Been meditating on this since it leaped out at me yesterday in my One Year Bible:
'A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray' -Prov. 12:26
What is it that is so penetrating? I think it is this idea of being led astray. I am seeing too much of it around me. God is faithful to protect and guide. If we follow.
I don't want to pretend that I am different from any other human. Easily influenced. Vulnerable. May God give me and my Christian community caution, care and intention for the people around us. Righteousness. Peace. To be found and not lost.
CHURCH UPDATES
*We have our 2nd (quarterly) youth sleepover event this weekend! It comes at the end of a really busy week for me, so please pray I can have energy to love these kids for 24 hours. Pray that we have an edifying, bonding time and that ultimately hearts are opened up more intimately to Jesus. Pray for Moira, Elijah, Giulia, Beatrice, Matteo, Filippo, Leo, Michela.
*Tuesday nights. We have kind of stopped the Biblestudy that was Tuesdays and used it for prayer since it was just us leaders. However, we want to be open to using it to meet certain needs such as doing events for non-believers or ?? If you have any creative outreach ideas let me know!
*We are still praying that the county grants us a public building to use or the Lord grants us money to rent or buy our own place. Last Sunday was packed in Robert's house. We'd like to be more established in the community.
*Children's ministry. I need continued wisdom on how to nurture, teach and prepare for this group from 7-16 yrs. each week!
PERSONAL UPDATES
*I love my colleagues so much. Pray that I can be diligent, excellent, and faithful in my chaotic workplace--a refreshment to my colleagues. Pray for Ruhma, Raffa, Gino, Daniela especially I feel like I want to reach out to them at this time.
*More wisdom in how to invest in my current friends and to make new ones.
*More wisdom, boldness in my relationship with Tania. Transformation for her.
*Praise God I get 'summer' off!! I plan on using July to be with people here and invest in ways I can't when I work. Then a trip to CA/WA somewhere end of July-beg of August. I will keep you posted!
Thanks. Lots of love to all!!
Allie
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
easter updates
EASTER/PASQUA
Thanks for praying for our service! Things ran pretty smoothly thanks to our small little team of leaders and though we didn't have many new people/outsiders, it was sweet to have members from all of our outlying community groups in the Castelli region together for worship. Paolo, our new believer, came with his elderly mother. Matteo (remember he's on my 'prayer hitlist'? haha) came which was awesome! My Muslim-background boss said she might come as did my landlady (genuinely open) but they didn't. In the end, it was encouraging to know that they were at least open to the invitation. God helped me with my rough Italian presentation of the Gospel with the 10 kids that came to Sunday School. Again, good to have everyone together as it doesn't often happen on Sundays.
Michelangelo leading worship on Easter :)
DAY AFTER/PASQUETTA
The Monday after Easter is like a national picnic-bbq holiday here. I spent it in the country with a big group from our sister church in Rome. It was sweet.
THE RESTI've been enjoying a few days off... going by TOO fast! Back to work tomorrow. Anyway, it's been much needed and I've actually been able to connect with 2 American girlfriends doing ministry in surrounding areas, which has been a huge encouragement/refreshment to me! Of course I'm not here to hang out with Americans, but it is so stimulating and supporting get to know other people of my language and work. Please pray for me as I need to confront my boss asap about SUMMER. We've already verbally agreed about renewing my contract for next fall, but I am afraid she is going to pressure me to work the summer school (renew my contract--that expires June--in June instead of end of August). I really want to use my summer to invest in the church and a visit to America. Pray that she is understanding.
Sorry I am vague about this--but keep praying for my room-mate Tania, for the Lord's transforming power in her life and guidance of His Spirit for me as she lives in my home and is my dear friend.
(Above: pasquetta lunch and games!)
Thanks lots of love to all!!
Allie
Monday, March 25, 2013
Buona Pasqua!
Happy Easter!
It really came so fast this year. Wow. I am remembering-- with too much good memory (a little homesickness perhaps haha)--the wonderful Easter I spent last year, with some of you, at Reality LA. I pray that each of you, from Seattle to LA (and abroad!) celebrate the joyous victory that comes through Death and Resurrection and the HOPE of Jesus Christ.
Some updates:
WORK/FRIENDS etc.
I was sorry to be sick during my friends' visit, but that hasn't stopped us from hitting the sights. It's been sweet and given me a chance also to get out in Frascati a bit more and really be a part of my town. Introducing Amanda to my local grocer he had to mention, 'You know your accent has gotten a bit worse I can tell' (implying since I had these American visitors, my Italian was declining by lack of use). Gotta love their honesty. Haha... it'll pick back up I'm sure. LANGUAGE continues to be a constant prayer request however. Lord, anoint my tongue and give me boldness!
I ran into Alberto a few days ago. He was bummed to not have made it to the concert, but it turns out he likes folk music (not common here) so that's sweet! Fation ended up coming to part of the concert, but needs a lot of prayer--he's in a really dark spot now and needs Jesus. Pray that he chooses not to run from Tania and I, and most importantly from GOD. My colleagues Raffa, Foari, Gino, Iram and Ruhma need special prayer! I love them so much, but I see a theme of loneliness, abandonment, restlessness. Jesus is the answer. Ask the Lord to give me opportunities to talk with them about His hope and especially this week, to invite them to our Easter service. Pray also that Tania and I can get to know the 3 young people that run the club below us. I know they are there for a reason.
In general--I have the same request for friends. It's a sort of uncomfortable diet, going from lots of wonderful friends and family members around me to...this. Christian, non-Christian, male, female...not quite sure how to meet people. As a 'foreigner' I find myself even shyer than normal. I ask for prayer to get established in this community--to be an inviting person. A friend-maker. And then for the time and energy to sustain friendships :)
Continued prayer for my room-mate Tania and wisdom in how to help her.
CHURCH
Due to weather and time constraints we didn't make it out to the fair. However: the city has given us a hall free of charge to hold our Easter service! We are very grateful for this as Pastor Robert's home holds only a few families. Please pray with us that everyone God wants to come can come. Pray that we can spread the word--for me especially to have boldness and gentleness and wisdom in inviting people. Pray for the worship, message, ushering, children's program, dinner afterwards--all aspects to be unto the Lord and well-organized.
In our Friday night community group we've had a new guy (Paolo-converted his 2nd week!). We've also had a grandma with her grand-daughter coming recently. Last week the young middle-schooler opened up to Robert, crying. She seems soft and burdened. I have not been able to attend the last 2 Fridays, but I am super encouraged by the growth in this group. It is hard logistically because it's about an hour away, so I see these people only on Fridays and some of them Sundays. But pray nonetheless that God shows me how to help these young girls that are coming!
We also have the second sleepover with the youth group planned at our house for the first weekend in April. We hope to add 2-5 other youth we are reaching out to, so pray everyone comes and is built up in the Lord!!
GRAZIE
Personally, I just want to thank you for praying for me and this work. It is so humbling. I need it!! I see God's hand continually on me whether it is running into someone I've been praying for at just the right moment or getting a ride home when I'm stuck in Rome at night--always protected, always guided. Pray I continue to seek the Lord and listen and obey.
Love to all!
Allie
(pic: happy Amanda was able to come to church during her visit!! Love you A!)
It really came so fast this year. Wow. I am remembering-- with too much good memory (a little homesickness perhaps haha)--the wonderful Easter I spent last year, with some of you, at Reality LA. I pray that each of you, from Seattle to LA (and abroad!) celebrate the joyous victory that comes through Death and Resurrection and the HOPE of Jesus Christ.
Some updates:
WORK/FRIENDS etc.
I was sorry to be sick during my friends' visit, but that hasn't stopped us from hitting the sights. It's been sweet and given me a chance also to get out in Frascati a bit more and really be a part of my town. Introducing Amanda to my local grocer he had to mention, 'You know your accent has gotten a bit worse I can tell' (implying since I had these American visitors, my Italian was declining by lack of use). Gotta love their honesty. Haha... it'll pick back up I'm sure. LANGUAGE continues to be a constant prayer request however. Lord, anoint my tongue and give me boldness!
I ran into Alberto a few days ago. He was bummed to not have made it to the concert, but it turns out he likes folk music (not common here) so that's sweet! Fation ended up coming to part of the concert, but needs a lot of prayer--he's in a really dark spot now and needs Jesus. Pray that he chooses not to run from Tania and I, and most importantly from GOD. My colleagues Raffa, Foari, Gino, Iram and Ruhma need special prayer! I love them so much, but I see a theme of loneliness, abandonment, restlessness. Jesus is the answer. Ask the Lord to give me opportunities to talk with them about His hope and especially this week, to invite them to our Easter service. Pray also that Tania and I can get to know the 3 young people that run the club below us. I know they are there for a reason.
In general--I have the same request for friends. It's a sort of uncomfortable diet, going from lots of wonderful friends and family members around me to...this. Christian, non-Christian, male, female...not quite sure how to meet people. As a 'foreigner' I find myself even shyer than normal. I ask for prayer to get established in this community--to be an inviting person. A friend-maker. And then for the time and energy to sustain friendships :)
Continued prayer for my room-mate Tania and wisdom in how to help her.
CHURCH
Due to weather and time constraints we didn't make it out to the fair. However: the city has given us a hall free of charge to hold our Easter service! We are very grateful for this as Pastor Robert's home holds only a few families. Please pray with us that everyone God wants to come can come. Pray that we can spread the word--for me especially to have boldness and gentleness and wisdom in inviting people. Pray for the worship, message, ushering, children's program, dinner afterwards--all aspects to be unto the Lord and well-organized.
In our Friday night community group we've had a new guy (Paolo-converted his 2nd week!). We've also had a grandma with her grand-daughter coming recently. Last week the young middle-schooler opened up to Robert, crying. She seems soft and burdened. I have not been able to attend the last 2 Fridays, but I am super encouraged by the growth in this group. It is hard logistically because it's about an hour away, so I see these people only on Fridays and some of them Sundays. But pray nonetheless that God shows me how to help these young girls that are coming!
We also have the second sleepover with the youth group planned at our house for the first weekend in April. We hope to add 2-5 other youth we are reaching out to, so pray everyone comes and is built up in the Lord!!
GRAZIE
Love to all!
Allie
(pic: happy Amanda was able to come to church during her visit!! Love you A!)
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
March Madness
Hi!
March is really flying by. It is rainy and grey here and I am home sick from work for the first time ever! God knows I needed this day to rest though. I am thankful for my job and my house and my friends.
I will be quick--here are a few things to pray for:
Fiera di Grottaferrata 16-24: There is a fair coming up in the neighboring town and we will choose one day as a church to pass out tracts and invitations to our church--get ourselves out there a bit. I am curious because I have a lot of students and coworkers from Grottaferrata. I pray God shines His light.
Church: Wisdom and Grace for growth and reconciliation and healthy leadership. We want to do what God wants. We also are waiting and praying for favor regarding new location opportunities, so we can move out of our house-church.
This past Sunday we had a (single?) mom with 2 kids come. They are originally from Togo and the boys are exactly the same age as Lorenza's kids: 5 months and 7 years. Lorenza wasn't at church, but this presents a 'problem' in that we have about 3 different Sunday school age groupings and only me doing a poor job at teaching whoever actually shows up each week. Needing wisdom on how to meet this need.
Friends: Continued grace and wisdom with Tania and our non-Christian friends. Now we have Matteo and possibly Alberto coming to the concert with us this weekend as Fation and Roberto backed out. However, yesterday I had an interesting conversation about prayer and hell with Fation. We want to have more events at our house to mix our Christian and non-Christian friends so pray for God's guiding and creativity. Seeing how we have mostly male friends here, we invested in a used Wii recently to have something else to do when people come over. It's been fun.
Hopefully I will hang out with Raffa this week or next outside of work.... Trying to be intentional when I'm so busy!! Possible dinner at Alberto's next Monday or Tuesday.... SUPER blessed to have my college friends Amanda and Danielle visiting these last two weeks of March. I know I will be refreshed.
Lots of love to all, sorry this is sort of blah. Energy zapped. xo
Candid shot of me with baby Giulia at church
Walking home in the rain with my awesome transparent-mustache umbrella
Our Wii characters :)
March is really flying by. It is rainy and grey here and I am home sick from work for the first time ever! God knows I needed this day to rest though. I am thankful for my job and my house and my friends.
I will be quick--here are a few things to pray for:
Fiera di Grottaferrata 16-24: There is a fair coming up in the neighboring town and we will choose one day as a church to pass out tracts and invitations to our church--get ourselves out there a bit. I am curious because I have a lot of students and coworkers from Grottaferrata. I pray God shines His light.
Church: Wisdom and Grace for growth and reconciliation and healthy leadership. We want to do what God wants. We also are waiting and praying for favor regarding new location opportunities, so we can move out of our house-church.
This past Sunday we had a (single?) mom with 2 kids come. They are originally from Togo and the boys are exactly the same age as Lorenza's kids: 5 months and 7 years. Lorenza wasn't at church, but this presents a 'problem' in that we have about 3 different Sunday school age groupings and only me doing a poor job at teaching whoever actually shows up each week. Needing wisdom on how to meet this need.
Friends: Continued grace and wisdom with Tania and our non-Christian friends. Now we have Matteo and possibly Alberto coming to the concert with us this weekend as Fation and Roberto backed out. However, yesterday I had an interesting conversation about prayer and hell with Fation. We want to have more events at our house to mix our Christian and non-Christian friends so pray for God's guiding and creativity. Seeing how we have mostly male friends here, we invested in a used Wii recently to have something else to do when people come over. It's been fun.
Hopefully I will hang out with Raffa this week or next outside of work.... Trying to be intentional when I'm so busy!! Possible dinner at Alberto's next Monday or Tuesday.... SUPER blessed to have my college friends Amanda and Danielle visiting these last two weeks of March. I know I will be refreshed.
Lots of love to all, sorry this is sort of blah. Energy zapped. xo
Candid shot of me with baby Giulia at church
Walking home in the rain with my awesome transparent-mustache umbrella
Our Wii characters :)
Monday, February 25, 2013
heaven & earth
“I know The Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” (Psalm 16:8-11 NLT)
Perhaps it's a mixture of talking with my elderly grandparents over skype, spending time with 13 year-old Giulia who has cancer, watching Daisy Merrick's memorial live at 1am, my cousin hearing someone scream as his NY subway ran over them, and the hopelessness of voting in my first Italian presidential election---I'm thinking about Heaven. One day soon. We will not have to choose the lesser of evils. We will not suffer. We will not want.
And until that day--God only knows how weak I am!!--until THAT DAY. I want to be faithful. This earth is such a fleeting glimpse washed up in Eternity. Despite how tired I am, I want to be hopeful and live with the Eternity of Heaven in my heart. I pray we can all strive better after this, with the Holy Spirit, to share this Hope with our friends and family.
Prayer Updates:
CHURCH
We really want a location! The house was packed yesterday and we are eager to move out of the house church-phase. Pastor Robert has drafted a letter to the county to possibly receive a public space to be used as non-profit. We know a Christian lady who works there and are praying for the Lord's favor. Ultimately, we hope that one location helps to foster unity among the different 'groups' in our church and calls each to serve and participate in a deeper way.
Slow progress with Lorenza...maybe this weekend?
Our youth group is growing! 2 other kids have returned to the group making 5 (Lorenza's neice and nephew). We are also praying that Giulia's brother (16) decides to come. Currently, Tania has stepped back from Kids Min for personal reasons and it has put me in a rough spot with language etc. (2 kids are half American so they can help me, but I'd much rather assist Tania because she is really gifted with them). Anyway, pray for growth and wisdom.
PERSONAL
I've been praying a lot for my friends and for more friends in general. Process is slow, but I am feeling encouraged:
Andreas & Brenda remain hard to get together with, but communicate now and then.Fation & Roberto are coming to see Mumford & Sons with me in 2 weeks (friends gave me 2 extra tix to be used 'missionally')!
Alberto has invited us to dinner at his place.
In the mean time, two of my precious college friends are coming to visit in March!
I am using the local stores more and trying to be known on my street however shy I am. Still need lots of wisdom in the situation with Tania--how to challenge and support and counsel her.
We hosted a Bible Study with the church in Rome last Saturday. Matteo (pictured @right)came and continues to open his heart to Jesus! Keep praying.
Marco, Michi, Tania & I just had our 2nd of our monthly meetings and it went SO well in the sense that there was a lot of vulnerability and productive, honest discussion. PRAY SO HARD with me for these 3 precious people. They are the only young adult Christians in our church/city and carry a lot of responsibility in their influence. Pray for hope, vision, conviction, courage, comfort, wisdom.... The last picture is Michi and friends playing an acoustic set at the opening of their youth association--proud of how they bridge the 'gap.'Lots of love to all.
A.
(I love this song!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yc8x33lAnAk&list=PLM4MVfz1v3LVOY2S1ORgU53Pc92xJQ46_
Monday, February 11, 2013
learning to love
If I came here to do anything it certainly had to do with loving people. I love because He first loved me. And yet ironically God brought me here when I was most empty on love. And he brought me to a people that fight and complain like it's their favorite sport. Through a series of events and things I've been writing and reading, God is really renewing my heart to love people. He's renewing my heart to love as He loves. That is a grand and impossible task, but it can always be my compass. "By day the Lord commands His steadfast love, and at night His song is with me" (Ps. 42.8).
The requests from last week still stand, but here are some snippets to fuel your prayers specifically regarding this them of love. Wow!! It is thundering like craaaaazy as I write! Lots of love from inside my cozy apartment on this gorgeous stormy day!
*Fation and Roberto (26). I love these guys. Fation has been my friend for 5 years and I know Roberto through him. Fation came here as an Albanian refugee (age 11) during the war. His parents are currently divorcing. Roberto is from Napoli and has been disappointed a lot in life--he continues to struggle through the Italian university system though it is discouraging. They were over for dinner Saturday and Fation initiated, "If you want to do that prayer thing before we eat go ahead--even if we don't believe in that stuff..." He is so hard but at the same time he feels "peace" at our home. I hang out with these guys all the time. Please pray I can love them well and that they open their hearts to the love of Christ.
*Alberto (mid-twenties?). I don't really know him but he lives near us and went to university with Tania. Occasionally when we are out we run in to him. Yesterday was SO pretty and cold and sunny--and it was Carnevale here in Frascati!! So Tania and I went out for a morning walk before church. Literally, Tania had just said a prayer out-loud as we were walking, for God to have mercy on Frascati and to pour out His Spirit and to use us--and we run into Alberto. He was near tears. He just vomited how his whole life is falling apart (lots of curses interspersed)--let down in love, lost his job, complications at university. I wanted to cry! Ask God to give us more opportunity to love Alberto.
*Youth kids at church-Moira (16), Elijah (13) and Giulia (13). On Sunday I was teaching about prayer and the Persistent Widow parable. I started asking some personal questions about each one's prayer life and was SO blessed by their vulnerability. But I wanted to cry!! I got responses like: "I don't really pray"--"My prayers are too superficial"--"I don't know how"--"I don't want to talk to Him".... These are kids raised in the church. They are each so precious. Please pray we can love them well, and that they learn to talk with God who loves them so much!
*Raffa, my coworker (40). I love her!! She is so fun and has such a compassionate heart. But she often seeks love in the wrong places. And she is filled with anxiety. Please pray I can love her and speak truth into her life. Pray she finds complete satisfaction in the love of God.
*Lorenza (32). Again, I've been trying to get together with her one on one. She responds to my texts but we still haven't met together and I know she is really struggling personally, spiritually, as a single mom.... I am hoping to go over Thursday, which ironically is Valentine's Day. Pray that she is overwhelmed with the love of God.
*Tania (24). Growth happening, some walls being broken...still lots of miracles needed in her situation.
I could go on but this is already super long! Thanks so much for your love and support!
The requests from last week still stand, but here are some snippets to fuel your prayers specifically regarding this them of love. Wow!! It is thundering like craaaaazy as I write! Lots of love from inside my cozy apartment on this gorgeous stormy day!
*Fation and Roberto (26). I love these guys. Fation has been my friend for 5 years and I know Roberto through him. Fation came here as an Albanian refugee (age 11) during the war. His parents are currently divorcing. Roberto is from Napoli and has been disappointed a lot in life--he continues to struggle through the Italian university system though it is discouraging. They were over for dinner Saturday and Fation initiated, "If you want to do that prayer thing before we eat go ahead--even if we don't believe in that stuff..." He is so hard but at the same time he feels "peace" at our home. I hang out with these guys all the time. Please pray I can love them well and that they open their hearts to the love of Christ.
*Alberto (mid-twenties?). I don't really know him but he lives near us and went to university with Tania. Occasionally when we are out we run in to him. Yesterday was SO pretty and cold and sunny--and it was Carnevale here in Frascati!! So Tania and I went out for a morning walk before church. Literally, Tania had just said a prayer out-loud as we were walking, for God to have mercy on Frascati and to pour out His Spirit and to use us--and we run into Alberto. He was near tears. He just vomited how his whole life is falling apart (lots of curses interspersed)--let down in love, lost his job, complications at university. I wanted to cry! Ask God to give us more opportunity to love Alberto.
*Youth kids at church-Moira (16), Elijah (13) and Giulia (13). On Sunday I was teaching about prayer and the Persistent Widow parable. I started asking some personal questions about each one's prayer life and was SO blessed by their vulnerability. But I wanted to cry!! I got responses like: "I don't really pray"--"My prayers are too superficial"--"I don't know how"--"I don't want to talk to Him".... These are kids raised in the church. They are each so precious. Please pray we can love them well, and that they learn to talk with God who loves them so much!
*Raffa, my coworker (40). I love her!! She is so fun and has such a compassionate heart. But she often seeks love in the wrong places. And she is filled with anxiety. Please pray I can love her and speak truth into her life. Pray she finds complete satisfaction in the love of God.
*Lorenza (32). Again, I've been trying to get together with her one on one. She responds to my texts but we still haven't met together and I know she is really struggling personally, spiritually, as a single mom.... I am hoping to go over Thursday, which ironically is Valentine's Day. Pray that she is overwhelmed with the love of God.
*Tania (24). Growth happening, some walls being broken...still lots of miracles needed in her situation.
I could go on but this is already super long! Thanks so much for your love and support!
Top- when we try to make Fation have fun haha
Middle- with colleagues at beginning of year, Raffa @middle
Bottom- sweet kids Giulia (Ital-columbian)& Mo & Eli (Ital-Korean)
Friday, February 1, 2013
6 months and counting...
TIME
So yes. I realized last week that I passed the 6-month mark. That really doesn't even penetrate. I've always had goals and boundaries where time was concerned, and now I'm just...here. Living. Time has really flown. I was talking with Tania and realized it's true that my Italian has improved even though it seems really discouraging. And yes, I do walk through the town many days and run into people I 'know'--kisskiss--that sense of being a local :) I've discovered an organic foodstore and a vegetarian restaurant, and am finally able to see Les Mis since it opened yesterday! Haha...God is sweet to give me these little comforts. It does feel like a kind of home. I thought today about how I live a city life in a small town. That will continue to be a bit difficult. I am so busybusybusy that I don't really get out in the town, I don't know my neighbors very well, I don't know what's going on in Frascati (though you can be sure people know about me haha). That will be something to figure out now that I'm past my 'settling' time. How to be more present in the community. Frequenting the same shops. Making more friends. Anyway, I'd like to thank God for sustaining me--above all emotionally--in this beginning. It has felt fairly 'natural' and I know that is supernatural :)
UPDATES
So yes. I realized last week that I passed the 6-month mark. That really doesn't even penetrate. I've always had goals and boundaries where time was concerned, and now I'm just...here. Living. Time has really flown. I was talking with Tania and realized it's true that my Italian has improved even though it seems really discouraging. And yes, I do walk through the town many days and run into people I 'know'--kisskiss--that sense of being a local :) I've discovered an organic foodstore and a vegetarian restaurant, and am finally able to see Les Mis since it opened yesterday! Haha...God is sweet to give me these little comforts. It does feel like a kind of home. I thought today about how I live a city life in a small town. That will continue to be a bit difficult. I am so busybusybusy that I don't really get out in the town, I don't know my neighbors very well, I don't know what's going on in Frascati (though you can be sure people know about me haha). That will be something to figure out now that I'm past my 'settling' time. How to be more present in the community. Frequenting the same shops. Making more friends. Anyway, I'd like to thank God for sustaining me--above all emotionally--in this beginning. It has felt fairly 'natural' and I know that is supernatural :)
UPDATES
- The first (of what are for now monthly) of our meetings with just me-Tania-Marco-Michi went really well. We are all leaders and the only young adults in our church. It was nice to just check in spiritually with everyone and pray together. I pray for God to move to unite us more to Himself and to each other!
- Lorenza, my single mom friend, and I have been texting trying to get together and we had a nice chat on Sunday. She really wants me to teach her English. Scheduling has been rough, but continue to pray we can work something out as she is opening up.
- Work has been soooo draining this week, and on top of it I'm sick. There is a lot of chaos at work and I have just been joyless which feels yucky. I want to love my students and colleagues well. Today was better. Please pray I can always be full of love even when things aren't fun.
- Book. Making some progress, praise God.
- Tania. Still need LOTS of wisdom to be led by the Holy Spirit in this time. Not quite sure how to help her with what she's going through.
- Giulia. My sweet little 13 year old friend came over Wednesday to go over English homework. I just lover her SOOO much. I noticed her hair is thinning. Her mom was teary-eyed on Sunday. They've upped her medication...it's just so hard. We've written this on our church blog: http://servingicastelliromani.wordpress.com/ Please pray for her healing from cancer.
Sorry---couldn't resist sneaking this picture of 2 of my favorite students
during our morning Circle Time! Ahh I love them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)