First Month in Rome

Hello, finally I have started the blog! We have been in Rome for exactly one month from today. I still love it and I don't want to leave. For the past month we have been Roaming (excuse the pun.) We went to the beach quite a bit (only 45min away on the subway and really nice), we've made some great friends from church, we've learned a little Italian, we've eaten a TON of gelato, pasta, and pizza, and we have walked and walked and walked, just like pioneer children (except we don't sing.)

We live in a great apartment in a very nice area of Rome called San Giovanni. Everybody has their clothes hanging out their windows to dry, you hear women screaming at their husbands, children are whining in their Italian accents, we can see people watching T.V., having sex, cooking, even showering from our couch or bedroom, and kitchen table. We have two balconies and we leave the doors open because it is the only way to get air. Everybody else does the same so we hear and see everybody's business. Mamma Mia Italians are loud and passionate! We don't have any English T.V. stations so I've been trying to watch T.V. in Italian so I can learn. I understand a lot, but speaking it has been harder than I thought. We watch a lot of MTV. Luke can now sing "California girls" by heart and also "She's a Monster, beautiful Monster."

Luke started Public Italian school yesterday. I was so very proud of that adorable little boy. He didn't cry or get scared even though he can't understand anything anybody says. He just does what I ask and he trust me that it is the right thing to do. He is such a good boy and he is loving it here too. I think he has loved having me all to himself more than anything else. He has a new best friend from church. An American family is living here for a couple of years and they have a four year old boy. They are such great friends and Luke calls him his Bestie.

Carly (Mia's friend) came to Rome the first 10 days we were here. It was so great having her. She really made the transition much less stressful, lonely, and boring. We had so much fun. My friend Lindy is here now with her mom. They have been here for about 5 days and they will go on to Positano tomorrow. We might go with them to Lake Como. I will write at least once a week, probably on Sundays. It is hard to write emails to everybody, and then write it all again in a journal. Telephone calls are expensive, so this is a good way to keep you all updated on what we are doing. We miss you, and love you very much. Thank-you for your prayers and support while we are having this adventure. I will write again on Sunday. Ciao Belli!!!