Struffoli

It's Christmas time, which means tradition time.

On Christmas Eve I watched the Worthy's bring home plates and plates of struffoli. They brought American cookies to Italians, and Italians gave them struffoli. Lots and lots of struffoli.

I actually like it when it is made good. But you can't eat a whole ton of it at one time. It's a little much.

This morning the Nonni next door brought over some struffoli for me and Grace. And this was the best looking struffoli I've ever seen. It's so cute. It's pretty good too. I just thought I would share it with you.

GUMBO

I've talked about it for quite some time now. But the truth is, I've been scared. I've been wanting to make a gumbo, but fearful that I would fail, and knowing that I didn't have the exact ingredients, I've been putting it off.

It's cold now, perfect gumbo weather, and I've been telling Jason I would make one for him. So Friday, I set out to make my very first gumbo on my own.

It starts with these

Where I'm from, there are two trinities. The Holy one, and then this one

By this point, there was a real good smell

patiently waiting it's turn in the pot

look, I did it!

Yes. It was rather delicious.

I have done it. I have fulfilled my rite of passage. Now I can go back to Acadiana.

Over-stocked

So we got some stuff today, and it's a little but of a lot

let me show the details

and our cabinets...

Yea, so, wow.

Traditions

How often do we participate in some sort of tradition without having any clue as to why we do it? I don't know the answer to that question, but it is probably very often.

Today I was sitting in a church reading a book on spiritual warfare, and I saw a man come in with a bag of nativity pieces. (The Neapolitan nativity is a big deal, maybe I should do a blog on it...) He brought his bag of pieces over to one of the priests who was sitting in the confessional. He lined all the pieces up on the ledge and then the priest blessed each one of them. I'm assuming the nativity pieces were gifts for people. I've gotten many gifts before that are extra "special" because they have been blessed. But, as I watched him, I realized that he really didn't care what he was doing. He was just doing it because that is what you do. He probably has never even questioned why he does that. I continued reading about the hold Satan has in the lives of people who don't know God.

Tonight I was back at that same church. I saw a lady walk down the aisle and stop right in the middle of the church. She knelt down and touch some mosaic three times and stood each time to do the sign of the cross. Why? Has she ever thought why?

At what point did this culture and church become so blind to truth that tradition has completely taken over?

God's Perfect Timing

Today was eventful and fully unexpected. One of the things I love most about going through life walking with God. I can't help but stand in awe of who He is after days like these.

Recently God has been showing me more and more about the urgency of the gospel. I don't have time to waste. In fact the gospel is so urgent, that my life should be consumed by it. But the reality is not so. I tend to be more consumed with myself; with my agenda; with my wants, needs, and desires. I often wonder when I will begin to act upon the things I know to be truth. When will I truly grasp the urgency of the gospel? I don't know. I don't know if I ever will fully grasp it. But I will keep trying.

Yesterday, I needed to go to the post office. Without thinking, I ventured to the post office at around 1 pm on the first of the month. NEVER, I repeat, NEVER go to the post office on the first of the month. The whole city will be there. Or actually, GO. Go to the post office on the first of the month, because the whole city will be there; waiting. Waiting for their turn, with nothing to do. I walked in only needing to mail a simple envelope. I walked out an hour and a half later, with a new friend and having shared my life and story with her. God's timing is perfect. Why did I go to the post office on the first of the month without thinking about it? Because God thought about it.

Today I woke up late. I went out to get a coffee first thing, knowing that if I didn't I may not set foot in the bar I should frequent everyday. On my way home I passed by Grace walking down the street. We never pass each other on the street. Today we did. We did so right next to a little eccentric tea shop. We walked in together thinking it would be for just a second, but then we saw a stray dog. Actually though, it was not a stray dog. It belonged to Jenny. Jenny is the Australian lady who lives in Naples that we met in the tea shop. Who we proceeded to share the gospel with and share our views/beliefs of Christianity with. Though Jenny disagreed with everything we said, we said it anyway. We spoke truth to her and she heard it. Why did the random events of us passing each other on the street, walking into this shop, and talking out loud about the stray dog happen? Because God wanted it to.

My prayer is this: that I would stop being so consumed with myself, with my agenda, with what I want, with what I don't want, and with how I want things to happen. God has perfect timing. But I miss out on half of what He is doing because I can't see past my own eyelashes.

I'm practicing to see more of Him and less of me.

Turkey Day

I told you I would be back with Turkey Day pictures.

But I would rather let the pictures speak for themselves.

what more could you need?

A big open field to run around in for an hour to burn off all of the calories consumed!

Pumpkin Day

Usually, Thanksgiving Day is otherwise referred to as Turkey Day. Tomorrow we will celebrate Turkey Day. BUT, the only thing "turkey" about tomorrow is the big turkey. Today I have dubbed Pumpkin Day, because I made everything pumpkin.

It started out like this

Then made it's way in here

Which turned into this

It later had a run-in with my hands

That after just a little bit of trouble looked like this

Which eventually turned into this

It got a rest so I could do this

But not for long, because it ended up here

And well, then I had to leave to come home and make the meal, not dessert, part of tomorrow's lunch. So I don't have the finished product picture of the last place the pumpkin ended up. But don't worry, I'll be back with many many more pictures of Turkey Day. That is, if I remember to take pictures.

This Day 5 Years Ago

Normally, this would not be something I boast about. I mean come on... it's band, who wants to boast about that. BUT, when you are away for the holidays, you miss tradition. Therefore I will boast. This day 5 years ago, I was marching (freezing by tail off) in the Macy's Day parade. Today I wouldn't mind being next to a fireplace, smelling pumpkin, turkey, and rice dressing, while watching the Macy's Day Parade. And then finishing the day with football. For now, I'll just watch myself from 5 years ago. You can watch me too if you'd like.

Video 1

Video 2

A long, wet Wednesday

Question, if it's cold and rainy and you have to spend the day at the Immigration Office, what shoes do you wear?

Wednesday was Grace and I's appointment to go renew our permesso di soggiorno cards (like our green cards). So we set out on our journey, expecting to stay a long day at the Immigration Office. Of course we have already entered the rainy season, so it was rainy and cold. Just my kind of day...

We got there and took our numbers and headed down the street to the bar to wait it out. A few hours later we went to check what number they were on. They have only moved about 20 numbers in 2 hours. Not looking good for us. We ended up staying all day, had a nice cheap lunch, and in the end they accepted Grace's paperwork and not mine. I might mention that we turned in the same paperwork. Welcome to Naples! I'm going back on Friday.

We left the Immigration Office to head home to prepare for GBU that night. It poured for 3 minutes and we got soaked. I just love rain...NOT.

Anyhow, in the warmth of our apartment I made this...

Ok so maybe it was boxed pumpkin bread, but all the matters is it tasted good and the apartment smelled delicious and the Italians loved it.

For GBU we had a cineforum. We watched this movie

Anybody know the cast well enough to know what movie it is?

Just to let you know though, they didn't even start the movie until 10pm. The joy of living in a "latin" based culture. Everything is late.

When it's cold and rainy and you have a ton of people over to your house and no coat rack, this is what happens to your bed....

Tons and tons of coats.

Even though at one point in the day we were unhappy. In the end it was a good day.

p.s. Answer : I wore the Superga's

My failed attempt at photography

So I haven't been taking many photos lately. That is mainly because all of my photo taking compatriots have gone back to America, and it feels weird to walk around Naples, alone, with my camera. So I always talk myself out of going shooting.

I decided the other day I wanted to be shooting more and that I would just shoot anything I could. I decided to start that night. This was the only picture I took of my cooking adventure.

I planned to photo document my menu that night. It didn't happen. But at least I got one shot.

P.s. Just in case you are wondering what I made.... it's lemon basil chicken with parmesan and rosemary mashed potatoes.

Moving men, through God, by prayer alone

So I am currently writing a biography, not to be mistaken for an autobiography (I might have been saying autobiography this whole week...), on Hudson Taylor. You can say that Hudson Taylor was a man of prayer. A man who understood that if God calls you to do His work, it can only be done by God, which requires prayer by the man. All week I have been encouraged and challenged by Taylor's lifestyle; by his never ceasing prayer life.

Funny how God works in our lives and how He meets us right where we are at. Lately I've been consumed by internal struggles. Struggles of seeing things that need to happen but being overwhelmed by the thought of the task alone. Prayer has proven to be the only solution. The only problem is that I have not yet fully comprehended the power or necessity of prayer. So I have lacked.

Over the last few weeks, God has been drawing me to prayer; over and over I have been amazed, and then ashamed. Amazed at the workings of God, and ashamed that I often think I can accomplish things without prayer and knowing what God is doing. Each time God proves to be Himself, I'm drawn closer and I comprehend just a little more. As I have been reading about the life of Hudson Taylor, I have seen countless times where Taylor had nothing but prayer. So he prayed. And God was there. Why do we not pray?

There are concrete things that God is teaching me about prayer and about my relationship with Him. I'll attempt to put my thoughts into words here.

First ~ God will do what He will do whether or not we are there with Him. I say that, not to say He does what He does and never thinks of us; but to say that He is at work and if we are not seeking Him to know what He is doing then we miss out. He still works; we just aren't a part of that one. How do we find where He is? We pray. Because He gives wisdom to those who ask.

Second ~ We pray, not to ask 8 million selfish things of God, but to find out what He is doing and where He wants us. There are things that I can physically do on my own, like finding a space to hold an English club. I can not pray about it, and still find a place. But I pray, and say "God, where do you want this English club to be." The outcomes may be different. I want to be where He is doing things; that is where I will see things happen.

Third ~ It all leads me to praying God's will. It is a fact that God has called me to this city to tell these people about Jesus. But, when and where and how is of God's will. So dare I not walk out of my house with the purpose of telling someone about Jesus, without first asking through prayer, Where? When? How?

I stand amazed at His power. Not because He answers MY prayers. But because, when we pray and seek Him, He has the power to tell each and every one of us exactly where He wants us, exactly when He wants us, and exactly what He wants us doing. He orchestrates the universe. Wow. I can't even remember the difference between biography and autobiography.

So I want to follow in Hudson Taylor's footsteps, and "move men, through God, by prayer alone."

It's that time of year again

It is that time of year again for a number of different reasons. Some of which are good, and some of which are not so good.

In Naples, November marks the beginning of the rain. At least in my head it does. It isn't exactly to the point of rain everyday yet, but I know it's coming. So I anticipate it. This year I'm determined to overcome the rain.

In my head, November marks the beginning of Christmas. Ok so maybe I am just a little early, but it makes me happy, so I go with it. It's also the time of pumpkin everything. Thanks to a one wonderful friend, I now have my very own can of pumpkin to make pumpkin scones with in the near future. I like the food of holiday season, but don't be mistaken, that doesn't mean I'm looking forward to eating it.

Most important, November marks the beginning of Lottie Moon Time. Why am I blogging about this? Because I love so very much the organization that I work for, and it is only made possible by your giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. I just returned from a retreat-type-thingy in Germany this past week. I was reminded of how "on-track" my organization is. Jesus being brought to nations is the goal. But necessary things, like keeping those they send spiritually sound, can't be overlooked. I'm thankful that they see these things as a need.

None of what I do is possible without people like you. So, be praying. Be following what's going on in the world. Be seeing the need for labors to be sent and kept on the field. Be willing to give what God calls you to give. Get involved with the Lottie Moon Offering this year. I will be more than thankful, and so will those who have the opportunity to know Jesus because of your involvement.

Italian Birthday Party with Mexican Food

One quarter of a century. That is how old I am now. Wow, I'm old. (If you are over 25 please disregard that statement) What better way to spend your quarter of a century birthday than in a foreign country. Well, at least that is how I spent mine.

At the last minute Shannon decided we would throw me a birthday dinner at her house. So I, at the last minute, invited some Italian friends for dinner.

We spent the whole day cooking, and it looked like this...

Though we are in fact in Italy, we opted to make Mexican food for dinner. Of course. I mean, we are American. So I got out my rolling pin and rolled out 80 tortillas or so.

An enjoyable way to spend the day, in the kitchen with Shannon. Oh the memories we shall have in 20 years from spending whole days in the kitchen.

And maybe right now you might be wondering why I was cooking for my birthday dinner. Well it's mainly because Shannon tortures me. Okay okay, just kidding. The kitchen is fun place to be, I was not pressured in any way. I promise. :)

At least she didn't make me make my own birthday cake. That would have been a little rude. Fear not, Shannon made my yummy carrot birthday cake all on her own. Brava!

We actually finished all of the food and preparation ahead of time. So then there was nothing to do but sit around and wait.

and wait...

and wait...

Eventually, everyone showed up.

Even Elmo joined the party.

It was an enjoyable, though late, night. I guess no matter how American you try to make things, it just doesn't work if you're not in America. So run on Italian time.

My prayer last night

Before going to sleep...

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for tonight even though I only understood half of what was said.

Amen.

Ministry in a foreign country.

Life Journey

If I could describe my feelings in a picture....

Maybe, I am the only one who is affected by this picture. Maybe, I am not.

Music.... insert sigh of relief.... now smile.

Yes that is me when I look at this picture. If you know me, then you know I love you music. It drives me (not really, because Jesus drives me). It's one thing that I would not mind doing 24 hours a day. When there is too much music in my life, then I am happy. Why am I telling you this? Because in thinking about what my life will look like at this time next year, I have been reflecting on where I have been already.

In 1996, I started playing music. My sister had a flute, so I was forced to play it. Moving right along.....

In 2000, I started learning to drum because I was tired of not being heard playing the flute.

In 2001, drumming brought me to a new school, in a new city, for no reason other than to drum.

In 2003, I started college and left music behind. Sort of.

In 2004, I needed money so I joined the college band and started drumming again. I played two seasons, and then quit to be able to finish my degree on time.

In 2006, I started learning guitar.

In 2007, I decided God was leading me to stay in school and pursue a music degree. Where in the world did that come from???

In 2008, I began pursuing a degree in percussion performance, was teaching drum and guitar lessons to children, and playing guitar and drums at church. Music was, well, a big part of life then.

In 2009, I moved to Italy. Where music is a little harder to find.

Why did I just list my musical history? Because when I look back, I see a continual draw back to music every time I walk away from it. I love it. God has blessed me with a heart for music and the ability to play it. So what on earth am I supposed to do with that??!!?? This is where you now tell me your opinion on what my life should look like next. Thanks. :)

p.s. I'm only thinking about this because dear sweet Paul and MacKenzie just went home and I realize how time flies. But I'm in no rush. :)

The joy of learning other languages

So, last week I was at the European Baptist Convention that was held in Rome. I was there because the Italian Baptist Union has put together a band and I play drums for them. We were the music for the convention. We spent all day practicing and working on music and would have worships services in the morning and after dinner. It was a fun time and I enjoyed getting to play music.

What does that have to do with language? Well...

One day during practice I walked up on the altar and picked up a prayer book. Since we live in Italy, we were at a Catholic retreat center and therefore in a Catholic church for worship times. I thought it would be funny to read in my best Italian accent from this prayer book. It's not very funny considering the fact that it was a prayer book, but I didn't think about that until after.

The story:

I picked up the book and read, in my dramatic Italian accent

"Io per te ho flagellato"

which means something like I have suffered or endure floggings for you

what I saw and thought in my head was

"I for you have flatulence"

which I then interpreted to mean I have farted for you. It doesn't mean that, and it's not even really that close. But that is how it happened in my head. Needless to say, I laughed real hard at something that wasn't really funny. And everyone thought I was crazy.

Tanti Aguri

What happens when you celebrate a birthday right after gospel choir.....

Italians show you the correct way to sing Happy Birthday

The best food in the world

I have been absent from the blog. Sorry. I have a good reason. Three weeks I had to make an unexpected trip to America. By unexpected I mean, I got a call Friday at noonish and was on the plane Saturday at noonish. Which I'm sure anyone reading probably already knows that. But just in case you didn't, well, I just told you.

I live in Italy. Most of the world would argue that the food in Italy is the best in the world. Italians would definitely argue that their food is the best in the world. BUT......

I am from south Louisiana. Where I live, we may not know how to speak English very well, but we definitely know how to cook very well. We might die younger too from clogged arteries.

DON'T GET DISTRACTED FROM MY POINT!

THE POINT:

The food in Acadiana is, by far, the best food in the world. If you don't know what Acadiana is, then I'm sorry but you might have to do some research before you can go and experience the greatness. To prove my point to you, I will use photography.

Case 1:

Eggplant Fries

Yummy eggplant fried up, covered with parmesan cheese (though it is fake) and served with ranch dressing.

Case 2:

Corn and Crab Bisque

Oh MY! I almost fell out of my chair remembering how good this was. If you don't know what bisque is, then you don't speak my language. oh and don't forget my favorite Captain's Wafers crackers. They go great with boudin.

Case 3:

SHRIMP ~ in many forms

Praline Shrimp

This praline sauce is real yum. Sweet and salty can be a wonderful combination sometimes. Especially when it's served with fried bread.

Shrimp PoBoy

Again, PoBoy is a word that you should familiarize yourself with. Because they are real good to eat.

Case 4:

Crawfish ~ with explanations

Crawfish cornbread topped with ettouffee and served with fried crawfish. YES. This would be what I chose for lunch that day. Why? Because you can't get crawfish anywhere but home. So maybe crawfish cornbread can explain itself. It's cornbread. with crawfish in it. See, I told you.

But let me show how crawfish comes.

It comes fried. Like this. It's nice and crunchy and flavorful.

Or it comes like this. Out of the ettouffee. Not fried. But still really yum.

So. You can debate if you would like on this issue of food. I will give you the argument of clogged arteries. But I'm not talking health here. I'm talking taste. And it doesn't get any better than CAJUN COUNTRY.

Speaking of...... GEAUX CAJUNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!