where i am 04.16.2011

In "school-year-is-almost-over-and-I-have-to-prepare-for-summer" mode.

LIFE: Lots of changes and decisions happening. My dear friend Liz is moving out next week as she's gettin' hitched, and I have the privilege of being her maid-of-honor! Then my mom comes for a visit :) Thanks to my gracious professor, I have the opportunity to get a jump-start on my final master's class (writing my thesis paper) before I leave for the summer. Please pray for motivation and self-discipline! I am looking for teaching jobs, but am also secure in staying where I am if God wills. The DAY before I leave for Germany in June, I will stand again at the altar with my friend and Tunisia travel partner, Amy, and so there are quite a lot of weddings!

SUMMER: I am directing 2 Vaction Bible Schools in Germany and need lots of prayer! There are many Muslims (mostly Turkish) in the area as well as Atheists, so pray that God would really be the one "directing" me. In England we hope to do a lot of music ministry (meeting up with my sister) and some evangelism in the public schools, so please pray for the planning of that! Finally, I head off to Rome and Sicily and besides fellowshipping with my "family" in Rome, I will pray and discuss more about when I can move, what I will do, and hopefully talk with some prospective schools. Also pray for my witness as I re-connect with non-Christian friends and for my language acquisition.

CITIZENSHIP: Trying to remember that I am to bear witness of Christ through this process, and let Him refine me through it. Had another set-back with getting my great-grandfather's naturalization papers. I'm hoping to re-submit the request next week and pray that things go forward.

PRAISE: I have discovered some fellow Italy-lovers in the home-group I attend through my church. We've already met once to practice Italian, and it is an overwhelming blessing simply to know I am not the only one who is burdened for that place. An answer to a prayer I couldn't even pray! Also, I think God has put it on my heart to write a book, so I am praying for time and inspiration about a topic that is very important to me. My grandma still seems open to attending church with me. I haven't been able to go again with her, but I praise God for her openness and hope for the opportunity at Easter.

In short, as I sit here sweating in 90-degree weather, I am mindful of my love and need for you. Thank you for your support and concern. Much love in Gesu'!