culture shock – Signora Sheila

Italian Worm Cheese and Culture Shock

Rows of round, pale cheese wheels mature on metal racks in a cool aging room, creating a warm, orderly artisanal food scene.

We have a saying in Italian. Non c’è niente di nuovo sotto il sole. (There is nothing new under the sun.) And yes, I know it’s from the Bible. But I also know that King Solomon, who wrote it, didn’t live in a foreign country. Otherwise, I wonder if he would have changed it to: “There is somethingContinueContinue reading “Italian Worm Cheese and Culture Shock”

The Old Auntie’s Kerchief: The Power of Love

Black-and-white historical sketch of women and a child carrying large baskets on their heads through a village street, conveying quiet resilience.

I can still see her, old and frail, limping up the steep hill with her homemade canes. “What do you have there, Zia (Auntie)?” my Hubby asked, pointing at the mesh bag on her kerchief-covered head. I just gaped, wondering how many nasty things had been on that seldom-washed, filthy headscarf! “Oh rabbit droppings for myContinueContinue reading “The Old Auntie’s Kerchief: The Power of Love”

Chestnuts Bursting on an Open Fire

Cozy feet in colorful striped socks and chunky knit slippers rest near a glowing fireplace, creating a warm, relaxed winter atmosphere.

Chestnuts, an open fire, and the importance of finding joy in simple things. The fire didn’t heat better out of the fireplace. All it really did was create more smoke! Although no one would ever convince the dear, stubborn, old man of that! Yet we fondly remember those simple evenings of reading by the fireContinueContinue reading “Chestnuts Bursting on an Open Fire”

A God-given Love for a Nation [Video]

Hilltop village of tightly clustered stone and terracotta-roofed homes, surrounded by lush green hills and misty mountains under cloudy skies.

My husband and I love Italy, although, as with anywhere, it has its negatives and downsides. But when we look back over the years, we think of the wonderful people we’ve met and come to love. We reflect on the beauty of the land and the culture. And we recall God’s unwavering faithfulness to usContinueContinue reading “A God-given Love for a Nation [Video]”

The Mixed Blessings of Missionary Life Overseas

A pensive woman in a gray coat gazes through a rain-speckled window at blurred airplanes at an airport, creating a sad, reflective mood.

We celebrated 30 years of being in Italy last month (May 2018). Although our years here have not always been easy, we would choose this path again in a heartbeat. It’s been a good life, and we have seen God’s faithfulness throughout. It’s a life of joy mixed with sorrow Being unable to attend theContinueContinue reading “The Mixed Blessings of Missionary Life Overseas”