let's talk about marriage.

No, not mine. Don't get excited ;)

SOME THOUGHTS ON MINISTRY

On Tuesday night I looked around the room at our weekly Bible study. We were going through a heavy text in Romans that addressed marriage. Of the 11 people represented, besides my pastor and his wife (and myself), everyone else either was previously divorced, or currently living with a partner or dating a non-Christian. And Tuesday night is our night with the more 'mature' Christians in the church. The rest of the church isn't any cleaner. There's the young single mom Lorenza who just had her baby girl last week. There are brand-new baby marriages and old tired-out marriages.

Let's look at my workplace. I have a colleague currently divorcing his wife. One who lives with a man she 'doesn't love,' one who was devastatedly scarred from a previous relationship, one whose husband left her 3 months ago for Romania (with 3 children...not a word of contact), one who fights with her husband every day, one whose husband travels more than he's home.... And there's only ten of us at the school!

Italy is a bleak, bleak landscape for all kinds of relationships. And sadly, you can't look to the church for a healthy model. I'd like to share two ministry plans coming up to address these needs. First, at the end of November I will host a lunch for some college-age girls from the Albano Bible study Friday nights. Last time we talked they opened up about this discouraging relationship aspect and the fact they've never had boyfriends before. We'll see how it goes and what God wants to start for the new year. Second, December 21-22 my church is hosting a free marriage conference with guest speakers and fabulous marriage counselors... MY PARENTS! We are really excited about this and have just booked the conference center in faith that the funds to rent it (900 €) will be provided. If you are interested in giving to this fund, see http://www.chapelmissions.org/where-we-work/italy/location/frascati-calvary-chapel-frascati (I wrote this blurb btw!) or contact me at alliecase@gmail.com.

Above all, please please pray for this culture, that the people of Italy would find love and transformation in arms of Jesus. Pray that those on the right path would stay strong, relying on God.

LEARNING TO LIVE

I'm learning to get around my neighborhood and settle into the routine of things. I am still getting requests to tutor or translate/research for people on top of my regular work and ministry and need wisdom on how much to take on. I still need lots of prayer to get a handle on the Italian language. But slowly, my apartment feels more like a home. Last night Tania and I invited the family for dinner. We made such a vegetarian feast (I found curry spices so I made thai curry)! It was fun to be able to bless everyone like that. I am eternally grateful to be adopted by such a beautiful family.
                                                       Haha I love this photo. Typical.

Making a mess nella cucina!

 

Thanks for all your love and prayers!
xo, Allie

6 saints & the two young girls

SALVE!

Sorry that I have been absent from this blog for a few weeks--a combination of moving, work, church, errands, being without internet, and other random duties that call for my time. Thanks to those of you who remember to pray for me anyway. Once I am more settled, I look forward to reporting more on certain ministry aspects. There is always a lot going on, and I currently need prayer about what to say 'yes' to because new relationships and opportunities are around every corner and I'm feeling a bit stretched-thin.

6 SAINTS ETC.

We moved into our new apartment last Saturday. We found 6 saints in the electric box. A reminder of the old, reluctant, rich and Catholic culture in which I live. This year the Pope himself visited Frascati, to urge a 're-awakening.' I pray that the Spirit of GOD and not MAN, reigns in this place.

We painted and cleaned and ran errands for days. Now Tania and are happily living here, and the whole neighborhood watches in strange curiosity at the two young girls in the big house. This kind of thing is NOT done in Italy. You live with your parents til you marry, stereotypically. Even we admit it doesn't feel quite homey yet, but we look forward to getting fully organized and unpacked and filling it with people and love! THANK YOU to all who donated for furniture. God blessed us with some good deals at IKEA. Pics to come.... We are hosting our first 'event' next Saturday--a sleepover with the church youthgroup!

ROMA

This Tuesday I went to Rome to see my cousin's grandma who was visiting from LA. I met two people who would be interesting to keep in touch with. I'm headed back tomorrow to see my friend Livia who now lives in Brescia but is visiting her parents this weekend. I've also been put in touch with an Italian-American family (friends of a friend) in Rome. None of these people are Christians, and adore Rome, so pray with me about the kinds of investments I should make.

WORK

Work is going really well and I am coming into my own. My teaching is getting better and so are my students. I am finding a rythm. I've begun teaching Saturday mornings as well (tried to avoid but there was no one else...). Since this is the place where I spend 80% of my time, I need prayer to love God, my co-workers and my students well, even when I'm tired.

I also need to finish publication on my book this month or it will never get done. Please pray I have time and wisdom for the last stretch.

Hey, my local gelato-man assured me that my Italian has improved since I first moved here. I'll take that! And my local coffee-man put a smiley face design on my cappuccino this morning because I am 'always joyful' apparently (my boss got a sad face, haha). Oh God help me to be thankful for the little things....

xo, Allie