"ben tornata!"

Those were the words an older man spoke to me as he entered our house-church today: "Welcome back!" It's not a visitor's welcome. I kind of liked that.

Yes, I am here in Frascati! My Italian passport worked perfectly, and tomorrow begins the hard initiation to Italian systems. What, the post office is a bank?! Oh yeah, supermarkets close every day from 1-4pm. Wait, if I rent an "unfurnished" apartment that means it has NO kitchen (counters, stove, etc.)?

It comes as no surprise that LANGUAGE has been the most overwhelming aspect of living here. It always has been. It's hard enough being an introvert--and yet how I long to speak!! I understand sermons, casual conversation...but I'm completely lost at family dinner. I can't understand TV programs. Long road ahead.

Church was so sweet tonight. The sister of a church member here, came from Genova (they did a church plant--north) to share her testimony with us. She had a fatal, incurable heart disease. She battled it 6 years and was dying. This year she was healed and, I must say, is the most radiant beauty. A miracle. I was choking back tears the entire time. Her husband shared a message from Habbakuk: "Oh Lord, how long shall I cry for help and you will not hear? Or cry to you, 'Violence!' and you will not save?" It was so powerful to hear of what God brought them through.

Something in Habbakuk caught my attention: "So the law is paralyzed and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice never goes forth." After a long talk tonight with my pastor, I really feel that this is what the young people in the church are struggling with. Really caught in the confusion of worldly friends and church life. There are virtually no Christian peers. But they've learned to compartmentalize so they almost don't like Christian peers. We're praying to start something really honest and inclusive, next month. A regular sort of Bible study of some kind. If you have any ideas as you pray, let me know!

I hope my next update includes a photo of my new apartment! Pray that my friend Tania has a successful time leaving her parents' home to live with me, and that she opens up, and we live peacefully to spur each other on.

Thank you!
Allie

PS, attached is a pic of the fridge when I arrived at my pastor's house. His sons had messages for me :) Spanish? Don't ask me why.... :)

thursday, august 16, 5.30pm

Hi Friends!

Wow, it's been a crazy few weeks, leaving California, Oregon, and now my home in Washington. I'm about at the  limit of my "goodbyes", and am ready to say some "hellos"!

THANK YOU to those who have encouraged me and supported me--from the time I was young, to recent months. I am so undone by the kindness of my friends and family, and the great love of God.

SO. I fly out this THURSDAY. Arrive in Rome on Friday. I have ten days before starting work on the 27th. In that time I must:
-Register in the city
-Register with a doctor
-Get a phone/number
-Get a local bank account
-Find an apartment
-Furnish my apartment/move in

I'd really appreciate your prayers for my emotional health, clear thinking on decisions, and anointing with the Italian language during this time. I want to be Spirit-filled and open to people and opportunities from the Lord.

Grazie! XO, Allie

virtual house-warming party!!!

So, since none of you can be with me when I move into my apartment, I thought I would get a little creative! No, honestly, it's strange being on the "other side" of the missionary world. Some of you know, I've had a part-time job the last 2 years as I finished graduate school and wrote my book (currently being self-published). I haven't had extra money lying around. I am very careful and respectful about money issues, so please do NOT feel pressured to contribute, but know that if you do, the money will be well-spent and appreciated!

Here are a list of some things you can help me purchase for my new home. Just the basics. I've priced them at IKEA in Rome. Prices are in EUROS. Convert here: http://fx-rate.net/EUR/USD/

MATTRESS: 99.83

BED: 99.83

COUCH-BED: 400.00 

TABLE & CHAIRS: 93.77

DRESSER: 69

GLASSES: 6

PLATES: 20

BOWLS: 20
PHONE: ~600

I'll probably need some lamps, silverware, pots, pans etc.... but haven't been able to price things yet. Hopefully I can find cheap things somewhere and will even look at flea markets etc.  If you are interested in joining my virtual house-warming party, send tax-deductable check to Calvary Chapel Eastside 5130 164th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98006. Write in the MEMO "Allison Case Italy-Mattress" (or whatever item you are sponsoring). 

Thanks SO much and lots of love to you. I'll be sure to post pictures of my new place, and hope that you can come and visit and use those bowls yourself one day!

xo, Allie

goodbye, hello!

Although I've been doing a poor job of spreading the news here, many of you know I AM MOVING!

Literally 2 weeks after my other job fell through, God plopped another, better, job in my lap! I will be working at the Little Genius International School, directly located in FRASCATI, the city of my church (12 miles southeast of Rome). It's crazy I get to work and fellowship in the same town--something I wasn't sure was possible. But with God all things are possible.

For now, everything is moving pretty fast-paced.

Leaving California: August 1.
Leaving Seattle: August 16.
Arrive in Rome: August 17.
Start new job: August 27.

I'd appreciate your prayers as I handle paperwork, pack boxes, decide what to keep and what to get ride of (already done a huge chunk of that, thankfully), and prepare my heart! I'm also saying goodbye to lots of family and friends that have become so precious to me during the last 5.5 years as a Californian. I really "grew up" here, and will miss it very much.

SO, I've decided to help myself say "goodbye" and "hello" with a little list. Cuz who doesn't love a good list?

GOODBYE
-Avocados. I'll figure out some way to live without you.
-Folk concerts. Electronics reign in Italia!
-Grandma's garden. With my grandparents in it ;)
-Reality LA. My wonderful church family.
-English. I love to express myself with words...
-Car. No more driving for this girl!
-Time consistency. I'll be 9 hours ahead of anyone on the West Coast, USA.
-Trader Joe's. That Vegan Japanese Fried Rice will lose a very big fan!

HELLO
-Gelato. Yum.
-Slowing down. Italian culture has a different time-orientation. Different values.
-Cobblestone streets. Not for heels or rain, but whatever they're cute.
-Public transport. Looking forward to letting someone else do the driving :) Plus people-watching!
-Italian. As hard as it is to use sometimes, I do love the language.
-Church. I'm excited to grow in Christ, and spur others in the faith.
-Home. Excited to have a new place with my pastor's daughter as flat-mate!
-Being Italian. I'm curious to use my new passport and Italian social security, etc.

I'm sure there's much to add to the list, but I hope you are feeling my loss and my excitement a bit better! God is good. Here's to continuing the adventure with Him.

XO, Allie

a step in the right direction!

Hello!

I am proud to announce, after a very long time, that I am an Italian citizen! God is very good. Here I am exiting the consulate, about to burst ;)

On another note, I did NOT get the job I applied for. I'm trusting that was not the Lord's will, and am praying that I DO get the next one I've applied for.

Thanks for you love and prayers. Will update again soon!
XO, Allie

job/passport/moving update #2

Quick update:

Friday meeting went really well! I was told to pick up my passport Monday. On Monday I was told that I wasn't told to pick it up Monday! It wasn't ready. Frustrating. Italian. Expected. I'm waiting for their phone call at which point I'll go pick the thing up!

Meanwhile, I was told by my potential job that the hiring decision will be made by Friday. I am praying that if I'm not to have this job, they don't hire me. If they offer, I'll take it. I don't know how else to make this decision. It's very hard knowing the school is so far away from my church. And I won't have a car. And I could be living alone. And... I'll save the worrying for now. It's a great opportunity. It's something to get me there. If it doesn't go through, I will look at teaching English jobs which may give me more flexibility.

The Lord knows!

Thanks so much for praying. I am finding myself sustained despite the changes and goodbyes already happening this month. So thanks. Pray that I would hear the Lord and that my heart would be soft.

Love, Allie

job/passport/moving update

Hi Friends!

This will be to-the-point. I have some praises and requests.

First, I've now had 2 interviews with the Rome International School. The principal is South African and the vice principal is Scottish. So fun. Basically, they want to hire me but must wait until my Italian passport comes through before they can do anything official. So this is a praise that things have gone so well.

Also, I've been able to communicate a lot of things about roles and expectations with my pastor in Italy, and feel much more confident, and on the same page. Another praise. He's so awesome and I feel honored to serve with him.

I'd like to request prayer for my Italian consulate meeting on June 8, 9.30am. This is when I order my Italian passport. The problem is that I've yet to receive the official letter I'm supposed to bring to this appointment and my lawyer is out of town until June 5. I need a miracle, now that I have a job on the line. As God wills!

Also, my poor church in Italy is going through a LOT. Specifically on my heart is spiritual maturity and strength in general, but also for my pastor's wife Chantal. She's been in hospital now about 5 weeks and there are still complications. Please ask God for healing. Also a sweet young woman, Lorenza, is pregnant out of wedlock with a man from a sister church. Pray for wisdom for the church leaders, grace & compassion (not gossip and rejection) from the church body, and repentance and courage for Lorenza and Valerio.

Finally, it's starting to kick-in.... I may have had a tear-headache last night. Starting to get a bit emotional about everything. I'm very desperate to be Spirit-led on all of these decisions. It just hurts to leave people I love. So you can pray for that.

Thank you so much for your love and support. I don't take it for granted that someone is interceding before the throne of the High King of Heaven on my behalf! I'm sure I don't even know what that means, but may my life show the impact of it! Amen.

XO, Allie