Well, life since getting off the plane in Naples has been….busy. We arrived on Sunday, Dec. 30 at about 6:30. Charlie Worthy, our team leader, along with his oldest daughter, Micah, picked us up from the airport and took us to their house, where we meet Shannon, Charlie’s wife, Emma and Alessia, the other daughters. We had a great meal of fresh bread, Italian hams and sausages, cheese, and other antipasto. My favorite was pickled green tomatoes.
Micah twirling a sparkler on the balcony.
Emma and me on New Year’s Eve Night
New Year’s Eve was something. Fireworks, or firecracks as the kids call them, went off all day. One time I thought a bomb went off. I think I screamed a little sometimes, which of course made people look at me and laugh. Guess I had better get used to it.
One thing I admire about the Neopolitians is their relationship with their family. Family is more important than work or making money. So, New Year’s Day, everything was closed. Even the metro (subway system) closed early. So we really didn’t do anything because everything was closed. I did get to try some hot chocolate. It’s not your momma’s hot chocolate, for sure. There are like 32 varieties and the stuff is SOOO thick. Imagine you took a hershey bar, put about 1-2 tablespoons of milk in it, added nut or fruit flavoring or whatever else you want, and heat it up. It is really good, but the thickest “liquid” I have ever tried to drink. It was more like pushing it down my throat, but yummy.
Today, we went to IKEA. We have these stores in the US, but it took Paul and I to get to the other side of the world before we went to one. I think we spent about 7 hours in there getting stuff for the apartment and we did not even get it all. So, next week we’ll go back with a list and measurements.
THe first few days have been really good. We are getting over jetlag, enjoying some great food (we had our first real pizza the other day), and getting excited about moving into our apartment. so, ciao for now.
MacKenzie
MacKenzie M Davidson 
Looks like things are going well with yall. Enjoy the “real” foods as we are ordering take-out…haha!Praying that God will use you in a mighty way.Michele
I am so excited to hear that yall have made it to your destination and that you are settling in. I know that you both will be used to glorify God! We are praying for you both…Happy New Year!!!Kenny and Melane
Buon giorno Signore and SignoraI was so glad to hear you had an eventful flight over I am already envious of the ‘ food’ . It all sounds wonderful. The Best Pizza I ever had in my life was in a little Cafe’ in Florence, Italy.Hope you get settled into your apartment soon. I know God will Bless you Each Day.You are in my prayers.Love Grandma C.R.
Hey Mack! I’m so glad to hear y’all made it across the pond and are getting settled. Chris and I will be keeping up with you via the blog and can’t wait to hear about your adventures. We love you very much! Jen
Hey guys! Don’t drink/eat all of that chocolate, I want some when we get there. 🙂Glad you’re there and you had your Ikea experience — Sharon and I went to one for the first time about a month ago, but we only spent a couple of hours.We love you both!
Hey guys!!! I’m glad to hear that you got there safetly. Sounds like you have hit the ground running. I can’t wait to taste the fresh bread of France! And i LOVE IKEA!! Just wanted to let you know I’m praying for you! I’m bookmarking your blog now. Love you guys!Courtney
We love reading your blog, but need more details. It has been awhile since you posted anything. We love you guys and can’t wait to hear more. Preston said that you better now find another child to replace him. He also said, “Hi and he misses you a bunch.” Talk to you soon.