Ciao tutti (Hi everyone),

Well we have been here now for a few weeks and we are still in awe of the fact that we live in Italy! It really is just like the movies.

We’re sorry we have not been able to get in touch with you sooner, but we still do not have our phone or Internet set up. Everything here definitely moves at a much slower pace than in the states!

So here is a quick recap…
The first week we got here was mainly devoted to settling in, learning the city, and getting to know our teammates. There are 10 of us on the Salerno team, 6 girls and 4 guys. Settling in has taken our team longer than we have anticipated. Upon arrival we had 3 apartments for the whole team. Justin and I have our own and the other two are right across the hall from each other, which is ideal, except that they are too small to hold 8 people. So for the last few weeks the 3 boys were sharing a one-bedroom apartment and the 5 girls were sharing a two-bedroom apartment. Fortunately, God provided another apartment for the boys and right now they are currently moving in, allowing the 5 girls to share the two apartments next to each other.

This is a huge answer to prayer because things were really starting to get tight for the guys and girls and now for the first time they can actually unpack their suitcases.

Our current living situation has actually taken a new twist as well. We went from being the only ones settled and unpacked on the team, to needing to find a new apartment. This is because we are having a problem getting our tourist Visas and our current landlord does not feel comfortable with us living in the apartment without one. Unfortunately in order to obtain your tourist Visa in Salerno you need your landlord to sign the papers and he is not willing to do that. Thankfully he is allowing us to stay until we find a new apartment. This is actually a huge blessing for us because Justin and I were running into a lot of problems with the apartment because it is so old, but we knew we were locked into a contract for the year. God really solved that problem in His own way!

Last week we started language school, which has been much needed and very helpful for navigating around the city. We finish it this week and then starting next week we begin working on campus. We are all so excited for that because this is what we are here for! In order to prepare for that we have spent some time on campus this week praying for the hearts of the students. We have also had some very long team meetings planning and agreeing on what our team covenant, mission statement, and strategic plan for the year our.

This week we have also started following up with the 39 students that accepted Christ this summer. Next week we are having a party with them to kick off the school year and begin to build relationships.

As for Justin and I this new world has definitely shown us many challenges and forced us to step out of our comfort zone. All the while causing us to trust God for the next step. It has definitely been tough at times, but fortunately nothing too bad that a little gelato at the end of the day couldn’t fix!

Well I think that should bring you up to speed on what is going on with Agape Italia in Salerno and the Gallos!

Here are some things we could really use prayer for…
- Getting our tourist Visa
- A new apartment
- Team unity
- Our party next week for the new believers
- Boldness on campus as we start sharing the gospel
- Our marriage during all of these new adjustments

We love you all and are grateful to have you behind us!