In Italia: pray for the pigeons

Hi.

I am going to start with this because it is becoming a source of great frustration. The pigeons are against me. I walk through the streets of Frascati pass a pigeon, and am filled with offense and personal loathe against the bird. Can't look it in the eye. It could be one that makes its home behind my house. So violating. If you've ever had pigeon problems, you know what I'm talking about. I like to laugh about it but I am now so thoroughly disgusted, I am taking it personally.

We've tried to set up mirrors, owls, pour bleach, clean, everything and they will not leave this area behind my apartment. They make an awful noise and are unsanitary. I don't know if they are at all connected to the reason why I am sick EVERY SINGLE WEEKEND or not, but it's odd. Last week I had a virus taking me to the toilet every 30 mins. This week I woke up with itchy skin and oddly swollen allergic eyes. Some weekends I have fever. It's insane. I know it could be spiritual warfare as well...but why I am rambling on this awkward story??? Because I am going to ask you to do a very silly thing: please pray for the pigeons. Pray that they go away and never come back.

Haha but seriously. Pray that we can find a solution and that I have wisdom on how to deal with my health. Thanks.

ALSO:

The youth sleepover went well!! We had our usual 3 faithfuls Moira, Eli and Giulia, but it was still sweet. Pray for more depth and growth in their walks with Christ.

Church location: this week we are becoming an official organization/church in the county. This is the first step into getting a real location and will allow us eventually to open a bookstore, etc. I am named 'secretary' haha. Pray for all of the details and that God continues to provide for us and lead us to a good building location.

Unity and maturity, reconciliation and vibrant faith are continued requests for our members.

We always have a lot of health issues: Giulia and her battle with leukemia, Paola (not officially 'dying') from Colleferro study who has 2 young daughters, Michelangelo recovering from knee surgery, Chantal with cateract problems....

Continued pray for my Italian language acquisition.

Praise for progress and growth in situation with Tania. More grace. More wisdom please, Lord.

Tania's gotten back in touch with a college friend Luca and he really needs the hope of Jesus! We had him over this weekend. Continue to pray for him.

Work: so thankful for my precious precious students. Can't believe I've come to love them this much!!! Pray God gives me joy and strength this week. SO THANKFUL to be working 3 out of 6 days due to Italian holiday. Thank you Jesus!

BIG FAT PRAISE: our friend Matteo has accepted Jesus!! Pray that he gets plugged in to a church and grows in a profound, transformative way. So blessed by this miracle and pray he holds fast.

Thanks everyone. Love to all!

Below: Almost ready for dinner at our sleepover! Eli (headed to cooking highschool next year) made a vegetarian feast!