Ciao from Bologna

After about 17 hours of travel and 3 flights, the Waltons and I arrived in Bologna at 9 a.m. Bologna time on September 13th. I think we were all excited to finally reach the city after months (and years, in the Walton's case) of planning and preparation. Our flights went very smoothly--no major delays, missed flights or lost luggage. Thank you for your prayers. Jesse and Tricia managed to keep me awake for the rest of the day (to avoid jet lag) and took me on a walking tour of the city. Emily joined us Wednesday night, and we enjoyed a tex-mex meal at the Marcos's apartment in celebration of her arrival. Check out Emily's blog here.

We've spent the last few days searching for apartments, orienting ourselves with the city and meeting people connected to Agape in Bologna. Currently, we're staying in the apartments of other ministry staff. David and Nicole Hannah and Linda Ambrus work with TEAM church-planting ministry and have been very hospitable and very helpful in introducing us to the ins-and-outs of Bologna. The Waltons are staying with the Hannah's and their daughter, Ruby, until they are able to find an apartment. Emily and I are living at the Marcos's apartment. 

This weekend, we're all headed to a fattoria (a converted farmhouse) in Tuscany for Nuovo Inizio, a conference for all of the new Agape Italia staff. Please continue to pray that God would provide apartments. Also pray for our Bologna team and other Agape Italia staff as we go to the conference this weekend.

On another note, here are a few pictures from our walks around the city...

A view from Piazza Maggiore in the city center

Bologna is known for its porticoed walkways

Nettuno, a famous fountain in the Bologna city center...complete with a banner from a small Communist
demonstration near Piazza Maggiore on Thursday morning

On Thursday, I also ran into a friend from Texas who is studying at the Johns Hopkins campus in Bologna. We knew we would both be spending this year in the city and had been trying to connect. We were both excited to finally see each other. It's always reassuring to see a familiar face in an unfamiliar place. 

Ciao, and thank you very much for all of your prayers over our travels!

Elizabeth

John 10:10