Week 1

We are here! So sorry it has taken so long to post something but it took a few days to adjust and to get internet. Normally the process to get internet takes 3-4 months but because we lived here before and have a SS# we were ready to sign up. The flight was as horrible as can be imagined. Thanks to Hurricane Irene our flight was delayed 2 days but because of so many flights being cancelled they rerouted us on a direct flight from new jersey to rome! It took about 5 hours off the trip. We were really thankful for that! There were many reasons the flight was so bad but it is still too painful to talk about... so I won't. We did land safely, with all of our bags, car seats, strollers, and our desk top computer came out unharmed... amazing! The 4 hour drive to follow in a van that was too small with no a/c and holding all 3 kids was just the icing on the cake. We arrived in Salerno, exhausted, no sleep in about 22 hours, and collins was screaming.... but the Italian family next door was so excited to meet us that they all came over and started talking. Nonna, her two daughters, a granddaughter, a realtor, a family friend, all speaking rapidly in Italian and trying to do whatever they could to make Collins quit crying... which just made him cry harder. They are really sweet though and we look forward to getting to know them better.
Jet lag has been a big hurdle to overcome. We all slept until 12 or 1 in the afternoon on day 1. We went to bed at 6am on day 2, watched movies for 4 hours most nights between 1-5am. Found Collins in our bed on day 4... not sure how he got there. It has been crazy! Last night, they finally slept for 8 hours straight! It was from 12am-8am but it was consistent.
The Shoemakers arrived 4 days after us and we helped them settle in. We are still apartment hunting for the rest of the team so please pray for that. 1 family with 2 kids, a couple with no kids, single girls, and single guys... 4 in total are needed before next week. Please pray especially for the family!
Sorry if these thoughts aren't flowing well but we are still really tired. A few final things... kids are eating better now that we found hot dogs and Turner says he loves his new home and he loves Italy so that is a huge blessing. We hope all of you are doing well! Thank you for your prayers and support! I will update again really soon with pictures. Please email us and tell us how things are on your side of the ocean.