Andrew and Sarah Lubbock are reflecting on their ministry in Italy over the last two-and-a-half years, having flown in to Sydney a week-and-a-half ago for their five-month furlough.
Andrew and Sarah have been working in university ministry in Florence with CMS, seconded to the Gruppi Biblici Universitari (GBU).
One of the first things on Andrew and Sarah's to-do list on their return was a trip to Coogee Beach, where Ezekiel, 6, Jemima, 4, and Oscar, 15 months, could paddle in the surf and build sandcastles.
Getting their feet wet was a significant cultural adjustment for the children, as walking around barefoot is not done in Florentine culture.
Andrew and Sarah are also adjusting to Sydney life again, and say they have noticed the ordered traffic and the easygoing friendliness of Sydneysiders.
"I feel more relaxed and comfortable, and I know I'll be understood here," says Sarah.
The trip also gives Andrew and Sarah the chance to introduce Oscar " who was born in Florence " to friends and family.
"It's nice to see how life's gone on and how people's lives here have changed," says Sarah.
Andrew and Sarah are already reflecting on their ministry so far and the challenges that may face them on their return.
"There's a real need in Florence because very few people are doing university ministry in Italy," says Andrew.
While Florentines are open to talking about religion, Andrew says helping people to understand the gospel in the nominally-Catholic city has its challenges.
"Because of their Roman Catholic heritage, when they hear the word "Christianity', they import a lot of their understanding - which is often not informed by the Bible - to the conversation, so you have to get through their misunderstandings first, then you can move on to talking about Jesus."
Andrew has had to organise the ministry faculty by faculty, as there is no common lunch hour or exam period, and faculty buildings are spread throughout the city.
Christian ministry is given no official funding or support by the university, so "administrative' details such as organising meeting rooms are also difficult.
But Andrew and Sarah are encouraged by the progress they have seen since they arrived in Florence.
"The change we've found between when we arrived and now is quite large," says Andrew.
"God's been quite kind to us in a short space of time.
"There is now a core group of six students who are committed to the ministry and are taking on responsibility, and then there's a larger group of 20 people who are involved in Bible studies."
Andrew and Sarah are looking forward to seeing friends and supporters again.
"I'm looking forward to reading a bit, studying a bit, praying a lot " and talking with my brothers and sisters in Christ," says Andrew.
