God’s Dilemma Bag for Life’s Problems

A few summers ago I participated in Plastic Free July, which was initiated to help people reduce their plastic waste. Especially plastic packaging and single-use items. And while it may seem strange, it made me think of God’s care! “So,” you ask, “what does plastic have to do with this?” (And no, I haven’t gone around theContinueContinue reading “God’s Dilemma Bag for Life’s Problems”

The Benefits of Community

Our favorite pizzeria/restaurant of choice is The Red Wolf or Lupo Rosso. And some of our friends here wonder why because it’s a simple place. Nothing fancy or elegant, but the food is excellent. And we tell them, “It’s all about community.” And to us that’s much more important than elegance! It’s a come-as-you-are kindContinueContinue reading “The Benefits of Community”

The Italian Passeggiata

As the sun wanes in the western sky the cool evening air beckons to all Italians everywhere to take to the streets – for la passeggiata. Young and old, and everyone in between – it’s time for the evening promenade. If you’ve never experienced one, I can only assume you’ve never been to Italy. AtContinueContinue reading “The Italian Passeggiata”

The Good of Change

Change is often unexpected and unwanted, and comes when we least expect it. Which I think we’ve all learned through the pandemic. None of us could have anticipated it or the changes it’s brought to our lives and our world. Change can bring good All things are difficult before they are easy.  Thomas Fuller As someContinueContinue reading “The Good of Change”

Italy’s Snail-Loving Village

Although often considered a French dish, Italians love their lumache (snails) just as much! And our village is no exception! In our area of Abruzzo, the little town of Scerni is known as the snail-loving village! My husband, a snail lover himself, fits in well with these villagers. Who are known in this area as the sciumacchiniContinueContinue reading “Italy’s Snail-Loving Village”

Their First Look at the Americans

One by one they filed in and sat around the smoky fire in the dark, dingy room. The whole village, it seemed, wanted a look at the Americans. While I, in turn, studied them through teary, smoke-filled eyes. Our new townspeople, for this little village was our new home. A village from another era Life in that isolatedContinueContinue reading “Their First Look at the Americans”