Retreating Under the Tuscan Sun

At the end of October our field team gathered in Tuscany for a 3-day retreat. Although we have been on the field for 10 years, this was the first time a retreat has been organised. Now that our team added a veteran missionary couple in Ancona this summer it was good that we had some devoted time to get to know each other better. We had a lovely time taking in the beautiful Tuscan fall colors, San Gimignano, Florence and the gastronomic delights of Italian dining. 

Unfortunately, the trip got off to a rough start for a couple of our families. Our colleagues son was playing in a soccer game the night before we left and severely injured his back that required an MRI the following day. Thankfully everything checked out, but they got a really late start and missed the first evening together. We too had a change of plans when Jonathan awoke the day before departure with a blocked neck. He could not turn his head and was experiencing vertigo. We got him to the chiropractor the next afternoon hoping that it would loosen up enough for him to make the trip. However, he did not gain relief and therefore we had to make the decision to leave without him. It ended up being the right decision as he continued to experience vertigo for a couple of days and would not have easily endured the drive or been able to walk as much as we did. Melissa had to drive our van with me, the kids and her dog so we could participate in part. We too missed the first evening together.  Melissa earned tons of bonus points navigating our van through downtown Florence and parking in unimaginably tight spots. We did get a bumper bender and cracked light, but it wasn't Melissa's fault and we are glad the lady didn't want to press the issue. Our trip had its stressful driving moments but we are proud of the woman-power in making the trip on our own!

"Fattoria Castellina"

We (I) found a lovely Farm Stay that was perfect for our group. The setting was incredible as we were situated on a hill admits olive groves and grape vineyards. I could have skipped Florence and just enjoyed the views the entire weekend. (Although the winds were particularly strong at night)

Farm girl feeling at home

The kids enjoyed the time away and the extra day off of school even though we all missed Jonathan greatly. Thankfully they were on extra good behaviour knowing that it was hard for me to leave Jonathan behind. We made the most of it and created some special memories regardless.

On Friday, we had a relaxing morning as everyone was trying to recover from the long drive and previous late night. We headed out close to lunch time to visit the medieval city of San Gimignano about an hour away. 

Upper right: Truffles!

By the time we ate lunch we had very little time to explore the city and its towers because we had to meet up with our teammates who were just arriving for the weekend. The kids and I had visited the city before so we just shopped for souvenirs and took silly pictures. 

They prefer to do a million jumping photos instead of one sit and smile photo.

But eventually, Mamma got her way....love these kids

On Saturday, we spent Reformation Day in Florence. Fred and Rachel Whitman joined us on our retreat and it was so great to see them after so many years. We spent our first two years in Italy in their church in Perugia. The kids had no recollection of who they were since we have not seen them for 8 years. The kids do a lot of growing up during that time! 

Team Italy (minus Jonathan)

Fred gave us a little historical tour through Florence highlighting the life of the pre-Reformer Girolamo Savonarola who was burned at the stake in the central piazza of Florence in 1498. He was a monk who decried the corruption of the church in Florence and fought the Medici family's evil influence in the church and city. He preached repentance and personal salvation through Christ. 

Left: Memorial plaque marking the spot where Savonarola died.

We were able to visit the monastery of San Marco where Savonarola lived, which was a very fascinating place to see.

We concluded our brief visit by going to the Galleria Academia to see Michelangelo's Statue of David. Pictures just don't do the work justice. 

That pretty much wraps up some of the highlights of the trip. It was not necessarily the most relaxing retreat with all the driving, walking, and concern for Jonathan who was left behind but it was good to be together and have the opportunity to get away as a team. We returned on November 1 and continued to maintain a busy pace of life...