Our trip to Milan was great and as Dave said, I dont want to be home. I really enjoy being on vacation and seeing new things. I suppose once we move to Milan and it becomes my home that I wont find it quite as fascinating but hopefully that wont happen.
Anyway, an update about the job situation. I met with three of the people that I used to work with at 3M Unitek Italy. All three have moved to other positions within 3M Italy. Alberto and Francesco both seemed genuinely pleased that I wanted to move to Milan; Alessandro had no comment but he is high up in management now at 3M Italy and he probably needs to be circumspect.
When I talked to Francesco, he mentioned that 3M Italy is currently reducing their workforce by about 70 people. Since our move is at least a year away (and probably closer to 2 to 3 years), things may be very different when I try to get a job there; but right now it doesnt bode well for me to be able to transfer. I will have to leave this completely in the Lords hands since Im not really sure how to go about getting my existing job transferred, and dont know if thats what I should try to do anyway.
But back to the trip. I was excited when talking with Pastor Quam from Montebelluna. He mentioned that there was a woman he had talked to that was asking for a Calvary Chapel in the Milano area. If I understood correctly, she had a relative that was attending the Calvary Chapel in Rome and had visited Montebelluna. Pastor Quam is not sure if she is attending church now, nor how to reach her. I just pray that we will be able to find her and that our dream/goal will be a blessing to her. Also, there have been other Christians that have been in Milan in the past that may be able to offer us some support/suggestions. I believe that Pastor Ronnie is following up on those leads.
Dave mentioned in his post about the two women we met in the store who are Christians. Both of these women are from America and are attending a church in Milan that reaches the English speaking transplants in Milan. It is encouraging to know there is an evangelical church already in Milan but they are not reaching out to the Italians. Hearing about this confirms to me that there is a real need to reach to the Italians and not just offer support to the English speaking transplants; but it also encourages me that there are other evangelicals in Milan who will be there for emotional support if we need it.
So, hearing all this, it sounds like there is a real need and Im encouraged that we are to go there. I know there will be many additional hurdles well have to go past before we can get there but hopefully it will be quick.
