Signora Sheila

When you first move overseas, nothing seems to be where it should be. Offices, appointments, and waiting in line may not work the same way. Stores don’t always sell what you expect. When we first moved to Italy, we spent weeks trying to find matches for our stove. Who would have thought you could only buy matches at a tobacconist’s?

“You don’t need an appointment to see your family doctor,” they said, “just show up.” But they neglected to mention that patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. And unable to find out or even ask, I returned home after an hour’s wait. With a sick child who had been vomiting up all day and without having seen the doctor.

Even buying simple things like clothes hangers and fabric can be difficult. I felt so proud when I knew just what to ask for. Only to have a saleswoman refuse to sell it to me! “This fabric will not work for what you want to make,” she insisted. What difference did it make to her what fabric I wanted to use for my kitchen curtains?

We never found matches that year. We bought a lighter at the coffee bar, relieved that we could light our gas stove and cook!

And the doctor’s office? We had no car that year. So I had to drag my daughter back home through the snow of northern Italy, both of us crying all the way. And then determination set in, and I dragged her back out again. Only to learn that the doctor had finished seeing patients for the day. But I dug in my heels — my child was very sick. The dottoressa saw us that evening.

That fabric? I didn’t buy it. That unyielding woman was too formidable for my then limited Italian. Even though the kids and I had walked 1.2 miles (2 km) to buy it. But I had to leave the shore without material and frustrated. And once again, I cried all the way home. I was homesick, frustrated, and fed up with a country where things didn’t work right.

I felt lost and marooned, without a compass. And I’m sure you have too at times.

So what can we do when we feel so lost?

First, remember that God promises to be with us always. And keep your sense of humor.

Those challenging situations made me grumble, break down, and burst into tears. But looking back, all I see are fun, memorable adventures!

• We look back and laugh.
• We enjoy the fond memories.
• We cherish the wisdom of valuable lessons learned.
• We recount the joy of the journey.
• And we relive the luxury of all the drama we enjoyed for free!

It’s moments that make life better than any adventure novel or suspense movie! Where else can you get such dramatic entertainment — with a free front-row seat?

No, it’s not easy trying to figure things out with a sick child in tow. It is hard to go back home and stare at your bare window. Curtainless because of your own defeat. Or eating nothing but sandwiches and pizza because you’re too dumb to buy matches.

But you learn a lot. You develop a sense of humor and even the ability to laugh at yourself. And you develop a tenacity that will serve you well throughout life! 

Remember that God is always with you. And that a healthy sense of humor is a useful traveling companion! When frustration and despair threaten to knock you off course, a dose of laughter can get you back on track. It reminds you that the current situation is only temporary and probably not as bad as it seems.

Above all, when you feel lost and marooned, remember that God promises to never leave us or forsake us!

I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Hebrews 13:5

📷 Image credits: island; matches; clothes hangers; driftwood; others are mine