THE USA
It was great. It was fast. But it also felt paced. I typically have difficulty switching between cultures, but I felt so much strength this trip and was able to enjoy my time in peace. I appreciate all of my friends who drove out to see me, gave of time/resources, and came to any of my events. Loved.
BEING BACK
One big praise is that my Italian has not seemed to have suffered. If anything it is getting better. I am thankful for that! This is always a priority prayer request--that I develop my language skills. I am praying for time and energy to devote to study this year.
I've been making my rounds and visiting people. Thankful for some extended time off work ( I now don't return til September 5). Some updates on that end:
- Concetta moved house. Still living with son, but seems to be doing better. Keep praying for her.
- Monica has decided to leave Bruno and is pressing into the Lord. So cool! In the end, her daughter Erica (20) did NOT come to stay with us during the break-up. We are still praying about how to reach out to her. But Tania and I will be jogging, praying, and other things with Monica to support her desire to pursue healthiness....
- Livia is moving to Colorado in November in search for someone to sponsor her as pastry chef. I am sad that we never seem to stay in the same area for long! Praying nonetheless to have some good times and God-conversations with her before she leaves.
- Spend the day with Valeria and Claudia and family (from Albano study) at their beach home last week. Glad to have connected with them again. So sweet. Pray for the salvation of this family.
- Saw Roberto the other day and we plan on getting together Fation when we all return from the holiday. Pray for these dear friends of mine. Not always sure how to maintain my friendship with them...praying for creativity and opportunity.
- Matteo (new believer) is still coming to our Tuesday night group which just started up again last night. We are trying a new format, more discussional and applicational. It was awesome!! Praying more for the Holy Spirit to move make us grow. Thankful for addition of the SWEETEST elderly couple, Raffaele and Patrizia!
- Bought some material for Sunday School. Praying for grace and direction this year.
- Lorenza has been going through a rough time. Baby Giulia was also in the hospital but is now better.
- Teenage Giulia (cancer) was admitted to the hospital as well when I was gone. Apparently she was unconscious for a time. We continue to pray for her healing. Also her brother Leo is back from Florida and we saw him yesterday. He wants to have us over to 'tell everything'. So cute. Pray for Leo that he can know Jesus.
- Visited with friends Marti and Danny who are church-planting in a nearby town. We are praying/in beginning stage of collaborating to open a (Christian) coffee shop here in Frascati. I am super pumped about this idea. It is also a dream of Tania's. We are hoping to open next summer, at which time (prayerfully) I would leave my job to work with this project. More info to come!
- Also on that note, (Marti and Danny are part of Schiavitù Mai Più, the prostitute ministry) we hope to start street visits again in September. Possible day visits in my area as well (a bit risky). Sadly, a few of our solid team members will be missing this fall. So we pray for the Lord to guide us.
That's it for now! I would love prayers for a good, joyous, strong start to work next week! Praying for the families that will be in my class, and my colleagues (old and new).
Love to all.
Allie
Above: making Congolese doughnuts with Tania's cousin from France (R)& our friend Brenda (M).
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