If anyone would like look at some of the pictures I took while in Italy, here they are (Enjoy!!):
Transformer Adventures in Italia
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=127255&id=625434514&l=efbcde3102
Cinque Terre
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=120619&id=625434514&l=072e8da092
Italia
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=112917&id=625434514&l=58109e8a75
Cooking Lessons
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=120236&id=625434514&l=b5eeb057b0
Verona
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=120005&id=625434514&l=199f6d8ee6
Venice
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=116721&id=625434514&l=98ef2726b1
Rome
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=116899&id=625434514&l=bbc5f97ad8
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=119932&id=625434514&l=58c59bc262
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=119985&id=625434514&l=61c4685cde
Monday, August 3, 2009
Well, I am finally back home to the States. I am still adjusting from a culture shock in my own country, and am already terribly missing Italy (Pizza will never be the same!). Anyway, I just want to thank you for all of your prayers and support for my mission trip. Through your generosity God was able to use someone like me to reach out to Italian students.
On a typical day, our student team went onto the university campus in Bologna around the peak lunch hour. We initiated conversations with students in gathering places such as the cafeteria, cafés, and courtyards. Since our Italian was very limited, we searched for students who spoke English. Often we used media tools such as a picture survey or a short film as a way to interest students in spiritual conversation. After initially meeting students, we then followed up. We were able to hang out, build friendships, and go into deeper conversations.
Although no students made decisions to follow Christ this summer, God is still very much alive and moving on the college campus. For maybe the first time in their lives, students we talked to are now processing thoughts about God and the need for a relationship with Him. Our student team also gathered an extensive list of students who the long term missionary staff will be able to meet with and disciple in the fall.
There are two students in particular who I was able to meet with who you can continue to pray for. Chiara and Maria Elena are both language students. They are super amazing girls and from the beginning were excited to meet with us again. As conversations progressed, it was very apparent that both girls are searching for something to fulfill them. You can pray that they able to open their hearts to God and the life He offers. You can also be praying for this campus ministry in Bologna, as it will be officially launched by the long term missionaries this fall. There has not been a ministry presence on campus in over 20 years, so God is sure to do big things as this ministry begins to reach students.
Again, thank you so much for your support. God has completely challenged me to step out and to be more confident. It was such a learning experience that really made this summer absolutely amazing. I feel I have been so blessed by you all. Thank you!
God Bless,
Kaila Adams
On a typical day, our student team went onto the university campus in Bologna around the peak lunch hour. We initiated conversations with students in gathering places such as the cafeteria, cafés, and courtyards. Since our Italian was very limited, we searched for students who spoke English. Often we used media tools such as a picture survey or a short film as a way to interest students in spiritual conversation. After initially meeting students, we then followed up. We were able to hang out, build friendships, and go into deeper conversations.
Although no students made decisions to follow Christ this summer, God is still very much alive and moving on the college campus. For maybe the first time in their lives, students we talked to are now processing thoughts about God and the need for a relationship with Him. Our student team also gathered an extensive list of students who the long term missionary staff will be able to meet with and disciple in the fall.
There are two students in particular who I was able to meet with who you can continue to pray for. Chiara and Maria Elena are both language students. They are super amazing girls and from the beginning were excited to meet with us again. As conversations progressed, it was very apparent that both girls are searching for something to fulfill them. You can pray that they able to open their hearts to God and the life He offers. You can also be praying for this campus ministry in Bologna, as it will be officially launched by the long term missionaries this fall. There has not been a ministry presence on campus in over 20 years, so God is sure to do big things as this ministry begins to reach students.
Again, thank you so much for your support. God has completely challenged me to step out and to be more confident. It was such a learning experience that really made this summer absolutely amazing. I feel I have been so blessed by you all. Thank you!
God Bless,
Kaila Adams
Monday, June 22, 2009
Last Week
Ciao!
Well, our last week in Italy has finally rolled around. I must admit, I will be quite sad to go back home. Although it will be good to be back with friends and family, I will definitely miss the Italian culture and the people we've met here.
The plan of action for this week will be to meet with our Italian friends we've made. We will try to introduce them to the missionary staff that live here full time, so that they can follow up after we leave. Tomorrow night we will have an appertivi time (appetizers) at a local cafe that we have invited several of our friends to, as a way for them to also meet the staff. You can pray that students will be willing and able to meet this week before we leave.
On a fun note, tonight I got to go learn how to make several Italian dishes. A local cafe some of the staff know offered to teach our group how to cook. We learned how to make a broth, risotto, two different ragu sauces, two different types of pasta dough, as well as how to shape ravioli, tortellini, and several other pasta shapes. Best of all, we got to eat what we made- it was delicious!! I can't wait to get home and try out some of the new recipes.
Well, I will go for now. Love and miss you all!
-Kaila
Well, our last week in Italy has finally rolled around. I must admit, I will be quite sad to go back home. Although it will be good to be back with friends and family, I will definitely miss the Italian culture and the people we've met here.
The plan of action for this week will be to meet with our Italian friends we've made. We will try to introduce them to the missionary staff that live here full time, so that they can follow up after we leave. Tomorrow night we will have an appertivi time (appetizers) at a local cafe that we have invited several of our friends to, as a way for them to also meet the staff. You can pray that students will be willing and able to meet this week before we leave.
On a fun note, tonight I got to go learn how to make several Italian dishes. A local cafe some of the staff know offered to teach our group how to cook. We learned how to make a broth, risotto, two different ragu sauces, two different types of pasta dough, as well as how to shape ravioli, tortellini, and several other pasta shapes. Best of all, we got to eat what we made- it was delicious!! I can't wait to get home and try out some of the new recipes.
Well, I will go for now. Love and miss you all!
-Kaila
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Buongiorno!
Well, it's been quite a week since I've last wrote. Our time here has been very exciting, as we've started to meet the students at the university. Wednesday, our first day on campus, we split into small groups. We used the picture cards to start conversation. Another day we also used some written surveys and a short film on the dvd players.
It's been a really cool experience to initiate conversations with the students (it's really made me get out of my box!). Students are very open and friendly when we talk to them. They love talking about their culture, where they are from, and they love to ask questions about American life too. A lot of times when we ask them what they think about God, they will say that God is good for other people but not for them. Many say they do not believe in God at all. Our questions about church bring responses of where a nearby cathedral is or that they attended only as a child. It is somewhat frustrating that so much of this generation of Italians has this idea. They lack the concept that you can actually have a relationship with God. It is my hope that the conversations we are having with the students will spark a curiosity to explore who God is.
There are several girls I have met this past week that you can be praying for. Maria Elena and Ciara are language students here at the university. Emily Wilson, another girl on our team, and myself have met with these girls several times to hang out and build a friendship. Yesterday we met with them and we talked about God and our relationship with Him. They were very attentive and asked some good questions. These are really awesome girls, so you can pray that their eyes will be opened to the amazing love God has for them.
I think I will sign off for now. Tomorrow our team is going to Rome for the weekend to see the sights. I'm pretty pumped, except for the fact that we have to leave our apartment at 6:45 in the morning to catch an early train. So for now, Arrivederci!
Well, it's been quite a week since I've last wrote. Our time here has been very exciting, as we've started to meet the students at the university. Wednesday, our first day on campus, we split into small groups. We used the picture cards to start conversation. Another day we also used some written surveys and a short film on the dvd players.
It's been a really cool experience to initiate conversations with the students (it's really made me get out of my box!). Students are very open and friendly when we talk to them. They love talking about their culture, where they are from, and they love to ask questions about American life too. A lot of times when we ask them what they think about God, they will say that God is good for other people but not for them. Many say they do not believe in God at all. Our questions about church bring responses of where a nearby cathedral is or that they attended only as a child. It is somewhat frustrating that so much of this generation of Italians has this idea. They lack the concept that you can actually have a relationship with God. It is my hope that the conversations we are having with the students will spark a curiosity to explore who God is.
There are several girls I have met this past week that you can be praying for. Maria Elena and Ciara are language students here at the university. Emily Wilson, another girl on our team, and myself have met with these girls several times to hang out and build a friendship. Yesterday we met with them and we talked about God and our relationship with Him. They were very attentive and asked some good questions. These are really awesome girls, so you can pray that their eyes will be opened to the amazing love God has for them.
I think I will sign off for now. Tomorrow our team is going to Rome for the weekend to see the sights. I'm pretty pumped, except for the fact that we have to leave our apartment at 6:45 in the morning to catch an early train. So for now, Arrivederci!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Hello friends!
I am so excited to finally be able to get on the computer! The apartment for us girls was not ready when we arrived, so we stayed in a hotel up until Sunday morning. Since we moved into our apartment though, we have Internet access at last. I will try to get on more frequently now :)
The plane ride went really well. We only had a little turbulence, so that was good. I was able to grab some naps throughout the flight as well, although when we arrived in Italy, I definitely was feeling major jet lag. All of our luggage arrived in one piece, which was a huge answer to prayer.
So far, Italy has been amazing. The food is soo good! We've eaten out quite a bit here at the beginning, and so far I have yet to eat at the same place twice, and each one has been absolutely delicious! (For example, artichoke, mushroom, and prosciutto pizza, pasta with pesto, and tortellini with bologenese red sauce. Gelatto is amazing too- so far my face is limone [lemon]). We've also gotten to experience some other aspects of Italian culture. Saturday some of us hiked up to San Luca. It's a chapel on top of a hill here in Bologna. The portico (covered sidewalk) leading up to San Luca is the longest portico in the world. Although the climb was quite strenous (maybe 4 miles up hill), the view was amazing. On one side you could see the Tuscan hills, on the other the Italian Alpines (Alps )- absolutely breathtaking!
Our team will be officially on campus starting Wednesday. Students have had exams and have been off from school for a holiday weekend, so Wednesday will then our day to start off. We will have several outreach strategies for the students, such as pictures cards with prompting questions and some short movies we'll show on portable dvd players. We've been learning from missionaries who live here in Italy that the Italians are very relational. However it takes a lot of time and trust to break through their barriers. I'm excited through to start meeting the students and forming these relationships.
Thank you again for all your prayers. Please continue praying that our team will be effective and have safety as we are here in Italy. Also pray that God will give us opportunities to meet students and share with them.
Love from Italia!
Kaila
I am so excited to finally be able to get on the computer! The apartment for us girls was not ready when we arrived, so we stayed in a hotel up until Sunday morning. Since we moved into our apartment though, we have Internet access at last. I will try to get on more frequently now :)
The plane ride went really well. We only had a little turbulence, so that was good. I was able to grab some naps throughout the flight as well, although when we arrived in Italy, I definitely was feeling major jet lag. All of our luggage arrived in one piece, which was a huge answer to prayer.
So far, Italy has been amazing. The food is soo good! We've eaten out quite a bit here at the beginning, and so far I have yet to eat at the same place twice, and each one has been absolutely delicious! (For example, artichoke, mushroom, and prosciutto pizza, pasta with pesto, and tortellini with bologenese red sauce. Gelatto is amazing too- so far my face is limone [lemon]). We've also gotten to experience some other aspects of Italian culture. Saturday some of us hiked up to San Luca. It's a chapel on top of a hill here in Bologna. The portico (covered sidewalk) leading up to San Luca is the longest portico in the world. Although the climb was quite strenous (maybe 4 miles up hill), the view was amazing. On one side you could see the Tuscan hills, on the other the Italian Alpines (Alps )- absolutely breathtaking!
Our team will be officially on campus starting Wednesday. Students have had exams and have been off from school for a holiday weekend, so Wednesday will then our day to start off. We will have several outreach strategies for the students, such as pictures cards with prompting questions and some short movies we'll show on portable dvd players. We've been learning from missionaries who live here in Italy that the Italians are very relational. However it takes a lot of time and trust to break through their barriers. I'm excited through to start meeting the students and forming these relationships.
Thank you again for all your prayers. Please continue praying that our team will be effective and have safety as we are here in Italy. Also pray that God will give us opportunities to meet students and share with them.
Love from Italia!
Kaila
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
One Week!
Wow! After months of preparation, the time to go serve in Italy is finally at hand. At this time next week I will be in Italy. Our team of students is meeting on Sunday in Dallas, TX. We'll have some short training between then and Tuesday when we fly out to Italy (about a 10+ hour trip). Since I've never been out of North America, I'm feeling a little nervous about such a long flight. All I can say is that I am grateful for Dramamine and will enjoy the sleeping effect it will bring. :) For anyone who is curious, here is our flying itinerary:
Lufthansa Flight LH439 Economy Class
Depart: 4:20 PM Tuesday, May 26
Dallas/FT Worth Intl, Terminal D
Arrive: 9:15 AM Wednesday, May 27
Frankfurt Main International Airport, Terminal 1
Frankfurt, Germany
Duration: 9 hour(s) and 55 minute(s) non-stop
Lufthansa Flight LH3972 Economy Class
Depart: 12:50PM Wednesday, May 27
Frankfurt Main International Airport, Terminal 1
Frankfurt, Germany
Arrive: 2:10PM Wednesday, May 27
Guglielmo Marconi
Bologna, Italy
Duration: 1 hour(s) and 20 minute(s) non-stop
If I haven't told you already, thank you all for the prayers and support. God has been amazing in providing. He has seen to it that every single cent has been provided for this trip. It's a humbling reminder that all we have is His. There are several of the other students on my team that have yet to reach their support goal. You can be praying that in the next week the rest of their donations will come in as well.
Once in Italy, I'll be able to post updates via the Internet cafes. It's going to be an amazing experience and I can't wait to see what all God is going to do. I have a feeling He's going to challenge me and that I that I won't come back the same as when I left. So until then, Ciao!
Lufthansa Flight LH439 Economy Class
Depart: 4:20 PM Tuesday, May 26
Dallas/FT Worth Intl, Terminal D
Arrive: 9:15 AM Wednesday, May 27
Frankfurt Main International Airport, Terminal 1
Frankfurt, Germany
Duration: 9 hour(s) and 55 minute(s) non-stop
Lufthansa Flight LH3972 Economy Class
Depart: 12:50PM Wednesday, May 27
Frankfurt Main International Airport, Terminal 1
Frankfurt, Germany
Arrive: 2:10PM Wednesday, May 27
Guglielmo Marconi
Bologna, Italy
Duration: 1 hour(s) and 20 minute(s) non-stop
If I haven't told you already, thank you all for the prayers and support. God has been amazing in providing. He has seen to it that every single cent has been provided for this trip. It's a humbling reminder that all we have is His. There are several of the other students on my team that have yet to reach their support goal. You can be praying that in the next week the rest of their donations will come in as well.
Once in Italy, I'll be able to post updates via the Internet cafes. It's going to be an amazing experience and I can't wait to see what all God is going to do. I have a feeling He's going to challenge me and that I that I won't come back the same as when I left. So until then, Ciao!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Here are some things you can be praying for...
For the students we meet to:
- have open hearts and minds
- receive Christ
- grow in their faith
That myself and the members of my team to:
- raise the needed support
- be sensitive to God's leading
Some history and Culture of Bologna:
The first inhabitants of Bologna date back to the Iron Age. The Etruscans lived in Bologna from the end of the 6th century to middle of the 4th and then it passed to the Gauls. The Romans defeated the Gauls in 191 BC, founding the colony of Bonomia along the Via Emilia. Originally inhabited by 3000 colonists, during the imperial age it reached 10,000 inhabitants. Traces of the Roman city can be seen under Via Rizzoli and Sala Borsa, while numerous artifacts from all ancient epochs are displayed at the Museo Archeologico.
During the Middle Ages Bologna became a free commune, its golden century was the 13th: during this period the city developed greatly thanks to the university (the oldest in Europe), trade and the political backing of the Church; at the end of the 13th century Bologna was one of the top 10 cities of Europe.
During the 14th and 15th centuries the city was fought over by the Church and the Viscounts (noble family from Milan) and was gripped by civil wars between the aristocratic families. Peace came with the reign of the Bentivoglio, which however marked the progressive domination of the popes over the city. Bologna lost its sovereignty in 1506 wand was governed by one of the Pope's cardinals for two centuries.
The dominion of the Papal State was interrupted in 1796 when Napoleon's army entered the city. The Church's assets and property was expropriated and Bologna was transformed from an industrial city to a large agricultural province. The restoration of the Congress of Vienna in 1815 returned the city to the Church, but liberal ideas had already begun to gain ground. The city actively participated in the Risorgimento fighting and became part of the new Italian state in 1859. Between the 19th and 20th centuries European town planning models took over: the city was embellished with public gardens and wide boulevards. Today Bologna has become a great industrial and cultural center, so much so that it earned the title European Capital of Culture in 2000.
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