Bologna, Day 1

Today was our first full day in Bologna & it was amazing, and that's pretty much an understatement. We started the morning at a couple of the STINTers apartment for devo & Alicia & Beau's testimonies & some training.

Then we made our way to the mensa (or cafeteria) for lunch. We split up into pairs & sat with students. [Keep in mind this university has ~ 100,000 students & only ONE cafeteria that seats about 300.] John & I talked to a girl from Naples for a short time & after some simple conversation, she asked why were in Bolonga. It's not very common for tourists or Americans to be in Bolonga, since it's not really a tourist-y city. We told that we were here working with an organization called Agape Italia and that it's purpose it to share the word of Jesus Christ. I asked her if she was Catholic, and she said that her family in Naples in Catholic and that she is not. She said she does not believe in the Christian God, but she does believe in some higher power, or something bigger. She also said she doesn't believe in hell, but thought there could be a heaven.

When we finished eating, we headed outside to wait for the rest of the group. Four of us ended up initating Soularium with a group of students. There were very intrigued - Italians love pictures. We asked 3 questions: 1) Which 3 pictures represent your life, 2) which picture represents hope, and 3) which picture represents God? Hope is very sparse in Bologna.. the economy is bad, many are frustrated with the political system, and without God, how can you have real hope?? One showed the picture of a homeless man lying on the sidewalk and basiclally asked, "How could God let this happen if He is a loving God? If he can do anything, why doesn't he stop all bad from happening?" He wanted an answer, which was the perfect opportunity for someone to share. We passed out several Agape Italia business cards and they had to get to their oral final exams.

Then, we headed to the Scuderia, which is a coffee bar on campus. Some of us stayed for coffee and to meet students. he girls went to itit, another coffee bar on campus, to meet a couple of girls that meet once a week to practice English conversation. We ended up talking for 2 1/2 hours about cultural differences, stereotypes, etc. It was so much fun to learn about the culture, language, etc. and to develop a relationship with Italian students. We don't often get to have such a long conversation. In Italy, you have to develop a relationship with the Italians before you have a pretty good opportunity to really dive into spiritual conversation. And, the basis of Agape Italia, is loving one another and showing people the love of Jesus Christ. So, it was really cool to meet and become friends with some Italians.

After coffee at itit, we went to an aperitivo (appetizers & drinks) with another Italian girl and some of the STINTers and had some more girl talk and that was really fun, as well. I can't remember exactly what was the little bar was called, but the atmosphere was incredible.

Then, we went to dinner at a cute little Italian dive (at least, it seemed like a dive to me). I had tagliatella ragu, which was delicious (obviously.), and then gelato on the way back to the hotel.