heaven & earth

“I know The Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” (Psalm 16:8-11 NLT)


Perhaps it's a mixture of talking with my elderly grandparents over skype, spending time with 13 year-old Giulia who has cancer, watching Daisy Merrick's memorial live at 1am, my cousin hearing someone scream as his NY subway ran over them, and the hopelessness of voting in my first Italian presidential election---I'm thinking about Heaven. One day soon. We will not have to choose the lesser of evils. We will not suffer. We will not want.

And until that day--God only knows how weak I am!!--until THAT DAY. I want to be faithful. This earth is such a fleeting glimpse washed up in Eternity. Despite how tired I am, I want to be hopeful and live with the Eternity of Heaven in my heart. I pray we can all strive better after this, with the Holy Spirit, to share this Hope with our friends and family.

Prayer Updates:

CHURCH

We really want a location! The house was packed yesterday and we are eager to move out of the house church-phase. Pastor Robert has drafted a letter to the county to possibly receive a public space to be used as non-profit. We know a Christian lady who works there and are praying for the Lord's favor. Ultimately, we hope that one location helps to foster unity among the different 'groups' in our church and calls each to serve and participate in a deeper way.

Slow progress with Lorenza...maybe this weekend?

Our youth group is growing! 2 other kids have returned to the group making 5 (Lorenza's neice and nephew). We are also praying that Giulia's brother (16) decides to come. Currently, Tania has stepped back from Kids Min for personal reasons and it has put me in a rough spot with language etc. (2 kids are half American so they can help me, but I'd much rather assist Tania because she is really gifted with them). Anyway, pray for growth and wisdom.

PERSONAL

I've been praying a lot for my friends and for more friends in general. Process is slow, but I am feeling encouraged:

Andreas & Brenda remain hard to get together with, but communicate now and then.

Fation & Roberto are coming to see Mumford & Sons with me in 2 weeks (friends gave me 2 extra tix to be used 'missionally')!

Alberto has invited us to dinner at his place.

In the mean time, two of my precious college friends are coming to visit in March!

I am using the local stores more and trying to be known on my street however shy I am.

Still need lots of wisdom in the situation with Tania--how to challenge and support and counsel her.

We hosted a Bible Study with the church in Rome last Saturday. Matteo (pictured @right)came and continues to open his heart to Jesus! Keep praying.

Marco, Michi, Tania & I just had our 2nd of our monthly meetings and it went SO well in the sense that there was a lot of vulnerability and productive, honest discussion. PRAY SO HARD with me for these 3 precious people. They are the only young adult Christians in our church/city and carry a lot of responsibility in their influence. Pray for hope, vision, conviction, courage, comfort, wisdom.... The last picture is Michi and friends playing an acoustic set at the opening of their youth association--proud of how they bridge the 'gap.'


Lots of love to all.
A.
(I love this song!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yc8x33lAnAk&list=PLM4MVfz1v3LVOY2S1ORgU53Pc92xJQ46_