VBS 2010 Daniel... in English

This past week we had our version of Vacation Bible School. We used it to teach the kids English and Bibles stories at the same time. We had about 9 Italian kids and it was a great week. A little culture shock for Jenae and Brittany, but good for them. I enjoyed working with the kids. Most of the kids had been a part of Kala and Ellie's English classes so they were excited to use their English and to learn more. We taught them new vocabulary, we told them the stories of Daniel, we taught them songs in English, and of course played games.

On Friday we had a parent night. The moms came so the kids could show what they learned. They read the story of Daniel to their moms, in English, and they sang the English songs all by themselves. It was great to see them so excited about it. Here are some pictures from our crazy, busy, fun week.

The kids getting ready to start a game of Ninja

I did the music for the week. We were teaching the kids the movements that went with the song.

Shannon giving the English lesson for the day.

Working to perfect our English songs.

Micah and Emma, playing with the big parachute.

Jenae's thoughts on preparing the snacks.

Giorgia came to play with Alessia one day.

Our whole group.

Why I Like Volunteer Teams

I will start by confessing that, yes, of course one reason I like volunteer teams is because they bring fun American things. BUT, there are many other reasons, both fun and serious, for liking volunteer teams. Let me list a few for you...

Reasons List:

• They are American
• They bring a fire and passion with them that remind me why I was called to Naples in the first place.
• I get to see God do HUGE things in their hearts
• I get more peanut butter
• Sometimes they remind me of people from home. sometimes in a real freakish way.
• Occasionally they have weird tattoos, in weird places
• I tend to laugh a lot when teams are here
• I meet great new people, that I might hang out with when I go back to America
• The change to live in a house with 7 children arises
• I meet another person that can be just like Emily Moore
• I get some great encouragement from some great people
• People come to know Jesus
• People do nice things for you, even when you don't deserve it
• I can speak English

Ok I'll stop now. I'm sure I could go on and on. It can be really tiring having teams here, because we wake up earlier and go to bed later than normal; and we do it for 8 days straight. Props to Il Capo for working real hard and a whole bunch. I really enjoyed working with this last team. We saw three people accept Christ in the neighborhood we were in. God worked through prayer and it reminded me of a lot of things. I'm convinced that this is God's city and that He has called us here for a reason. So we better keep telling people about Jesus.

I just ate a whole ton of peanut butter. Whoops.

Languages, languages, languages

So as if it isn't hard enough learning a new language; try living in a city where they speak two languages, both of which are foreign to you. All of Italy speaks Italian, but every region also has it's own dialect. In Naples they speak Neapolitan (which is not how you say it in Italian but I can't spell it in Italian, so you get it in English). At language school we learn Italian, so any picking up of the other language comes off of the streets.

Much like in America, the south of Italy is known for better food and a being lazy in the language department. Meaning the Italian spoken in Naples is not always correct, just like my English skills (I'm a true Cajun at heart). But, I think I can tell the difference between English and French. Sunday afternoon, after a long weekend of music rehearsal, this conversation occurred.........

Me : "Ok, Devo andare a casa (i need to go home)"

Emanuele : "Mo?"

Me : "Che cosa? Non ho capito (what?, i didn't understand)"

Emanuele : "Cortney! You don't know that word?"

Me : "Nope, sorry"

Emanuele : "Cortney, you need to know that word. People say it all the time."

Me : "Really? I've never heard it. Is it Italian?"

Emanuele : "Yes it's Italian, so learn it. It's means "now". "

Me : "Hmm, well ok."

Marta : "No it's not Italian, it's Napoletano"

Emanuele : "Really?, Oh, well ok it's not Italian, but Cortney still needs to know it."

Me : "Wow. Maybe you should learn which language is which."

Emanuele : " :) "

And there you have it. I will justify my lack of language learning by blaming it on the fact that Neapolitans don't even know what language they are speaking. Therefore I get confused and can't speak any language.

Staying real busy

Sleep is overrated. When you sleep too much you miss all the things you could be doing while awake...right? well this week, at least, was that way.

I've been spending all of my mornings with Bruna helping her get ready for her English exam. And I've been spending all of my nights with Emanuele and Marta, playing music and watching movies.

Wednesday I met up with Bruna. After we had our coffee, she opened her bag and realized she had forgotten her books to study English. So instead we sat for two hours and talked about my relationship with God. She asked a ton of questions and we had great conversations. I'm so encouraged to see how God work in our relationship. She keeps asking questions about my life and I am more than willing to answer. I pray that I would be more than willing to question her and begin to challenge her.

Tuesday night I went to see Robin Hood, in Italian. I liked it and I understood most of it. But the movie was real late and that meant I had to think real hard. Still a fun night though.

This weekend I'll be rehearsing with some musicians from all around Italy. It's a group of musicians for the baptist union. I'll be the percussionist for the group and we'll be rehearsing all weekend. I'm just happy to play music, :), which I've been doing a lot of this week.

Tonight I attempted to make Blackberry cobbler. Well, I didn't attempt, I actually made it. Only, the berries turned bitter. They were real yum before I cooked them, but then turned out bitter. I was sad, because I've been looking forward to making it for two weeks. Oh well, next time I'll make peach or apple or some other fruit.

If I had my camera back, maybe I could take pictures of what I do and put them on my blog. But I don't have my camera back.

worthy Worthy adventures

I haven't blogged in a while. Which is mostly because I haven't been home much in the last week or so. and that is mostly because of the many Worthy adventures I've had in the last week. SO... this blog is about my latest Worthy adventures....

Sunday May 16th ~ Sunday nights is when Pacific plays on TV, therefore every Sunday night I sleep at the Worthy house. This Sunday served two purposes. One to watch Pacific and one because Charlie was leaving early the next morning and an extra hand was needed for Worthy kids.

Monday May 17th ~ After the morning Worthy routine, I went to language school, came back to casa di Worthy for dinner and bath time, then to infamous Italian gospel choir, and back to casa di Worthy for another night of sleep.

Tuesday May 18th ~ Given the late night Charlie and Paul adventure, I attended Worthy morning routine once more. Then took the babies to the mostra at the girl's school with Shannon. We then proceeded to do nothing for a lot of hours. Oops. Hey! sometimes a day off is needed. The rest of the day included many Worthy adventures, including gymnastics, the park, and hot dogs for dinner.

Wednesday May 19th ~ After having a night of sleep in my own bed on Tuesday night, I somehow found my way back to the couch di Worthy again on Wednesday. After much, for reasons unknown, persuasion from Capo Worthy.

Thursday May 20th ~ For some reason I can't remember this day at all. O well, moving along...

Friday May 21st ~ I made dinner at casa di Worthy. Poppyseed Chicken and Stuffed Mushrooms. We had movie night as I awaited the return of Kala and Ellie, that never happened, so yet again I found myself on couch di Worthy.

Saturday May 22nd ~ Early Saturday morning Worthy routine. And then..... Playhouse Disney in the park. A very Worthy Adventure, Naples Style. Very interesting.

Sunday May 23rd ~ After a late night Saturday night, but one in my own bed, our Italian gospel choir had it's debut at church. And then on to more Worthy adventures. Which included a stinky volcano. Then my weekly show of Pacific and this time a night on the top bunk in Micah and Emma's room.

Monday May 24th ~ Early morning, but skipping the Worthy morning routine, due to a sick Micah. I went with Shannon to get Bubba's shots. Now that is an Italian adventure that I don't want to take for myself.

So you see, my week has been busy because I have many Worthy adventures. And since I know Capo Worthy will read this.... bring on Madrid!!!!!

:) thank you and have a nice day

The Week After

Last week the miles and miles of walking turned into lots and lots of cards passed out. The team helped me to pass out cards with my information on it to students at the University. This week I have been busy meeting with some new students. I've been really encouraged, especially today, by how God works. Sometimes we fear so much what people will think about us that we miss opportunities. God has opened up conversations this week. Today I was able to explain, to two Italian friends, what I do here. One doesn't believe in God and the other was excited to hear about it. I'm excited to have more conversations like these and I just pray that I wouldn't let my fear take over, but instead let God take over.

Poor Camera and Poor Legs

So my last blog was about my new toy. But now my new toy is broken. Apparently it is a common issue with this camera body, but unfortunately it requires being sent in to the big Nikon place to be worked on. So currently my new toy is on it's way to Torino. I just hope they fix it so I can have it back.

This week a team from Crestwood Baptist in Kentucky is here working with us. They are doing some work on the campus with me. They have been seeking students who are interested in practicing English. I've made some business cards and we have been handing those out to students who are interested in English practice. This is going really well and already, students are contacting me. I'm excited about all of these new contacts, and I'm just praying now that I will know what to do with them all. But my little legs are really feeling all the walking this week. And now I'm tired.

:)