a new year

THE HOLIDAYS
I really don't know where to start in "counting" my blessings. This year ended in such a sweet way. I spent a wonderful few days making and eating African food with my pastor's family over Christmas. I wonder at how easily they have accepted me as family, and vice versus. Our church events were small in number, but sweet nonetheless. I spent the perfect New Year's with an eclectic group of Irish-American-Italian-Iraqi friends and watched Rome on fire(works) from the top of the city. Last week I visited Bracciano, a stunning lake-town north of Rome. I toured the castle and imagined what life had been like as an Odescalchi Lady (the castle has a room dedicated to women because apparently one of the Ladies defended the castle from invaders one year...). I also understand why Tom Cruise got married there :) And perhaps most importantly, I visited the small town in Puglia where my great-grandfather came from when he took a boat to America at age 19. This was incredibly special and a trip I got to experience with my dear uncle Charlie who has inspired me with his motto: "Talk to everybody." You never know what can happen in Italy! Pray for my uncle Charlie to know Jesus. Pray for my connection with this town, Bovino, and all of the wonderful people I met. I know there is a reason. Stories that are unfinished.

RETURN TO ROUTINE
I am back to taking the bus. Teaching my lovely students. Going to bed "early." Hosting Bible Study. Visiting my "girls" on the streets....

No big news. Needing time, love, and energy to invest in my relationships right now....

NEXT YEAR

I have however made a decision about next year. I have yet to discuss issues with my boss because the school is its usual chaos this week, but I have decided to continue with the job next year as long as I get the same contract/class. I have decided this because #1 I realized I had NO TEAM behind the coffee bar project, or rather, that it had fallen apart, #2 Financial stability, #3 Continued ministry opportunity with my colleagues. Honestly, I am still open to things changing, but the project is too big for me. I have decided that the concept will still be relevant when we finally get a location for our church. We can do weekly coffee-houses and go from there. This way I can devote more time to Schiavitù Mai Più. I am still in need of revelation, confirmation, direction, inspiration, calling...here. I want to be fruitful. Please continue to pray for my church, ministry, neighbors, friends, coworkers, students, a church building, possibility of getting a license/car, and direction for the future.

Be still my soul!

Thank you. A very happy new year to you! Thanking God that He continues to give us life and breath.

Allie

Below: Bracciano (castle), Me in front of my great-grandfather's childhood home.