It really came so fast this year. Wow. I am remembering-- with too much good memory (a little homesickness perhaps haha)--the wonderful Easter I spent last year, with some of you, at Reality LA. I pray that each of you, from Seattle to LA (and abroad!) celebrate the joyous victory that comes through Death and Resurrection and the HOPE of Jesus Christ.
Some updates:
WORK/FRIENDS etc.
I was sorry to be sick during my friends' visit, but that hasn't stopped us from hitting the sights. It's been sweet and given me a chance also to get out in Frascati a bit more and really be a part of my town. Introducing Amanda to my local grocer he had to mention, 'You know your accent has gotten a bit worse I can tell' (implying since I had these American visitors, my Italian was declining by lack of use). Gotta love their honesty. Haha... it'll pick back up I'm sure. LANGUAGE continues to be a constant prayer request however. Lord, anoint my tongue and give me boldness!
I ran into Alberto a few days ago. He was bummed to not have made it to the concert, but it turns out he likes folk music (not common here) so that's sweet! Fation ended up coming to part of the concert, but needs a lot of prayer--he's in a really dark spot now and needs Jesus. Pray that he chooses not to run from Tania and I, and most importantly from GOD. My colleagues Raffa, Foari, Gino, Iram and Ruhma need special prayer! I love them so much, but I see a theme of loneliness, abandonment, restlessness. Jesus is the answer. Ask the Lord to give me opportunities to talk with them about His hope and especially this week, to invite them to our Easter service. Pray also that Tania and I can get to know the 3 young people that run the club below us. I know they are there for a reason.
In general--I have the same request for friends. It's a sort of uncomfortable diet, going from lots of wonderful friends and family members around me to...this. Christian, non-Christian, male, female...not quite sure how to meet people. As a 'foreigner' I find myself even shyer than normal. I ask for prayer to get established in this community--to be an inviting person. A friend-maker. And then for the time and energy to sustain friendships :)
Continued prayer for my room-mate Tania and wisdom in how to help her.
CHURCH
Due to weather and time constraints we didn't make it out to the fair. However: the city has given us a hall free of charge to hold our Easter service! We are very grateful for this as Pastor Robert's home holds only a few families. Please pray with us that everyone God wants to come can come. Pray that we can spread the word--for me especially to have boldness and gentleness and wisdom in inviting people. Pray for the worship, message, ushering, children's program, dinner afterwards--all aspects to be unto the Lord and well-organized.
In our Friday night community group we've had a new guy (Paolo-converted his 2nd week!). We've also had a grandma with her grand-daughter coming recently. Last week the young middle-schooler opened up to Robert, crying. She seems soft and burdened. I have not been able to attend the last 2 Fridays, but I am super encouraged by the growth in this group. It is hard logistically because it's about an hour away, so I see these people only on Fridays and some of them Sundays. But pray nonetheless that God shows me how to help these young girls that are coming!
We also have the second sleepover with the youth group planned at our house for the first weekend in April. We hope to add 2-5 other youth we are reaching out to, so pray everyone comes and is built up in the Lord!!
GRAZIE
Love to all!
Allie
(pic: happy Amanda was able to come to church during her visit!! Love you A!)
