CHill on a Mission

Cooking with Chris

2012-01-17T08:58:00.002-07:00

Frank and Susannah, who some of you may know, approached me a few weeks ago and asked if I would be interested in giving cooking classes to them and others from YLM and San Pablo. I thought why not. Last Friday, we had our first class. Basically how it works is each student (8 is enough for one class) pays 5 dollars plus the cost of the food is split between each student (which last week ended up being 3 dollars per person).

We made Italian Chicken Rolls with parmesan pasta, and everything turned out well. I showed them how to split the chicken breast, pound them thin, stuff, roll, and bread them, while having them do some pounding and mixing of things. After the chicken went into the oven, we started the pasta, and just talked about general cooking things. It was a good learning experience, and a fun time for fellowship. I need to figure out a way to show them crock pot meals, since I can't make it work like you see on a television show, when they put something in the oven, go to commercial, and when the commercial is over, the food is done.

Next class we are going to have pan seared fish (probably tilapia) with penne pasta, roast jalapenos, and a light cream sauce.

Plans are to have classes every two weeks. Other requests have included crock pot meals, shrimp scampi, steak, and barbecue. Depending on future interest, I may have to hold 2 classes during each week, which would be ok by me.

Have a Blessed week.

New Year, New Resolutions

2012-01-10T11:38:00.002-07:00

Well, this year I actually decided to make some resolutions, with the honest intention of sticking to them. So if you have some extra time in your prayers, perhaps you could lift up a couple of these for me.

1. Read the Bible in a year (I have tried this before, and I always quit during Chronicles, but I found a really cool chronological plan where I am already reading bits and pieces of Chronicles so it is manageable.) One thing that I noticed the other day is that it really is Chronological. I had to read Genesis 25:12-26 before reading Genesis 25: 7-11, and when you look at it, that is actually the correct chronological order. (odds of success 95%)

2. Read a book per week. One of my Facebook friends did this last year, and I thought it sounded cool. I am going to have to choose small books though, because of school. So far, I have finished 2 and am 1/3 of the way through the third and we have not quite hit two weeks yet, so in good shape. Let's see what happens now that school is back in session. Erin asked if a book of the bible counted, what is your opinion? (Odds of success 70%)

3. Blog again. Enough said. (Odds of success (65%)

4. Lose 2 pounds per week (It doesn't necessarily have to be 2 per week, but I want 104 gone by 12/31/12). Even if I don't hit this number, I will consider it a success if I can lose half of that. (odds of success 50%)

5. Keep my 4.0 in school. Classes are getting tougher, work is getting busier, and now I have to exercise and read too, so which one is going to win out? Not this one. I make myself do schoolwork at least one hour per day, and more if needed to make sure I am doing well. And, a friend of mine graduated college with at 3.9799 so that is my motivation to beat her :). (odds of success (99%)

Have a great week, hope you are enjoying your new year.

Sharing Jesus in Anapra

2012-01-06T13:05:00.004-07:00

For the 7th time, students, faculty, and chaperons from Mayer Lutheran High School spent their New Year in El Paso under the theme of Sharing Jesus in Anapra. This year, 33 people made the 26 hour bus ride from Minnesota to El Paso to experience this "life changing event" as one student commented on her evaluation. The students in attendance represented nearly 15% of the student body, and watching how they model their faith and love for others is an inspiration to myself, and maybe to others.

Once again this year, the group divided into 3 groups, with each group building a house, and finding time to interact with the children and families nearby. The group brought plenty of activities and crafts to keep a small army busy, and more candy than you see at a grocery store before Halloween. Each site saw the house built in 4 days, and the love of Jesus and Minnesota shared with many. As the week drew to a close, and sadness came from the group because they had to leave, an explanation from Acts 20 about how the citizens of Ephesus were weeping because of their love for Paul, and they knew they would never see him again, that it would be ok for them to shed tears because of their love for their friends in Anapra, but to remember that they would see them again soon.

Welcome back to the blog, and Blessings on your week.

Working on the drywall

A little bit of hanging around enjoying the sun

More interior work

A daily highlight included climbing the mountain right behind our job site, here are some pictures from up top.

Our casa tucked right in there

We had some extra time, so those at this casa chipped in to buy some paint

I'm Back

2012-01-06T13:03:00.003-07:00

Okay, I have neglected this long enough. Now that Erin has left the mission to return to St. Louis and work for Concordia Publishing House, her sister Kara suggested that I should start my blog again because there are some people who would like to know what is happening around here. So I will make an honest attempt to do so. Hope you enjoy, and remember to check back occasionally.

This is why I do what I do

2011-08-01T15:09:00.002-06:00

Ran across this while going through pictures. It makes it all worth while don't you think?

The best thing ever

2011-07-26T20:00:00.002-06:00

omehow, I got a small cut on my hand yesterday, and today in the office, I showed it to Viviana, and she asked if her Nina did it. For some reason, Erin gets blamed when Vivi falls down and says that her nina gave her a bump on her head or a scrape on her knee, so when Vivi asked me if nina did it, I said yes. She then left the first office and went to our office and scolded Erin for hitting me. Later on, after we came back from lunch, I showed Vivi again and said Nina hit me, she marched right up to Erin and told her multiple times to not hit her nino. She even wagged her finger at her once. It was hysterical. Later on, we tried to do it again and take a video of it. Vivi scolded Erin again, but the sound isn't great, so you might have to put headphones in or crank up your speakers. Have a great night.

A nice break...

2011-07-06T10:59:00.009-06:00

...away from phones, internet, television, even running water (almost). Last week, Erin, Jeff, and I hitched a ride with Jim to Sicachique. We went to visit YLM's most remote mission site, Nueva Esperanza in Sicachique. Google maps does not even know where Sicachique is, but I am guessing it is southeast of Chihuahua city, a total drive of 10 to 11 hours from the mission's campus.

We left Sunday afternoon and stayed overnight in Chihuahua City, with Pastor Tovar, where we ate Carne Asada, and loaded up more supplies to take to the village. We left Monday morning for Sicachique, spent the rest of Monday and all day Tuesday there. The plan was to bring supplies, assess needs, and fix a couple things. Pastor Tovar wanted a door fixed, and a generator looked at (total time to fix both: 31 minutes). Thus we just relaxed and learned what we could about the town.

It was weird not having the luxuries we are used to, but at the same time, it was nice to have literally nothing to do except read and watch the animals.

For more information on Sicachique, check out the YLM website by clicking here. Enjoy the pics and make sure to watch the video at the end.

There were several forest fires on the way to the village

Our quarters, Erin and Jeff slept on the balcony, and I slept inside

The old fish hatchery which I hope to bring back

The school, which is the main focal point of the village

Corn is relied upon by the people for not only food, but also income. It is definitely not knee high by the fourth of July. Please pray for rain.

Moving a support beam to help strengthen a roof

The Palomino figured out how to get at the food, and the other animals came

Enjoying lunch

The brown one couldn't quite figure out how to get the food, so we sent Erin in to save the day.

Jim, Jeff, and Erin with a local lady, she had some cool woven stuff for sale, so we bought some.

Pastor Tovar said the kids don't get a lot of natural or processed sugar, so we brought some. Somehow this guy scored, notice he is pulling out more from his pockets.

Some local girls that played basketball with us. They were good.

Basketball games, not really any rules, and this one guy needed a passport because he traveled so much.

Make sure to watch the video of the game below.

Passing out flip flops....

...vitamins and medicine...

and hygiene kits.

Sheep

Kids

Kind of looks like a head

We took a 88 kilometer, 90 minute detour to go see Copper Canyon. It was kind of cool, but it seemed odd to drive that far for 10 minutes.

Super "Two"sday

2011-06-05T14:25:00.003-06:00

So the adorable goddaughter's birthday was May 28th, she turned two. The Friday before, Erin and I brought her presents to the office so she could open them. The funny thing was that I had been telling Vivi often what her presents were, and Erin kept yelling at me to stop telling her. I didn't think it mattered, because she had no idea what I was saying, all she kept saying was birthday.

At first, she wasn't really sure how to open the gifts, but after a little help from one of her sister's, she got the hang of it. The first present she opened was from Erin, it was a little puzzle of animals that you put back into their spots on this board. Viviana saw the pig first and started making oink oink noises, it was funny. I thought she would see the dog or cat first and yell BOW WOW, or MEOW, which she does whenever she sees pictures of Ninja, Bear, or Freddy.

Erin came up with a great idea that she was going to get Viviana a Christmas ornament for her baptismal birthday each year. I thought that was a good idea, but I couldn't steal it, so I kind of copied it when I was in Chicago. I saw a snow globe, and thought that would be a good thing to give Viviana on her baptismal birthday from her Nino, so I got one, and will give it to her this November. To start off her collection, I ordered two snow globes for her birthday presents this year, one from Venice, and the other from Barcelona to represent some of the places we went on the cruise. After her puzzle, she opened these, and didn't really get it, but liked the snow when she shook them.

Her last present was from both Erin and I, and it was a big set of blocks with letters, numbers, pictures and other learning tools on them. Vivi was super excited and kept saying ABC when she saw them. I was wearing a shirt with writing on it the other day, and she kept pointing at it and saying ABC. I have seen her practicing and playing with them in the office. She seemed to really enjoy her presents, and I hope she continues to benefit from the learning some will provide, and the connection she will have with the ornaments from Erin and the snow globes from me.

Opening her puzzle

Now she has the hang of it

Working on the wrapping around her block set

Looking at the camera instead of the snow globe

With her sister Mariana and her Barcelona globe

Loving her blocks

Showing off her block set

Pool Party

2011-06-04T19:05:00.004-06:00

Last Sunday, Erin, Jeff (he was here last fall for a couple months, and is now back) and myself went to the service at Santisima Trinidad. Pastor Hernandez mentioned that some of the guitarists were going to the pool today, and asked if we wanted to come. Hmmm, lets see, 98 degrees and sunny, Saturday afternoon with nothing much going on, should we go to the pool? UM, ok. So, we invited some of our friends, Ruby and Joana to go with us.

We thought we were just going to a regular pool, because Pastor said the price was good, and you got a buffet lunch, so I thought I could sponsor Ruby and Joana a few dollars to have a good time, guess what? We ended up at the super water park that you may have seen right across the bridge from the mission. Oh well, we were here, and the girls were going to love it, so in we went. Now, in C0lorado, it costs $36.00 to go to Water World, $31.00 if you are under 4 feet tall, and at Wet n Wild here in El Paso, it is $45.00 for ages 4 and up. Guess what it cost for the one in Juarez? 80 pesos. Less than 8 dollars. SWEET!!!!

So in we went, and the girls had a blast. for 8 hours they swam, slid, and ran all over this huge park. I can't believe how much fun they had. It was an awesome day, and I am stoked they had so much fun.

Jeff and I got to talking, and we thought it would be great to give this experience to as many kids from the mission sites in Juarez that we can, so we are developing a plan to try and get around 50 to go in August. If you would like to help by sponsoring a child or two, please contact me for details. Some pics are below. Have a great weekend.

Safest City in America

2011-05-23T10:45:00.001-06:00

Stolen from Erin, but my thoughts exactly

I was pretty irked when I thought up the idea about writing this blog, but it's not meant to be angry, just informative. El Paso, TX, is the safest city in the United States (with a population between 500,000 and 1 million). It was formerly the 2nd safest after Honolulu, HI, and has been either #2 or #3 since 1997, but it claimed the title for the first time in late fall of 2010.

The list is compiled each year by CQ press, and you can take a look at it for yourself here.

Yes, I know it's ironic that the safest city in the United States happens to be situated very near the murder capital of the world (outside of war zones), but it's the truth. The two cities are really and truly one giant metroplex with a heavily guarded international border running through them, but although hundreds of thousands of individuals cross that border everyday, Juarez's cartel violence hasn't, isn't, and won't! El Paso is at the center of a giant misconception, and it's hurting the mission in direct and indirect ways. Every news report you hear or article you read about violence in Juarez describes the "where" as being across the Rio Grande from El Paso, TX, creating an inaccurate link that transcends just geography in people's minds.

I have been working in Juarez regularly for 3 years now, and haven't once felt threatened. That being said, I realize that I am the exception to the rule; I can understand church councils and parents not knowing the reality of the situation and thus being concerned. However, I am still struggling to understand groups slated to work stateside cancelling for safety reasons! Adding insult to injury is that many of them instead go to New Orleans to help with ongoing Katrina relief efforts, despite New Orleans being the 7th most dangerous city in its respective population category.

My purpose in writing this is to vent, yes, but primarily to educate. I know there are many other dynamics involved that I haven't even thought about, and probably wouldn't until I was in charge of a group of other people's children. But if even one person reads this and comes away with a new and probably surprising tidbit about the place that has become my home away from home, I have done my part to combat Satan's manipulative command of the media.

If you want to catch up....

2011-05-23T10:39:00.002-06:00

I know that I am not very good at putting blogs up lately, but lucky for my 4 readers, you are also readers of Erin's blog, and she is very good at posting blogs. Maybe that is one of the reasons I do not post as often, because she is so quick to get them posted, and we basically both do the same thing. So, I will try to get better, but in the meantime, to catch up on everything that has happened in the past month, see Erin's blog.

Fairy Godparents

2011-04-26T10:08:00.004-06:00

Every year on Easter Sunday, Pastor Hernandez holds a service that includes baptisms and confirmations for all of his mission sites at Santisima Trinidad. This year, like last year, Erin and I went to enjoy the service and meet the new members. This year had a bit of a twist though. One young girl who was going to receive her first communion was in tears at the beginning of the service because either her padrinos (godparents, or sponsors), were not there, or she did not have any, so her mother came up to Erin and I and asked us if we would stand up for her. I don't really know this girl, but like Jesus said in Mark 9, "whoever welcomes one of these children in my name, welcomes me", so we stood up for her at her first communion. The tears turned into to smiles as she realized that there were some people who would stand for her, and the service and events turned out beautiful. Off to Wisconsin/Chicago tomorrow.

It took Erin a long time to get her to look at the camera.

After she was baptized

Those baptized ranged in age from infant to adults

I baptize you...

Some were even baptized and confirmed in the same day.

Ruby getting ready for her first communion. She must have been unprepared, because she seemed to choke a little, but made it through.

More first communicants

Monica

Erin and I with Julia.

Erin, Pepe, Monica and I, not really looking at the right camera.

2011-04-20T11:28:00.004-06:00

The week of March 12-19, spring break season at YLM continued with five students from North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND.

The Hinojosa family, who you will be hearing a lot about over the next few blogs, is comprised of Gilberto and Dora, 3 of their own children, and 4 of their grandchildren–9 people in all! The NDSU group is the first of many that are slated to work on the Hinojosa compound throughout the spring and summer; first up was making some improvements to an existing structure on the property; stuccoing was the most time-consuming task but it looks great from the street now! One entire day was dedicated to pouring a concrete slab that will be the foundation for a home addition to be built this coming week. The Hinojosas are incredibly gracious and generous people. They brought water, lunch, and a Port-a-Potty for the servants, and even took off work to help on slab day!

The group’s final day of work was a relaxing one spent doing odd jobs on campus and then shopping at the Mercado Juarez on wheels

Erin putting on chicken wire

I HATE stucco, so I did a lot of chin scratching and pointing

They could have used the latter, but preferred to act like monkeys

Starting the first coat of stucco

Team stucco

Since I don't do stucco, I put the forms up for the slab we were going to pour on Wednesday

Team stucco continues. Erin loves to stucco.

First coat is done

Wednesday, we poured the slab for the next group to build on

Getting the volcano ready

Multiple volcanos, plus Genaro, plus making it thinner equals a 5 hour slab

Mixing in the wheelbarrow

Genaro taught me the mad concrete skills which I now have

Hanna and Erin were the smoothers

Even the family helped out a little

Team slab

Spring Break Servants

2011-04-06T09:55:00.008-06:00

The week of March 5-12, YLM was pleased to be one of 4 spring break mission trip options for students from Michigan State University’s campus ministry, Martin Luther Chapel. Ten students opted for El Paso and were assigned the task of building a new storage warehouse at Iglesia Luterana Santisima Trinidad. It was designed exactly like a standard house build, except that instead of a center dividing wall, it got a shelving unit. The hardworking gang finished building AND painted inside and out in just four days, even amid multiple breaks to play with neighborhood kids and the church’s newborn puppies. Enjoy the pics, and I promise I am trying to catch up on these. Canada next Wednesday, excited for that, and my first trip to Chicago.

Where we built the new toolshop. Some of you may remember there being a round building here before.

2 walls already up, and not even lunchtime yet.

Pauline showing the size of the building

Monday, Blanca and Josefina made us tacos and bean burritos

This was a bit scary

This is what happens when you don't remind the cut team to watch out for the sawhorses.

Checking in on the workers from the roof

Hanging drywall on day 2

Some of my favorite kids watching us work

There is always time for a game of tag

Carlos is supervising from the window

On Tuesday, Blanca and Josefina made us chile rellenos and homemade tortillas

Hanging drywall over the window

Pastor Hernandez and I checking out the progress

One of the leaders, Abbi, and some of the kids that came by each day

Ruby, Joana, and Kike love to help us out whenever we are there

On Wednesday, Blanca and Josefina made us burritos de rojo y verde (Green and Red chili burritos)

Pastor Hernandez and Nelson checking out some of the final tasks

Winding down on Wednesday by building some shelves. Then it was finished. 3 days. Nice work Team Sparty

For some reason, whenever I paint, this ends up on the wall.

Pauline was getting after the sanding, since Erin was not there, and Erin LOVES to sand drywall, someone had to take over for her.

On Thursday, Blanca and Josefina made us tamales.

Building stuff makes you hungry. Look at all the corn husks Nelson has from his tamales.

Pauline had even more

Pretty much finished inside. Need to sweep though.

The team from Michigan State, Nelson, me, and the puppies

Check out the creeper in the window.

Jessica and Megan, with their new friends, and Ruby and Joana too. :)

Amigos de Ysleta

2011-03-31T18:50:00.002-06:00

Amigos de Ysleta is a new adventure to help create sustainable funding for YLM. It is a program that is almost exclusively run by regional leaders to take some fundraising things of the already busy staff. There are several phases planned, but the first phase recently rolled out in Colorado in connection with a Mariachi San Pablo concert. The first phase is to seek out monthly donors with a minimum contribution of $10.00 each month from a bank account or credit card. Plans are underway to roll this program in other regions, and implement other ideas. Once one becomes an Amigo, they will receive a special password for the Amigos store, where they will be able to get Amigos gear that is made exclusively for Amigos.

For more information, check out www.amigosdeysleta.org or www.joinamigos.org

Mission Trips

2011-03-27T11:50:00.002-06:00

When most people think of a mission trip, they think about going somewhere (like YLM) to serve. The mission trips I am speaking of involve Erin and I leaving the mission to talk about it. You may remember my previous blog about going to Canada, and now we have another trip to Wisconsin scheduled.

You may remember Erin's winning photograph through LCMS World Mission's facebook page. Well, part of the winnings were hosting a mission fair. Since hosting such a fair at San Pablo may be futile, we asked a church in West Bend Wisconsin (St. John's) if they would like to host one. They accepted and they actually usually hold their own the Sunday after Easter. So we will get to have a YLM table at their mission fair, and then later that evening, we will be doing a Mexican Fiesta dinner, and speak about YLM in the hopes of generating excitement for them to send another team here.

Since West Bend is near Chicago, and Erin is able to do some LBT stuff there, I am going to tag along and check out a city I have never been to for a couple days. Hopefully, I will get to see some friends from St. Paul Mt. Prospect, who was here last week (blog coming soon), and enjoy the sights of a new city for a couple days. Please pray that the trips go well and for safe travels.

Catching Up

2011-03-26T17:48:00.001-06:00

I know it has been forever since I posted a blog, but I will admit it has not been high on my priority list. When adding school to an already busy schedule, sometimes things have to get put on the back burner and unfortunately, this was one of them. I apologize to my three faithful readers, and hope to be back on track soon. The good news is I have a list of many blogs I want to write, so hopefully this will motivate me to do so.

This spring has been busy with servant events and getting ready to launch a new program called amigos de Ysleta. Blogs about these are forthcoming. Erin and I have two mission related trips coming up in April, and blogs about these are on the way as well. New YLM website is launched, make sure to check it out and enjoy all the new things on there.

Once again, sorry to be gone for so long, hope to have many new thoughts up soon. Off to do stuff for the Hinchey scholarship so I can mail it on Monday. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

The Great White North

2011-02-08T09:40:00.003-07:00

So normally people tell me they are going to do things, and more often than not I am left to be disappointed. This is one thing that has always driven me nuts, because I am a big believer in doing what you say you are going to do. Even if is hurts, if you say you are going to do something, you should follow through because someone may be counting on you, or expecting something.

Yesterday, my faith in that was restored. We had talked with one of the pastors from the Canada group about going up there to talk about the mission at their youth fundraiser, and even at the Canadian Seminary. Yesterday, Pastor James called and asked us how our calendar looked for April 13th to 18th. It was open, so he is now getting us tickets to come talk about the mission to the Canadian Lutherans. Super Excited.

One day we are going to the seminary to talk the students, then have a meeting with a group that is coming in May. Another day, we will do touristy stuff and go to the West Edmonton mall, which I guess is bigger than the Mall of America. That would put me at the 2 biggest malls in North America in less than a year. FUN!!. On the Sunday, we will be speaking at 3 services at the church and helping work the Youth Fundraiser for their annual trip here. Can't wait, really excited.

We are slowly coming out of Snowpocalypse. Water emergency and rolling blackouts are over, but there is still a shortage of plumbing parts in town as everyone is trying to fix broken pipes. We got some from Teri who stopped at a store in Roswell to bring them on Saturday when they came for the baptism of Alivia. Good call. Hopes are to have building 5, 13, and the main line where the pressure regulator done today. Check out the picture below of the plumbing aisle at Lowe's on Sunday, 3 days after most of the popular things were sold out. And of course there is a super cute picture of Viviana crashed out on Erin's lap with a sucker in her hand. Have a great week, stay warm through the next chill coming tonight. Lucky for El Paso, this one is going to just miss us to the east.

Unsuccessful

2011-02-03T14:15:00.001-07:00

Remember in my last post, I talked about starting to read the 900 page Don Quixote? My goal for the weekend was to finish it, and then be able to put up a blog saying I finished. No such luck. I got sidetracked with other things, but I have finished one third of the novel, so maybe a couple more weeks and I will be done.

Hope everyone is staying warm during this snowpocalypse.

Snowpacalypse as defined in the Urban Dictionary:

A weather condition in which the amount of fallen snow, while not really such a big deal, wreaks havoc on a city, effectively shutting it down and leaving its citizens stunned and unable to see any sign of hope or a return to normalcy. It's perceived much like the aftermath of a nuclear event, but really... it's just freakin' snow!!

Learning New Things

2011-01-28T13:22:00.002-07:00

So far this has been a year of learning new things for me. Most of them have been computer related, since I am a digital immigrant. First, Erin taught me how to do all kinds of cool stuff on publisher, so I can make neat things now for school assignments, and my youth classes, and other things. Then, for a school assignment, I had to make some shapes and lines for a genogram project, and of course I did not know how to do that, so I asked the resident digital native (Erin), and 15 minutes later I was making boxes and circles, inserting text boxes, changing the shading and fill of these text boxes, drawing lines, it was sweet. Then, after I got the project back, my professor told me that I had done one of the best genogram projects she had seen in all her years of teaching. YAY!!!!

We are also changing our website to combine our current news site, and regular website into one. This past week there has been a lot of adding pictures and content, so naturally when I needed to figure out how to add a page, or a picture, or a next generation gallery, it was time to learn again. I have a lot of notes, but I am starting to remember things. Hopefully all the English content will be done by early next week, then it needs to be translated into Spanish and we can launch it. Hopefully it will be up SOON!!. I can tell you, it is pretty cool.

I have also learned school stuff. About stressors, and step families, and violence in families. Lots of stuff about family systems. This class ends Monday, and then Tuesday starts the next class called Family Decision.

Since I like to read, and I feel like I have been neglecting The Essential Man's Library, I started to read Don Quixote last night. All 902 pages of very small print of the unedited one. Any guesses on how long that will take me?

Well I am off to work on a web page about the Christmas distribution stuff. Have a fantastic week.

Here's to a New Year

2011-01-07T12:01:00.004-07:00

Happy New Year to everyone. Well, 2010 is now in the books, and it had it's high points (Mediterranean Cruise, starting school), and it's low points (recent health issues), but instead of dwelling on the negatives of the past, my resolution is to try and look at the glass being half full this year. This has not always been a quality I possess, and it is in my nature to be pessimistic, probably so I am not disappointed, but working on being more positive can only help right?

To give you a brief look into the health things that came up, I went in for a cough that would not go away, and we found out my blood pressure was high (runs in the family), so we started some medication for that. The doc also ordered some blood work, where we saw my cholesterol was a tad bit high (172, supposed to be 100), started some meds for that, and the clincher was when the doc told me I had type II diabetes. I am only at 8%, and I should be under 7%, so it is not crazy bad, but it is still diabetes. I had to go in for an eye thing to check them for diabetes, and then an abdominal ultra sound for other stuff, and I just feel like I have been to the doctor A LOT the last few weeks. Currently I am having to take diabetes classed, and have two more left, and then maybe no more doc stuff for a few weeks. I hope. Anyway, I would appreciate your prayers that I am able to do the things I need to for my health.

The year ended with some snow while working in Anapra with a group from Mayer MN building three houses, and as I said, I am trying to be more positive about things and not get upset so easy. I think I am doing ok, but it is hard to judge myself. Lot's of things to do in the office and all of our winter friends and their RV's are arriving so we will have a lot of activity and people here at the mission.

School stuff started back up this week, and I am almost done with the third class of my cohort, and have 3 more before summer break. I plan to do some CLEP testing this summer to get some more of the elective and general education credits I need so I can be on target with finishing in December of 2012, wow that is next year, and walk in the graduation ceremony in May of 2013. I really like how this cohort flows, and LOVE the fact I do not have any tests, just a bunch of papers to write, some of which I hope to finish this weekend.

Still teaching youth class at San Pablo, and am hoping to get more involvement and attendance up. I really want to get a whole youth group started, but it is slow going. Miguel and I are planning on taking our classes to Incredible Pizza, and maybe this can be a launching point. I am searching for new material for class, and hopefully have found a couple good things I can use for a few weeks at least.

I guess that is enough rambling for now, I am waiting on the leader from Mayer to send me a dvd of pics and I can share some of those in another blog soon. If you want to get an idea of that week, check out Erin's blog.

Happy New Year.

Playing Santa

2010-12-19T09:58:00.006-07:00

So I got a phone call one day in the office, and it was a lady who attends Ascension Lutheran Church in far west El Paso. She was calling because her office was in need of more families to sponsor for the Christmas season, and she knew we did some work with lower income families in the Colonias of El Paso County.

Basically, the people of her office would purchase gifts, food, and other items needed by these families if we could give them some information. Erin and I sprung into action and began calling many of the families you have already read about. We started with three families, got their clothing sizes and wish lists, and I sent off that information.

Later in the day, the needs of all three families had been sponsored by the office, and Sandy called me looking for another. I said, sure. We could not get a hold of this family, but we guessed their sizes and needs, and yet another family was sponsored.

Two days later, Sandy calls back and says the response is overwhelming, and did I have another family, it just so happens I did. So now we are up to five families that would be sponsored this year.

This past Wednesday, like five vehicles arrived at the mission full of all the goods. Each family had two large bags of wrapped presents, and one HUGE box of food, that probably weighed 100 pounds. That evening, after and between Doctor appointments, Erin and I delivered two sets of the gifts (Since we were both leaving town on Friday, and wanted to make sure they had it).

Erin put on her Santa hat, and off we went. We decided since each child had like three gifts, we would let them open one now, and save the rest for Christmas. We also let the family open their gifts, if it was space heaters that they had asked for, since it would help warm up the house.

One of the families, only the new boyfriend was home, so we dropped off their stuff, and she called the next morning to thank us. It was for Mayra and the Wild Fire house for those of you who may know that house. (Yes, her kitchen and bath have appliances).

We then went to the Garcia house, and the girls and mom were home.

The next day, after more Dr. appointments, we delivered the rest of the goods. Enjoy the pics and have a very Merry Christmas.

The Garcia girls with their new jackets. (Provided from the mission as part of the Christmas distribution).

Showing off their presents. That box that Nadia (In the middle) is on is the box of food.

Open sesame

Yay, heaters

With Erin and their coats

Letters to Santa, they loved that him and I were buds

Nadia found roller skates in her package

With some of the food

The gifts in front of the tree at the Morales house

Alejandra shows off her new sweater

Homero Jr. shows off his socks

Still digging

The Morales family (Minus Jesus the oldest son) in front of their tree

The Terrazas family, minus mom Maria with their goodies

Diego opening his gift

Dad Diego Sr. and youngest, whose name I currently forget

Erin with the Saucedos, minus Dad.

Norma and Kaila opening her gift

Number 16

2010-12-07T11:15:00.002-07:00

This Thanksgiving, the annual pilgrimage from my home church, Our Father, in Centennial Colorado came loaded up with turkey and all the trimmings for the 16th year. As usual, the group planned to cook and serve meals on both sides of the border. They served here on Thanksgiving day, prepared food for Cristo Rey on Friday, and also served at San Lucas in Anapra on Friday, then served at Santisima Trinidad on Saturday.

Because of all the news about the Juarez, the group elected to avoid the downtown corridor, which meant the market would come to them here at the mission on Thursday and they would have a little extra free time for fun and homework if needed.

They also tackled some of the projects on campus we are working on. They were able to tile another room in the dorms (that reminds me, I need to go fix the door and put the threshold on that room), painted the parking blocks with reflective paint so people (ME) wont trip over them and almost have a bad fall, Painted the outside windows and doors of the kitchen and did a little cement work.

Pretty good for this group, but they seem to have it down to a science.

Enjoy the pics, I'll try and get some more blogs up soon, but I have 283 pages to read for school and 2 projects to work on, so who knows. Blessings on your week.

Natalie and Elise may have been a little tired from the drive.

Cake team.

Rolling silverware

Erin getting her "paint on". The paint crew was SUPER FAST

Chef Zach, who learned an important fact about Joe Sakic at dinner one night.

Jens was loving his apron

The line of people as we got ready to serve on campus

About to enjoy his meal

Serving team

Full house

They also made bags of candy for the kids at the mission sites. We used to pinatas, but that was very dangerous and people were getting hurt, so now each kid gets a bag. They get their hands marked and if they try to wash it off, Mireya would catch them.

One of the service projects for Friday and Saturday: tiling room B in YLM building #12.

Nick using his engineering skills

You have heard of where's Waldo? Well, where's Chris?

The service at San Lucas.

Getting excited for some Turkey

Happy diners

The salsa queen. Terry has become an excellent salsa maker. People don't believe it is homemade.

6 mo. old Luna (Panchis's granddaughter) and Abram (Gaby's boyfriend).

We like cake

Thank you

Passing out the candy through a window to keep it orderly

Serving at Santisima.

Genesis, we built a house for her Grandparents or Uncles or something. She is great.

OOOOH. I am full

The cake serving was getting a little out of control, so I had to step in and create order again. All ran smooth from there.

One of my new buds, he ate A LOT of turkey

Thanks to Erin for the pictures.

The Florence Cathedral

2010-11-20T10:59:00.008-07:00

The Basilica de Santa Maria della Fiore was begun in 1296 and finished in 1436. The complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains the cathedral, baptistery, and campanile (bell tower). The cathedral is the 4th largest in the world and until recently, the dome was the largest in the world and is still the largest brick dome ever built.

The cathedral is built as a basilica with a center nave and four bays, each with a center aisle. The whole plan forms a Latin cross and it is 502 feet long, 124 feet wide, and 295 high to the top of the dome.

The facade is quite a work. In the late 1800's a contest was held to redesign the facade, and the guy who won made it a bit different than we are used to seeing. It is white, green, and red, and has several different sculptures and artsy stuff. The whole thing is dedicated to the mother of Christ.

Enjoy the pics, Almost to the last city. Hope you are enjoying these.

Shot of the site from a viewpoint on a hill

People on the dome

Baptistery

Bell tower

Facade

Some close ups of the different things on the facade

Bronze doors of the baptistery

Cool clock inside

Floor

Candles

Art inside

Stained glass windows

More art

More windows

Dome

Windows

Candles

More of the inside

Checking out Florence

2010-11-19T17:38:00.016-07:00

It was during the reign of Julius Caesar that Florence came into existence, in the year 59 B.C. he established a colony along the narrowest stretch of the Arno, which is the point where the famous "ponte vecchio" crosses the Arno. After conquering the Etruscans, the Romans established Florence as an important trading center around the third century A.D.

In the fifth century, the peaceful and prosperous lives of these early Florentines came to an abrupt end as the Roman Empire of the West crumbled before the waves of Barbarian conquerors coming from northern Europe . The Dark Ages had begun, and with it was lost Italian unity for nearly 1400 years.

During these hard times, Charlemagne and his Frankish forces in the eighth century A.D. crushed the last of the Barbarian kings of Italy . But, this reprieve was short lived. In giving thanks, Pope Leo III made a terrible mistake that was to lead to another prolonged period of disharmony and conflict. To secure Charlemagne's loyalty, the Pope gave him the title of Holy Roman Emperor.

Most of Italy came under the rule of the Emperor, and this led to future conflicts between the Emperor and the Pope that was to drive the Italians into their own version of a civil war. The population of Florence was divided over their loyalty between the two factions. And so in Florence different factions formed, some Guelf who supported the Emperor, and some Ghibelline who followed the Pope.

Over the following centuries, control of Florence changed hands between these two groups. As blood flowed on the city streets, families built towers like the one's in San Gimignano, to provide protection from their enemies within the city. At the end of the 13th Century, with the Guelfs in control, their internal conflicts led to their demise and to the eventual end of the conflict.

Typical of the innovative skills and determination of the Tuscan's, throughout this turbulent history the region and Florence enjoyed a booming economy with a population of 100, 000. The mainstay of the local economy was the wool trade. At the end of the 14th Century, led by members of the wealthy merchant class, political life in Florence became the realm of artists and intellectuals that planted the seeds for the birth of the Renaissance.

During this period, the Medici family rose to power. As leaders of Florence , their dynasty lasted nearly 300 years. Cosimo de' Medici was a successful banker who endowed religious institutions with artworks. During the reign of his grandson Lorenzo il Magnifico, Florence was caught by an artistic and intellectual fervor that created the Renaissance movement.

After the Renaissance, a remarkably short period in time, over the following centuries Florence was ruled by a series of in-effective leaders that left Florence in the wake of the other great cities of Italy and Europe . During the re-unification of Italy in the 19th century it was made temporarily capital of Italy , until Rome finally joined the newly created Italy .

The city still relives those years when the likes of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Dante, Botticelli, Donatello and many others helped change the world forever. Thankfully, the last of the Medici, Anna Maria who died in 1743, arguably gave the greatest gift to the city of Florence . In her will she bequeathed all the Medici property to the city on the agreement that they would never leave the city.

Enjoy the pictures, we are almost done, but not quite. Have a great weekend

First set of city walls

There are many nails in the doors of the city walls to prevent destruction by fire.

Santa Croce. Michangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and many other famous dudes are buried there

Bell tower of city hall

Ponte Vecchio. Means old bridge. Only bridge not blown up by Hitler

One of the towers

To the Tuscan mountains

Florence and the Arno river

Another church

Florence buildings

Another tower

Ponte Vecchio and the other bridges leading into town

Tuscany

Another view

Another set of walls

Looking down the street

National Library

Walkway from Medici palace to city hall

Medici palace

More Medici palace

Looking at Arno river from Ponte Vecchio

The other way

Snacks

Gelato

More snacks

Looking at city hall while crossing Ponte Vecchio

This is a fake statue of David. The people love the statue so much, they have 2 fakes out in the city.

Statue of some other dude.

This is how they do Parmesan in Italy

Pesto Lasagna

Spaghetti Bolognese

Front of Santa Croce

Christian bookstore

Art in the Accadamia Museum, where the real David by Michaelangelo is.

Unfinished works by Michaelangelo

More art

The real statue of David

They felt an urge to ride the carousel

Sweet chalk art

Us with our driver, Mafi

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

2010-11-17T18:47:00.012-07:00

The following excerpts about the Leaning Tower of Pisa are from a research paper I did for my college writing class this past April as I prepared and looked forward to my cruise to Europe.

Approximately 12 miles from the port of Livorno, Italy, a haven for cruise ships, lies the quaint town of Pisa: “Pisa boasts such a beautiful square that the Pisans refer to it as the field of miracles” (Levy & Salvadori, 2002, p. 155). The centerpiece of Pisa is the famed Leaning Tower. The tower is actually only one part of a three piece complex named La Piazza dei Miracoli. The tower, a baptistery, and the Cathedral of St. Mary the Virgin make up the plaza. This plaza is considered one of the great masterpieces of Italian Architecture (Ciagá, 2006). An observation made by one of my friends was; “One thing that struck me as ironic is that it is the bell tower to a fairly nice looking church that no one cares anything at all about”

Over 800 years ago construction began on the bell tower of this complex. In 1173, under the leadership of Bonnano Pisano, the structure began to rise. For no apparent reason, after five years and three stories were completed, construction halted. At the time someone mentioned they felt the tower was leaning. The tower then sat idle for nearly 100 years until 1272, when Giovanni di Simone continued work on the project. This architect actually made an attempt to correct the initial lean by placing the next three stories at a backwards angle in an attempt to straighten out the tower. In 1278 work once again stopped without reason, although some attribute it to Italy’s constant state of war, and the tower sat incomplete once again. Finally, almost 200 years after it was begun, the belfry, and thus the tower, was finally completed. At its completion, the initial lean of the tower was 1.6 degrees. The tower stood 180 feet high and measured 51 feet in diameter.

With its Leaning Tower, the city of Pisa became a tourist destination. In 1989, 700,000 visitors climbed the steps to the top. Sources vary the amount of steps from 293 to 297 possibly attributed to the fact that the north staircase has less steps that the south because of the lean. Even after the tour to the top was closed to the public in 1990 as crews began repair efforts, thousands of tourists still flocked to the site to behold its majesty. The tower remained closed for more than a decade, re-opening to much fanfare in 2001. When the tower was first closed for repairs, the lean had been increasing 1/20 of an inch per year. While not a large fraction when viewed, if one does the math the tower increased its lean over 30 inches in the six centuries since it was completed.

The reason for the tower’s lean has been attributed to poor quality soil. Although it has a 13 foot foundation, almost immediately after construction began, the tower began to sink into the soil, a soil mostly composed of clay over a buried riverbed. John Burland, the soil mechanics professor from England who is largely responsible for saving the tower, compares its construction in a Newsweek article “to a child’s carelessly stacking toy bricks on a carpet” (p. 50). Even though the tower has been leaning since its early days, according to Matthys Levi and Mario Salvador at the time of the original publication in 1991 of Why Buildings Fall Down the tower had been righting itself, possibly due to heavy rains softening the earth, or to previous efforts to repair the tower. However, the tower’s self righting efforts were not going to save it without further aid. One amazing fact shows that if a tower built like that of Pisa with similar materials on similar ground were to lean 5.4 degrees, the laws of physics say it would fall. When Burland and his team began their efforts to save the tower, it stood 5.5 degrees off. An interesting fact according to Burland who says: “no matter how many calculations we made, the tower should not have been standing at all”

The decade long process of saving the tower was not without drama. At one point, due to engineers accidentally removing an important part of the foundation, the tower moved 2.5 millimeters instantly. The measurement of 1/20 of an inch is approximately 1.3 millimeters; therefore the tower lurched nearly twice as far in an instant as it normally moved in a year. Burland and his team developed all types of ideas to fix the tower. One idea said to balance it with hot air balloons. An even crazier idea discussed redoing the landscape around the tower to make it look straight. Engineers dried the soil with steam pipes, anchored the tower to the ground with steel cables, and buried 600 tons of lead on the north side (not visible), all with little success. The plan that finally started the true fix came about when Burland thought of slowly removing soil from under the tower and letting it slowly settle into place. After wrapping the tower with an almost two inch thick cable to support it, the crew drilled holes, inserted pipes and removed roughly 70 tons of soil in increments of 20 liters at a time, which allowed the tower to straighten about six inches. The commission to save the tower estimates that they have added 300 years to the life of the tower. The lean now stands at five degrees and art historians figure it leans today as much as it did for Galileo.

Speaking of Galileo, he was a native Pisan, and it is thought by many that he made is his apparent gravity defying experiment off the tower of Pisa. He attempted to prove that objects of different weights will fall at the same speed. Although authorities believe the results of the experiment: many scientists no longer believe this story [that the experiment occurred at the tower]

The city of Pisa has over 100,000 residents, and although we know how many climb the tower in an average year, the number that just visits the site is unknown. Although opinions differ about the overall experience when visiting the tower, everyone I spoke to discussed picture taking. My friend said, “My family enjoyed taking the classic pictures where we are holding up the tower”. Another response stated: “One thing I had fun doing was watching people posing for pictures. Everyone likes to take the picture where it looks like they’re holding up the tower, so you can stand there and see people all around in these totally ridiculous poses, holding up air”. I have a picture of myself looking like I am holding up a rock at Garden of the Gods in Colorado, and had thought that it would be fun to have a similar picture with the tower. It appears several people have already beaten me to that, and I am going to re-think that idea.

In a city with so much history, isn’t it odd that “the tower is the city’s only claim to fame, and the only reason it’s famous at all is because someone messed up the math?” When I am climbed to the top I remebered, with a huge smile on my face, something I read when doing the paper: “the Pisans never wanted the tower to be straightened out. Who would travel halfway around the world to see the straight tower of Pisa? Enjoy the pics and have a great weekend.

Driving up on the city walls of Pisa

City walls

Field of Miracles

There it is

Capers grow in the city walls of Pisa

Cool

The cathedral

The baptistery kind of looks like it leans too doesn't it?

The baptistery

Oh dear

See the guy with his hands up for his picture looking like he was holding it up?

And her too?

But really I had it under control

Erin and I with the tower

You can totally see the lean when you go in the doors

The city of Pisa as we climbed the stairs

From about the second or third floor

The stairs. Look how worn they are.

Going down

From the top

Bell

All the bells

Looking over Pisa from the top

Out to the Tuscan countryside

The field of miracles

Another shot of the bells

Going up to the very top

You can really see the lean from the top too.

Snacks in Pisa

They just don't make cannoli as good anywhere else as they did in Sicily.

The Vatican Museum

2010-11-07T14:46:00.033-07:00

The Vatican Museum is about one of the most prestigious in the world due to it's collection of stuff from the classic church. We had a private tour with an amazing tour guide who really knew her stuff. She took us through the museums and was able to offer us all kinds of information, and we saw just about every room. We got a quick lesson about the Sistene Chapel before we went to see it, and let me tell you. It was AMAZING!!!. Words can't describe it, and they did not allow photography, but I did buy a book of pictures so if you are in El Paso, come by and check out the book. Below are a bunch of photos that we were allowed to take. Have a Blessed weekend.

Vatican city walls

Entrance

Our awesome guide Barbara

Statues

Entrance

Courtyard with fountains and statues, on the way to the museum proper

My friend

Cool looking artichoke thing

Pet

Collection of busts of popes

Art

I think it St. Peter

Wall art

Ceiling art

Fancy coffin

Tub

Barbara said whenver you see someone in a relaxed position, it meant they were a VIP

Animal sculptures

More ceiling art

Sweet floor mosaics

I didn't break it

This is one of the few bronze statues that was not melted down during the war. It is because it was nearly struck by lightning, and lightning was considered a punishment, so they buried it.

Check out the eyes

African slave statue

more floor mosaics

Big toe

Artwork

There were these cool tapestries in a long hall, but we couldn't have flash, so this is with the iso setting

ceiling of the tapestry hall

There were also all these maps of cities in Italy that are like hundreds of years old.

Tapestries

Ceiling

The long hallway to the Sistene Chapel

Fountain

St. Peter's Basilica

2010-11-07T14:46:00.032-07:00

As you may have known, or read in my previous blog about Constantine, he was the first Christian emperor of Rome. He ordered that a basilica be built at the top of Vatican Hill. The site was symbolic because it was where St. Peter was buried in 64. There was already a small shrine at the site, but it was replaced with a church and was completed around 349.

In the middle of the 15th century, the building was falling apart, and Pope Nicolas V ordered that the church be enlarged and restored. After he died, work stopped. In 1506 Pope Julius II began the work again and laid the cornerstone of what would become the largest church in the world.

In 1547, Michaelangelo designed the dome and altered some of the original plans. The basilica was dedicated in 1626. The nave is 715 feet long. The dome is the world's largest, measuring almost 138 feet in diameter and 452 feet high.

The interior, which has a total of 45 altars also has works by some of the most famous artists in the world; Pieta by Michaelangelo, The papal altar and the throne of St. Peter by Bernini, and many others.

There is a platform in the dome that you can go to, but we didn't make it. I bet the pictures would have been sweet.

Near the entrance, is the Swiss Guard. They were started in 1506 by Pope Julius II. All of the, guards must be Swiss, catholic, and take an oath of loyalty. This oath is taken on May 26th, on the anniversary of the attack on Rome in 1527 when the Swiss guards protected Pope Clement VII on his escape to Castel Sant'Angelo. 147 guards were killed in this affair.

Enjoy the last of the Rome blogs, and keep checking back.

St. Peter's Basilica as we drove to the Vatican museum

Had to wear pants to go inside

Jubilee door, only opened every 25 years. It is concrete behind the door to keep away any accidental opening. Due to open next in 2025.

Another shot of the door

Close ups of the door panels

See how St. Peter is crucified upside down?

Walking inside

artwork

Dome

Pieta, Only piece ever signed by Michaelangelo. It is locked up in a glass room now because some yayhoo took a hammer to it.

More art

Your name is Peter, on this rock I will build my church.

They show the distance from the altar of the other largest churches in the world.

Floor

One of the altars

Throne of St. Peter. If you rub his foot, your wish is supposed to come true.

Altar of the confession, under which lies St. Peter's tomb.

Those letters are 6 feet tall

So is Luke's pen

Dome

St. Peter's tomb

Altar of the transfiguration

Seal of John Paul II

Gold thing

More art

Pope John XXIII or someone like that. Waiting for sainthood. His body is on display in the basilica. I think it is weird to want to see and take pics of dead dudes, but mom said he was important. She took the pic, I posted it.

Confessional

Another altar

Organ

This is one of the rooms, they hold weddings here.

St. Peter's Square

Basilica

More square

Sistene Chapel

Swiss Guard

Pope's house

Window on the right is Pope's bedroom, on left is where he addresses the crowd.

Mom, our driver Marco, and the private tour company owner, Gilberto

Us in front of the Basilica

Us with Marco in front of the ship.

The Flavian Amphitheater (AKA The Colosseum)

2010-11-07T14:45:00.013-07:00

The Colosseum is probably the most impressive building of the Roman Empire. It was originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, and was the largest building of the era. It measures approximately 620 feet by 510 feet and stands about 158 feet tall. Basically it is not much smaller than a football stadium today. It could hold 55,000 spectators and had about 80 entrances. There are 4 stories above ground, and below ground were rooms with mechanical devices and cages holding wild animals. The cages could be hoisted up allowing the animals to appear in the middle of the arena.

Emperor Vespasian started construction in 72, and it was completed in 80. It was built on the site of an artificial lake, part of Nero's huge park in the center of Rome.

Emperors used the Colosseum to entertain the public with free games. They were a symbol of prestige and a way for the emperor to increase his popularity. They usually started with comedy acts, and displays of exotic animals, and then ended with fights to the death between animals and gladiators, or between gladiators. These fighters were usually slaves, prisoners of war, or condemned criminals.

The south side of the Colosseum was knocked down in an earthquake in 847 and parts of the building, including the old marble were used for the construction of other monuments, Including St. Peter's Basilica.

Below are some pictures, they pretty much tell the story on their own, so I am not going to caption them. There are some that show a rebuilt floor over the catacombs below, so you can get an idea of where the ground was and what it was built over. Enjoy, and keep tuning in.

Cruising around Rome

2010-11-06T14:23:00.020-06:00

I promise there will be more blogs around Rome, however those sites will each have their own blog devoted to them (I like to keep you in suspense), but the other sites, I don't want to call them the lesser sites, because they were not, just ones that don't have as many pictures or we didn't spend as much time at. Some of them, we didn't even get out of the car, we just snapped some pictures and learned about them. I can say I have seen them though, and according to one book, which I will blog about later, that is good. I will give you a little bit of information about each site nearer the pictures of them. Enjoy the pics and the mini history lesson. Check back soon for something that everyone will know what it is by just looking at it.

Traffic

That is where we want to be

The city walls of ancient Rome. All the historical stuff is inside these walls, and the city has grown outside as well.

More of the city walls, defense post

The baths of the Carracalla. Almost immediately inside the city walls

At one time, there were as many as 900 public baths in Ancient Rome

Palentine Hill is one of the 7 hills of Rome. It is probably the site of some of the first settlements of Rome as evidence of homes and structures have been found that date to 1000 BC.

It is actually the centermost hill of Rome and one of the most ancient parts of the city.

This is looking up the hill from another landmark.

One of the arches of Palentine Hill (Arch of Titus)

Good shot of the palace.

Arch of Constantine: Erected to commemorate Constantine's victory in 312. Dedicated in 315, it is the newest of the 3 arches in Rome.

Constantine became emperor, and he believed that his win over Maxentius in 312 was a result of our Christian God, and as a result, during his reign, the persecution of Christians ended and Christianity became the official religion in the Roman Empire.

A far less popular arch. The arch of Titus. It was built to commemorate the capture of Jerusalem. That's all about this one.

Circus Maximus. The largest stadium in ancient Rome. It could seat 250,000 people, and generally hosted chariot races. It's origins go back to the 6th century BC when the king created a track between the Palatine and Aventine Hills.

Fire destroyed the wooden circus in 31 BC, AD 64, and AD 103. In 103, Rome was at the height of it's power and the new circus reflected this, and was built of Marble. It was rarely used for other events such as Gladiator combats, but usually only chariot races.

The last event at Circus Maximus was held in 549, nearly 1000 years after the first races.

Part of the forum

Fruit

Another part of the Forum

Fish in Palantine Hill gardens

More fish

It is called the wedding cake, and sits at the top of Piazza Venezia (Venetian Plaza).

It is actually called Il Vittoriano, and is a monument to King Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy.

Mussolini addressed crowds from here during World War II

and it houses a tomb of the unknown soldier, with guards and everything. Very similar to an attraction by the same name in Arlington National Cemetery.

Trajan's Markets, the Roman equivalent of a shopping mall

La Bocca della Verita. The mouth of truth.

Believed to be part of a fountain, or ancient manhole cover

it was also believed to be a lie detector. Starting from the middle ages, it was believed if someone told a lie with their hand in the mouth, the hand would be bitten off.

Traffic director

Trevi Plaza

La Fontana di Trevi, or Trevi Fountain is the most famous and probably most beautiful fountain in Rome. It is at the ending part of the Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct constructed in 19 BC that brings water to Rome from springs that are about 12 miles away.

In 1732 Pope Clement commisioned Nicola Salvi to create this fountain based on a design by Bernini. It was completed in 1762.

The fountain is made around the central figure of Neptune, god of the sea, riding a chariot in the shape of a shell pulled by two sea horses

The water in the bottom of the fountain represents the sea, and legend has it you will return to Rome if you throw a coin into the water. You are supposed to throw it with your back to the fountain.

Via del Corso: A one mile long straight street where they used to have chariot drag races.

They are everywhere

Spanish Plaza. It is one of the most popular meeting places in Rome and said to be one of the most visually pleasing areas with an old Egyptian Obelisk, and of course the steps.

Spanish Embassy to Rome

The Spanish Square is connect to a French church (Trinita dei Monti) at the top of the hill via a long staircase, known as the Scalinata della Trinita dei Monti, or Spanish Steps.

At the bottom of the steps is the Piazza di Spagna, or Spanish Square. It is named after the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See, and in the 17th century, the area around the embassy was even considered Spanish territory.

Another arch, but not one of the 3 famous ones.

One of Rome's most famous squares, with three fountains designed by Bernini

The square is built on a former stadium built in 86 AD. The stadium had a larger seating area than the colosseum and was mainly used for festivals and sporting events. It was known as Circus Agonalis (competition arena) and over time the name changed to in agone to navone and finally to navona. The stadium was paved over in the 15th century to create the square, but remnants are still visible and you can get a tour of the underground monument.

Neptune fountain: built in 1576 by Giacomo della Porta. The statues of Neptune surrounded by sea nymphs were added in the 19th century.

The Fontana del Moro, also built by Porta. The Moor holding a dolphin, based on Bernini design was added in 17th century and the tritons in the 19th century.

The main attraction of the Piazza Navona. The Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers). Built around 1650 by request of Pope Innocent X. Designed by Bernini, the fountain features four figures each representing a river from a different continent. The Nile, Ganges, Danube, and Rio della Plata.

You may also recognize it from the film Angels & Demons

Pizza at Navona Square

and Panini di Proscuitto

The mushroom pizza I didn't have to share

I absolutely LOVED eating at places like this

Sicilian style pizza in Rome. Go figure.

Chocolate and Cherry Gelato

Castel Sant'Angelo, build right on the banks of the Tiber river. It's fortified walls are legendary and it was slowly turned into a fortress. In 1277 it was acquired by the papcy, who would use it as a safety refuge in danger. A secret corridor connects the castle with the Vatican. They wouldn't let me walk through it.

I hope you enjoyed the history with the blog. I don't even know if anyone reads them, but they are fun to write, so I might keep on doing them. If you like them, let me know and I will continue to do research and explain the pictures. Enjoy.

Pompeii

2010-11-05T10:27:00.016-06:00

On August 24th 79, yes, over 1900 years ago, Mt. Vesuvius literally blew its top. Ash, pumice, and other particles were released into the air and covered most of southern Italy. No town was more impacted than the city of Pompeii. Once a thriving metropolis, Pompeii found itself and its population literally buried alive under 24 feet of ash and debris. There is actually written stories of an eyewitness, Pliny the younger. If you are so inclined, you can look for it online or at your local library to get a feel of what happened in Pompeii.

Although there was documentation that a city existed, Pompeii lay buried until 1748 when excavations began. The archeologists found amazing things. Bodies preserved in ash in protective positions, as if trying to ward off the attack of the volcano. Ovens with loaves of bread still in them, and even areas of restaurants, and plumbing. It is amazing how advanced this city seemed considering they were wiped out nearly 2000 years ago. We saw evidence of bathrooms, bathing area, even drainage and water movement.

Enjoy the pictures, I hope they can begin to show it's amazement. The place is huge and we barely made a dent in it. I would probably need at least a full day or two to see it all and we only had a couple hours. I will be back to finish my tour.

Looking over Pompeii from the parking lot

Entrance

They are still excavating today

City walls

Houses

Probably held water or oil

Individual residences

Bathtub

Roman Columns

Courtyard

More houses

I have no idea what it says

All the things they have found. There is a huge warehouse that shows you all the stuff they found and continue to find daily

That is how they found bodies, preserved in ash

In a protective pose

Another one trying to protect themselves

Our guide said this was a washing area

Artwork from 2000 years ago

Bones

Water or Oil holders

Steps

Mansion

The big boulders in the street are defense against chariots

Restaurant

Oven. They found loaves of bread in here from eruption day.

Stairs

Bed

For tying down animals

Bathtub or wash basin

Amphitheater

Remeber, it's 2000 years old

Drainage

Pine nut tree

Bathroom

Lizard

Castel Nuovo, in the port of Naples

The building ALL Italian immigrans left from in the early 1900's. If you wanted to go to the United States from ANYWHERE in Italy, you left from here. Including Vito Corleone

Us with our driver, Mario

Sorrento and Positano

2010-11-03T12:05:00.013-06:00

Sorrento and Positano are two towns near Naples, Italy. They lie on two opposite coasts of the Mediterranean Sea, one is called the Sorrento Coast, in which Sorrento lies, and the other, which is more well known, is called the Amalfi Coast, in which Positano lies.

For the three big Italian cities we visited, we found great deals on private tours in nice 7 passenger Mercedes Vans. Because we booked all three tours with the same company, we were able to get some great deals. My wonderful sister Stefanie and brother in law Mike actually treated us to this tour as it came highly recommended to them.

We started the day with our driver Mario meeting us right outside the ship. Into the van we climbed and were off to the town of Sorrento with a stop at an overlook to take some pictures of the bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius. Sorrento is built on top and into white limestone cliffs and has some great views around each twist and turn of the Amalfi drive which connects Sorrento and Positano. This area is known for their HUGE lemons and Limoncello liquor, which I actually saw advertised in El Paso last week. It's ok for me, but many people like it.

Positano lies on the Amalfi coast, and was a relatively unknown fishing village until the 1950 when John Steinbeck published an article about it. Today, it is visited by thousands and boasts some of the finest hotels in Italy. Our driver Mario, who may have stretched the truth a little, said he drives a lot of famous people to places in Positano and throughout Naples and they all love Positano.

Some other highlights of this part of Naples were going to a cheese factory that Mario knew the owner and getting some fresh made mozzarella cheese, where you could squeeze the milk out, walking on the beach in Positano, some shopping in downtown Sorrento, and a roadside market for fresh squeezed orange juice, fresh fruit, and great pictures. We then headed back to town for lunch and the afternoon at our next stop, which you will have to check back for....

Have a great rest of your week.

Mt. Vesuvius through the rain

The Isle of Capri

Cheese factory

Fresh Mozzarella

Mario our driver giving us a cheese lesson

YUM!

Mt. Vesuvius looms over Naples

Bay of Naples

Looking down at the water

Built into the hill

Crowne Plaza Sorrento

Many houses are built right on or into the hills in Europe

Olive trees, look close and you can see them

Olive nets, they hang the nets, shake the trees, and collect the olives

Looking down on Sorrento

Beachside hotel

Down the street to the sea

All kinds of colorful pasta for sale

Downtown Sorrento

Fresh fruit stands were everywhere

This is Sorrento from a spot on Amalfi Drive that you could see both coasts

And that is Positano

This is the town in the middle

Amalfi Coast

2 private islands. One for you and one for the in-laws

Another shot of Positano

Built right into the hill

A little model of Positano or something

Looking up a Positano from the beach

Walkway down to the beach

You see this church in a lot of Amalfi Coast advertisements

Right at the water

The rocks are black from Volcanic ash

From a little footbridge onto the water

Snacks

Not near as good as the cannolo in Catania

Gelato

From the other side back to Positano

Mario called it the hand. I can see it, can you?

Private hotel beach/water access

The grapes I bought

Waterfall

Vesuvius looming large

More olive nets

Menu where we ate, with a hint to the next blog

Spaghetti Carbonara