Chapter Fifty Nine - "Oak Hall Italy Adventure (Part 2)"

Day 5 – Sunday, 7^th August 2016

                Today, the day of rest, provided the chance for a change of scene. The mountains, trees and waterfalls were replaced with old cobbled streets and ornate churches, as I joined the outing to Verona, setting of Romeo and Juliet. I teamed up with Rob, Irene and Phil. We crossed the old bridge, to enter the town centre, passing a couple of buskers – a violinist (typically Italian – well, we weren’t too far from Cremona) and an accordion player. I couldn’t resist throwing some change to the former, but then I’m biased. We found the amphitheatre, like Christians going to the Coliseum. Queues meant we couldn’t actually get inside, but there were a couple of friendly Roman soldiers out front for photos. Soon we were on our way to our second sight, Giulietta’s balcony. The balcony itself was just that, a balcony, but people were pressing in to see, and writing everlasting love messages on a wall (some, I noticed, were romantically written on sticking plasters). It made me wonder, seeing as Romeo and Juliet was fictitious, who was the real Juliet? Our final sight (we only had a two hour time frame) was the cathedral. However, en route we peered into a few churches and took photographs before leaving. If this was in England, it would have been a little strange, but here it seemed commonplace. However, still rather unusual coming from us, a group of Christians! A highlight of the visit was the ice cream (I had lemon) that Phil kindly bought for me. Authentic Italian gelato! (When in Rome…)

                On a rather light note, during our tour I bought some fridge magnets of Verona from an Oriental vendor. There we were, both speaking Italian, when I could’ve probably addressed him in his native tongue!

                From Verona we went on to Sirmione to cool off in Lake Garda. As I searched for the beach, with Patrick, Nick and Phil I tried out some simple Italian, ‘Perdone señore, soy Inglesse, dove la spiaggia, per favore?’ The man understood, and we found ourselves at the beach in minutes. It was lovely to cool off in the water and let the stress of other things slip away momentarily. Again this was a brilliant time to enjoy the company of the others, and relax as a group. Soon the draw of another ice cream pulled me away from the water, and we wandered off, eventually making it back to the coach.

                Throughout the journeys to and from Verona and back to the hotel, Beth had been sitting up front in the jump seat, chatting to the driver, Francesco. In addition to conversations about bikinis and sporting interests, came her classic line, ‘Jesus is my boyfriend’ – make of that what you will.

                 Our evening session looked at Romans 6:6-7, and how we have been set free from the power of sin.

                For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. (Romans 6:6-7)

                The evening closed with some stargazing, as the night was clearer than before. As I lay outside, on the hillside with Matt, Nadine and Sam, soaking it in, I really began to sense how small we are in the universe, and how majestic God is, evident through His creation. The serenity and silence of these few minutes was special, giving me a sense of the wonder we will experience in the new creation.

 

Day 6 – Monday, 8^th August 2016

                Today was our day for visiting the Mountain Live adventure park in Trentino. Although I was determined not to get talked into anything I wasn’t comfortable doing, and was reasonably aware of the schedule for the day, I was slightly apprehensive about how things would work out practically – particularly as I had no desire to do bridge jumping or canyoning. On arriving at the park, Tom was almost immediately whisked away on his paragliding. However, I needn’t have worried about myself. My first activity was the rock climbing starter, scaling a wall of about five metres. Melissa started off, taking the difficult route to the top in no time – though she had previous experience from working at an adventure centre. I watched others scale the wall, and I offered encouragement and advice (though who am I to talk?). Andy, the most experienced climber in our group, offered useful advice and encouragement (more qualified to do so), and I found it reassuring to hear him talking us through it step by step. My turn eventually came, and I made a confident start, having mentally planned the route in my head before starting my ascent. With Andy’s powder on my hands I found my holds and pulled myself up. I started off sure of my own abilities and falsely convincing myself that it was easy. When pressed up flat against the rock face, however, I found it hard to move. It was important to push up with my legs (easier than pulling myself up with my arms). Halfway up, nerved kicked in, as I realised that I was climbing ever higher (and that if I go up, I must also come back down). My left leg began to twitch involuntarily (as is my custom when nervous), but recognising this sign I tried more earnestly to push on through, somehow scaling the most difficult part of the climb, in my opinion. I’m still unclear on how exactly I did it. Soon enough I was on the final stretch, searching for footholds and handholds on a comparatively smooth surface, and on the verge of panicking for fear of slipping back. Feeling even more like James Bond (and grateful that there wasn’t a villain waiting to sabotage my efforts), I reached the top, to my relief, then cautiously leant backwards and let the instructor bring me back to earth. This wasn’t without its pain. The pain and discomfort was quickly overshadowed by the mini victory of achieving my goal and again conquering a fear of heights. I could watch the others crazily throwing themselves off the bridge, with a sense of satisfaction.

                As time ticked on, we set off on our river walking experience. I had quite expected to get wet, so despite the initial temperature shock of standing in the river (remember, we had increased in altitude), this didn’t put me off. As with the rock climbing, health and safety seemed to be taken very casually in Italy – we were sent into the river as we were, unprotected, while our bags went ahead of us in the van back to base camp. We had only the prospect of a hot lunch and our own willpower to drive us forward.

                After a filling lunch of polenta, cheese and sausage in a sort of mashed potato consistency (of which I rather foolishly attempted seconds), the day took a more leisurely turn. With no further adventurous activities on my to do list, I took a light stroll with Tom and Phil through the surrounding woodland, following a very tenuous path (if a path can be described thus). We emerged at a busy main road and crossed over to a rather overgrown clearing, where Tom stopped to rest and enjoy the scenery. As for Phil and myself, we soon turned around, and not finding a route back to base camp via the road, scrambled our way back along our unforgiving, barely discernible track. The rest of the afternoon was lazily spent with volleyball and skimming stones by the river, while some others chatted on the riverbank. Not being involved in these conversations myself, I returned to camp where I lay down to wait for the evening talk to begin. This evening’s topic was Jesus as our advocate (1 John 2:1-2 – My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.), and how we could be bold in our faith, knowing that Jesus was praying for us – what a thought! By this point Tom had disappeared again to do his advanced rock climbing, and we soon filed on to the coach. In Tom’s absence I took his jumper, and yet again had to recover his hat from the instructor lady, Marie (sigh). Tom soon ran on to the coach to join us, however, and good conversations about the day and beyond began to flow – Tom chatting with Andrew, as I conversed with Nick, sharing something of my testimony, and swapping suggestions of good books and films – Nick had even seen To Serve Them All My Days!

                After a late dinner and an emotional heartfelt thanks to us from Alex for such a lovely holiday, we went our separate ways – some to bed, others staying up late (like myself, writing this). Tomorrow we would be fishing, and then it would almost be time to say our farewells. A reason to postpone my turning in. But alas, tiredness is inevitable and I need to get my rest if I’m to land a bigger catch than Tom tomorrow! On a serious note however, I will miss being with my newfound friends, my brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

Day 7 – Tuesday, 9^th August 2016 

                At this morning’s prayer meeting we prayed for each other specifically, thinking about our individual Christian walks when we return to our normal routines. We also continued to pray for Rob, still in hospital.

                Alpine fishing was on the agenda for today, the final day for the carousel activities. Thirteen of us set out (I was with Tom, Phil, Simon, Jess, Abi, Micah, Matt, Nadine, Kat, Affy, Nick and Ian) with Marco as our guide. The lake at which we would be fishing (Lago de Ravenola) was a natural lake, filled with rainbow trout and salmon, although the former were easier to find. Sitting at the lakeside, accompanied by numerous cows with bells, we took it in turns with the rods. Perseverance and patience were key, as the fish were taking a long while to bite. In time, we were averaging one trout per person. Tom and I fished side by side – the competition was on! Within minutes of us both praying for a catch, we were both reeling in sizeable fish – however Tom’s second prayer for a bigger fish than mine was overruled, as if he was being a little too cheeky. I was glad to be following in my namesake’s footsteps, as a fellow fisherman (for a day).

                Once the last of the fish were gathered in, we started the walk back to the van. We would enjoy our fresh fish for dinner, all the more delicious for having caught them ourselves.

                As I rested outside the hotel, I found myself engaging in a lengthy and deep chat with Simon – another God-given opportunity to encourage a fellow believer, share something of my story, and sympathise over the difficulties of the holiday. God works through all situations, and we must trust Him to grow our dependence on Him, when we struggle to see the blessings.

                Before dinner, the locals visited the hotel to sell us fresh cheese and jams – I bought a selection of cheeses and Italian honey, however I am unsure how long they will last.

                At dinner I was seated with Clive and Pam, both of whom I hadn’t really spoken to during the holiday so far, aside from exchanging a few words in passing. I connected with Clive, and really began to see something of his passion for Oak Hall, the Italian scenery, and us as a group – one of the warmest and closest (aided by the secluded location, meaning we mixed more with each other). I would certainly consider a future trip with Oak Hall, but I can’t say when that would be.

                After saying a heartfelt thank you to the hotel staff, with a signed card, we went to our final evening session. As well as praying for each other as we returned to our situations tomorrow, we were encouraged to hold firm to our faith and remember that although we would all be physically spread out, God would remain close to each of us. How I look forward to that final day when we will celebrate forever, with no more goodbyes.

                After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that  no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. (Revelation 7:9)

                This Oak Hall bubble would soon burst.

                The day closed with a bonfire outside, to the backdrop of sheet lightning and pumping music. It is a testament to our faith and fellowship with each other, that we can celebrate together so easily, and it is with a private tear that we will part tomorrow. We may be united in Christ, but goodbyes are never easy. One more night in Italy.

 

Day 8 – Wednesday, 10^th August 2016

                The day dawned bright and clear. The storm that had been looming last night, finally erupted at about one thirty in the morning, and Tom woke me to watch it from our balcony. In honesty, I was barely asleep anyway. As the rain lashed down onto the road, forming rivers, and the last embers of our bonfire died away, we admired the power of God’s hand. As in the Chronicles of Narnia, Aslan was considered formidable yet good, so the hand of our creator God is powerful, but we know He’s forever for us. Having nothing to fear, I could just enjoy watching the power of His elements. That said, I returned to bed just after two.

                After our final morning prayer meeting and Italian breakfast (Kat won the photo competition) I returned to the room to finish packing. The coach to the airport was due to leave at ten fifty, so a few of us had time for a short walk along to the chalet and back.

                As we walked, we discussed our impression of the holiday, and wondered about the options for Rob, still at hospital, who we hadn’t seen since Thursday. He may stay in Italy for a further two weeks, although this wasn’t known for sure. The family remain in my prayers.

                After emotional farewells in front of the hotel, our group split in two – those travelling by coach (24 hours plus) and those, like myself, flying back to England (1.5 hours air time). As I said previously, parting is never easy, particularly when such bonds have been formed, but hopefully we will meet again on another such trip, if God permits.

                The airport check in process and flight progressed without any major problems (one girl had difficulties boarding as the airline had no record of a ticket, but this was soon resolved). With the estimated time of arrival in England at around five o’clock, and no further comments to make, I sat back and eased into the flight back to home soil. The end of my adventure was in sight. Arriverderci Italia.