The middle point
Today is exactly the halfway point for our mission trip in Italy. It has been such an incredible experience for everyone as we work, eat, and play together. Getting to know all of the people here has been great for everyone. Of course, we have had our challenges, whether it be getting used to the food, or getting rained on all day, but overcoming these challenges as a team has undoubtedly brought us closer. The relationships we build on this trip is truly what it’s all about, and it is what we will remember for years to come. The games we play together after dinner always end up being my favourite part of the day.
Speaking of getting rained on, today’s theme has been water. Rain was on the forecast, and that did not disappoint, as we got rained on for hours this morning. We tried to push through the rain but eventually it got too muddy and we had to call it and find inside jobs. While it was raining, we got a delivery of water from down the mountain. See, the building we stay at has a cistern which supplies all of the water, but there has been a lack of rain for the past two months, so the cistern is mostly empty. This has caused much anxiety over using up the water with washing cycles and showers, so the water delivery today was very appreciated. It seems the rain has waited for us to arrive in Italy so it could fall on us while we work. So, it all adds up to seem like God decided today’s theme would be water.
As it is the middle point, I think it’s a good idea to highlight all the work we have done so far. The team has worked hard to dig up a stone walkway, dig a trench in that same spot, and poured a concrete pad which will serve as a foundation for a stone deck. We have demolished two rooms, one on top of the other, and cleaned up all of the rubble. We have turned two windows into unfinished doorways, which will then lead onto the stone deck. In the room with the new doors we have worked for days finishing the ceiling, it is very tedious work. Upstairs we have painted a clear finish on the walls, then today started on some ceilings and a tile wall.
But the real hero of the story is Raney and those who help her in the kitchen, as she always has amazing food cooked for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. She’s also always happy to translate for us when some clarification is necessary. Getting to know such an amazing person has been a blessing for all of us.
Tonight we were treated to gelato from a villa just a little ways down the mountain. It was the perfect end to a good work day.
Myles Butcher
