life in the slow lane....
[05.20.2007]As all of you know, we decided to take an overseas assignment for Kirk's work because of the amazing opportunity it afforded us to travel Europe
and learn a new language. As of this May, we have just completed our first year of a three year assignment. The past year has been an amazing rollercoaster
of emotions (for various reasons), but we are enjoying living in Italy and look forward to the years to come. We have already been to see so many
incredible places that we studied growing up, but neither one of us ever thought we would get to see in person. We are so grateful for this gift that God has
given us to not only see the world, but to live in another culture which truly does make us appreciate our own.
Jake's School
We certainly miss the United Sates and long for things... like cheddar cheese, good Mexican food, and of course...Wal-Mart & Target!
Believe it or not, there is nothing quaint about having to go
to 3 different shops to find the right watch battery, or having to rush out clothes shopping at 10am knowing that you need to go as fast as you can because the
stores all close at lunch for 3 hours!! Of course, some would say that is part of the charm of Italy, that it is life in the slow lane (funny because they
certainly don't drive like that!), but when you know the conveniences of drive-thru dry cleaning and Super Targets, it can get frustrating. We have learned
to laugh at the quirks of society here and try not to take it personally when we get scolded for various offenses by our neighbors or yelled at while driving.
In fact, as far as driving goes...we've settled right in. Now, neither one of us think anything of putting on the flashers and pulling up onto the curb to run
in to the bank or post office, after all, We're just going to be a minute!
One of the hardest things that I've had to get used to are the crazy four caster wheels on the grocery carts; I'm not sure, but I think this is a direct result
from the way Italians drive. I have often thought of putting a video camera on my dashboard because everyday driving is really very much like a video game!
Other cars pulling out in front of you happen everywhere but here, it is expected and truly lanes and stop signs are mere suggestions while motorcycles need
not take notice at all because rules of the road do NOT apply to them. Well that’s enough about driving, if you want to experience it for yourself, brush up
on your stick shift and make sure your insurance will cover rental car damage :)
We are looking forward to our trip back to the States this summer. We hope we can see all of our family and will try very hard to see as many friends as
we can! Take care.
Kirk, Robin & Jake
