The Lord blessed us with three houses, in two different towns. For many years we divided our time between our main town and our “summer village.” However, over time, our summer village became increasingly uninhabitable. it also became more difficult for us to journey there due to health issues, advancing age, and increased commitments.
Sadly, many of Italy’s smaller mountain villages are dying off. As the population shrinks, so do the amenities that make the villages livable. Little by little, the shops closed down. Soon, the doctors, the schools, and the bus system disappeared too.
Our summer town, my Hubby’s birthplace, became increasingly isolated and difficult to live in. Yet that little village and its people are permanently embedded in our hearts. We no longer spend our summers there, but it is always with us.
Our main town
Our main town is nestled in the foothills, situated between the Adriatic Sea and the Abruzzo mountains. Abruzzo is mostly a wild, unspoiled region, off the beaten tourist track. It’s a delightful place to slow down, unwind, and rediscover the beauty of a quiet, peaceful life.
Our summer village
What was once our summer village is tucked away in the remote, lonely mountains of Salerno’s Cilento area. This depressed area has little work, few people, fewer amenities, and still fewer Bible-believing churches. The people, for the most part, feel abandoned, hopeless, and beyond forgotten. We went there to show that they are neither forgotten nor abandoned, and will continue to pray for them.
It’s an area of almost haunting beauty. Life in Cilento is a place where you can truly take your time. It is perhaps the true heart of slow living, and well worth visiting!
Our Three Houses
We have two houses in our main town: our own small home and the little house that our daughter bought. Our third house, obviously, is in our former summer village down south.
You can see pictures of it in my post: Our Tiny Italian Dream Home. It’s small and simple, but it’s “home sweet home” and we love it!
Our second house actually belongs to our daughter. They lived in it for seven years before moving back to the United States. It’s right next door to us and we use it as a cute little guest house. You’ll find pictures of it by reading my post: In Our Brokenness: The Night Watches.
Our third house, which was our summer home for many years is pictured in my post: The Mixed Blessings of Missionary Life Overseas.
Well, arrivederci – FOR NOW! Because you see, arrivederci, literally means “until we see each other again.” So until we meet again, because I’m hoping you will join my Italian slow life adventures!
📷 Images are mine.