technology, mafia, translation & the devil

OK.

This week has been really wonderful. A singer I met in LA came through the church with her folk band, and it was fun to see some Americans! Yeah, I already miss you guys after 1 week ;) I am slowly absorbing more Italian, though it remains very difficult to speak. But I sense the Lord's grace.

Technology & the Devil

Virtually everything in my pastor's house is falling apart. First the kitchen faucet, then the laundry machine, then MY computer.... Yes, my computer died and (thanks to the Lord's provision) I was able to buy a new Italian laptop after a few days. Trying to get used to the strange keyboard! Anyway, I think there's just a lot of spiritual warfare. My pastor never rests and this is his one week of vacation--and he's spending it fixing things and taking me back and forth to the town hall! Speaking of which, Signora Pasquale (the NASTIEST lady) is slowly becoming my friend, over at the town hall where I'm having complications getting residence. PRAISE THE LORD today she finally started to fight for my case, and everything should be settled next week. Even got a smile out of her! God is good. Please pray that we can fix the house problems and that nothing else breaks. Pray also for Signora Pasquale and everything regarding my residence (can't get an apartment or bank account without it).

Mafia

Just a side note. We went to the beach as a 'family' yesterday and it turns out that one of the beaches we almost went to (but passed) witnessed 2 mafia gangs in a little battle for territory. One mafioso shot and killed the other. Beyond this extreme violence, there's just a lot of aggression and unrest among the people in general. People yelling at each other for this. Accusing people of that. Little grace. Little respect. Please pray for peace here. Pray also that I don't let this attitude influence me.

Translation

There have been quite a few funny moments getting lost in translation. My favorite so far has been a guy at church who insisted my name was a 'cognome' (surname). His thought process was this: JohnSON, AnderSON, RichardSON...AlliSON. Haha.

€5000.

One more thing. My 'little brother' here dreams of going to film school. But he can't afford it and is super discouraged. The family of 5 adults shares one computer. One car (which they can barely put gas in). All that to say, film school costs €5000/year. Nothing compared to American university! If you are at all able or interested in sponsoring him, please email me: alliecase@gmail.com.

Ok, if you made it to the end of this, GRAZIE! I know it's not that exciting, and I don't have any photos :(  I appreciate your prayers so much, and ask that you remember me Sunday night as I start work on Monday and am relying on public transport! God bless you richly, as you bless me.

XO, Allie