TUESDAY NIGHT

We are on our way home tomorrow! We had a great 3 days of ministry in Marotta (neighboring city of Fano). We had night ministry every night. It was pretty amazing. Each night was a little different. We went to different places and did some singing, testimonies, and passing out balloon animals. This team has mastered the concept of flexibility. Once again i am so proud of your students. They had a great time with whatever came their way. They had a good time serving together, working with the Italians, and swimming in the Adriatic Sea. We rode the train back home today and it went well, it was about a 6 hour journey. So we are tired and ready to be back home. We are looking forward in seeing you all at home tomorrow!!! We had a great journey in Italy. Please be praying for our journey home! Ciao

FRIDAY

It is hot! Which I know I have shared before, but today seemed more so. We had a relaxing day today. We just gave the students time to pack for leaving to Fano tomorrow. They need to pack their backpacks with just a few outfits for the trip, so that means some of them will be up late because there rooms are chaos! So they needed extra time for that. Then in the afternoon we traveled by bus to a nearby town called Pavia. It was a cute little town that we just spent a few hours walking around in, but because we were so hot… some of the guys went swimming in the river. It was a fun day. The team is looking forward in going to Fano because it is a beach city, and they want to swim!!! I have a feeling I will not be able to get them out of the sea. In Fano we will be doing some ministry through sharing testimony’s and music and then we will also be debriefing the trip. We are looking forward to this time. NOTE: I will not be able to update the blog for the next 3 nights due to the fact that I will not have wireless access in Fano. So the next time you will hear from us will be our Tuesday night… otherwise see you at Church on Wednesday, the 25th! Ciao for now ~ Cori

THURSDAY

We are coming to the end of our day on Thursday. It has been a most amazing day. We first started our day by going to the school again, where we ministered to over 60 kids… these students are becoming pros with the various children programs we have been doing. Then the students had lunch at the school with the kids. After an hour break we took off to a new park. At first no one showed up to this new park. The team sat and we were a bit deflated that no one was around. But… that didn’t stop our spirits. We passed out flyers, and hunted for people. We looked down a bit farther from the park and found a different area where there were over 40 people. So we set up fast. The students were totally flexible. We had so many obstacles that we knew something good would happen. We brought our program to them. We use a generator, and when we needed it, it was out of gas… so yet another attack. So things were not going our way. There was some funny awkward times with the students singing and just getting stared at. It was funny… but by the end it seemed that we won the crowd over. Giuseppe and Rachel had some amazing conversations. Jamie Wells had a great conversation with some other girls her age. To sum it up, it was a most amazing night. God was in control and we were not at all! I am continually encouraged by this group. Flexibility pretty much defines them! You should be proud of all your students.

WEDNESDAY

We have been away for a full week now! At times it has felt longer, and other times it has flown by. All in all we are doing great. It seemed a few degrees cooler today which was much needed. Today we went to Consuello's house for lunch again. She invited her friends over. (we went to her house last sunday for lunch, and she wanted us to come back again... so that is a great sign. She is not a Christian nor are her friends). So today we let Sara, Natalie, Amy, and Devon go to her house early in the mornng to help prepare the lunch, and minister to Consuello. Then she wanted them to stay after too to help teach her english. Another team of guys was moving some furniture. The rest of the team practiced for our ministry at the park. We just got back from our ministry at the park. It was a fun time. The only thing this team has struggled with is sleepiness! So please be praying for energy amongst the group! We only have one more week to go! See you soon.

TUESDAY

Today was a very busy day, but it was a good one. We started out by going to a school that we were invited to. We did our children's program: puppets, skits, music, games, and clowns. We ended with a color game, crafts, and balloon animals. It is fun to see where different students are gifted in different areas: let's say natural talent is coming out. We have some great face painters, balloon animal makers, singers, puppeteers etc. The students are really doing a great job. I am continually proud of them. It seems finally that we are getting over jet lag. The heat has made things a bit harder for the team at times. But we are making sure to drink water and stay in the shade at times. We have had hot heat before, but it seems dryer here for some reason. So anyhow... this morning we went to the school in which we ministered to over 60 kids. Then we had lunch with them, then we went to a park at night. It was great. Children were there waiting for the team to arrive. We are having a great time, and yes everyone is still doing great together! Please be praying for the bug bites (don't get much more) , the heat (that it gets cooler) and our ministry with these children and adults we have met so far! Ciao

MONDAY

Hello there -
Today was a very hot day here in Binasco!!! We were all hot, itchy, and tired (some stayed up a bit too late)... But at the end of the day, we can look back and call it a good day. We learned a lot, and were able to do our first children's program in the park. At first no one showed up, but when we started there was a great number of people. There were probably 15-20 children, and then twice as many adults. It was great. The students learned a lot, practiced, passed out flyers, and played soccer. There was a lot that took place today. Tomorrow will be longer! I am proud of these students and all that they are doing, and how they are pulling together. They are doing a great job. Please keep praying for us, and mostly for the people that live in this area. Ciao for now!

DAY 3 - Sunday

Hello There Everyone.
I hope you are all doing great... We are having a fun time as we have nearly finished our 3rd day here. We went to a woman's house today named Consuella. She is a non-christian woman and invited us all over for lunch. We had italian sausages, melon, chips, and bread. It was delicious. Natalie and Jamie led us in some music, that is what Consuella wanted us to do (last minute improv as usual) and then Sara Prouty shared her testimony because Consuella really enjoyed talking with her. Sara did an awesome job as did the team, just being a witness to her and her friend she invited. It was very cool. We are going back there on wednesday for Spaghetti. So please be praying that she is able to ask more questions about our personal relationship with God. It was a great lunch and ministry time with Consuella.
Tonight we went to an international church in Italy. It was an english speaking service. It was a good time meeting new people. Natalie sang a song while Jamie played the guitar, and Jeremy shared his testimony. They all did a great job. I am continually proud of this team. Everyone works really well together and is getting along fabulously so far. People are mostly over their jet lag.
Tomorrow we start our evangelism ministry in the parks... so please be praying for us as that starts. Please be praying for health, safety, and energy... but mostly that God shines through us to the people of Italy through our ministry. Ciao for now!