So I'm leaving Rome in an hour! It really flew by.
Some things about Italy I can never forget:
-There will always be a strike on the day you want to travel. At least one.
-You kiss (greet) starting on the RIGHT side.
-Italian children are wild.
-Rome is dirty.
-I love Frascati.
-I have the BEST Italian pastor ('papà') in the world :)
-I will never eat cavallo crudo again (that's raw horse, for this prior vegetarian!)
Just thought I would share....
Wow, this week was really wonderful and sweet! I got to visit my friend Livia before she left on holiday (and despite being totally (secretly) bummed that she invited me over the day AFTER she had Italian star 'Willwhoosh' over--not the same day) I had a really great time with her! She even brought up my beliefs and I was able to share the Gospel again, praise God! I was able to see all of my friends except one, so I was really pleased with the way the week went. It was busy and full and the time with the two churches I've worked with was precious. I was able to share my testimony, teach at a midweek Bible study, teach sunday school, and fellowship with old friends and new alike!
What was special for me on top of all of this, was connecting with friends from LA: Cassie and Joe Silva and Anna and Andre Le Comte! It was such a joy to show them around Rome (and speak English for a while!). God totally provided respite for me to speak English and supported my Italian (something I'm always anxious about), so thank you for the prayers!! I was also able to meet up with some new missionaries to Rome and hear about what's going on concerning ministry to Muslim refugees in the city. God bless everyone hard at work for His service.
I'm now off to another part of Italy to tour around with a friend for a while, the 'formal ministry' now ending :) I return to Seattle August 3. Last night I prayed with my Italian dad and he almost cried. We all know the next time I come it will probably be to move here, should God will. There will be a lot of changes. It's strange for me. I ask for prayer that God would keep confirming this to me, giving me success with language and citizenship processes, and renewing my love for the Italian people. I only want to be where He wants, when He wants so I would appreciate your prayers. Pray for my church here, that everyone would grow in real knowledge and love for the Lord and wisdom for those in leadership.
Most importantly, PRAISE God with me. I found myself on the train the other day, praying, and realizing: I can do this. God is so so faithful, who am I to think this beyond me? What isn't God worth? Where wouldn't I live for His cause? DIO è BUONO.
'The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love oh LORD endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.' Psalm 138.8
Love, Allie
God is worth it. And you are more than a conqueror through Him who loved you and gave Himself up for you. You would think being a conqueror was enough, but you are more than a conqueror. Not entirely sure what that means (is it that we are conquerors when it looks like we aren't? when the language is kicking our butts, or the money isn't there, or the forms are taking forever to clear?? Not sure...) But this I know: God is for you. So who, what, where, can be against you. I am so glad you have such dear saints, like Robert and Chantal, to embrace you as familia.
ReplyDeleteThis was special to read Allie. Both Liz and I miss you dearly! This post reminds me of the message that was spoke about this past Sunday at our church, Grace.
ReplyDeleteActs 1:15-23...
"For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all his people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the SAME as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at the right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that an be invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way."
But I think you already knew... =]
God Bless you Allie, have a safe trip home, and then home down here. =]