l'inserimento etc.

Hi!

Thanks again everyone for praying for me (my transition, health, relationships, work, service...), and for the ministry here in Frascati. I sense the Lord's help and peace every day. As you call out to God by His Spirit, it effects change here in Italy. Thank you.

PAST WEEK

I was able to visit my friends the Balivas in Trastevere (Rome) on Saturday. We had a nice visit and they also took me to an outreach that feeds Afghan/Persian male refugees every week. The status of these refugees is too sensitive for me to write here, but please pray for these men that they find hope in Jesus, remain unpersecuted for turning to Christ, and can break the cycle of Italian welfare.

At church, we had a short-term team from Washington visit a few days last week. It was a blessing to have them bless US (weird to be on the OTHER side of this blessing!). It was fun for me to see friends Jan & Peter Stuart (above), and Jen Birkey. We've also started up our mid-week community groups again. I am still praying about how to approach the young adults group. Hoping to start that beginning October. We have a GREAT need among the members of our church to commit to applying the Word of God in thought, attitude, fellowship, and service. Please pray for spiritual maturity.

INSERIMENTO

I've made it through my second week of work. Tomorrow (Friday) is our 'Welcome Breakfast' for all parents and students. Parents have already been critical of me (I haven't taught yet), and much of my training has involved how to deal with parents who are extremely wealthy, image-centered, and anti-disciplinary with their children. Pastor Robert came to see my class yesterday and prayed over the room. Please pray that God gives me vision and confidence as I start teaching next week. The week is called 'Inserimento' because it's only half-day, and parents are in the class the ENTIRE time to help their child 'settle.' It's a lot of pressure for the teacher. Please pray I set a good foundation for relationships with the families in my class tomorrow. Thank the Lord for my boss (Ruhma), her husband (Christian), and all of my colleagues: Christine, Peter, Iram, Raffa, Gino, Foari, Annamaria and Maison (my aide). I really love going to work each day.

That's it for now! Residence is on its way (thanks to the sweetest girl who stayed 1.5 hours PAST closing time to finish my complicated case). Though I still have a looong way to go, my Italian gets better every day. I'm praying to get an apartment in the next few weeks.

Lots of love from Italia!
Allie