Bari and a Birthday

After our conference finished in Avellino, we headed to Bari to stay with some friends and help out the church there.  We stayed at the home of some missionaries in Carbonara, just on the edge of Bari.  We worked, and had some time to play and wander the streets of Bari. Shawn lived there for 5 years as a teen while his parents were doing mission work there.  We got to meet some of his old high school friends as well.   Tuesday we arrived, took it easy and did laundry from the weekend.  Wednesday, Shawn was off to help move and install cabinetry, while I went to help shop for a birthday dinner on Thursday.  After the kids were dropped off at school, we walked all over town getting supplies for lunch and more importantly, dessert.    The menu requested by the birthday boy included: rice and sausage main dish, green beans, strawberries with cream, and chocolate bowl cake topped with more strawberries.  We had quite the party with several other missionaries attending the festivities as well.  After the cake, the most important part of the celebration occurred, presents.  When you turn 5 that is high on the list.  Legos, art projects, a movie, and some cash rounded out the gifts.  He immediately requested dad’s help in assembling the lego kit.  The rest of the week, we went to cell group on Thursday evening, where we were given the opportunity to share, then I went to the women’s group meeting Saturday night where I shared my testimony of God’s grace.  Shawn also had the responsibility of leading music on Sunday as well.   We also got to eat lunch with a dear lady that Shawn had known from being there as a missionary kid.  We had a good time, but were definitely ready to return to Sicily.       (Pictures include: Bari port, blowing out the candles, high school friends, opening gifts, an elephant made of scamorza cheese, looking out over the water, “bread & tomato” beach, us with a friend, and Bari at night.)