)

Love to all of you.

photos galore!

We got back to Napoli yesterday afternoon and definitely miss waking up to the beautiful sea. Some good news though: They are picking up the garbage here EVERY DAY and they are starting to RECYCLE!!!! Woo-hoo! Bravo Napoli!

Here are some pictures of the last couple weeks at the vacation house. It's now time for both Antonello and I to start getting ready for school. Both of us start in September and are looking forward to experience that part of life together. It is definitely scary for me to think about taking the bus by myself in the crazy city of Napoli and still not being able to completely speak sentences fluently, but I will try. Prayers are greatly appreciated! :)

the view of the piazza in a beautiful little town called Maratea

I found the coolest doors which led to people's homes...this one is in Maratea

the best dessert croissant filled with nutella called a "bomba"

a beautiful statue in Maratea outside an old Catholic church

Marina and Emanuela

a house which I fell in love with...the history of this place was beautiful

a narrow walkway leading to houses and stores

who is that hot man? Oh...my fiance :)

Here are more pictures from Diamante, a little town we went to which means "diamond". They are known for their peppers, as you can see on this woman's balcony.

Antonello's family from a balcony in Diamante

...another beautiful door

the streets were lined with beautiful narrow walkways

sunset in Diamante

view from the main street

*smile*

photos from the Arco Magno...our 3rd trip there

dad Franco, friend Raffaele, me, friend Rosaria, and cousin Nunzia

umbrella's galore!!!

view from the top of the mountain at the Arco Magno...our beach was in the little cove in the upper right-hand corner of the picture

on the last day at the beach, my flip-flops broke so I had to wear Franco's aqua shoes...

I know, my feet are lookin' hot!

....back to Napoli

We can't believe that 40 days has already gone by at the vacation house...WOW! We head back to Napoli this weekend and get ready for school. Here are a couple pictures of our last date night
here in Praia a Mare. Arrivederci con abbracci e baci!