Sometimes after a long time away, I find myself longing for home. (HOME. Isn’t that a beautiful word?) I appreciate the hospitality we are given. But as the days pass and the miles fly by, my longing for home grows. Even when visiting family and friends we rarely get to see. Home – an evocative word […]
From England’s Sally Lunn to Germany’s pretzels, France’s baguette, Mexico’s tortillas, Russia’s kulich, Greece’s Kouloras and the Hebrew challah, bread is a staple food in many cultures. This is why breaking bread symbolises friendship, unity and hospitality. We can experience this friendship and unity whether we are breaking bread at a family meal or dining […]
We’ve had fun and adventure, traveled the world, learned new skills and experienced other cultures! And we did all on a shoestring budget, right from our home! “How is this possible?” you ask. Through our guests who shared the love they have for their homeland, or their passion for things like painting, making balsamic vinegar, […]
“What good is the church?” As pastors we have been asked this question, albeit in different forms. Especially since the pandemic and the lockdowns. And people gave many reasons for giving up on the church. A trend that grew during lockdowns. Even now as lockdowns are easing, some people still find in-person meetings unnecessary. It […]
Adapting to different cultures is usually difficult and confusing, and quite challenging. Take the standard Italian greeting of a kiss on both cheeks. It’s really not as standard as you might think. Because many people here only touch cheek to cheek while kissing the air. And in many business or formal settings, a kiss on […]
Our Towns is really our Tale of Two Houses. Ah, the complex fascination of life overseas (challenging, frustrating, but so blessed)! In fact, new acquaintances often ask, “So where are you from?” Our response? “Um, do you have an easier question?” So, to cut a long story short… Having lived all over the USA and Italy, with a […]