My first month in Italy...

I first want to apologize to everyone for not keeping you updated more often. I'm going to try to update my blog once a week or so.
It has been a roller coaster ride for me this past month. It has been very difficult adjusting to a new culture. I am living in a 2 bedroom apartment with 5 other girls. Four of them have lived here for a year and are familiar with the area and know the language, so they have been a huge help to me and Molly, my teammate.
It took a while to really believe that I was finally here. I've been anticipating this move to Italy since Christmas and I'm finally here! It's been wonderful but very challenging. The newness is wearing off and it's beginning to sink in that I'm going to be here for another 17 months.
My team and I are taking Italian lessons from a lady named Antonella. She's a 5th grade teacher and a member of the church. We have lessons with her once a week and lessons everyday for at least an hour with the girls we live with. I'm anxious to know how to speak Italian but it'll be several months before I can. It's a beautiful language and the Italians are very helpful, patient people and love to teach us as much as they can.
Right now my team and I aren't doing a whole lot. We're just taking it easy. We've been learning the language and soaking up the culture. This week 2 AIM assistance are here visiting and we're planning a trip to Florence, which is a 15 minute train ride away, on Thursday and fishing on Saturday. It's been really hot here the past couple of weeks but it's cooled down a lot so we're doing as much outside as we can.
Well I suppose that's all for now. If you have any questions or comments please ask/tell. I would LOVE to hear from people back home. I miss everyone so much and I can't thank you all for supporting me and allowing me to experience this. I love you all and miss you! Thanks again and God bless!

Slave of Christ,
Charise Heard