the return: year 3.

I'm back in Frascati!

It's been nice the last 6 weeks to detach a bit from technology and just enjoy visiting people and being at the whim of the moment. If I saw you while on the West Coast, I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.

My travels home included: 1 taxi, 2 planes, 1 bus, 1 train, 1 subway ride...an airport strike waiting for my luggage, a long line waiting to buy tickets, and my pastor and his wife who graciously met me at the end of the subway line to take me HOME. Maybe that's why I slept 10 hrs. straight last night!

UPDATE FROM SUMMER MINISTRY

God held back the rain for our 2 concerts. It was so miraculous. All 4 guests I invited came, even if they didn't stay the whole time. Our church was encouraged and unified by the event! We hope to have more people come out next time and to improve with advertising. Red Rain was a huge blessing!

I was also able to delegate 4 youth to teach Sunday School and various members volunteered to bring drinks for Sundays. I hear it went well and am eager to be back tonight in Church!

STATESIDE SUMMARY

California, Oregon and Washington were great. I rested. I "tried" surfing. I got some new clothes and teaching supplies. I went to the beach. I saw THREE musicals. I biked with my cousins. I ate Thai, Mexican and Indian. I went to a rooftop wedding. I saw loads of friends and family. I attended my churches. I saw my sister in concert. I said some really hard goodbyes.

Please pray for me as I consider many things for the future. The next few months I will be deciding what to do "next." Before I left for the summer I told my boss that this year 2014-15 would be my last year at the school. I really need to hear from the Lord about what to do after July 2015, so if you can keep that in your prayers I would be very grateful. Send me any verses or words God gives you!

Meeting my "nipotino" Noble <3 p="">

                                                                         Cousins :)

                                                         Siblings in the hot-tub

                                             Austen's show with my aunt and uncle <3 nbsp="" p="">

RLA Community Group Dinner

WHATS UP

I go back to work tomorrow. Please pray that God renews my strength, joy and creativity to welcome a new class of students this year! I am sad to be passed up by my old students and pray that I can somehow stay connected with them. Please pray for solid, uplifting communication between all staff.

Next Sunday, September 14 we will do church at the sea as Sara (17 yr old sister of Veronica 19, and Lorenzo 5) and Giulianna (Togolese, mom of Leo 9 and Dylan 2 in Sunday School) get baptized!!

I need wisdom to grow up other members to share in serving with Kids Ministry and Hospitality. Pray that others would see the value and commit. Please pray that someone raises up to takeover accounting because it is too much for me.

Schiavitù Mai Più (anti-trafficking/prostitution ministry) is back in full-swing. We have a meeting with a US Government labor official Sept 12, an outing Sept 19, a Training Day for new volunteers Sept 20 and our Freedom Days Campaign the week of October 18.

I am thrilled to host my dear friend Michelle from Japan (Biola) and her parents next week! I am also very thankful to have my cousin Dylan in Rome for 2 months...arriving in 2 weeks! God knew I needed a piece of "home."

Coming back to Frascati was difficult. But I am praying for a deeply fruitful year. I want to be loved and used of the Lord. I feel a bit like Job's friends: "Tell us! What are we to say to Him? We are unable to prepare because of the darkness" (Job 37:19). Thanking God He is Light.

Love to all!
Allie