Buongiorno,
That is so great that you can connect with your family here!!
Have you checked to see that any of them speak English, many Italians actually speak a 2nd language quite well (though most of them downplay there skills...they are so modest)
If you are going to be in the Florence area...you could check out the classified ads in the English newspaper The Florentine. I know that they are many people in the area that speak English/Italian who could be of help informally.
Buon Viaggio - and family reunion!
Donna Denise
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