of prodigals and prayers

Tonight was amazing. It was a combination of:

• Excitement to finally see growth in the Frascati Tuesday night community group!
• Tania re-joined the group after many months...
• God specifically spoke in ways that answered a year of prayers (even prayers of Pastor Robert and I just yesterday!) through a new lady coming, Concetta, and Robert was given the opportunity to elaborate on some really pertinent truth for both Matteo and Tania who were present. The love and grace of God was demonstrated.
• Melinda, a young 30-something single, raised-in-Christian-home but confused etc. woman came again for the second time.

Continue to plead with God with us for the hearts and lives of our church members in all 3 community groups: Colleferro, Albano and Frascati. Pray for 13 yr old Giulia who is sick again with fever. Ask God to heal her cancer. Also 16 year old Moira is sick and will be held back from school a 2nd year. Pray for Monica who needs to trust Jesus with her life and not fear making the right decisions regarding the boyfriend she has. Ask God to guide. Comfort to Laura. More men to come to faith....

Next Monday at my house will be the monthly dinner/accountability prayer time with Marco, Michelangelo and Tania...we are the '20-somethings' of the church. We've started taking turns testifying/confessing of what God is doing in our lives. Tania shared powerfully last time. I will go next. Please pray for me that I hear from the Lord and that each of us continues to be honest before God and each other and seeks to know and live for Him.

Thankful for my American friend Heather who let me crash at her place when I got stuck in Rome Saturday night. Public transport has been SO frustrating these weeks. So uncertain. Thankful.

I had a great time with Livia last week. We are already making plans to see each other again next week. I adore her. She told me of her dreams to move to America in the fall to look for work. I'm bummed to see her go, but also excited at the possibility for her. Anybody looking to sponsor an Italian pastry chef for a visa??

I am wrapping up the school year this week. Then I teach one week of summer school and July welcomes summer! Please ask the Lord to give me grace, humility and love for my boss, colleagues and students. Specifically for Raffaella--I need wisdom, boldness and opportunity to speak more openly with her (& Maison!) about Jesus. PRAISE Jesus for my precious precious students and how much love I have received from them this year. What a year it's been.

xo

watermelon gelato = best thing ever