Feltre Italy: Chilly near the Dolamites.

Pastor Craig has another church up north in Feltre. It's a fellowship that began when a few of its citizens commuted all the way down to Montebelluna to attend church there. As word got out, more and more people began commuting until they asked Craig if he could do a teaching in their town every once in a while. They were blessed with a building to begin Wednesday night services.

It's really small, but pretty much filled to capacity

On the road back to Montebelluna, a student and I were chatting with Pastor Craig about Italy an its people. We had an interesting conversation about the way they do religion in their country. Interestingly, I found that they're overall much less religious than most people think, which is surprising considering Christianity's deep roots here. Even so, Catholicism is evident just driving through towns displaying street signs named after "saints," and just about every region has its own token vintage chapel. But a large majority simply don't practice regularly, let alone have an understanding of God's Word. Many use church only to fulfill a traditional obligation, or attend on special days that seem holier than the rest.

Pastor Craig pointed out how the atmosphere in these cathedrals tends toward the dreary and cheerless. Although you'll find symbolism inside depicting Jesus, He's often depicted broken and dying on the cross. Jesus' death was definitely a central event that is foundational to the Christian faith, but even more important is the fact that He conquered death by rising from the grave to take His place at the right hand of God. "Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right Hand of God, who also intercedes for us." --Rom. 8:34 The news just gets better from there, because once we've accepted Jesus as the One and only way to the Father, then we too have our security with Him, as it says "Having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead." --Colossians 2:12

Not only is it heartbreaking that these Italian churches place a strong emphasis on death and sorrows, but they take a step further away by neglecting the command of God in Exodus "Do not make any gods to be along side Me; do not make for yourselves gods of silver or gods of gold." They neglect this with their apparent reverence and prayer to certain saints and especially Jesus' mother Mary. Elevating Mary to near deity status isn't only an Italian thing, and God must've known it would become a problem since it happened twice in the New Testament where Jesus had the opportunity to elevate His mother above average human status, and He nearly did the opposite: "Someone told him, 'Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.' He replied, 'My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice.'" -- Luke 8:20-21 And later on in Luke: "As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, 'Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.' He replied, 'Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.'" --Luke 11:27-28.

Tradition definitely holds its valuable place in our world (without it, I wouldn't be enjoying some of the tastiest food ever!), but it can also lead people to automatically believe certain things without being accountable to seek for themselves. I pray that more and more Italians==well actually, that everyone--questions their lifestyles and rituals, and are eventually led to the real truth that is only revealed in God's Word.

My new family in Padova

The weather here has been unpredictable: Sometimes it will rain without stopping, other days will be sunny, but with an unexpected chill in the air. The best way to plan your day around Northern Italy's tricky weather conditions is to plan straight through it and hope for the best.

A little drizzle this morning didn't keep us from hopping on the train to nearby Padova. One of the missionaries decided to meet up with his friend, Marta, who had attended bible college the semester prior. I'm so glad we decided to tag along.

So after 45 minutes by train and 20 by bus, we made it to the town center. Today was a market day, where you could find everything from February flowers to cheap shoes from China.

Padova is much bigger than Montebelluna. There were plenty of winding cobble-stone roads and big buildings. Someone told me that the guy in the first photo was someone famous. I for got why, but apparently this Dante fellow lived here.


Not surprisingly, you can find Pizzerias everywhere in Italy, often at very reasonable prices. This square pepperoni (or Salamina Piccante) pizza reminded me of Little Caesar's back home... only 100-times better.
No wonder people eat so much cheese and bread, and yet are still able to remain in great shape--they walk everywhere!
After lunch we went to visit Marta's mom, Kiara. She made us feel at home instantly by offering us hot chocolate. This wasn't you're usual chocolate-flavored water neither... it was so thick and rich, if I didn't know it was a drink I would have just figured it was a melted chocolate bar in a cup.

Kiara was very enthusiastic showing us pictures and told us story after story in her broken English.She understood some of my Spanish too. I especially liked that she thought I was 20 years old!
Even though I new her for less than a few hours, it was kinda sad saying goodbye to my newest Italian friend. Chances are, I won't return to Padova with the limited time I have remaining here. Among other things, finances and cheap February flights will send me home sooner than expected. What I had hoped would be a ministry of service into the spring, became a couple-week visit to this awe-inspiring country. Better get to Venice before it's too late!

We learned some interesting symbolism studying the book of Joshua this morning. I'm familiar with every book of the Bible pointing to Christ in one way or another, but I never saw the type of Christ that Joshua represented. He was the military leader who led the Israelites into the promised land after miraculously crossing the Jordan River. Because their prior leader, Moses, died just before this, he represented the Law (or Ten Commandments). The Law could only get us so far with our Christian walk until it begins to hold us back. At a certain point in our growth, we need to shift our focus from the Law to the Law giver, Jesus Christ. He is the only one who can carry us into a fruitful and fulfilling land (or life).

Good stuff!

Montebelluna

Montebelluna is a small town in Northeast Italy, 45 minutes from the Venice airport. It's definitely not a tourist destination one would consider when planning a trip. It doesn't have the religious history of Rome, a network of waterways like Venice, nor the tipping tower of Pisa; but what it lacks in sightseeing flair, it definitely makes up for with its warm, small-town charm.

I decided to go for a little walk today, and then it turned into a stroll, and eventually a journey across town. Here's some sights:

Mainstreet

A big building

A park

The center of a shopping square

A cafe
Town center

And lastly, Barbaro street

I attended the class on the book of Revelation today. It's known as one of the toughest reads in the Bible. In fact, some of the greatest church leaders of old neglected the book altogether. I wonder why? Just as Genesis tells us of our very creation, Revelation completes the story perfectly with our beautiful eternal ending.

The prophecy in Revelation is definitely tough to chew on, and not easily digested, but the Lord must have known we'd have a hard time with it as He says in 22:7 "And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book." Not only is this one of the few times the Lord Jesus speaks after his death and resurrection, but He offers us a special blessing if we challenge ourselves to study and heed these future events which are coming quickly. I see the students getting a lot out of this class.

A little messy, but comfy.

Here's some photos from the guy's place. Much more spacious than our 10-guy, 1-room apartment in okinawa.

entry

Living room

Kitchen

My beds the bottom right

The next few pictures are taken in "the basement." It's about a half-mile walk from the guys dorm and this is where we get on the internet, play ping-pong, and some classes are held here.

Tasty day 1

There will be less students at the Bible college here this semester than usual. I'll be living with 5 guys: 2 missionaries and 2 students, and me (I'll try to post some photos of the dorm room when I get the chance).

On my first day here, Dave and I went to one of the apartments to clean it out for 2 students who'll arrive soon. They're a married couple with a baby so they'll have their own place.

Took me a while, but my job was to disassemble these two bunk beds.

I was already "initiated" my first day with a short walk to a famous pizza place called "Dandy's" And dandy it is! The owner of this place is Pasqual, and supposedly, the secret to his delicious pizza is in the region he's from: Napoli (Naples).

Yummm! I'm not sure if it was the cheese, the sauce, the crust, or a combination of all 3 with a touch of Naples, but this is definitely the tastiest pizza I've ever had! The only way it could be better is with fresh green chile.

Those are 4 happy customers!

Living in Gatwick... at least that's what it felt like.

This is the second time I've flown British Airways. The first was a good experience. The second was a little bit more challenging. It started in the Orlando airport, right when my brother dropped me off. I was going to be charged right off the bat for having too many bags. Usually my Ukulele and backpack count as one since I fit one inside the other, but the representative didn't see it that way, so I had to stuff my already stuffed check-in. Thankfully, it was just under the $60 over-the-limit fee.

The flight was pretty smooth and a little fuller than the last. With long flights like these, the planes usually have interactive screens allowing you to choose different kinds of entertainment for free. Half way through the flight though, my screen froze as well as my reading light. I guess that was a hint for me to sleep!

I arrived at the Gatwick airport near London at 7:30 in the morning. My flight to Venice wouldn't depart until 3. More resting time.

That's not me sleeping at the bottom of this picture. I slept across from that guy.

It didn't take long for me to find the local variety of chocolate. and it was only 1 pound! (I have no idea what that is in dollars).

A missionary couple, Frank and Suzie, picked me up from the airport. It was neat talking with them about their journey. They spent years teaching and planting churches in Poland but recently felt the calling to serve in Italy.

Here's the guys dorm (middle floor). The place I'll be staying at for a while. For how long? We'll see.

Thanks, grandpa!

Wow. Word gets around quick. When my grandpa back in Albuquerque heard about my upcoming trip, he sent a generous check this way. It makes me think about how God has placed me in such a loving and caring family. There's so much I wouldn't have been able to see or do in life if it hadn't been for their encouragement and provisions. It's not as if I deserve it. It's grace on their part, just like Lord's gift to us--that by sending His only son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins, the penalty of our rebellious ways are paid for in completeness, with the only requirement that we believe. We did nothing to deserve our salvation, nor can our works earn us a special standing with Him. "Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law." --Romans 3:27-28

The money came just as I was in need of certain odds and ends to leave the country once again. Remember a few posts back where I through away my favorite old brown shoes? Well thanks to grandpa I found a replacement.
Pretty stylish, no? I have a left one as well.

Better get back to packing... once again!

"For this work of giving not only takes care of the needs of the saints, but is the cause of much praise to God" --2 Corinthians 9:12

Thanksgiving can be everyday!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." -Philippians 4:6
Jake had a huge turkey in the freezer, given to him as a bonus at Universal Studios before Thanksgiving. He's not a big meat eater, and it probably wouldn't have lasted 'til the next season, so I figured I'd try my hand at cooking my very first big bird. Some quick research on the internet provided me with some tips and tricks that, in the end, resulted in a tasty turkey. Even though I look at the photo now and realize it lacks the traditional golden sheen, I assure you it was cooked thoroughly... otherwise I would have probably gotten sick somewhere along the line of eating it for 4 days straight.

Downtown Orlando isn't too far off from here, and Jake had the idea of watching a pro NBA game. Only, he thought of it only a few hours before the final home game that would be played during my stay. Luckily, eBay pulled through. Not only did we find last-minute tickets really reasonable up for auction, the seats were great as well. It was such a thrilling game too. Fans were on their feet, there were multiple lead changes, and the final score was well over 100.
Time flies--especially when you're having as much fun as I've had here in Florida. I'm grateful for these few unexpected weeks with two gracious and fun hosts.

Theme Parks, Sharks, and Calvary Chapels

What's better than knowing a person who works at a theme park and can get you in for free? Knowing TWO people who work at TWO different theme parks and can get you in for free! What a blessing!

My soon-to-be stunt performer brother skippers the Jaws ride at Universal Studios. Since he worked half a day on Saturday he got me in the park and we were able to hang out afterwards. It was cool being a passenger on his boat. I was a little reluctant at first recalling our childhood days in Belen where he'd pile up all the couch cushions and we'd play "boat." More often than not I'd end up falling overboard. But since losing passengers on this vessel meant losing his job, there'd be nothing to worry about, haha.

It was more than just a fun-filled free day. As I wandered around the park, a woman approached me asking if I'd like to take a survey. After meeting the requirements she took me into a room full of television screens where I got to watch an upcoming prime time network show and play TV critic. The show itself isn't much worth mentioning, but I was compensated $15 for my time! Could I be both the first person ever to wear long johns in Florida AND the first person to come out ahead after a day at an amusement park?

Later, Jake and I watched the Sinbad stunt show. He starts rehearsing for his character, Kebab, next week.

A few days later my cousin, who's gonna be in a big Disney parade, got me into the Magic Kingdom.

On Sundays we drive to Eustis for 10 o'clock service at my brother's church, Calvary Chapel of the Lakes. It's a neat friendly fellowship headed by Pastor Doug Teel. He sings at Disney too!

It looks like God's not finished with me in Europe yet. A few weeks earlier I had spoken to a pastor regarding an internship at the Calvary Chapel Bible College in Montebelluna, Italy. We got in touch recently and it looks like I'll be spending a while along the Mediterranean! We're leaving the length of time open, depending on provisions and such, but I'm really looking forward to serving in Italy! I thank the Lord for providing me with the means and resources (the cost of the flight was amazing!) and please keep me in your prayers--that I abide in the Lord's guidance and that He can use me in a fruitful way out there.

Perhaps while I'm there, I'll get to see my cousin Diegoccini.

Brother, Cousin, Warm Weather!

Another long but restful flight was now behind me. The plane was once again empty which meant me sprawling across 3 seats... and that's what I call that first class, the Garcia way! My brother Jake had little notice but was no less punctual about meeting me at the airport. I had no phone, he had no way of telling if my flight from London would arrive on time, but it all worked out.

Wearing long johns seemed like a good idea in Europe, and it kept me warm in the plane. However, wearing thermal leggings in 75 degree humid Florida didn't quite have the same comfort effect.

How fortunate I am to have such a welcoming family. Not too long ago my cousin landed a show at Disney World, where my brother also found work. They're staying in my uncle's condo nearby... and now I am too :) It's a beautiful community with a laid-back feel. I'm taking this time to thaw-out, enjoy some family time, and spend some time with the Lord.

Home for now

Oranges so close I could smell 'em

During my devotion this morning I found this inspiring quote in my Life Application Bible: "Happiness depends on happenings, but joy depends on Christ." It's true that happy is a great emotion. When I'm having a good time with friends and family, when I'm finally able to purchase that item I've had my eye on, or as I'm anticipating exciting travel plans--it's great to experience that high. But like most feelings, happiness is fleeting. Friends/family may leave or pass on, material things fall apart, and my travel comes to an end (in my case very abruptly, haha). Joy is different. True joy comes from the knowledge of our Lord through faith "...and he was full of joy, having faith in God with all his family." --Acts 16:34. This is because we know that if we have truly accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, then we are saved for eternity "I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." --John 10:28. And unlike happiness, there can still be joy during hard times because we're secure in Christ, as Paul wrote in 2nd Corinthians 7:4 "...I overflow with joy in all our affliction." What a great encouragement that statement is.

So my prayer today is to focus on my life as being "hidden with Christ in God" (Col. 3:3), not only when things aren't going my way, but also when they are... like now that I'm hangin' out with my 'bro and 'cuz.

Good to know that large Floridan birds make use of the sidewalks here.

Paris in 1 blog post

Before returning home, I really wanted to see Paris. After all, I made it this far, and I was only a few metro rides away. Unfortunately, Paris isn't the cheapest city in the world, in fact, it's one of the top 10 most expensive cities in the world! Great! So how could I do it? With God of course! He revealed the perfect little Holiday Inn Express near the city center that was very reasonable by Paris standards. Not only that, but I was very blessed to find a cheap last-minute 1-way flight to Orlando, where my brother currently lives! So with a European-looking hat and a fist full of colorful Euro, I'd be on my way.

My hotel. Looks like it's under construction, but it wasn't. That must be the current building fashion.

What's more amazing: all this money, or my 3 hands?

So with the few days I had in Paris, I wanted to see all I could, and eat all I could... and I could eat! So I thought about what kind of cuisine France is known for. French Fries? French Toast? French Onion Soup? A little too American for my taste, but I was on the right track. Walking along a busy street, I found a crepe stand, and I'm not talking about a place where weirdos hit on unsuspecting women with cheesy pick-up lines. This guy made me a choco-coconut crepe. What a great way to start my day!



One thing that stood out to me being among so many people was the lack of older folks with mobility-assisted needs like wheelchairs and walkers. I guess when you live in a place where everything's walking distance, it has a positive effect on your health too. There were about 20 older men at this park, playing games and laughing/arguing with each other. Seems like a fun place to be old!

It was time to hit the landmarks. First stop was this place called the Notre Dame de Paris. When I saw this gigantic church, I knew it was old, but I didn't know it was built in the 10th century until I researched it later. I took a picture of the sign with the same name of the town where I grew up.

Luckily the city is well-connected via the expansive underground metro. It was only the second time I've ever been in the subway (minus lunch at the fast food place). I was a little confused at first but I didn't lose too much money trying to figure it out :) After some riding around, and miles on foot (my shoes began losing their shine), I found this big landmark that was apparently worth seeing according to the map I had. A good little climb to the top revealed the perfect view of a bustling street. It has 10 lanes!

Okay, I just found the second photo online and didn't really climb the building, but I did eat my first French quiche in the little cafe I circled there.

Yum. I was now content. I had seen and tasted everything and went home. Oh, and don't worry, I didn't forget to swing by this little "point" of interest:


Praise the Lord for giving me a few days in an amazing city.