Well That's it folks! Now....the big surprise that I have to let out is that Roy and Reed will be sitting in this very same place in just 1 week! :) Yes, we are going back packing in Cinque Terre's trails and "cities" for a whole day until the LAST train takes us to my car. :) Hurry up already guys!

Once it got dark we decided to climb the 382 steps! Reed, can you translate the very bottom of the sign? :)

This small piece of paradise offered so many things...like these green waves and soft sand.....

Palm trees? Really?

And we only had 8 hours here...

Heather picked the perfect day to tour her favorite place in Italy....Now my favorite as well :)

Look for this beauty in future bridal wear magazines etc. :)

This is a view of Vernazza ( I think) :)

La Cinque Terre trip

Cinque Terre means 5 cities. The names are : 1.Manarola, 2. Vernazza, 3. Monterosso, 4. Riomaggiore, & 5. Corniglia.

My very beautiful tall friend, Heather and her brother's girlfriend, April, taking pictures at a rest stop before arriving to Cinque Terre.

Heather is another reason I'll miss Italy so much....What a beautiful heart....and an Amazing wife/mother/chef! (her blueberry & banana cakes are outta this world!!)

Another Firenze tour....

Mom & Dad, What do you think ....Will it do in Oregon City?

Winter and I took a nice Sunday's trip to Firenze and went exploring in our "neighborhood" :)

People painting in the streets and that's David....Yes, he always forgets to put on some clothes! Come on Dave...its still cold out!

My Gym & Creating my Website with Paris & Patty

This is Free-line Fitness gym in Centro Prato where I spend about 3 hrs. a day. Cycling has become a favorite that I'll continue in the States. That's Katarina, my instructor! Good times!

Paris cracking up for some crazy reason on our 7 hour night working on my website!

Paris and Patty working on my http://www.katieschafer.com/ website.....

Yes! We made some progress...but its not done just yet! Never seen such dedication for my benefit. Thanks guys!

After church the kids put on a lovely play!

Peter and I cheesin'! He will be the one I miss the most after leaving Italy. Look at him for crying out loud!

That's Peter, Miriam and I at church. They are brother and sister (pastor's kids)

This is just a sample of what Roy and Reed will need after our Speed Tour Of Italy! I promise to treat you guys to a pedicure when we return back America, cause they don't do massage with a pedi here! Now that robbery! :)

Its sure been fun updating my blog in the last couple days....I've had such poor internet connection since I've been here that its very hard to load pictures unless I have all day to waist on just ONE pic. load! For some reason the speed has been awesome so I've taken advantage of it and here you go.....It may not be until Roy and Reed arrive that I "update" again...and Then I'll be all moved back to the Great America to show you glossy prints instead and stories in person....but I hope you have enjoyed so far. This has been a life changing adventure of me here in Italy. I thank God for all He has provided and taught me in just my few 8 months of living here. I'm so thankful for all your love and support durning what were some very lonely times for me....But I would do it all over again and encourage EVERYONE to follow your dreams....You just have to trust and obey Jesus...

and you'll NOT be disapointed!

I love you all!----Katie

This was a pic. I forgot to add to my blog and its one of my favorites from Tarragona, Spain.

My two students pretending to study... :) They are great boys!

And if you ever wanted to see what this 6'2'' girl's been driving out here...well here you go...my Fiat! Yes, my head does graze the top of the roof fyi. I think I'm inspired to get a "Smart Car" or a Mini Cooper in the States thanks to my lovely blue ride :)

Not sure if I already posted this picture of me and my "birthday" gifts that my church surprised me with after my baptizem. They gave me the Old and New Testaments in Italian...something I'll always remember even if I can't read them :)

More paintings from the students of Harding.....

Getting some pics in with our favorite guy Jim....Author of: The Divorce Dilemma, Struggles of the Kingdom, The Aroma of Christ, Beyone Crossroads, Four Realities, The Church in Transition and my book Between the Rock and a Hard Place...Thank you Jim! You can listen to his sermon's on line!!!

Winter and I goofing off in the "play room".....

And you thought the Schafer's new how to make a feast!!!!!!!!

We were invited to a concert and dinner put on by some students doing a study abroad in Florence from Harding Univ.

Check out the students art work over the years....this is a "fun" room down stairs in this lovely villa.

The cooks made some tasty "American" food that night....

Thought this Russian church was kinda cool....(accross the street from Pepperdine campus in Florence)



Ready to eat?

Winter and I spent the weekend at our sister Church of Christ in Florence...This is David (pastor) helping us out in singing practice for church the next day.....

Look at what a beautiful place we got to worship in! Was told that this area was bommed but this dome was left standing...and now we use it as a church!

Meet Jim Woodroof (pastor David's father) visiting from Ark. He has written 8 books and gave me his latest "Between the Rock and a Hard Place" for my spiritual birthday when I met him! He was a pastor/missionary for over 45 years! Great man, great family....

That's Debbie (David's wife) Katy and Sara cooking dinner in the bible school's kitchen. Debbie is a great cook and I can't wait to take the boys to meet her!

Sara for some reason reminded me of what beautiful Blue-River may look like when she gets older....I kept telling Sara that until she gave me a pic. with her :) she has lived in Italy for 8 years in missions! Very beautiful spirit :)

My friend Patty hooked me up with his dad, "Barbo" to take me clay shooting in Mount Tickateeni.

Afer a bit of directions I was told I did very good for a "begginer". 3 out of 7... not bad at all! :)