SPRING IN SFERRACAVALLO is a real mixed bag when it comes to the weather, we have had hot days & nights, cold days & nights, rain storms-the sea had huge waves crashing over the barriers, reminded us of Wellington coast but the most noticeable thing is the extreme winds, they call them the Scirocco winds that come off the Africa continent & bring dust! We have settled well into our "tiny house" we're really enjoying having a garden, outdoor living area (which will be shaded from extreme sun in summer) as well as REAL grass lawn. In the backyard is also this amazing Daphne tree, its huge and the fragrance is fabulous!!
HABIB Refugee - Afghanistan Habib is in our language class, he arrived in Palermo recently after fleeing the taliban. Habib was the assistant to the Afghan Prime Minister. He & his family left everything- a house, vehicle, money in the bank to escape the taliban. Deane had lunch with him recently, helped him with some groceries & had good chat about his Muslim faith. Habib has invited us to have a meal with his family once ramadan ends.
SHIRAZ Migrant - Bangladesh A street vendor in Sferracavallo for 22 years, he goes home once a year to visit the family, so he has only seen his 12 year daughter 12 times in her life! Shiraz is a devout Muslim currently doing Ramadan. Deane met him on the street & got chatting, asking him about his Muslim faith. Shiraz was very peaceful & open to talking about Muslim vs Christianity - Deane has met with him a couple of times - he is interested in having a meal together.
Left - Pastor James who has Nigerian Church in Palermo Right - Prosper also from Nigeria - met both at language school.
MOTORBIKE NEEDED
We are still getting around on the train, it is very convenient but doesn't run from our station on a Sunday - thats a pain!!! Tried the bus but they dont seem to run to the timetable!! waited 45 minutes the other day - 3 buses should've come in that time !! NOT complaining but we would really appreciate your prayers for the purchase of a motorbike asap - of course before it gets too hot.
LANGUAGE SCHOOL
Thanks for your prayers - we have passed our first Italian test at school! 6 pages of exercises & questions, even if the test contained pictures also!!
Some days feels like you understand and other days you feel like you dont!.
We met a university student in our bakery that studies English, we are going to make contact again to see if she & her friends want to practise English so we can practise Italian!! .
Permesso di Soggiorno - Italian Residency Visa
We have an appointment on Friday 6th May to go complete photos & fingerprinting, it will then be available to collect 3 weeks after that. Praying for a 2 year visa this time!
ESV STUDY BIBLE - donate
Temple was excited to receive a Study Bible , Deane explained to him how to use it to understand God's word better.
NZ$25 buys one study bible, so if you would like to donate for the purchase of some bibles please let us know or make a donation direct to the Mission bank account.
Easter with family & Deck project
A last minute decision to get cheap flights and spend Easter with the family in Sweden. It was a great time, a deck project for Deane & Sam, gardening & planting seedlings for Bella and lots of fun with the kids, they are growing up so quickly!! The weather was mostly fine with cooler temperatuers - it was tiring but the deck was finished and was a great break away - we returned to Palermo feeling invigorated.
Always great to try some new Italian food
#1 Lobster spaghetti; #2 Tomato spaghetti rolled in Eggplant; #3 Swordfish on caponata with pickled onions #4 apple pastry #5 Biscotti filled with Riccotta.
SO THANKFUL FOR:-
Settling well into our new home
Appointment for completion of Italian residency visas
Passing our 1st Italian language test!
Meeting new contacts to share God's hope with
Short break with the family in Sweden
Friendly & helpful people we've met in Sferracavallo
PRAYING FOR:-
Purchase of a Motorbike
People in Ukraine - there are 3 women with their children in Sferracavallo that our landlady knows & wants to introduce Sherilyn to - they speak English
Retention and practise of Italian language
Habib & Shiraz as they continue to meet with Deane.
