Buongiorno

Buongiorno!! OKAY, so this is definitely something that I have been wanting to get set up for a while now...and FINALLY, we did it =] So, we can now update family and friends on what's going on in our lives from day to day, just about. AND, now we have a lot of catching up to do to get everything up to date.





We are now living in Sigonella, Sicily. We have been here since October 14, 2008. Don't bother looking for Sigonella on a map, we were informed that it does not exist. Interesting, huh?! So, if you look for Catania on a map, we are only approx. 15 miles away. FYI =]





Our first couple of weeks in Sigonella were spent going through indoc courses. They just pretty much welcome you and get you a little more familiar with the base, events, jobs, and the culture in the area. The last day of our indoc course we went on a field trip to Catania. Catania is the second largest city in Sicily. It's beautiful! I will put up pictures for everyone to see from that day!After our family indoc was over, Jesse had to start his own indoc for work. He did that for 3 weeks, before officially getting dropped into his section and standing posts. Early November we found out that Jesse made E5, so he is now a second class. That is quite the accomplishment, especially for only being in the navy for 3 years! He is now a squad leader, which is also a great accomplishment, because we have only been here for a little over 2 months. He definitely doesn't waste any time and is incredible at what he does.

Jesse's schedule here is quite a bit different and quite a bit better than what we were used to back in Washington. Jesse works 4 days, then has 4 days off, although, on one of his off days he will have a mandatory training day. Right now, Jesse is working days, well 2-10pm, so we still get to see quite a bit of one another, which is definitely something I have enjoyed getting used to. As many of you know, the way things were back in Washington, we were lucky if we got to spend 24 hours per week together. Seriously. So, this is paradise. Jesse enjoys the section he is in and the people he works with, which makes it nice for him.

We have made some really good friends here so far. We have been attending church as well. The pastor here is really good, so we got lucky!

We have also gotten the chance to visit a couple of other cool places in Sicily since we've been here. We've been on a winery tour, also to a nice little town, Zafferana, Motta, and then Palermo. I will put pictures of each up for everyone to see. They were all amazing! I also got to go to Caltogirone, and then Taormina with some friends, which I must say, was by far my favorite!