The refugees come by boat manly from continental Africa, it only takes about a day to get here. After they arrive their vessels are scuttled so that they can’t be used to bring any more refuges over. On arrival they are sent to “camps” to await processing of “papers” that will allow them to stay in Italy for different lengths of time, some 5 years some 2 years and some for even shorter periods depending on their circumstances.
Most of them are very respectful of us and very respectful of the bible in general so it is easy to strike up a conversation with them and they will happily watch a video. When you play it in their own language, their eyes light up, such a pleasant change from back home. I carry a laminated card that has all the countries that the refugees come from complete with corresponding languages that are spoken in those countries so it’s relatively easy to find at least one video that can be played in their own language.
Last Saturday we were invited as a group to help with a newly formed pre group about two hours drive away in a really nice part of the coast. A coastal town called Soverato.
Because we have so many interested people and studies that want to come to the Sunday meeting, a car is a necessary to ferry them from their camps to the Kingdom Hall. We have been looking for some time to buy something cheap and reliable (if there is such a thing) and finally found something.
Let me introduce you to “Kermit” a 2000 Fiat Punto. It is a manual and runs on LPG so it should be cheap to run, LPG is less than half the cost of petrol. Paid 1400 euro for it on the road. Yes I know it’s ugly and the paint is peeling off, but it will do the job. It is liberating to have your own wheels.
Driving in Italy is something to experience, you see… the road laws do not apply…. apparently. Throw this in with the fact that I am driving on the opposite side of the road than I am used to and it makes for an interesting experience to say the least.