Flegreo Branch

One of the (many) things I love about our church is that there is no such thing as church shopping when you move. Everywhere you go, there will be some sort of gathering. If you are lucky, you will have an established branch, ward or stake.

We have 3 branches in Napoli and the church we attend is what is closest to us from where we live. We attend the Flegreo Branch in Pozzuoli. Majority of the members are Italian (obviously) but we have 7 American families that attend regularly. So there is some English/American integration, but mostly Italian. We are the people that need the interpreters and heavily rely on the missionaries for that.

I am not going to lie, the Sunday experience is different than what we are use to ...but it has been a incredible experience thus far. We try to fellowship outside of the church as much as possible, so in June we had a BBQ at Carney Park.

 

Kaitlyn with her YW friends. 

 

 

Bro Bonner, busted out his guitar and provided some entertainment. 

 

 

Leilah, doing her thing! 

 

Flegreo Young Womens!

Presidente Romano, Andy and Fratello Parisi (one of the first LDS members in  Pozzuoli)

 

 

This is the best!!! Rock n Roll is lives everywhere!!!

NATO Ball!

The last time we went to a formal (as a couple) was in 2008. The other events I went with friends because Andy was deployed. So when I heard about the NATO ball, I bought the tickets the first day to make sure we were going. I was told that it sold out in 3 hours!!!

 

Lucky for us...there was on site childcare.

This was my favorite part...Kaitlyn was burning mad because she considers herself not a baby anymore, so to give a taste of humble pie....they took a pic with "Minnie Mouse" at kids area. 

Checking in!! 

Inside the JFC Community Center 

This was a little different. After check in for the kids (we missed social hour), we started the night at the theatre. We had a little bit of a history lesson about NATO, then heard from the Guest Speaker. 

Presentation of the flags. 

The Admiral started his speech with a clip from Top Gun.  

Our new German friends!

My sweet friend Missy (who helped us find our house).

Overlooking Lago Patria 

Beautiful sunset!

Ok,WTH? There were 2 backdrops for pictures. The first was the NATO & JFC flag.  Typical military backdrop...it was appropriate.

 The other backdrop was this....Bella Napoli and the US Flag

We had to take a pic with the coolest AF General ever! He really is super sweet and down to earth. Approachable and takes the time to chat with you.  

It dancing time! 

It's not a party until you see FIREWORKS! 

Didn't feel like dancing much...was just enjoying the atmosphere. 

Some of Andy's co-workers.

Time to pick up kids and they wanted to get in on the picture taking. 

Andy's job site. Cant get into the building without an escort so this is pretty much all we see when he goes to work. Its a pretty building.