In the air!
Sooo. I'm off! The summer goes like this: Germany June 20-July 3, England July 4 (my birthday!)-July 18, Italy July 18-August 2. I then fly home to Seattle for a few weeks and back to LA. I hope to update this in each country, so please check-in as I covet your prayers!
SUMMER RECAP: I'll be working with dear friends in Germany, specifically directing Vacation Bible School and lots of street evangelism and music when my sister arrives. I ask prayer for communication through translators, unity with my team, and childrens'/families' lives to turn to Jesus. I head to England with my amazing siblings to support Austen in music ministry (going as "Where's Allie?" the original duo that birthed her 2nd album when la famiglia was on holiday without me! haha). Then I'm on to Italy where I will re-unite both with non-Christian friends and my precious church, talking and praying about my future there. I typically feel really overwhelmed in Italy, with language limitations and cultural lies--pray against Satan's hold on me there please! I'll be teaching Sunday School in all 3 countries and likely preaching something in Italy. I feel somewhat like Paul returning to "encourage the churches," as I have a long history with each of the precious churches I'll be with. Please pray that my heart and mind remain soft and open to the voice of the Holy Spirit, and my body strong and ready.
CITIZENSHIP: Still waiting for naturalization doc. Unfortunately, I think I'm in need of 2 other certificates, but I'll deal with that when I get back....
PRAISES: SO thrilling to share that my grandparents and aunt made it to church with me on Easter, AND since discovering internet around the same time (really), my grandma has been watching my dad's sermons online! She claims she just likes to hear/see him 'cos he lives so far away.... I pray it's more than that. I know God's word doesn't return void. ALSO, I am overfunded for the summer's ministry expenses thanks to very generous brothers and sisters. Thank you and praise to Jesus.
SOMETHING NEW: Last week I "randomly" got in touch with a couple who just moved to Rome from my church in LA. I had no idea a church-plant was in the works, but God's timing is so great! We've been emailing and plan to meet-up when I am in Rome. I pray that God uses this encounter to speak to me, and even for me to be a resource to them!
The school year is over (work and grad). Wedding is done. I'm throwing it all away...those things that weigh me down. Let's see what God does!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
where i am 04.16.2011
In "school-year-is-almost-over-and-I-have-to-prepare-for-summer" mode.
LIFE: Lots of changes and decisions happening. My dear friend Liz is moving out next week as she's gettin' hitched, and I have the privilege of being her maid-of-honor! Then my mom comes for a visit :) Thanks to my gracious professor, I have the opportunity to get a jump-start on my final master's class (writing my thesis paper) before I leave for the summer. Please pray for motivation and self-discipline! I am looking for teaching jobs, but am also secure in staying where I am if God wills. The DAY before I leave for Germany in June, I will stand again at the altar with my friend and Tunisia travel partner, Amy, and so there are quite a lot of weddings!
SUMMER: I am directing 2 Vaction Bible Schools in Germany and need lots of prayer! There are many Muslims (mostly Turkish) in the area as well as Atheists, so pray that God would really be the one "directing" me. In England we hope to do a lot of music ministry (meeting up with my sister) and some evangelism in the public schools, so please pray for the planning of that! Finally, I head off to Rome and Sicily and besides fellowshipping with my "family" in Rome, I will pray and discuss more about when I can move, what I will do, and hopefully talk with some prospective schools. Also pray for my witness as I re-connect with non-Christian friends and for my language acquisition.
CITIZENSHIP: Trying to remember that I am to bear witness of Christ through this process, and let Him refine me through it. Had another set-back with getting my great-grandfather's naturalization papers. I'm hoping to re-submit the request next week and pray that things go forward.
PRAISE: I have discovered some fellow Italy-lovers in the home-group I attend through my church. We've already met once to practice Italian, and it is an overwhelming blessing simply to know I am not the only one who is burdened for that place. An answer to a prayer I couldn't even pray! Also, I think God has put it on my heart to write a book, so I am praying for time and inspiration about a topic that is very important to me. My grandma still seems open to attending church with me. I haven't been able to go again with her, but I praise God for her openness and hope for the opportunity at Easter.
In short, as I sit here sweating in 90-degree weather, I am mindful of my love and need for you. Thank you for your support and concern. Much love in Gesu'!
LIFE: Lots of changes and decisions happening. My dear friend Liz is moving out next week as she's gettin' hitched, and I have the privilege of being her maid-of-honor! Then my mom comes for a visit :) Thanks to my gracious professor, I have the opportunity to get a jump-start on my final master's class (writing my thesis paper) before I leave for the summer. Please pray for motivation and self-discipline! I am looking for teaching jobs, but am also secure in staying where I am if God wills. The DAY before I leave for Germany in June, I will stand again at the altar with my friend and Tunisia travel partner, Amy, and so there are quite a lot of weddings!
SUMMER: I am directing 2 Vaction Bible Schools in Germany and need lots of prayer! There are many Muslims (mostly Turkish) in the area as well as Atheists, so pray that God would really be the one "directing" me. In England we hope to do a lot of music ministry (meeting up with my sister) and some evangelism in the public schools, so please pray for the planning of that! Finally, I head off to Rome and Sicily and besides fellowshipping with my "family" in Rome, I will pray and discuss more about when I can move, what I will do, and hopefully talk with some prospective schools. Also pray for my witness as I re-connect with non-Christian friends and for my language acquisition.
CITIZENSHIP: Trying to remember that I am to bear witness of Christ through this process, and let Him refine me through it. Had another set-back with getting my great-grandfather's naturalization papers. I'm hoping to re-submit the request next week and pray that things go forward.
PRAISE: I have discovered some fellow Italy-lovers in the home-group I attend through my church. We've already met once to practice Italian, and it is an overwhelming blessing simply to know I am not the only one who is burdened for that place. An answer to a prayer I couldn't even pray! Also, I think God has put it on my heart to write a book, so I am praying for time and inspiration about a topic that is very important to me. My grandma still seems open to attending church with me. I haven't been able to go again with her, but I praise God for her openness and hope for the opportunity at Easter.
In short, as I sit here sweating in 90-degree weather, I am mindful of my love and need for you. Thank you for your support and concern. Much love in Gesu'!
Monday, March 14, 2011
where i am 03.14.11
On the couch...again!
It has become a joke with one of my room-mates that I am always in the same spot on the couch when she comes home :) In reality, I've been at work all day, and am cramming in homework for my grad class, before I jet off for LA or my other job or...? She just always catches me like I sit around all day. T'would be nice :)
An update on life in general: I feel so much better. Healthier. More adult? I've been attending a new church in the new year which is a huge blessing. Teaching preschool is going well. Grad school is not my favorite but I try not to complain :)A poem of mine is being published this year in an anthology of up-and-coming poets and I am so honored and surprised! It feels like God saying, "I gave you your gifts, and I'll tell you whether they suck or not!" I am trying to nurture my artistic side more with poetry and accordion and singing, so please pray with me that God would give me more opportunity to glorify Him with these things.
Citizenship: I am sending off an official request for my great-grandfather's naturalization paper. This is the LAST document required (it will take MONTHS)needed in order to apply for Italian citizenship. Please pray that everything goes smoothly and quickly. Pray also that God would provide all of the finances needed for this last leg because I have about $1200 I am estimating for the application.
This summer: Wow, God has really thrown me for a loop and I am not surprised knowing Him and knowing my life. I will spare you the long story, but needless to say, after doing some ministry with friends in Germany and England, I am able to go and visit my friends and church in Rome. I see this both as a time to encourage my Christian friends (and be encouraged by them!), to connect/witness to my non-Christian friends, and to pray about where God would have me live/work etc. What I didn't expect was the opportunity to go back to Sicily! After Rome, I will meet a friend of mine in Sicily for one week. This place is very dear to my heart and I am very curious to see what God is doing. Something profound happened inside me when I studied there, and I am returning prayerfully to see whether this is still a place God would have me be involved.
Also, I've been in Italian language class since January and the term is about to end. I'd love to start the next term because it's important to me to maintain the language, but I need to be wise with my finances and time. Please pray as I make this decision (I've been able to make some good friendships and even talk about church and Christianity in class!)and for increased blessing with Italian!
Above all, I am so thankful. As I look at the tragedy in the world I am overwhelmed by God's grace to me. My time here in California is fruitful (my grandma went to church with me last week!! Please pray that my grandfather will join next time!) as I continue to minister to my LA family and enjoy my dear friends. I covet your prayers for present strength and wisdom, and a future hope.
Peace, Allie
It has become a joke with one of my room-mates that I am always in the same spot on the couch when she comes home :) In reality, I've been at work all day, and am cramming in homework for my grad class, before I jet off for LA or my other job or...? She just always catches me like I sit around all day. T'would be nice :)
An update on life in general: I feel so much better. Healthier. More adult? I've been attending a new church in the new year which is a huge blessing. Teaching preschool is going well. Grad school is not my favorite but I try not to complain :)A poem of mine is being published this year in an anthology of up-and-coming poets and I am so honored and surprised! It feels like God saying, "I gave you your gifts, and I'll tell you whether they suck or not!" I am trying to nurture my artistic side more with poetry and accordion and singing, so please pray with me that God would give me more opportunity to glorify Him with these things.
Citizenship: I am sending off an official request for my great-grandfather's naturalization paper. This is the LAST document required (it will take MONTHS)needed in order to apply for Italian citizenship. Please pray that everything goes smoothly and quickly. Pray also that God would provide all of the finances needed for this last leg because I have about $1200 I am estimating for the application.
This summer: Wow, God has really thrown me for a loop and I am not surprised knowing Him and knowing my life. I will spare you the long story, but needless to say, after doing some ministry with friends in Germany and England, I am able to go and visit my friends and church in Rome. I see this both as a time to encourage my Christian friends (and be encouraged by them!), to connect/witness to my non-Christian friends, and to pray about where God would have me live/work etc. What I didn't expect was the opportunity to go back to Sicily! After Rome, I will meet a friend of mine in Sicily for one week. This place is very dear to my heart and I am very curious to see what God is doing. Something profound happened inside me when I studied there, and I am returning prayerfully to see whether this is still a place God would have me be involved.
Also, I've been in Italian language class since January and the term is about to end. I'd love to start the next term because it's important to me to maintain the language, but I need to be wise with my finances and time. Please pray as I make this decision (I've been able to make some good friendships and even talk about church and Christianity in class!)and for increased blessing with Italian!
Above all, I am so thankful. As I look at the tragedy in the world I am overwhelmed by God's grace to me. My time here in California is fruitful (my grandma went to church with me last week!! Please pray that my grandfather will join next time!) as I continue to minister to my LA family and enjoy my dear friends. I covet your prayers for present strength and wisdom, and a future hope.
Peace, Allie
Thursday, November 11, 2010
where i am 11.11.10
Still here!
That is kind of how I feel. Not stuck, just a bit disappointed that I haven't really moved. I am incredibley busy with my new job teaching preschool, full-time grad school, learning the accordion, being in my room-mate's wedding, spending time with friends and family... I took a weekend class in October that wiped me out and I'm gone almost every weekend of November for various reasons. It is suffocating for my introvert self not to have time alone, time with God, time to work on my citizenship... like I want to.
Spiritually I feel like I need more mentorship and have been out of church some 6 weeks since October, which has been rough. But beyond that, I need to process things, and I need to refocus on God's call on my life and I don't feel that I have space for that right now. I would appreciate your prayers.
Specifically, regarding Italian citizenship I am really at such a road block with paperwork. It is terrifying and annoying because I qualify, I just cannot access the evidence! I have yet to ask my friend whose father works for the Italian president. My only other option is to beg my grandmother for help (as closest kin to her father, she has more power). She has been very cold about this and cannot understand.
I have mixed feelings about Italy, about California and Washington...about teaching! I really don't know what things will look like after this year, but I am planning on applying to teach at Italian schools in January, so please pray for that. Everything takes courage. I am like an acrobat taking risks. All the while God is ready to catch me if I fall. May I never flinch from following Him. I need clarity to hear Him.
Thank you for your prayer-love. May God be your strength and song today!
That is kind of how I feel. Not stuck, just a bit disappointed that I haven't really moved. I am incredibley busy with my new job teaching preschool, full-time grad school, learning the accordion, being in my room-mate's wedding, spending time with friends and family... I took a weekend class in October that wiped me out and I'm gone almost every weekend of November for various reasons. It is suffocating for my introvert self not to have time alone, time with God, time to work on my citizenship... like I want to.
Spiritually I feel like I need more mentorship and have been out of church some 6 weeks since October, which has been rough. But beyond that, I need to process things, and I need to refocus on God's call on my life and I don't feel that I have space for that right now. I would appreciate your prayers.
Specifically, regarding Italian citizenship I am really at such a road block with paperwork. It is terrifying and annoying because I qualify, I just cannot access the evidence! I have yet to ask my friend whose father works for the Italian president. My only other option is to beg my grandmother for help (as closest kin to her father, she has more power). She has been very cold about this and cannot understand.
I have mixed feelings about Italy, about California and Washington...about teaching! I really don't know what things will look like after this year, but I am planning on applying to teach at Italian schools in January, so please pray for that. Everything takes courage. I am like an acrobat taking risks. All the while God is ready to catch me if I fall. May I never flinch from following Him. I need clarity to hear Him.
Thank you for your prayer-love. May God be your strength and song today!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
where i am 9.1.10
“Shut up! SHUT UP!!!!!!”
That was my great-aunt this morning in a shriek of delight, when I called her (after not seeing her in YEARS) to ask her some questions that would help me to further my Italian citizenship process.
“You are trying to do WHAT?! Holy Toleto!”… and started asking me all the questions. It was hysterical.
So yes, I am really pursuing dual citizenship through my great-grandfather. It is going to be a long process of 1-2 years, but I think it could open up so much for me in Italy and beyond. I would appreciate your prayers for time to research and efficiency and clarity regarding all of the paperwork. Already, God has given me a new Italian friend whose father just happens to work for the Italian president, and so I am hoping he may be able to expedite the process regarding the Italian documents and so forth. I also “randomly” met a guy who just got his Italian citizenship through his great-grandparents—exactly like me—and he has been very helpful with information. And finally my uncle’s wife is also applying for dual citizenship, so it is very fun to have the support!
I do not forget that this will really be tri-citizenship. My pastor’s sermon on Sunday “just happened” to be on Philippians 3:20 and our citizenship being in Heaven. That word means, “conversation, commonwealth, politic”…I want to always identify first and foremost in Christ. He is the real reason behind me wanting to move to Italy in the first place, so I pray I can listen and follow His will in this entire process.
I am back at BIOLA finishing my Masters in Teaching. This has proven to be a GREAT blessing so far, and I hope it will help me get a job abroad. I am also working on my TESOL/TEFL certificate which will expand my options for teaching. I am working part time with an autistic boy but also hoping for a tutoring job. My prayer for these next few months in California is that I can continue to uplift my friends, be plugged in at church, refresh and love my unsaved family, study well, and be open to God’s Spirit in all things to flee from sin and pursue righteousness.
GRAZIE for supporting me in life.
Allie
That was my great-aunt this morning in a shriek of delight, when I called her (after not seeing her in YEARS) to ask her some questions that would help me to further my Italian citizenship process.
“You are trying to do WHAT?! Holy Toleto!”… and started asking me all the questions. It was hysterical.
So yes, I am really pursuing dual citizenship through my great-grandfather. It is going to be a long process of 1-2 years, but I think it could open up so much for me in Italy and beyond. I would appreciate your prayers for time to research and efficiency and clarity regarding all of the paperwork. Already, God has given me a new Italian friend whose father just happens to work for the Italian president, and so I am hoping he may be able to expedite the process regarding the Italian documents and so forth. I also “randomly” met a guy who just got his Italian citizenship through his great-grandparents—exactly like me—and he has been very helpful with information. And finally my uncle’s wife is also applying for dual citizenship, so it is very fun to have the support!
I do not forget that this will really be tri-citizenship. My pastor’s sermon on Sunday “just happened” to be on Philippians 3:20 and our citizenship being in Heaven. That word means, “conversation, commonwealth, politic”…I want to always identify first and foremost in Christ. He is the real reason behind me wanting to move to Italy in the first place, so I pray I can listen and follow His will in this entire process.
I am back at BIOLA finishing my Masters in Teaching. This has proven to be a GREAT blessing so far, and I hope it will help me get a job abroad. I am also working on my TESOL/TEFL certificate which will expand my options for teaching. I am working part time with an autistic boy but also hoping for a tutoring job. My prayer for these next few months in California is that I can continue to uplift my friends, be plugged in at church, refresh and love my unsaved family, study well, and be open to God’s Spirit in all things to flee from sin and pursue righteousness.
GRAZIE for supporting me in life.
Allie
Thursday, July 1, 2010
where i am 7.1.2010
Literally: Panera on Rosecrans. Emotionally: Seattle. Spiritually: Waiting place.
I am in California as I work a bit and take an Italian class in LA. I just returned from Italy and am so thankful for the new people I met and connections I made, as well as my improvement in the language. I am finally realizing how much I have grown. I was able to see some dear Christian friends in the country and leave a sweet fragrance of Christ with the lady I accompanied. In Italy I saw many Africans, Arabs and Gypsies on the streets. I want God to clarify to me how I am supposed to help immigrant-refugees in the country, as it has been on my heart some 5 years.
While in Italy however, I felt this strong disconnection. Why do I want to come here? Why would I want to go through all of this ridiculous effort to live in such a messy country? I want to go wherever God wants me to go. I do not think my time in Italy is over, but the longer I have to wait in America, the more I don't want to leave. The reality is that I don't have one home. I have many. Home is where there are people who love me. So I feel pretty torn. That is where I am.
I ask that you pray for clear direction and for God to satisfy my loneliness. I will be finishing my masters at BIOLA this fall, and hosting a non-Christian Italian friend in August so please pray for God's blessing on that. Throughout the year I will be working on applications to International schools as well as applying for Italian citizenship through my great-grandfather. I pray I can enjoy my time in California, with friends and family, however long it lasts! These are the pages of my life :)
I am thankful and forever humbled by you.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page." St. Augustine
I am in California as I work a bit and take an Italian class in LA. I just returned from Italy and am so thankful for the new people I met and connections I made, as well as my improvement in the language. I am finally realizing how much I have grown. I was able to see some dear Christian friends in the country and leave a sweet fragrance of Christ with the lady I accompanied. In Italy I saw many Africans, Arabs and Gypsies on the streets. I want God to clarify to me how I am supposed to help immigrant-refugees in the country, as it has been on my heart some 5 years.
While in Italy however, I felt this strong disconnection. Why do I want to come here? Why would I want to go through all of this ridiculous effort to live in such a messy country? I want to go wherever God wants me to go. I do not think my time in Italy is over, but the longer I have to wait in America, the more I don't want to leave. The reality is that I don't have one home. I have many. Home is where there are people who love me. So I feel pretty torn. That is where I am.
I ask that you pray for clear direction and for God to satisfy my loneliness. I will be finishing my masters at BIOLA this fall, and hosting a non-Christian Italian friend in August so please pray for God's blessing on that. Throughout the year I will be working on applications to International schools as well as applying for Italian citizenship through my great-grandfather. I pray I can enjoy my time in California, with friends and family, however long it lasts! These are the pages of my life :)
I am thankful and forever humbled by you.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page." St. Augustine
Sunday, May 23, 2010
where i am 5.23.2010
I ain't gettin' any younga, and befoh my dyin' day, I want space, not just aih, let them laugh in my face I don't cah! Say the day, I'll be theh, in Santa Fe....
~Newsies
Ok, so I'm not going to Santa Fe, and I've not resorted to selling "papes" on the street, but at this point almost anything is on the table :)
I didn't get the job at the Christian school and still haven't heard from the Italian Immersion school but I don't think I'm qualified for it. I applied to schools in Ethiopia and Italy (Milan), but nothing has come of it. I will spend the summer searching, but my new plan is to finish my masters at Biola if I don't have a job by August. This could be beneficial for me overseas and also allow me to research further into international education systems. Unfortunately, the project I was working on with the Biola Education Dept. fell through, but I trust God will show me a way to fulfill my vision for overseas education networking. I would also love to take Italian and get my TEFL certificate with Oxford Seminar sometime in the year, while volunteering at schools I've worked in before to stay connected.
For now, I'm off to Italy May 31-June 20. I would appreciate your prayers as I will be with non-Christians almost exclusively and without internet access. Pray that God directs me further with His plans for me regarding that country and that I can see my friends in Roma.
Thank you for taking the time to catch up on my life. This is a big week for me as I say goodbye to a lot of my dear friends who are moving back "home," finish student teaching, move house, and leave for Italy. I would love prayer for health, clarity, efficiency, and rest.
~Newsies
Ok, so I'm not going to Santa Fe, and I've not resorted to selling "papes" on the street, but at this point almost anything is on the table :)
I didn't get the job at the Christian school and still haven't heard from the Italian Immersion school but I don't think I'm qualified for it. I applied to schools in Ethiopia and Italy (Milan), but nothing has come of it. I will spend the summer searching, but my new plan is to finish my masters at Biola if I don't have a job by August. This could be beneficial for me overseas and also allow me to research further into international education systems. Unfortunately, the project I was working on with the Biola Education Dept. fell through, but I trust God will show me a way to fulfill my vision for overseas education networking. I would also love to take Italian and get my TEFL certificate with Oxford Seminar sometime in the year, while volunteering at schools I've worked in before to stay connected.
For now, I'm off to Italy May 31-June 20. I would appreciate your prayers as I will be with non-Christians almost exclusively and without internet access. Pray that God directs me further with His plans for me regarding that country and that I can see my friends in Roma.
Thank you for taking the time to catch up on my life. This is a big week for me as I say goodbye to a lot of my dear friends who are moving back "home," finish student teaching, move house, and leave for Italy. I would love prayer for health, clarity, efficiency, and rest.
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