Signora Sheila

Aren’t we lucky? Daily concerts, right outside our door! Think that sounds great? Then I’d like to invite you to visit. A special trip to meet the many wonderful people we know from north to south, and east to west, all over Italy! And enjoy the free concerts!

Free concerts, right on our doorstep

Actually, it’s just that our neighbor may have lost his mind. When we moved here 11 years ago, this was one of the quietest neighborhoods we’d ever lived in. Ah, bliss, pure bliss! At least it was until a few years ago when he started his daily radio blast from his little workroom.

The workroom is actually a tiny house sandwiched between their house and ours. A great little place because he uses it to make homemade preserves and goodies. And sometimes he shares! And with his daily radio blasts, it’s like having front row concert seats!

The only problem is that we’d rather choose when we go to concerts and what kind of music we listen to. And we could always leave if it gets too loud or we don’t like it.

The only problem is that we’d rather choose when to hear concerts and the type of music we like. And leave when it gets too loud or we don’t like it.

Neighborhoods aren’t always easy

Then more and more neighbors got dogs. Barking and barking and barking. Not to mention the nasty mess they leave behind, but I won’t go into that. I’m still working at having patience over this dog business! :-x

And that’s not all. During the local festivals, the town’s marching band parades through the streets playing. Some days we wonder what’s happened to our sleepy hillside town…

We make our friends, we make our enemies – but God makes our neighbors.

G.K. Chesterton

But since it’s God who makes us our neighbors, we try to see them as His gifts. And be grateful for them, the good and bad.

Wondering if you still want to join the tour? Hey, don’t let all this scare you! Although you might want to bring some earplugs!

Actually, we’re sure you really would enjoy your visit and meeting all these wonderful, beautiful people. People who would greet you with a warm welcome, a cup of espresso, and a kiss on both cheeks!

Missionary life, like life anywhere, is full of challenges. But life’s challenges are what bring growth. They help us learn patience, teach us how to treat others, and how to look for the good in every situation.

So come on over! Because Italy – well, it’s not all crazy neighbors and annoying dogs!

📷 Image credits: radio; band