Trip to Rome

September ended busily.  We got all the kids school stuff ready.  We visited all the schools to let everyone know that the kids would not be present for the first week. We did banking, reports, and ran last minute errands.  Friday afternoon, we celebrated Arianna's third birthday.

She enjoyed the party and getting all the attention.  At 5:30 Saturday morning we left the house to drive to Rome for the International Missionnary Retreat that we have attended several times.  It was supposed to be an 11 hour drive, but with the traffic and numerous stops, it took us 14 hours.  It was a beautiful drive. 

As usual the kids did a good job traveling.  Arianna even managed to remember her potty training. 

We arrived at Rome and had supper at the hotel with all our missionary friends, many that we have not seen for a year.   After supper we checked into our hotel rooms.  We tried something new this year.. . the boys had a room to themselves.  They did a good job, most likely due to many threats made by me.  Lilia stayed in the room with her girlfriends, and Arianna stayed with us.  Sunday we had morning services together with the other and then headed out to visit the collosseum, and several other famous monuments. 

We had a good time seeing the sites.  We navigated the buses, trains, and subways.  Arianna eventually fell asleep on me. Monday, we went out again and visited the Vatican, including the Sistine Chapel.

The retreat started Monday night.  We had services each night and classes for the adults in the morning, while there was VBS for the kids.  Afternoons were open to enjoy the pool and visit with other missionnaries.  We had a great time of fellowship and revival.

Friday morning, everyone said their sad goodbyes and we hit the road for the trip back.  Today we are getting laundry and cleaning done.  Angie and Lilia are headed to the first youth group meeting.  The kids will start school on Monday, I am praying that Arianna will go to class without hesitation.  We will also be getting ready for Lauren to arrive on Saturday.  Her mother was one of the ladies helping teach the kids this past week.  We are excited about her arrival and her ministry here with us.  God bless, JASON