Galatians 5:6
If I don't have faith, I don't live honestly believing and hoping in what I believe. If I don't have love, my faith is rendered powerless. Our bodies and minds give us many excuses, but the only thing that counts is that--through tiredness, injustice, inconvenience--I express my faith always, to anyone, in love.
In my case, love wants often a lot of courage: to speak up even if I make language mistakes. To go out, even if I'm alone. To submit, even if I feel overwhelmed. It's hard. But God is with me and God IS love. I hope you are encouraged to love today.
ANSWERS
Well, God answers prayers in 'funny' ways although I have to admit I still don't find it too funny. In the end, my boss did not force me to teach Saturdays, but I will be taking on a Wednesday course (same thing) instead. I am VERY thankful to have my weekend. And now I pray that God gives me energy to teach this other course and divinely appoints the students in it.
Sunday school has been going pretty well. I am thankful for Elijah (highschooler) who serves with me, and for the kids that have been coming. We've decided for now that the highschoolers will sit in with the adults on Sundays and that we'll do special events with them 1-2 times/month, as I can't teach both them and the little ones on Sundays. I will have a Kids Ministry training day sometime in October as a few people have expressed interest in helping. Praise God.
Had a great first week of school! Loving my class. Have really great parents this year. Now just praying I can get all of my term plans done this week, between church events and visitors. Ephraim, my new adopted boy, is doing well...he doesn't quite understand boundaries: not touching things, not walking out of the classroom, not climbing on the shelves, etc. Haha it's a bit crazy. But he is very sweet and full of kisses and hugs and has a great sense of humor. Gosh, sometimes 13 kids feels a bit overwhelming. I know it's a small number, but they are so sensitive and vulnerable and change so fast! If you'd like to pray for these bimbi, I would be very grateful.
Ephraim-adopted last month from Congo
Moise-Also from Congo (adopted as baby), noticing attitude/spoiled this year
Azzurra- I wish I could be as cool as her
Ludovica- my snuggle bug
Chiara- insecure, but bright and lovely
Mariarosa- loud. Oh my goodness, very stubborn and quotable
Liam- very smart with some behavior problems...most difficult parents?
Giulio- freaking cute. Period. Tough home situation
Nicolo- such a love...he is all boy, but also very attune to emotions of others
Matilda- new, one of the oldest, very sweet and curious
Miriam-new, older, Muslim father...very sensitive but eager to participate
Manuel- knows what he likes...a bit older than the rest as well, new
Alessandro- lived before in Spain...very hesitant about school, but warming up!
REQUESTS
Favor with my boss to get all time off requested for my brother's wedding next Spring.
God's direction for our NGO the church has started... future coffee bar? Peace, unity and vision if we are to work with neighboring missionaries to open up the coffee bar/bookstore next year.
Scheduling...that I have time to be with people...on priority list for October: Fation & Roberto, Lorenza & Laetizia (another lady from Albano home group), Maison (ex-colleague), Monica, Andreas.
Tania- wisdom and boldness in how to counsel her and love her.
Teams!! We really would love to host some teams from America or anywhere that would come and help us with evangelism...concerts, classes, kids clubs...anything. Please contact me if you're interested!
Thanks so much and God bless you richly this week!
Allie
Below: some pics from Venice with my friend Heather (fellow missionary in Rome)...sad she's moving back to the US for a while next month :(
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