Samuel Turns Eight

Eight years old..."and now I am almost 9!"  Samuel is racing towards double digits faster than we can handle.  We are so blessed by our first born son.  He makes us smile ALL the time with his funny and obscure questions, his knowledge of medical terminology and his love for Jesus.  Of course, there is obviously no greater joy for us than to see Samuel growing in his love for Jesus and his desire to know more from God's Word.  How precious it is to see him on the floor reading his Bible and asking questions.  We love the example he is setting for his siblings.

Samuel was really funny this year in anticipation of his birthday.  He really wanted EVERYTHING to be a surprise.  Well, he did tell me what he wanted for his cake theme but then did not want to see it until it was all done for his party.  We decided this year to celebrate with just our family as it is a busy weekend with service, agape and getting Jonathan ready to leave for Dublin on Monday.  Samuel was pretty understanding about it.  He just kept telling us all the surprises he wanted.  For example, he told us repeatedly how Dada would pick him up from school in the van and then when he walked in the door Mamma and Luca would jump out from behind the couch and say "Surprise!"  Although we did tell him it would NOT be a surprise if he knew about it, how could we not fulfill his request?  He received cards in the mail but did not want to open them until his actual birthday.  Hhmm...wonder where he gets this from, because it sounds a lot like his Mamma.

Sonic the Hedgehog and Alien Whisps

(Characters from the Sonic Colors Wii game)

"2nd birthday" yet to come from Papa and Nano

Thank you Munga and Gramma!

Emma's birthday card she made for Samuel about 2 weeks ago.

Thank you Munga and Gramma for my puppet...

...and for my Hero Factory guy!

Sing A New Song

"I have to create.  It is who I am."  - Jonathan Kleis 

I stand in awe and am completely mystified as to how my husband can compose and write music.  It is so beyond my comprehension and truly every time I hear a new piece of his music, I look at him and say "how in the world do you do that?!"  God has gifted us so differently and we are both glad we can stand in awe and appreciate the differences in each other.  

Jonathan thankfully has over the years has created his home recording studio to allow for such creativity.  He is always working on something in his spare time, as it also serves as a stress reliever for him.  He is passionate about music and preaching/teaching.  Recently, he was inspired to combine both gifts in a way that will be a blessing to the church.  In our services in Caselle he has been preaching a series in the Psalms.  He has choosen to preach the "Psalms of Jesus" (those Psalms in which Jesus made reference to).  His goal is also to preach on a different type of Psalm each week (lament, worship, confession, historical etc.)  The idea then came to him to write a song for each Psalm we study as a church to sing corporately.  What a great way to memorize Scripture!  Thus began the Psalms Project.  Jonathan has 3 songs written so far and we sang the first one in church last Sunday.  The goal is to then record these songs and maybe one day you will be able to get an official CD of this project.  But for now, at the request of our parents, here is a very rough and low quality recording I took in church this past Sunday of Jonathan and Lino teaching us the song.  I apologize for the shakiness of the camera, it was hard to record and do kid duty.

Beata La Persona (Salmi 1 & 32)

Beata la persona che non cammina con gli empi

Che non si ferma nella via dei peccatori, degli schernitori

Ma il cui diletto è nella parola del Signore, del Signore

E su quella parola medita giorno e notte, giorno e notte

Rit. Egli sarà come un albero piantato vicino a ruscelli

Il quale dà il suo frutto nella sua stagione, e non appassisce

E tutto quel che fa, prospererà

E tutto quel che fa, prospererà

Gli empi sono come pula che il vento disperde

Non reggeranno davanti al giudizio del Signore

Poiché Lui conosce la via dei giusti, dei giusti

Ma la via degli empi conduce alla rovina, per sempre

(Rit.)

Beata la persona a cui l’iniquità è perdonata

Confesserò i miei peccati, e il Signore mi giustifica

Chi confida nel Signor Gesù è circondato

Dalla grazia, dalla vita, e misericordia

(1° strofa e Rit.)

What gifts has God given you?  Are you using them to the fullest for the glory of God?  Do you seek to be a blessing to others with them?

Report Cards

So proud of Samuel and Emma and the report cards they received this past week.  Their academic achievements are not what we value the most (and they know that), but rather the way in which they bring glory to God by doing their very best.  The grading system is much different here, but they both received 8's, 9's and 10's on  a scale of 1-10.  The 10's were for English--whew!  They both enjoy school and doing homework is never a battle in which we have to fight over.  They both diligently study and have to work extra hard to understand and learn Italian in addition to mastering the concepts being taught.  I am learning right along with them as I find myself referencing the Italian-English dictionary often.  Oh, and that grammar review I've been wanting to do, well I'll just join in with my kids.

One of the first academic comments that Samuel received from his teachers was how good his penmanship is.  Here is a copy of his writing.  I hear that cursive is out of fashion, but I love it!  And it is easy to read when written with such presision.

It delighted our hearts to hear that Samuel and Emma have a good testimony at school.  They listen, interact, work hard, get along well with the other kids and are "bravissimi".  Keep up the good work my precious children.  Mamma and Dadda are so very proud of you and we love you with all our hearts!

Please continue to pray for each of our children and that they will continue to have a positive experience in the classroom setting.  We have been truly blessed so far with good and understanding teachers for all of our kids.  It is a process to learn and gain confidence in a second language.  I admire our kids for their courage and give God praise for the strength He provides for them daily.  Luca has been slower in picking up the language, but we pray that he too will have a teachable spirit and desire to communicate in Italian more and more.

Reading

Having a husband who is an avid reader, not to mention fast reader, I feel that my reading accomplishments always pale in comparision.  I am a one-book-at-a-time reader, while he is actively reading anywhere between 4-6 books at a time.  My goal for 2011 is to read one book a month, and if I get to more that would just be awesome.

I just finished reading One with a Shepherd: The Tears and Triumphs of a Ministry Marriage by Mary Somerville.  A wonderful book full of biblical truths and godly wisdom for wives of men in ministry.  It had me reevalutating my crucial role as a pastor's wife and mother in combination with ministry.  I suppose I was struck in the face as I took into consideration that I am no longer merely a missionary wife, but a pastor's wife.  That new title seems very daunting to me, yet that is where we find ourselves with our church plant.  I had a few of those moments while reading the book, thinking I have no idea what I am doing!  This book was so timely and really worked through so many issues and responsibilities that are given to women whom God has called to this role of serving alongside a shepherd.  It was a huge encouragement to me and I only wish I had read this book 5 years ago!  Being so "new" yet to the ministry some of the trials she discussed I could not relate to, but no doubt they will occur in my lifetime as it just comes with church life, growth and ministry to people.  I pray I am deeply rooted in God's Word making my chief responsibility in life to know and revere God.  And then that I will honor and support my husband in his role to the church, and be a mother who loves and disciples her children.  So thankful for God's grace, not only to survive, but to thrive in this role.

"God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed." (2 Corinthians 9:8)

A Life to Remember

On January 20, 2011, my paternal grandfather, Elmer Fisher, entered the presence of Jesus.  We praise the Lord his suffereing is now over and he is walking beside his Savior.  However, the pain of separation is still hard and will take some time to work through.  It has been difficult to say the least to not physically standby my parents and other family members during this time.  We are all leaning heavily on His all sufficient grace and strength to grieve from a distance.  A memorial service will be held for him this Saturday, February 5 in Buellton, California.  As our family comes to your mind, please pray for us.  Thank you so much!  

Some of my memories and thoughts....


Not many grandchildren can boast in the fact that they grew up with their grandpa living next door.  Most all of my childhood memories have Campa in them.  Dinner around the kitchen table was not complete without his presence.  He was our on-call babysitter if we needed him when mom and dad were gone.  Early feeding times for the animals were always greeted with a cheery “good morning”, if he didn’t already beat dad to the farm before the break of dawn.  I spent summers working with him on the farm as he taught me how to pack a flower box and make newspaper pillows for them.  The memories are innumerable.  However, it was in these daily moments of living life together in which I saw a man that was genuine in character and spirit and who fully embraced life.  

Campa’s positive outlook on life and seeking to consider all things with joy, even in the hardest of trials, are what I will remember and miss most about him.  He had a way of adding a skip to his step and a smile that was most contagious.  In his hardest of times there was always something to be joyful about and something to be thankful for.  Determined never to focus on the negative, but always the positive.  When things were tough he never lost hope and with a fist pump, smile and laugh would say: “We’re gonna make it!” or “Everything is going to be OK, no need to worry!”  

He was also a very generous man.  If he wasn’t giving of his finances he was giving of his time to help someone or simply place a phone call to be of encouragement to someone.  I am still in awe over his Christmas card list and how many cards he sent out each year.  The time he took to lovingly write and hand address each one, on top of getting them out in a timely fashion would put all of us to shame.  It is true that he kept card makers in business.  If a holiday was celebrated by Hallmark, the grandkids got a card for it.  Those cards were so fun to receive throughout college (always with money enclosed with instructions to go buy an ice cream), married life and even enjoyed by his great grandchildren.  He never missed a birthday, anniversary or holiday.  So to that I must add that he was also a very organized man and loyal friend to so many!

Campa knew to whom all glory and thanks belonged.  He never credited anything to himself, but to God and His goodness and faithfulness to him.  He was always so grateful for everything God had given him and for the care that others faithfully and lovingly gave him in return.  

As I consider each of these qualities and in the manner in which he so lived these out to the fullest, I know that the power to do so did not come from within himself but through his faith and trust in Jesus.  I am so thankful that today Campa is walking, leaping and praising God, and that one day I, and those who place their trust in Jesus as their Savior, will be reunited together again.  Until that day, you will be greatly missed Campa!  We love you!

Five of his great-grandchildren - December 2008

Campa and Emma - May 2005

Day Trip

Wednesday we took a day trip to the city of Cremona.  Although the weather made for a cold excursion, it was still good to get out and explore a new city.  It was a 2 1/2 hour drive from our home, so we got an early start to our day to ensure we could see some of the city before things shut down for the afternoon.  It was a quite morning throughout the city, maybe because of the cold temps or maybe because people were still in ferie (vacation).  January 6, is a holiday (Epiphany) so schools and businesses will be back to their normal schedules come Monday.

Cremona is most famous for its musical history and traditions, and home of some of the earliest and world renowned violin makers such as, Giuseppe Guarneri and Antonio Stradivari.  Interesting how Stradivari's Latinized surname, Stradivarius, is better known to us all.  After we ate lunch and warmed up in a pizzeria, we headed over to the Museo Stradivariano in the Cremona Civic Museum to spend our afternoon.  I am not a musician, but the history and uniqueness of the pieces could still be greatly admired and appreciated.  Stradivari made 1200 stringed instruments in his lifetime and only 600 are known to still exist today.  Two of them were on display in the musuem.  Most of the stringed instruments dated back to the 16th century.  You can follow the link above on Cremona to read more of it's unique history and its role in music history.  My dear husband could probably tell you more in this area as he studied music in college and was beyond thrilled to be so close to a Stradivarius.    

The cobbled stoned streets throughout the city center where unique and beautiful, although a little rough on the feet to walk upon.  Of course there are always unique churches and cathedrals to admire, as is typical in Italy.  Most of them were closed so we weren't able to peak inside.  There were violin maker shops located all around town, although all were closed when we passed by.  It was an all around fun time as a family, with only mild complaining about cold hands.  Here are some pictures from our outing.

Didn't catch the name of this church.  However, you can see the stone

work on the streets that I was talking about.

Palazzo (Palace) where Garabaldi stayed 

Pinecones for suveniers and they couldn't have been happier.

Here General Garibaldi was photographed on his horse on April 8, 1862

Clock tower view from inside a courtyard.

The Torrazzo, the second highest brickwork bell tower in Europe.

The Cathedral of Cremona

Surprisingly in a photgraphic mood despite the cold

From the workshop of Stradivari, you can see the process and templates

from which he created his instruments

Tools and notes of Stradivari

Antonio Stadivari

Cremona 1720, "Bavarian"

These precious faces saw seven precious violins on display in the museum: 

two Antonio Stradivaris, one Nicolò Amati, two Giuseppe Guarneri,

one Ferdinando Gagliano and one Giovanni Battista Guadagnini.

Home and workshop of Stradivari

Love, love, love these kids!

Happy New Year!

Welcome to a new year!  An unknown future awaits us all but, we are most grateful that everything both in upcoming trials and joys is KNOWN to our GREAT GOD!  He goes before us in 2011 and we humbly and joyfully follow His leading.  We are so thankful for this past year and for the countless blessings we have received through His grace, love and mercy.  My mom said it well, in a new year prayer..."May our hearts and minds be drawn closer to the Kingdom and our hands be active to make it count for Him."  Oh, that we might know and love our Savior with all our heart, mind and strength more and more with each new breath he gives us this coming year!  And that He would give us the vision to not miss opportunities He places before us to share and demonstrate His great love with those around us!


We concluded 2010 with a small and intimate party here in our home.  Three church families and Catherine were able to join us in ringing in the new year.  Everyone came over close to 9pm and we had some food, fellowship, fun and fireworks.  The kids were thrilled to be able to stay up until midnight and did quite well in doing so.  At 10:30, Emma pointed at the clock and said "Mamma, LOOOOK what time it is!!"  She was rather confused come 12:30am when she went to bed and insisted that her clock needed to be reset because it was the wrong time.  


We played a game of Taboo and the 3 Americans got their mental work out for the day trying to play the word game in our second language.  We had some good laughs at least.

Pierluigi, Cristina & Nathan

Eliana & Tony

We are going to miss the presense of this dear godly couple who have been with us for the past 2 years.  They will return to their home in Southern Italy the end of February and will return upon the sale of their home there.  We pray for a quick sale!  Tony's life was saved by God's miraculous power a year ago when he received a liver transplant.  Their daughter's family also attends our church, but their need to be in Torino is also because of Tony's continued need of quality medical care that is not available in the south.   

Giulia and Lino

Between these building magnets and dot-to-dot puzzles from Papa & Nano, the kids were entertained

Rudolfo, son of Giulia and Lino

At midnight we headed outside to join the neighborhood in setting off fireworks and sparklers.  Ours were definitely less impressive than the ones being shot up into the sky, which are legal here by the way.  It was quite loud with great pops and bangs and flashes of light, but all was quite by 1am.  The kids enjoyed the firework celebrations for sure.  

Lighting of sparklers

Happy New Year!

No bells or whistles, but fun just the same

We instructed and requested of the kids to PLEASE sleep in at least until 9:00am.  They did just that only waking about 8:50.  Samuel was most surprised when I walked in to the boys' room to tell them they could get up.  He said, "but Mamma it is not 9:00 yet, and I was trying to keep Luca quiet."  Bless that dear boy!  I assured him it was okay to get up since I was ready to get some coffee anyway.

Just chilling today with nothing on the agenda.  Lots of left overs to munch on with reading, crocheting and maybe a nap to fill my day.  Missing the traditional Rose Parade and bowl games, but life goes on.  Happy New Year, dear ones, and God bless you richly in 2011!