let's talk about marriage.

No, not mine. Don't get excited ;)

SOME THOUGHTS ON MINISTRY

On Tuesday night I looked around the room at our weekly Bible study. We were going through a heavy text in Romans that addressed marriage. Of the 11 people represented, besides my pastor and his wife (and myself), everyone else either was previously divorced, or currently living with a partner or dating a non-Christian. And Tuesday night is our night with the more 'mature' Christians in the church. The rest of the church isn't any cleaner. There's the young single mom Lorenza who just had her baby girl last week. There are brand-new baby marriages and old tired-out marriages.

Let's look at my workplace. I have a colleague currently divorcing his wife. One who lives with a man she 'doesn't love,' one who was devastatedly scarred from a previous relationship, one whose husband left her 3 months ago for Romania (with 3 children...not a word of contact), one who fights with her husband every day, one whose husband travels more than he's home.... And there's only ten of us at the school!

Italy is a bleak, bleak landscape for all kinds of relationships. And sadly, you can't look to the church for a healthy model. I'd like to share two ministry plans coming up to address these needs. First, at the end of November I will host a lunch for some college-age girls from the Albano Bible study Friday nights. Last time we talked they opened up about this discouraging relationship aspect and the fact they've never had boyfriends before. We'll see how it goes and what God wants to start for the new year. Second, December 21-22 my church is hosting a free marriage conference with guest speakers and fabulous marriage counselors... MY PARENTS! We are really excited about this and have just booked the conference center in faith that the funds to rent it (900 €) will be provided. If you are interested in giving to this fund, see http://www.chapelmissions.org/where-we-work/italy/location/frascati-calvary-chapel-frascati (I wrote this blurb btw!) or contact me at alliecase@gmail.com.

Above all, please please pray for this culture, that the people of Italy would find love and transformation in arms of Jesus. Pray that those on the right path would stay strong, relying on God.

LEARNING TO LIVE

I'm learning to get around my neighborhood and settle into the routine of things. I am still getting requests to tutor or translate/research for people on top of my regular work and ministry and need wisdom on how much to take on. I still need lots of prayer to get a handle on the Italian language. But slowly, my apartment feels more like a home. Last night Tania and I invited the family for dinner. We made such a vegetarian feast (I found curry spices so I made thai curry)! It was fun to be able to bless everyone like that. I am eternally grateful to be adopted by such a beautiful family.
                                                       Haha I love this photo. Typical.

Making a mess nella cucina!

 

Thanks for all your love and prayers!
xo, Allie

6 saints & the two young girls

SALVE!

Sorry that I have been absent from this blog for a few weeks--a combination of moving, work, church, errands, being without internet, and other random duties that call for my time. Thanks to those of you who remember to pray for me anyway. Once I am more settled, I look forward to reporting more on certain ministry aspects. There is always a lot going on, and I currently need prayer about what to say 'yes' to because new relationships and opportunities are around every corner and I'm feeling a bit stretched-thin.

6 SAINTS ETC.

We moved into our new apartment last Saturday. We found 6 saints in the electric box. A reminder of the old, reluctant, rich and Catholic culture in which I live. This year the Pope himself visited Frascati, to urge a 're-awakening.' I pray that the Spirit of GOD and not MAN, reigns in this place.

We painted and cleaned and ran errands for days. Now Tania and are happily living here, and the whole neighborhood watches in strange curiosity at the two young girls in the big house. This kind of thing is NOT done in Italy. You live with your parents til you marry, stereotypically. Even we admit it doesn't feel quite homey yet, but we look forward to getting fully organized and unpacked and filling it with people and love! THANK YOU to all who donated for furniture. God blessed us with some good deals at IKEA. Pics to come.... We are hosting our first 'event' next Saturday--a sleepover with the church youthgroup!

ROMA

This Tuesday I went to Rome to see my cousin's grandma who was visiting from LA. I met two people who would be interesting to keep in touch with. I'm headed back tomorrow to see my friend Livia who now lives in Brescia but is visiting her parents this weekend. I've also been put in touch with an Italian-American family (friends of a friend) in Rome. None of these people are Christians, and adore Rome, so pray with me about the kinds of investments I should make.

WORK

Work is going really well and I am coming into my own. My teaching is getting better and so are my students. I am finding a rythm. I've begun teaching Saturday mornings as well (tried to avoid but there was no one else...). Since this is the place where I spend 80% of my time, I need prayer to love God, my co-workers and my students well, even when I'm tired.

I also need to finish publication on my book this month or it will never get done. Please pray I have time and wisdom for the last stretch.

Hey, my local gelato-man assured me that my Italian has improved since I first moved here. I'll take that! And my local coffee-man put a smiley face design on my cappuccino this morning because I am 'always joyful' apparently (my boss got a sad face, haha). Oh God help me to be thankful for the little things....

xo, Allie

marker-cap monster

Just a glimpse at the CRAZY kids I get to serve every day.

For those of you who have expressed interest in praying for my students by name, here's the list:
1. Giulio ('the earthquake'...infamous nickname at school)
2. Alessandro (hardest one to separate from mom)
3. Moise (adopted from Congo)
4. Liam (half Irish-- never sits still)
5. Niccolò (anything is a sword!)
6. Mariarosa (best cheeks for kissing)
7. Chiara (the oldest)
8. Azzurra (smoker voice-says the cutest things)
9. Ludovica (dimples!)

new home and king nebuchadnezzar

NEW HOME

An ENORMOUS thank you to everyone who prayed and supported my first Italian home! I made an offer and downpayment last Saturday. The offer was accepted the following Tuesday and we plan on moving in the first week of October. A little cleaning, painting, and a few IKEA runs, but otherwise we are ready to move in! Once again, I am blown away at God's provision, and thankful for Robert who has helped me in every step with agents and paperwork etc., as my Italian father. More pics to come, but here's a peak at 47 Via Cavour  :)

KING NEB PRAISES GOD

I've been reading Daniel. I think he is an incredibley insightful model of intercultural relationship, and spiritual responsibility against-the-stream. He never acquiesced to his circumstances, but was looking for opportunity from the moment he was taken captive to Babylon. And God blessed that. I've just been smiling and smiling reading over the life of King Nebuchadnezzar. There's a headline in Chapter 4 that says, 'Nebuchadnezzar praises God.' Just thinking of the earthly majesty of his kingdom and how he was humbled and restored shows the immense reach of God's gracious hand. Because of Daniel's faithfulness in a foreign land, at the end of his life King Neb was able to say, 'Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of Heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.'

It is a challenge to me. To look for opportunity. To know with the same confidence of Daniel, that I can offer an interpretation to a dream because I have access to the Most High and Living GOD. There is no limit to how He can use me in this foreign land. This week was incredibley pesante at work--children destroying things, running out of the classroom; my boss correcting me; two mothers crying. Then I got sick. Then more residency problems. Then people wanting my time. But my residency went through. And I am feeling better. And I got to pray with two young girls who are new believers. And I am going to work tomorrow with the power of Heaven inside me.

'what i think' ... 'what i say' (in italian)

A bit suffocating at times. Language learning is rough. But God knows.

APPARTAMENTO!

Ok, we think we have found a place.

By some divine chances, on our way to 'make an appointment' with the housing agency, we ended up being shown an apartment. The agent (who smothered me with Italian kisses and gave my pastor Robert lots of advice on producing beer) was eager to show us this place. Like most homes in Italy, the outside is worn and unimpressive. The inside shines. Maybe that's a clue to the culture in general.

Anyway, we walked in and were immediately taken with the GIANT (Americans: keep in mind this is Europe) living room. The kitchen is minascule but there are TWO bedrooms and TWO bathrooms. This is a very rare find for the price of... (drum roll) €750.00/month. My exact limit. (I am not taking any money from Tania the first year for many reasons, so this will be my responsibility to pay...ask me if you want more details). We are already dreaming about how this grand living room can be used to host Bible studies and a load of other ministry opportunities and times of fellowship.

We have asked to block the market on this house and are expected to make an offer by this FRIDAY. The apartment originally was on the market for €850.00 but our agent thought we could get €750.00. Also, it comes with a few cabinet things and a kitchen, but otherwise no furniture. The sytem here works that I pay what equals 4 months of rent up-front (=deposit, security, two months rent). This, on top of having to buy some furniture (at least a bed, lamps and a couch to start), leaves you with a fabulous opportunity to give to the ministry here! The downpayment comes to €3000.00 or $3868.00.

Of course, we have a lot to pray about today. And if this house is not in God's will, then something else is. I will certainly keep you posted. If God is moving you in any way to give, please send tax-deductable contributions to Calvary Chapel Eastside:  5130 164th Ave. SE, Bellevue WA 98006 USA  (earmark 'Allison Case-Italy').

As my family in Christ, I wanted to share this opportunity with you. If all goes well, we could move in October 1. THANK YOU so much for your fervent prayers. (Side note- work is going really well and I only have one mother still hanging around for inserimento, praise God!).

Lots of love.
Allie

Summary
-€750.00 x4 initial housing cost
-Bed, couch, sheets, dishes (some initial items needed)
-Pray offer to be accepted at that price
-Pray God's blessing in this zone if He wants us there downtown
-Pray residence processes SOON and I can open a bank account tomorrow

l'inserimento etc.

Hi!

Thanks again everyone for praying for me (my transition, health, relationships, work, service...), and for the ministry here in Frascati. I sense the Lord's help and peace every day. As you call out to God by His Spirit, it effects change here in Italy. Thank you.

PAST WEEK

I was able to visit my friends the Balivas in Trastevere (Rome) on Saturday. We had a nice visit and they also took me to an outreach that feeds Afghan/Persian male refugees every week. The status of these refugees is too sensitive for me to write here, but please pray for these men that they find hope in Jesus, remain unpersecuted for turning to Christ, and can break the cycle of Italian welfare.

At church, we had a short-term team from Washington visit a few days last week. It was a blessing to have them bless US (weird to be on the OTHER side of this blessing!). It was fun for me to see friends Jan & Peter Stuart (above), and Jen Birkey. We've also started up our mid-week community groups again. I am still praying about how to approach the young adults group. Hoping to start that beginning October. We have a GREAT need among the members of our church to commit to applying the Word of God in thought, attitude, fellowship, and service. Please pray for spiritual maturity.

INSERIMENTO

I've made it through my second week of work. Tomorrow (Friday) is our 'Welcome Breakfast' for all parents and students. Parents have already been critical of me (I haven't taught yet), and much of my training has involved how to deal with parents who are extremely wealthy, image-centered, and anti-disciplinary with their children. Pastor Robert came to see my class yesterday and prayed over the room. Please pray that God gives me vision and confidence as I start teaching next week. The week is called 'Inserimento' because it's only half-day, and parents are in the class the ENTIRE time to help their child 'settle.' It's a lot of pressure for the teacher. Please pray I set a good foundation for relationships with the families in my class tomorrow. Thank the Lord for my boss (Ruhma), her husband (Christian), and all of my colleagues: Christine, Peter, Iram, Raffa, Gino, Foari, Annamaria and Maison (my aide). I really love going to work each day.

That's it for now! Residence is on its way (thanks to the sweetest girl who stayed 1.5 hours PAST closing time to finish my complicated case). Though I still have a looong way to go, my Italian gets better every day. I'm praying to get an apartment in the next few weeks.

Lots of love from Italia!
Allie