People All Over The World, Join Hands...

Last night Brock and I attended a Super Bowl viewing at the ONLY American Bar in Milano. I look back to my feelings this week; feeling alone in this new world and feeling a little “home” sick, and last night we were able to experience a little slice of America. It was exactly what we needed. Funny how God works; He gives you exactly what you need when you need it the most.

The Bar was exquisite in style and decorations and the atmosphere was cozy and it was filled with high energy. It almost would be more accurate to call it a Lounge and not a Bar. The lights were dimed low and there was a spiral stair case that exposed the several levels of seating that the building had. The center level had a large screen and a projector where the game was shown. The players, of course, had reserved V.I.P seating at the very top area; a Loft that had prime seating for viewing the game.

All around us, EVERYONE, was speaking English! We met Marines stationed in Milan, Students studying abroad, and Au Pairs who were living with American and Italian families taking care of their children. Everyone’s story was so unique, so liberating, and so adventurous. We all came to the American bar desiring the same thing; familiarity, family, friendship, and all of these were accomplished simply through American Football.

“How cool!” I thought. Football brought everyone together tonight and it didn’t matter the team you were rooting for or what brought you to Milan. All that mattered was that you were there, talking in a language that everyone had been craving to speak. Don’t get me wrong, we are all in Milan to experience a new culture and a different lifestyle that brings about a new opportunity that will ultimately and forever change us. But there is just something about being able to connect with people and share a little bit of your new adventure with them. Because everyone’s adventure is, like I said, unique, and sharing our stories gave me strength to continue our new adventure.


This is the view from the V.I.P section. The picture doesn't do it justice. The place was filled with tons and tons of people packed in cheering for the Colts and the Saints. Behind the people on the ground view in this picture is another level where more people were packed in at the actual bar watching the game on another T.V.
This place also hosts every Wednesday night, Americano Night, where you can pay 10 euro for a burger, a drink, and watch a movie in English. It is a very popular place and the owner is super nice.

Craving Familiarity

Have you ever so badly wanted something that just felt so normal, so natural, so comfortable to you? Everyone can relate to that feeling. From missing family members and craving their appearance, their time, their conversation; to wanting so badly that food you’re just craving that you had that one place, that one time, or by that one person, that just tasted soooo good. (Boy, have we felt that way!) Or that feeling of needing that pillow; that one pillow that makes every night of sleep… so perfect and comfortable. So we all know that feeling…that feeling that that one thing makes you feel like, you and makes you feel at home.

There are times where I just crave what is familiar to me. Many times I just want my family; yes, I have Brock, but there is something about having your mom or dad, your siblings, to be here and comfort you. Remember, Brock and I are in the same boat, figuring things out, surviving together as a team, and experiencing the same emotions. Family brings about a whole new perspective, one that is familiar and comfortable. Family brings about a comfort that makes you feel like, “No matter the outcome, they’re here, so it’s okay.”

I’ve never craved the English language so badly. Yes! The convenience and comfort of being able to greet someone walking down the same path as you or being able to ask someone directions; that luxury of being able to just simply understand what is being said. Now, I’m a chatty Kathy, I’ve met no stranger, and I enjoy being able to smile and exchange a few words…not so much here! Brock and I were getting gelatos and we heard a man speak to his family in English, and our ears perked and our hearts began to race, and we CRAVED being able to just say something…anything, to this man that knew how to speak ENGLISH!

Walking the streets and having people just talk and talk in a language that is completely foreign to you can be overwhelming and needless to say…lonely. Or even better, the street sings, building names, labels on food and clothing…can’t understand a word. It is almost like experiencing Milan as a deaf or mute. I can’t really speak enough Italian to converse or have a meaningful conversation, and the signs are so foreign that I don’t know if I am traveling in the right direction, getting on the right tram or metro and getting off the right stop, or entering a building that I need or intended to go in.

I’m not complaining, we are thankful for this opportunity. Although it may be uncomfortable and scary, and unfamiliar and unpredictable, it has only been a week and we are truly thankful for the lives we have lived. The familiarity of family and friends, shopping for food at the grocery store and clothing at the mall, vehicles that allow us to get to where we need to go and altogether just easy transportation has truly and simply been easy/ comfortable living.

All of these feeling have made us more appreciative of what we are experiencing and truly thankful for the players we have here helping us feel like home and sincerely making us feel like family. It makes you consider the feelings of others when they visit our home, when they are far away from theirs and they are craving what is familiar to them.

Night Life in Milan

Other than going to the Bistro Café the first night with some of the players, Brock and I truly hadn’t experienced the “night life” of Milan. The players have been great about inviting Brock and I places. This adventure, in particular, leaves me laughing well after the night had ended.

After practice Thursday night, Davide (Daddi) informed us that “Every Thursday night is night out for good time with team.” So we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to have “good night with team.” As I’ve said before…NO ONE HAS GIRLFRIENDS OR WIVES… but I was still invited. Fracesco Roccotiello; we call him “Rocco” or “Rocky”, one of the players came with Brock in the car, after practice, to pick me up and take me to a Techno Club. First thought, we left the house at 12:30am for this event… I thought to myself, “Well, how long will we stay, I’m already a little tired.” We arrive and there is a very long line, Second thought, “Wow, it’s cold outside, how long will I be waiting out here?!” I did not vocalize any of my concerns because naturally I stick out like a sore thumb with a group of guys who are on the prowl and I was not about to make myself look like a bigger loser.

Because the guys were football players and they had three very large, athletic Americanos with them (Brock, Nick and Jason the running back), we jumped the line and the bouncers let us right in. “Rocco you’re the man!” Rocco’s modest response, “Ok! I know. Let’s go party!” Now, Brock and I are not club goers or techno music fans by any means, but the atmosphere was nothing like we’ve ever experienced before and next thing we knew….we were fist pumping to the beat!

All our Italian friends were surrounding us in a circle and we just nodded and bounced to the rhythm. We’ve never laughed so hard in our lives. There were true, die hard, Techno junkies who were really into it and dressed the part. The Americans would just keep looking at each other, laugh, and point to what funny site we saw. We would imitate the dance moves of the Techno Italianos. They love to enjoy life and party. Rocco and Daddi kept making sure we were having a good time and throughout the night they would yell Brock’s name and give him a high 5! We left around 3am and I looked at Brock as we were leaving and I shouted to him (since we couldn’t hear because of the loud music): “Who would have thought, Lauren leaving a Techno Club at 3am?” And again, we just laughed.

Messages from Milan: Promised Pictures

We promised pictures and I wanted to get them up as quickly as possible. I made collages of the "snap shots" of our trip so far. I'll go into depth of the places and events when Brock and I were there. If you click on the collages they will appear bigger in a new screen so you can view them larger and more clearly.


Just Brocky and Me. In front of our apartmento, the Piazza del Duomo, Castello (Castle) Sforzesco, Me shopping on my own ;], and doing a traditional ritual where you stand at the balls of the bull and turn 3 times for good luck.


Via Abbadesse, Our Apartment. Here are some pictures from the outside and a picture of our bed. Notice how Brock is soooo much taller than all our door ways.


Here is the kitchen when you first walk into our apartment.


Here is our very small bathroom. Inside the bathroom is our washing machine. No dryers in Milan. You hang your clothes or use a drying rack.


Here is our bedroom. We have a balcony from our bedroom over looking the courtyard.



Our First Trip to the Supermarket. Brock was thrilled when he found Ketchup!


This is the architecture of the places we have visited. The Piazza del Duomo (inside and out), Castello (Castle) Sforzesco, a Park, Cafes, and of course some shopping.

There are more pictures to share. I will put them up soon with some stories!

Messages From Milan: Flights & First Impressions

"Ciao"
We are finally here safely and we are slightly...scratch that...EXTREMELY exhausted! Overall, between our two flights it took us over 13 hours to get to Milan. Our flights went smoothly, and I was almost surprised...we're Smith's and it is not unheard of for us to have "bad luck." We didn't sleep on our flights however, so we were running on "low" when we landed. After we arrived in Milan we were immediately thrown into this new culture we would be living in for the next 5 months. We saw the words "USCITA" and an arrow pointing in a certain direction and people walking that way, so we followed. It led us to customs, where our passports were checked, and we were quickly sent through to baggage claim. "Holy moly Brocky, this has just been too easy." I realized I spoke to soon when he can over to where I was standing with only 3 suitecases when I know we had 4. Brocky gave me that, "Oh hunny what I'm about to say might upset you" look. All our bags made it through...expect...the one with my SHOES! I thought, "Of course God! Ok, Ok I learned my lesson." But we quickly realized that it wasn't just my shoes that were missing but our winter coats were missing as well...it was FREEZING outside!

Alessio, the owner of the team was waiting for us at the airport with his friend Guito. They were so thrilled and beyond excited to have their "QB" here. They apologized over and over again for our missing bag. Our car ride from the airport took about an hour to our apartment. Brock and I were so anxious to get to our apartment, unload all of our "overweight" luggage, and lay down! We pulled up to our apartment and it was exactly what you would picture when you imagine an Italian place. Our apartment has a balcony that over looks a courtyard filled with flowers. They decorated it so wonderfully and we just couldn't wait to make it our home for the next 5 months. Once we set all of our things down, Alessio looked at us and said: "Alright, now we go!" He majored in History and he took us on a massive and extensive tour of Milano! We saw beautiful architecture, the Piazza Duomo, and some many breath taking Cathedrals. Unfortunately Brock and I were so tried we were unable to really take in everything we were seeing.

After our run around the city, we came back to the apartment around 4:30pm. Alessio informed us that we should rest up for the party tonight and that a car will be here to pick us up at 8pm. We took our nap and freshened up, the car came and took us to this very nice and very expensive "Restoriante." There was a long table and coaches and players from the team were there. This was the very first experience of the true Italiano culture. Alessio ordered the food for all of us in Italian so we were uncertain of what would be arriving at the table. Wine and bread was brought out to us right away and very shortly Brock and I had a very large, whole pizza placed right in front of us. A PIZZA EACH! This was our first course, followed by our second course of T-Bone steak with more wine, our third, pastas and meat with more wine, and finally, our fourth course, dessert; Tiramisu for me and chocolate cake for Brock and of course, a sweet dessert wine. Each time new wine was brought to the table you raised your glasses and "Chin Chin", which means cheers, to each and every person at the table and you must look each person in the eyes.

Dinner lasted 3 1/2 hours. It was a true example of the Italian's laid back life style. We enjoyed everyone's company, even though we did not understand what they were saying in Italian. After dinner the players invited Brock and I out. We went to a Bistro Cafe a few blocks away. It was nice to hang out with the players, it was just like being with any group of football guys, we just didn't know what they were saying. When we left we were parted with "Ciao!" "Arrivederci!" "Ci vediamo domani!" "E stato un piacere incontrarla!" "Bye! Goodbye! See you tomorrow! It was nice to meet you!" We truly felt welcomed.

We finally arrived home. 30 total hours of no sleep. We laid in bed and just laughed. Brocky rolled over and said: "We really need to learn Italian." It was then when we realized that we would not be able to comprehend the adventures we would encounter.

Thank you for reading this long blog.
I can't wait to tell you all about our funny mini adventures Brock and I have.
Below are just a few pictures so far. We will post up more!
Leave us your thoughts!
"Ciao"



Brocky at the Airport right before we got on our LONG flight to Milan.

My teeth were brushed, my face was washed, and fresh new make up was put on my face and I still look exhausted! Brock kept asking me: "Are you excited we did this? Are you happy? Do you want to still live in Milan?" My response: "We're already on the plane, I have no choice now!" :]


The view from our plane of the Swiss Alps.


Brocky and I all ready for our first night out with the players and coaches.

Hebrews 12:1-2

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

As we finalize our preparations for our trip, we are reminded that this very extravagant, completely unpredicted, and truly incredible adventure is a gift from God. When I refer to this voyage, I often refer to it as "God's trip." There is no possible way that we could of dreamt up and executed an adventure like this! It was completely in His plans and there is a peace that surrounds us.

There is no better time then now to serve as a testimony to God's goodness, grace, and love. He is giving us the opportunity to be surrounded by witnesses and run the race (football in Milan) for Him. We are reminded to keep our eyes on Him and walk in His light and most importantly; share the truth about the sacrifice He made for us on the cross. It has never been so clear to us before, the calling He has set before us, and we are convicted by the thoughts that God has a bigger plan than just "football in Milan."

We are excited and anxious to see what intricate situations He has in store. Maybe our only reason for going is to share the word with a lost player or touch the life of one family woman. Maybe He is sending us to strictly change Brock and my relationship forever and make us more dependent on Him. Whatever the plan, whatever the reason, we know one thing to be true: It is His race and our eyes are fixed on Him to strictly do His will.

"Grow Where You're Planted"

As Christians we often "tell" God where we feel we are most usable. "If you give me this job, at this specific place, with this amount of money, then God, I will do the work You have called me to do." It's funny how many times, when I honestly reflect on my heart and my own attitude, that I have told God that very same thing. "If this happens God, then I will ________..." It is like we reason with God and make "deals" with Him, as if WE are the ones who are in control.
A very kind and special woman gave Brock and I the best advice..."Grow where you are planted." Often times it's as if we are a plant, and we are the ones giving the perfect conditions that will help us grow perfect, strong, and beautiful. (In His glorious image, of course.) But for the best results, we need to stray away from our selfish nature and allow God to give us HIS perfect conditions for our growth. This whole time I thought: "Sun, sand, and the beaches of Florida are the perfect conditions for my glorious growth for God." In God's perfect plan, He is planting me far away from my ideal conditions, where I am far away from my comforts (family and friends); that way, my only comfort will be Him. And that is the only perfect way to grow where I am planted.
When I heard about the possibilities on Milan, my original, and very immature reaction, was to go and pout because this was against MY plan. I laugh now when I think about it. "Pouting in Italy!" hahaha I thought the perfect recipe for a beautiful and confident, successful and happy, and Holy and motivated Lauren, on fire for Christ was MY conditions for a "comfortable" life. I've realized that being uncomfortable allows God to become my security blanket. It also allows me to reflect on the comforts; sometimes unusual ones, that He gives me. My husband, this blog, pictures,communication with family and friends, and who knows, maybe a new friend in Italy; these things, these people, will allow me to grow into a better woman, friend, and wife in Christ's image.

Thank you all our friends and family who continue to motivate and support Brock and I during this very exciting and somewhat "uncomfortable" time. We love you.