Just some thoughts from the first week: 
It has been a busy week.  Walk a mile here, there, then back again.  Lot's of walking.  It is good though.  I am starting to find ways to get to places ...navigating is hard.  It is not a basic grid so I can get turned around on the winding streets swallowed by building after building.  The tourist spots are thick with people now -avoid!  The city is BEAUTIFUL.  A fabulous view surrounded by God's prize creation that do not realize God loves them ...let's do something about that! 
Being a very domestic kinda girl, I am feeling a bit displaced.  When we heard the apartment would not be available until mid August -zoiks!  That seems forever away.  For the sake of space (and to not overwhelm anyone on the team) Rowen and I are staying with Brea and the boys with the Proctors. So family time is different and shared with others etc...  I will be glad to get settled and make a home for my family. However, the hospitality of our team is tremendous and we are sooooo thankful!!
Today is Sunday ...and we worshiped together at a missionary friends house.  They have been great!  They came with a team from a different sending organization -but their team is no longer and they are here by themselves.  I am looking forward to encouraging them (they already have us!).  It was a sweet time of worship followed by dessert and games. 
We were told the contract for the apartment would be signed tomorrow ...in Italian time that could mean Wednesday :)  Once that is signed, the apartment is ours (minus the wait time for some electrical work)!!  The status: we are engaged now ...awaiting the marriage ...and moving in would be the honeymoon :) It has the largest living room we have seen yet, a great kitchen (It has a KITCHEN!  We don't have to put one in!!!!) and the location is perfect!  Once the deal is done ...I will for sure post pics or video. 
Sorry no pics ...Troy has what I need to get the pics up ...next time. If you took the time to read this -kudos to you :)  Thanks!