[Idyllchat] Roman (roamin') phones?

[ptc7770 at comcast.net]

Dear UnTourers,  

We're scheduled to be in a Rome UnTours apartment shortly for three weeks; we've been caring for a family member who had emergency surgery and we'd like to stay in not-quite-daily touch without paying exorbitant int'l phone rates.  We  have Sprint (more like a slow stroll) cellphones, but they don't accept GSM SIM cards for Europe.  So, the question:  What system has worked well for any of  you who have had similar needs?    Pro's and con's?  

Thanks, Pat and Jack