goodbye, hello!

Although I've been doing a poor job of spreading the news here, many of you know I AM MOVING!

Literally 2 weeks after my other job fell through, God plopped another, better, job in my lap! I will be working at the Little Genius International School, directly located in FRASCATI, the city of my church (12 miles southeast of Rome). It's crazy I get to work and fellowship in the same town--something I wasn't sure was possible. But with God all things are possible.

For now, everything is moving pretty fast-paced.

Leaving California: August 1.
Leaving Seattle: August 16.
Arrive in Rome: August 17.
Start new job: August 27.

I'd appreciate your prayers as I handle paperwork, pack boxes, decide what to keep and what to get ride of (already done a huge chunk of that, thankfully), and prepare my heart! I'm also saying goodbye to lots of family and friends that have become so precious to me during the last 5.5 years as a Californian. I really "grew up" here, and will miss it very much.

SO, I've decided to help myself say "goodbye" and "hello" with a little list. Cuz who doesn't love a good list?

GOODBYE
-Avocados. I'll figure out some way to live without you.
-Folk concerts. Electronics reign in Italia!
-Grandma's garden. With my grandparents in it ;)
-Reality LA. My wonderful church family.
-English. I love to express myself with words...
-Car. No more driving for this girl!
-Time consistency. I'll be 9 hours ahead of anyone on the West Coast, USA.
-Trader Joe's. That Vegan Japanese Fried Rice will lose a very big fan!

HELLO
-Gelato. Yum.
-Slowing down. Italian culture has a different time-orientation. Different values.
-Cobblestone streets. Not for heels or rain, but whatever they're cute.
-Public transport. Looking forward to letting someone else do the driving :) Plus people-watching!
-Italian. As hard as it is to use sometimes, I do love the language.
-Church. I'm excited to grow in Christ, and spur others in the faith.
-Home. Excited to have a new place with my pastor's daughter as flat-mate!
-Being Italian. I'm curious to use my new passport and Italian social security, etc.

I'm sure there's much to add to the list, but I hope you are feeling my loss and my excitement a bit better! God is good. Here's to continuing the adventure with Him.

XO, Allie