Signing

by Mark S Mirza | Nov 18, 2024 | 2024, Moving

The Timeless Charm of Italy Versus Modern Atlanta

THIS THURSDAY WE SIGN PAPERS FOR OUR NEW HOME

This Thursday, November 21st, we are scheduled to close on our home.

We are “antsy” to get into our home, but are grateful to A LOT OF FOLKS:

Chance Gaither, for the sale of our Atlanta home
David Benton, for the purchase of our new home
Domenico, for finding our home
Steve and Gina for their friendship in Raiano
Sandro and Maria for their smiling faces at El Encanto
Assunda, Natalie and Jessica from Pancaffe
Martia, in her little bakery on the piazza
Franco and his help in Raiano
Ademio and his brief friendship, in Raiano
Louis who graciously rented to us for a month in Raiano
Alfredo and Liliana, our neighbors in Capestrano

I’m sure I’m missing folks, but our stay here has been BEYOND pleasant.

Hopefully THIS FRIDAY WE MOVE IN to Capestrano.

Our Italian Journey Thru Weekly Posts

Modern City vs. Medieval Towns

Atlanta's Skyline

I don’t wish to “dis” Atlanta’s urban landscape and contemporary lifestyle, with its panoramic city views.

WE ARE LEAVING . . .



Innovative Architecture



Cultural Diversity



Urban Convenience



Sustainability Features

What We Left

Historic Italian Towns

Naida & I have chosen to step back in time to cobblestone streets, ancient stone buildings and cultural heritage.

BUT WE’VE ENTERED . . .



Timeless Beauty



Historical Significance



Community Living



Artisanal Craftsmanship

What We Get

New Condo in Atlanta vs. Ancient Italian Home

Compare the modern amenities of a new Atlanta condo with the rustic charm of an ancient Italian home.

Again, my aim IS NOT TO DIS Atlanta.

Atlanta Condo

A sleek, modern living space with cutting-edge technology and amenities.

Smart Home Technology 70% 70%

Energy Efficiency 85% 85%

Proximity to Urban Centers 92% 92%

Modern Design 75% 75%

Community Amenities 80% 80%

Italian Home

A historic dwelling offering a unique blend of tradition and character.

Historical Architecture 95% 95%

Modern Conveniences 40% 40%

Rural Tranquility 65% 65%

Cultural Significance 80% 80%

Artisan Craftsmanship 85% 85%

A Tale of Two Worlds

Modern Heights vs. Timeless Charm

In the HEART OF ATLANTA, the skyline is a testament to the modern, where sleek high-rise condos offer panoramic views and a pulse that beats with the rhythm of a bustling city. Life here is fast-paced and filled with the hum of both innovation and the allure of contemporary luxury.

In contrast, the HISTORIC HOMES OF ITALY whisper stories of centuries past, where cobblestone streets lead to quaint piazzas and the air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread. Each stone and archway tells a tale of tradition, inviting you to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of life.

Explore Our Weekly Posts

A Journey Through Time

Naida captures a simple truth to this part of Italy, namely, “Stunning Abruzzo,” as our friend Italy David (AHomeInItaly.com) would say. There are no skyscrapers. The energy of the city is gone. And what is left is the tranquil embrace of Italy’s historic towns, where time seems to stand still amidst ancient architecture and rolling vineyards. This video beautifully captures the serene ambiance of Italy’s timeless charm.

When Retirement Beckons

The Joy of Retiring in Italy

As we embrace a new chapter filled with rich culture, stunning landscapes, and a slower pace of life, we also want to be an encouragement to others.

We have BEEN SO BLESSED by people being a blessing to us. Our new home will be called, Oasi delle Benedizione. (Oasis of Blessings)

Pray for us as we dive into the enchanting world of Italy and uncover how retiring here can transform our lives.

Remember Our Prayer Requests

Adventure And Fear

by Mark S Mirza | Nov 4, 2024 | 2024, Moving, Retirement

What to do with Fear

Adventure & Paralyzing Fear

When an Exciting Adventure Leads to PARALYZING FEAR . . . Because You Cannot See the Future.

There is Lots of Fun in an Adventure, But Also Lots of Unknowns.

Jerusalem Church Leaders' Distrusted Paul

When Fear of the Unknown Gripped Paul's Heart

The Apostle Paul knew he faced an unknown, namely, the unknown reaction to him, by the Jerusalem church leaders.

And Paul’s response? He sought prayer from his friends.

Romans 15:30 HCSB
Now I appeal to you, brothers, through our Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to join with me in fervent prayers to God on my behalf.

Facing the Unknown Naturaly Moves us Towards Fear.

THERE’S NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT, IN FACT, IT’S A NORMAL REACTION.

While fear is not from God. I think God UNASHAMEDLY USES FEAR to strengthen our faith in Him.
The challenge is not THAT YOU FEAR. The real challenge is what are you going to do WITH THE FEAR?

And there are only 2 choices:

You can roll the “fears” over and over again in your brain.
— The result is Despair.
Or, you can SUBMIT YOURSELF to the God who is sovereign.
— The result is Peace.

Knowing your whole life is changing AND YOU DON’T CLEARLY SEE the next step/s, begs you to:

consider and consider, to
wonder and wonder, to
figure and figure, to
imagine and imagine, and to
GO PARALYZINGLY CRAZY in your mind.

But the truth is, there is only 1 solution.

Submit to the Lord

You might think that solution, “submitting to God” is a cop-out.

Keep reading.

Before I Show You Our Updated Adventures, which prompted so much emotion this last week, let me ask you like Paul did his friends, in Romans 15:30 . . .

For the sake of & the witness of Christ in our lives, and
By the love which the Holy Spirit inspires you to have for us,
Pray earnestly to God for us.
I even ask you to gather with your loved ones, and/or
Your prayer partners and agonize in prayer to God for us,
That our unknowns will strengthen our resolve, our faith muscle,
Especially when the evil one prompts paralyzing fear.

Why Retire to Italy?

Historical 14th Century Castle

Imagine having an 800 year old building, just up the street.

Click Here For Photo

The Beauty of Our Town

One of the many beautiful homes on the walk from the Historical-Center to our home.

Click Here For Photo

One of Many Beautiful "Streets"

It matters not which way we walk to our home from the Historical-Center, we see these kinds of beautiful lanes.
Molto Bellissimo

Click Here For Photo

Great Perspective of Our Home

I can’t wait till we get to move in. There are so many things to do. We get to clean and garden and all kinds of things.

Click Here For Photo

The Sign Means Something

This is one of two cool little signs on the lower level of our property. It appears to be a direction and “time” indicator. The only problem is, THOSE ARE NOT the proper times . . . unless this sign was made for people pulling carts.

Makes one wonder about the history behind these signs.

Click Here For Photo