Oh! I am having a blast here in Italy. I think that the locals are really amused by me. Now, we ARE having some language barriers. It is a good thing that laughter, smiles, hugs, and love cross all languages. And, where I fail with language, even good old fashioned SOUTHERN, I am exceptional at laughter, smiling, hugging, and loving. ha!
One barrier will make you giggle.
I found an awesome spot under grape vines. It was a gorgeous arbor that just draws the breezes like a magnet-and anyone who knows me will know that IF there is a breeze, I SHALL FIND IT! :).
I think I would LIVE there if I lived in Italy. I have a sneaky suspicion that I am going to have to build one even back home after this week! 🙂
That spot is right next to the spot that the “family” sits on their breaks and meals–they have a little sign (that I cannot read) that reserves their table just for the “family” to use. Their table is on the porch right by the table that I now call “MINE!!” I was sitting there soaking in my time with God as some of my field target friends came up to visit.
Now, do remember that this is the Field Target Match for the World Championships. Field Target is more than just another sport. There is a special comradery in this sport–more like a huge family. This is the one big gathering of as many of us as possible from all around the world. We meet new friends and get together with long-time friends. It is incredible–well worth braving customs, long layovers, airports, and crazy traffic!
Well, Harold was preparing his gun for the match. I was soaking in the amazing day and digging into the Word. It was just sooo refreshing. As my friends came up, they were captivated by the beauty as well.
There is a little old man here–I think he may own the restaurant. He knows about as much English as I know Italian–that CAN be a dangerous mix! ha!
He overheard our conversations. He seemed to get a good laugh from me. I couldn’t tell what he really understood about our conversation until one of his young employees came by. He asked her to interpret for all of us. Imagine my surprise when she told me what he THOUGHT I had said. Well, I was saying that it was beautiful here–that everything was so pleasant, beautiful, and captivating. HE THOUGHT I was talking about the two older men having coffee! We all got a HUGE laugh about that. NOT that God’s awesome creation of people aren’t beautiful–ha! But, I can only imagine what they are all thinking about ME–let’s just say that there was a DISCONNECT! ha!
Harold told me last year that I should learn a little Italian. Honestly, I would LOVE to learn many other languages. However, my brain just seems to short-circuit at the idea of learning any other language. Probably because I have a tough enough time communicating in English, well SOUTHERN. 🙂 Yep–I am just thinking about the times that I mean something totally different than what my husband hears me say–the person who knows THE MOST about what I could possibly be saying since he knows all of my back story, my inclinations, my struggles, my strengths, my jokes. If HE cannot always understand what I mean when he knows EVERYTHING about me and has the most grace for me of any one on the planet, I cannot imagine how I could slaughter another language. Actually, I cannot imagine how dangerous I could be in other languages. ha!
Even though I could probably stand to be a bit more articulate here, I think I am going to be ok. This trip is one of my most favorite ever. I think it is because everything is just simplified–even what I WOULD say to those I am getting to know.
I am enjoying how laughter, smiles, hugs, and God’s love for each other is sooo universal and communicates what REALLY needs to be said. We have all heard that LOVE is universal–this week just cements that into my mind.
Everyone GETS IT when you love them.
I may not know much more Italian than latte, venti, uno, cappucino, grande, spaghetti, and pizza, but so far I think that the communication gap is bridged. It is truly going to be ok. It seems to be bridged by the laughter, smiles, hugs, and genuine love that is going back and forth without any barrier. Hum…when I go home, I wonder if I need to say a lot less and just laugh, smile, hug, and love a whole lot more!
More later, Ciao! (YES! That is another one I have learned! Wooohoooo!)
With much LOVE!
Cindy
PS! Want to see my pics from our trip all along the way? See them on my wall at Facebook!
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