Economics & Health in Italy

Just wanted to share an article with you that will help you understand the scary reality of the economic situation Italy is facing.  Life is hard and getting harder for so many...pray for us as seek to minister to the impoverished in our community and share the message of hope and a security that can only be found in Jesus Christ.

Italy's in terminal decline and no one has the guts to stop it

This second article made me laugh as it gives you a cultural insight into how Italians view and obtain illnesses.  We often get a raised eyebrow if we don't adhere to the preventative measures mentioned in this article.

How to avoid getting 'hit by air' in Italy

Karate

The kids are all enjoying their new venture in Karate this year.  Jonathan, too is enjoying his return to martial arts after a long hiatus.  He took Karate as a kid and got pretty high in his belt color and then our first year of marriage we took Kung Fu together.  The kids could hardly believe that this Mamma knows how to wield nunchucks and deliver a powerful punch and kick.  Unfortunately, I don't think we have any pictures to back up my story since that was before the age of camera phones and the need to document every moment of one's life.  I guess they'll just have to take my word for it!

My little karate kids head out with their dad on Thursday nights for lessons.  Kids and adults warm up together for the first hour and then are divided by rank to work on their moves.  The kids are catching on fast.  Jonathan says it is like riding a bike, as the moves came right back to him and will no doubt quickly advance out of his beginner white belt.  The second hour is the adult class and the kids sit around to watch and wait until their dad is done.  

As for me, I get nearly two and half hours of me-time.  I have been strictly ordered by my husband not to pass the time with housework.  So far I have been good and use the time to knit or read (or fall asleep) in their absence.  I am happy...they are happy...what more could one ask for?

In a few weeks I will tag along to class and get some video because the kids are all anxious for you to see their moves.  So stay tuned for more karate action...

Mamma & Sons

As we have hit our stride and new routine of a new school year, I am seeing some special moments ahead for some one-on-one time with my boys.

Samuel arrives home from school each day at 2:00.  Twice a week we cross paths at the door as he enters and I exit with the other two kids who need to go back to school for the afternoon.  Samuel is becoming quite the independent young man, who is learning and really liking to make lunch for himself.  He has mastered the art of preparing pasta and seems to be quite satisfied with himself because of the fact.  One day I left the kitchen uncleaned from lunch #1 so when he came home he did a bit of cleanup too without being asked.  I do have to admit that my heart did skip a beat when I saw him washing my empty soup pot (he hates soup!) thinking he poured it down the drain.  No, oh mamma of little faith, he actually had already transferred it to the refrigerator.

Now that he desires to get in the kitchen more, this also benefits me as I have an extra pair of hands in dinner preparation and a conversation pal while Emma and Luca are at school.  Yesterday, Samuel helped assemble the lasagna or "lasagnas" as Emma always calls the dish (in Italian the dish is referred to in the plural form of "lasagne").  I smile every time when I hear third culture kid-ism phrasing.  So anyway, as we were working together in the kitchen I told Samuel I was thirsty and asked him if he could pour me a cup of lemonade.  The next thing I see is my lemonade measure out to precision in a measuring cup.  I laughed and have to keep in mind how literal Samuel makes things.  It can be like living with Amelia Bedelia sometimes.

On Fridays, Samuel and Emma have piano lessons from 4 to 5.  This gives me an hour and half alone with Luca.  Thankfully, he seems to be willing to get homework done during this period without distraction all with the hope of finishing his weekend homework before his siblings.  Fridays are breakfast night around our table, so I get an enthusiastic helping hand from Luca because it is the one meal he looks forward to all week.  He's quite good at cracking eggs and demands to do everything himself.

It is nice to have little individual moments throughout the week with the kids.  I guess Emma and I just need to make some special time to escape the boys.  We'll work on that.

#1 Supporters

We have a lot of people that stand behind us in our calling to reach the country of Italy.  So many who sacrifice monthly to give towards the work here, who pray faithfully for us and the people we are ministering to, and who seek to encourage and cheer us on through our joys and trials.  All missionaries count on their support team, but I wonder how many can actually say their #1 supporters are their own parents.  We have been so blessed to have not just one set, but both sets of parents who are fully supportive of our calling! 

This fact, however, does not mean that what God has called them to do in letting us go--and having their grandchildren live across the ocean, an easy road for them.  I know there are tears and I know there are days in which they would do anything to have us living next door.  I sometimes wonder how they do it.  The answer goes back to God who through his amazing love, mercy and grace gives them joy, peace, hope and faith for each day.


My heart and prayers go out to my parents especially today as they say "goodbye" for the third time in less than 2 months to yet another child and their family who are obeying God's calling to go out to the nations.  They now have four children in four different countries on 3 continents.  That is not easy--please pray for them!

Recently, I read two articles that are very worthy reads in understanding the relationship between missionaries and their parents.  The second, is one that both our parents have accomplished to the fullest.  

A letter to the Grandparents of my Third Culture Kids

For Parents and Grandparents of Overseas Workers

Thank you Mom and Dad Fisher, and Mom and Dad Kleis for giving your children to the Lord and the sacrifice you too are making for the Kingdom!  We love you beyond what words could ever express and we thank you for supporting us emotionally, physically and most importantly on your knees.