From the Streets of Rome

Single Minded

2011-12-18T13:12:00.000-08:00

It's official, I have written (along with three amazing friends) my first book and it is for sale on Amazon!!!

All in a day's work

2011-11-23T01:59:00.001-08:00

I mentioned that I have been teaching English, 3 times a week to a little boy who I am absolutely in love with. Oh he is sooooo cute. And you may have seen on Facebook my post about the Great Coffee Explosion of 2011. Where I managed to turn an Italian Coffee Pot into a bomb that sent coffee all over the kitchen while my little boy and I were sitting down to play a game of Pirates. Note to all, if your Italian coffee pot is missing a small rubber ring, best forgo the cappuccino lest you want to spent the next hour cleaning someones kitchen and offering to paint. Thankfully both my little buddy and I escaped unscathed. The kitchen however was less fortunate. After doing all I could to clean up we went back to our game of Pirates. (which is our new favorite way to spend an afternoon.)

I have also mentioned that I am working with Expats Living In Rome and you can now check me out as I have been made part of the E-Team. This means that I am helping Patrizia (my apartment mate) with events, and the website as well as teaching English at locations all over Rome. Our next big Event is a fundraiser for Amnesty International which will be a evening of appetizers and games with proceeds going towards Amnesty International in Rome.

in just one week

2011-11-09T02:42:00.000-08:00

I have been in Rome just one week and what an easy return it has been! I was greeted with hugs and warmth at the airport by Liz and Angelo the (sister and brother-in-law of Freddy). They took me in their new car right to my new apartment where my friend Patrizia was waiting. She and a friend of hers shared a wonderful salad lunch with me. After a bit of chatting I took a nap so I would be ready to go out that night and reconnect with other old friends and make new ones at Expats.

Our Expats Group is like a huge ever changing family in Rome. It is made up of people from all over the world who are looking for a group to connect with in Rome. There are also a lot of locals who come, and it is a great way to meet friends, find jobs and network. The social part of Expats is just part of it, there are also Italian and English lessons and I have been added to the team as an English Teacher 3 nights a week. My first evening back at Expats was nice and low key and with a pretty good turn out considering it was All Saints Day.

I got to see Freddy the next day and have lunch with him, Liz and Angelo before I had to scoot off to pick up Riccardo at school. Oh how little kids can melt your heart, he ran out of his classroom and into my arms flinging himself around my neck with such force he almost knocked me down. We have since had 3 days together and I get to see him again this afternoon.

In just 7 days I have seen old friends, gotten settled into my new apartment with Patrizia and my my Russian roommate, met tons of new friends, gotten caught up with Freddy and his family, reunited with Riccardo and his family, lost 6 kl., been to 4 Expat events (Lessons), ate Sushi, adjusted to the time difference and the late nights, seen thunder and lightening storms and woken up to beautiful sunshine.

It is good to be back.

Just Dance

2011-10-29T17:31:00.000-07:00

This past year has been filled with dance. Most of the dancing being of the Salsa variety. I took up Salsa Dancing before heading off to Rome and fell in love with it. So, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a friend in Rome who was a Salsa Instructor. One of the benefits of dance is that you don't have to know the same language to enjoy it. I met all sorts of people dancing my way through Rome. I met tons of ex-pats (people who live in Rome, but are from somewhere else) And a huge community of South American friends. Among this group of new friends I found the love of my life! A fantastic guy named Freddy. He is the last thing I expected to find in Rome. Though everyone in my life told me I was going to find "the one" in Rome I went to Rome single and content in that. Seems God had something else in mind. And that brings me back to dancing.

Not only have I been dancing with Freddy and friends, I have been swept off my feet by my Savior. A long time ago my mom introduced me to the idea of the Holy Trinity being in a sort of dance if you will. And this past May when I came home to figure out what it was God wanted with my life I attended a Spiritual Retreat that used the imagery of Dancing with Jesus. During this time away in Tahoe I felt God inviting me acknowledge my relationship with Him as an ongoing dance. Where He was the leader, and all I needed to do was accept the invitation to dance and follow His lead.

I have spent my adult life working in ministry. In May I felt called out of that. I felt invited into life as ministry/life as a dance with the lover of my soul. This is the relationship I have done my best to encourage others towards, but because I was always getting paid as a "professional" I never felt I was able to realize.

These past 6 months in California I have enjoyed just letting myself experience the grace of letting Jesus take the lead. Now as I am prepared to make my way back to Rome I am excited to watch our dance evolve. I am trying my hardest to let go of that "pastor's daughter, 1st kid" part of me that strives not only for perfection but also to please everyone, and instead just live in the grace that God and Freddy and my Family and True Friends love me just as I am.

It is the first time in my life I am not striving. The plus side of all of this is that God gets all the glory He deserves because it is obvious that He is pulling all the pieces of my life together.

1. I bought my plane ticket before we knew for sure the date of my sisters wedding, and yet God knew. I was able to be here for her big day. (congrats Krist and Di)

2. I let my friends in Rome know I was coming back and one of my ex-pat friends offered to let me room with her!

3. She also is hooking me up with a fantastic English Teaching opportunity which will get me right back in the mix of all the fantastic ex-pats living and working in Rome.

4. The family I was helping out before teaching their son English, is excited to have me back! I can start playing in English 3 times a week the day after I arrive.

5. I will make it back to Rome the day before Freddy makes it back from Bolivia, and both of us will make it back in time for his sister's first child's birth!

These are just 5 of the ways I am already seeing God moving me from one dance floor to another.

I am excited to see what the next 3 months in Rome will hold. I am excited to do life with the lover of my soul and to share that with the Man of my dreams as well! I feel truly blessed.

Thank you for all your continued prayers and support and love!

get involved right now

2011-07-21T09:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Church Family,

I have a good friend in Rome who is not a Christian as far as I know, but she has openly asked me on Facebook to have the Church pray for her. I believe we are called to make the most of every opportunity. So please join me in praying for my friend Patrizia. Because of immigration laws she has been unable to return to the United States to see her family for years and years. Her parents are Italian and when she was a child they moved to the US illegally (from what I understand) She grew up in New York and the US, had a whole life here, and then immigration caught up with her and she was deported, having to leave her son behind, with his father.

Her prayer request was this:

"Pray that they change the immigration laws that separate anymore families like they did to mine!"

I know this is a huge prayer request, but I believe that we have an even bigger God. Patrizia is a mover and shaker in Rome, she heads up all the events for the ex-pat community, she is one of the most dynamic people I know. I would love to have her experience the amazing grace of God in her life, and see what God will do in and through her.

Thanks for joining me in prayer!

Trinity

Grace Grace

2011-07-20T21:13:00.000-07:00

I know it has been some time since my last posting. Sorry about that.

It is mid-July and today I am homesick for Rome. I have been since I left but the sickness is setting in more each day. But, alas that is not what I sat down to share with you. What I wanted to share is about the grace of God. I struggled so much with walking away from my role with ReachGlobal, mostly because I feared letting people down. Yet, I heard God's calling to live out my life with Him in a new way. I have to be honest and say that when I wrote my letter of resignation and my letter to all my supporters letting them know of my decision to follow God's lead I had expected a backlash of disapproval and disappointment. But, God who is full of grace knew His people, His church, my friends and supporters better than I...He knew what I needed was encouragement. And friends I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving voice and physical expression to the Grace of God on my behalf.

Allow me to share with you some of the responses of grace I received...

Hey Trinity,

I’m so sorry it didn’t work out for you with Reachglobal. Please keep us posted on your Road back to Rome. I’m interested to see how the Lord will provide & pave a way for you. Not wanting to sound too prophetic, but I sense that His hand is on you to do what you plan. You were meant for Rome..

yours in Christ - Sam

We’re praying for you! May God richly bless your desire to serve the people of Rome and your perseverance in seeking a way to make that happen.

Keep us up to date!

Aaron (and Michelle)

Hi Trinity,

Nope, I didn't get a letter from ReachGlobal. Thank you for the update.

I'm excited to see where this new direction God has pointed you will take you. It sounds like you have some great possibilities. I will continue praying for you.

Blessings,

Jeanie

Hi Trinity,

Your news about Italy is both sad and exciting. We’re saddened to see that you are leaving RG but are confident that your new goals to live and work in Italy will bear much fruit for the Kingdom.

We talked a few months ago about the You Tube video you did “I am a missionary.” I was never able to download it and now don’t see it on You Tube. Is it possible that you could send me a copy of it either via email or on DVD. I’d still like to use it in my role as an Advocate.

I heard that you might be at the National Conference (I know your parents are going). That would be a good time to exchange a file or DVD. I hope to see you there. If not, know that our prayers are with you in your new adventure.

In His Service/For His Glory

Rich

Dear Trinity,

You are such good communicator…I’m so glad God’s continuing so faithfully to unfold His plans for you on THIS side of the ocean! J Thank you for keeping me on your update list—and I hope you will continue to…you’ll still be sending out updates, right? J

I’m excited for you. It’s been quite a road, but I know it’s been one of growth, leaning, learning, and trusting. Let me guess: you wouldn’t trade it for anything (but you also might need some distance before you signed up for the same plan again??? J I’ve been there… J)?

About 2 years ago a conversation with someone from the largest Protestant mission agency said that they were strategically thinking ahead and planning to put more “tent makers” in position in Europe as they were seeing the changing face of the continent. Yes, keep following His lead, Trinity!

Hello Friend, Sad to see an end to "part" of your ministry but excited that you will continue to serve Him in Rome living and working among those you feel called to shine His light on. I would love to schedule coffee with you and hear more about your future and how I can be a part of that through prayer and gifts. Blessings to you as you continue to honor Him whom you serve. Love Teresa

Dear Trinity,

Thank you so much for letting us know of God's most recent direction for your life and your service of love for & in Him! We are excited for you, and will continue to pray for you and His work in people's lives there when we think of you. I don't see how you are letting anyone down, since you will still be working as a tent-making missionary there. I think it's great! May He lead you to supporters and accountability partners over there as you work.
Keep us posted!

Love in Christ,
Daphne and for Brian (and Stephen) Cann

Dear Trinity,

Chuck and I are and will be praying for you. God will open a "door that no man may close".

love

your family

Dear Trinity,

Thanks for your informative letter about changes. I am sorry the support didn't come, and we have to trust God for His wisdom in all details of our lives. I will share with the mission council here about your change of plans. I sent $, personally, to Reach Global to help with your obligations there. Blessings on you as you

pursue the next steps. Sincerely, Janet

Trinity, very much excited for God's lead in his dance with your life. Interesting that you should put it that way-- at our Nov. Women's Retreat, our theme was "He's Crazy About You", and we also were encouraged to look at our walk as a dance with the Lord. She showed a clip of the dance scene with Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, and said -- that's what God wants to do with you! I found this little clip, on that note, that I thought you would enjoy. My prayers are with you as you go... I know you will have many new dance steps to share...

I am so very excited for you!! Enjoy the dance.

blessings

don

Dear Trinity,
Ron read this to me and all I could think of was now we need to start paying for a kind of time share, where we can come and stay with you when we visit Italy next time. We both like this and really have a good feeling about it. May God really go before you in an obvious way. Keep us posted. Love, Kahleen

Thanks for the update. I am very glad that you get to return to Rome and that God is leading you in a new adventure.

Here is another possibility I ran across. There is an opening in Rome. It looks legit but of course you would want to make sure
http://www.missionnannys.org/

Looking forward to hearing more news of what God is doing. I am a bit confused about support. We obviously don't send it to Reach Global, but will you be under another organization?

Blessings,
Donni

im proud of you kiddo! i know God will do great things thru you. hopefully u can find an American company to work for back in Rome,so that u can have a benefits package and a steady paycheck! maybe as a translater? anywho,as long as i have an income, i will continue as b4 to support ya n my small way. hopefully alot of small ways will add up to give u the support u need. :) may God richly bless you......ur friend chris

Dear Trinity,

You have not let anyone down . . . instead, you have been a wonderful example of faith and sensitivity to God in this process. Thank you so very much! Go with Him, and I know you will never regret it.

In His Grace,

Debbie

Hi Trinity !

I read your “Big Changes” email, and am still very excited for you. I did receive a letter yesterday from Reach Global, and wanted to ask you how you’d like your June payment handled. After speaking with you at church 2 weeks ago, I pulled the EFCA envelope out of the mail and voided the check. I’m thinking of just giving you the $ in cash, since you’re HERE, it’s your BIRTHDAY, and the money will go directly into your pocket.

Much love,

Renee

Whoo Hoo. You go girl. Keep me on your prayer list. Our Kristi thought she was going back to Germany after her year home assignment. Now she's headed for Chiang Mai. God's plans are often quite different from ours. Thanks for listening to Him. Paul

These are just some of the amazing Grace Filled emails I received, on top of these and others I have been the recipient of many warm hugs, gifts of money, help with a car, words of love and excitement.

Thank you for showing me the Grace of God these past few months. You truly are some of the best supporters a girl could have.

happenings

2011-05-23T14:02:00.000-07:00


The Story of Us - Felton Bible Church Women's Retreat 2011

I spent this past weekend with some of the ladies from Felton Bible Church (my home church) at the annual Women's Retreat. It was a great time of connecting with old friends and even making some new friends! It was also nice to just a have a weekend of rest and play with other Christian gals.


Lake Tahoe at my last retreat there a few years ago

I am now home for one day before heading up to Tahoe for a much needed spiritual retreat with some of my favorite spiritual directors. The theme for our time will be Rhythms of Grace and I really ask that you keep me in your prayers the next few days. Spiritual retreats can be good and refreshing, they can also be challenging and tiring depending on what you and God are working through. I am looking forward to my time with God and think it will be valuable in helping me determine what it is God has in store for me in the coming months and years. Please pray for me that I might be able to focus and listen to the heartbeat of God the next few days and that my time alone with God will prove valuable in my ongoing ministry and life with God. God has used this retreat in big ways in the past, in fact it was through my time with God at the retreat a number of years ago that I felt called to become a missionary to Rome.


A number of my Financial and Prayer supporters at a Picnic last week

When I return to Felton I hope to be heading off in different directions raising support and sharing God's heart for the people of Rome in a number of churches and other venues, pray that God will continue to open those doors and provide the much needed monthly support that I need.

Prime Timers and Me...A nice welcome home

2011-05-19T16:40:00.000-07:00

Some Good News on this Good Friday

2011-04-22T01:33:00.000-07:00

As of this morning because of some great help from Mike Davis and Rich Burrill (ReachGlobal Guys in CA) and of course a lot of prayers it looks like I already have 3 churches willing to open up their doors to me while I am back in California!!! This is a huge blessing and a great piece of Good News! Rejoice with me!

In other news tonight our Home Group will be celebrating a Seder Meal . We have been studying God’s deliverance of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt and it being Holy Week and all seemed like a natural way to celebrate God's faithfulness.

I have a bunch of friends coming over to celebrate Easter with me on Sunday! (Going out to look for a Ham today, wish me luck.)

2:40 am

2011-04-21T17:56:00.000-07:00

There are somethings I wish Young Life and Youth Ministry had not prepared me for, like for example chatting with prostitutes on the streets. It is 2:40 am and I just got home from handing out Easter candies and Easter cards to the girls working the streets on the outskirts of the Eternal City. I am gonna be completely honest with you and say I was super nervous about this new venture. Sure I went to the Human Trafficking Conference and I have read articles and watched films, but going out for the first time to actually have conversations with prostitutes is a bit unnerving.

Just 4 of us went, and we spent time in prayer before, during and after. I went assuming, even though I had been informed at the conference otherwise that these would be women, that they would be tough and stand offish, I was wrong. Friends these were girls. These were girls I would place between 14 and 20 years of age. These were kind and gentle teens, excited for the chocolates and even for the invitations to church for Easter. These were someones kids, many of whom had an understanding of church from some part of their life.

And after talking to the first two girls I recognized that this was in fact no different than the first time I went to the SLV High School campus. It was just as intimidating and then all of the sudden it wasn't. These teens were no different other than the fact that they are working the streets of Rome. They were smiling and chatting and dancing.

I never in all my times at the High School campus imagined that God was preparing me to chat up prostitutes in Italy, but it seems God never lets anything go to waste. This was only our first encounter with these girls, and I ask you to begin now to pray for these 18 gals that we had the opportunity to talk to, that God would continue to show us how to build relationships and that He would draw them to Himself. The 18 that we met with are only the tip of the iceberg here in Rome, so you can pray that we might find ways to be a blessing to more and more girls. Pray for these girls; for their safety, for peace and for them to come to know that their is a God who created them in His image who loves the with a true love that they might not even believe exists. And this may be harder but pray also for the men who are soliciting these gals that they might no longer desire them, but instead have a deep desire for God.

Sickness, Sadness, and Despair...People Dying Everywhere...Happy Birthday

2011-04-19T07:18:00.000-07:00

"Sickness,Sadness, and Despair...People Dying Everywhere...Happy Birthday...Happy Birthday"

These are the uplifting lyrics that I remember my dad chanting now and then to celebrate someone's life. They also happen to be the words that sum up the last few weeks here in Rome.

As it turns out I am sick a lot here, whether that is from living in a new place with new germs, or the fact that it is a city with 4.5 Million people most of them using public transportation and not using good practices such as hand washing and covering your mouth or perhaps it is that some kids I am helping with English happen to attend schools and bring home with them every little bug that is floating around including the flu, pink eye and chicken pox all in the last few weeks. Whatever the cause here in Rome I find that I am constantly in need of a tissue and a cough drop. Which yesterday at the park came in handy as a mom there also was in need of a tissue for her little girl and I was able to reach in my Mary Poppins bag of tricks and come to her little girls rescue.

If you read my latest news letter you know I am sad to be leaving here in just 20 days. But you may not realize that I am not the only one who is sad, many of my faithful supporters have written to express their sadness and even frustration on my behalf. And my team is sad along with me that I will miss the arrival of our newest team members and these next 3 months of ministry here.

My sadness is not just sadness, in many respects it is despair for the people here. Many of my close friends are in a world of hurt right now, and it is breaking my heart. Pray with me for them. Without giving away private information you can know that I have friends with marriages that are on the verge of collapse, friends who are in the midst of difficult pregnancies, those who have been without work or working without pay for months, many friends who have parents and loved ones with serious illnesses, friends who need homes, documents, and most of all a lot of friends who need the peace that only God can provide.

And, yes there are people dying everywhere. Of course there always are. But last week I was invited to my first Italian funeral, one of my friends lost his Grandma and invited those of us in our Bible Study to attend. It was an honor to be there for him, and also to be introduced to his family. Later that same day as I was walking not far from my neighborhood I came across my second encounter with death for the day. There in the middle of the sidewalk lay a man dead. There surrounded by Italians but completely alone lie a man I would guess in his late fifties. This image has stuck with me for over a week now, reminding me of the urgency of spreading the Gospel, because no one knows the day or the hour.

This has also been a season of Birthdays. I have had at least one if not 2 or 3 Birthdays to celebrate every week for the past month. It is encouraging to know that I have made so many friendships. And I am thankful for each new friendship that God provides! What a blessing to be included in the celebrations of these lives.

Encounters

2011-03-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

Just a quick little update to let you know how thankful I am that God is answering my prayers for more and more chances to engage with Italians. I have been praying for months that God would open up avenues of conversations between me and the Italian people and I can honestly say that in the past 2 months relationships are beginning to take shape.

The day I moved into my apartment an elderly man greeted me, (a good sign as it is not customary for neighbors to be so friendly right away here) and every day since that we have seen each other he has said buon giorno (or some form of salutary) and every time it would bring a smile to both of our faces. But then last week as I was sitting at the coffee bar downstairs practicing Italian with my language tutor my neighbor sat down at the table next to us and proceeded to converse with us for at least 30 min! What a huge answer to prayer! And now when we greet one another it is more than just ciao, but ciao with a few polite inquiries as to my day or his day tagged on. Progress!
That same day I when I went inside the bar to pay for the coffee, another group of older men were chatting animatedly about soccer, they assuming I was Italian included me in their conversation. Then were pleased to discover that I was in fact American and continued chatting with me a bit! Yea God! Now each day when I go to the coffee bar for my morning Bible Study I greet these men with a smile and get one in return!
Also last week one of the older ladies who has been attending my English class every week jumped at the chance to spend time exchanging language with me, when I asked if anyone would like to exchange an hour of English for an hour of Italian. She invited me over to her home last Friday where I spent a great 4 hours talking almost the whole time in Italian! And tonight when I saw her in class she invited me over for a repeat this Friday! When I went to her home last week I arrived a bit early so I sat in the park across in the Piazza close to her home where there is a senior center of sorts and there were lots of seniors out enjoying the first day of sun we had seen in quite some time. I had 3 stop and talk with me, so I am thinking of getting their early again this Friday as well.
In case you were unaware there are a lot of senior citizens in Italy (check out this link to see where things have been and where things are heading for the Italian population breakdown.) and this number is sure to increase in the coming years as Italy has one of the lowest birth rates of any country. A lot, and a lot of them are really lonely. It seems God is opening up doors into this community and I am excited to see where He leads.

LOOKIN FORWARD

2011-03-23T03:35:00.000-07:00

This morning I am pleased to let you know that my account is starting to see an up swing! That means that there are lots of people out there who have recommitted themselves to giving, or who have begun giving and even a few who have given above and beyond the last few months to help boost my account. So faithful supporters I just wanted to make sure you are encouraged like I am that God is faithful to provide.

I am still coming home to raise support on May 10th for a few months, please continue to pray with me that God will open doors at churches and events for me to share my heart/His heart with while I am home. I am working with Mike Davis and Rich Burrill from ReachGlobal to find new supporting churches and individuals, pray that God will lead us to the right individuals and organizations.

If you have a place Room or Spare Apartment or House that you could let me use while I am home please let me know.

Thanks for all the prayers and support!

no simple answers

2011-03-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

Pic is not mine

As I laid in my warm bed last night listening to the powerful thunder set off all the car alarms on my street and watched the lightening burst through the night sky unable to drift off to sleep all I could do was pray. Not for me. No, I was fine...I had a house and a bed, and heat. I was crying out to God for all those who live in this city without those things. There was a flood of emotions flowing through me as I prayed; sadness, frustration, helplessness, thankfulness, disgust and of course each emotion brought with it questions of why and what and how. Why are there so many people living with so much while so many have so little? Why do people leave their countries thinking life will somehow be better here? Why are we (am I) so selfish with what I have? Why are their so many empty buildings and churches in Rome and yet people live on a piece of cardboard? What can I do? How did we as a culture (world culture) let things get this way? How do we mend all the brokenness? How do we help? How do I sleep knowing so many are spending the night soaking wet, cold and alone? Why, God? And what would you have me do?

A friend of mine was listening to this song the other day. He really liked it, but since he does not speak English he asked me to translate it for him. As I did all I wanted to do was cry.

Friends, as I wrote this I was reminded that earlier this week I asked God to break my heart, to give me compassion once again. I had felt myself becoming hardened to the plights of the people in my city, numb to the world around me. As I write I realize that God is indeed faithful to answer our (my) prayers, and because of that I sit here, heart breaking for those around me. (be careful what you ask for, from a God who promises to answer)

2011-03-11T10:40:00.000-08:00

This is a call out to all my Santa Cruz Area Friends...

I am heading home on May 10th for hopefully 3 months or less to raise support. Since my parents house is quite full as it is, I am looking for a place to stay for the 3 months I will be home. If anyone knows of a place that is free or inexpensive that I could use May 10th - Aug 10th please let me know.

La Festa Della Donna

2011-03-08T05:47:00.000-08:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10286198@N04/3332335833/ Mimosa Flower

My allergies told me before I read it online that the Mimosa flowers that are all over Rome right now are closely related to the Acacia flowers we have in California. All day I had been seeing these blooms; people selling bunches of them on the street, vases of them in shops and they are pinned to the lapels of women walking down the street. When I got home I flipped open my laptop to figure out what story is with these yellow sprays.

I went to my favorite source of insight into the Italian Culture, Becoming Italian Word by Word and was not disappointed. There in Dianne Hales latest blog post was the answer to my question. Today is International Woman's Day. A day that as it turns out got it's start in America, though we as a culture don't really celebrate it now. Originally way back in 1908 American woman organized themselves to seek better pay and working conditions, then it seems that in 1909 there was what is referred to as the Shirtwaist Strike organized by women who worked in the garment industry in. However it was not until after the death of 129 woman textile workers in the notorious Triangle Fire of 1911 in New York that the world began to take notice.

After some debate over the date, it was determined that March 8th would be International Woman's Day. Italy can boast of having created Women's Day's most charming tradition, the yellow mimosa. Abundant at this time of year, the flower was chosen by the Union of Italian Women in 1946 for its vibrant, joyous color and its fragile appearance (which disguises a sturdy plant) as well as its traditional symbolism of life from death.(http://www.catholic.org/featured/headline.php?ID=778) And this is why women all over Italy (I assume, but certainly in Rome) are decorated with and given these sprigs of Mimosa flowers.

For more on the State of Women's Rights in Italy

Prostitutes on the streets of Rome

Those being brought here against their will as modern day slaves

Those who end up here as refugees

The Roma Women who have no legal rights here


The Women who work Italian Television as one of Silvio's Girls

And so many others. Pray with me...for honor, dignity, hope, freedom, justice and peace for these woman and so many others here in Rome and around the world.

jiggity jig

2011-03-04T05:16:00.000-08:00

How quick I am to forget that God’s timing is perfect, that He has my days all planned out, and that He works all things together for His good…You would think I would know these truths by now after years of experiencing them time and time again, but it seems I always am surprised by them. The last few months I have been living with the stress of not having enough support to stay in Rome. I was allowing this one thing to pull me and my attention in every direction except for where God was going with this situation. But finally this past weekend while I was at a conference for Italian young people interested in missions I was able to get refocused on what God was doing and where He is leading. I think I had been so fearful that He would say you have to go back to the States, that I had been avoiding listening.

All weekend God spoke through the speakers and His Word and by the time I got home to Rome and sat down with Brian and Sarah and God to seek His direction together I was no longer fearful of what God’s plan was. As we talked it seemed clear that God was indeed sending my back to California, but not permanently only just long enough to raise support, and share what He has been doing here in Rome. So friends and supporters I am returning to the Santa Cruz Mountains on May 10^th, this is earlier than I had planned, but because of the significant lack of financial support coming in it is necessary. That said, we do see God’s hand in the timing and that has been an encouragement to me and my team and hopefully to you as well…

Originally when I applied for my visa last June I needed a return flight scheduled that I could change later when I had a better idea of when I would want to come back to CA. My travel agent selected a “random” date for that return ticket, and it “happens” to be May 10^th, which is just after I promised to help the group from George Fox University get acquainted with Rome. It is also the week before Zach and Naomi and their son Anthony (our newest teammates) are scheduled to arrive in Rome. Which as it turns out will work out fantastically as one of my biggest concerns in leaving was having to get out of my rental agreement early and lose the home I love, but with the arrival of the Baliva family coinciding with my return to the States it looks like they will be able to stay in my apartment while I am away. This gives them a great place to stay while they search for their own home here in Rome and it means I will not have to lose my home.

Another great part of the timing is that Mike Davis just finished going through CA and connecting with Free Churches letting them in on the great need in Europe for missionaries which means that hopefully I will have some open doors and hearts to share with upon my arrival. On top of that in June there is the Evangelical Free Churches National Leadership Convention in San Diego that I will be able to attend and hopefully build some new connections and find new supporters.

As I mentioned I am only coming back to California long enough to raise the support I need to return to the work God has called me to here in Rome. It is our (my team and I) desire that I will be back in Europe no later than August 10^th in time to attend the ReachGlobal European Conference in Germany. While I am home it is imperative that those of you who support me regularly continue to do so as I will still be working for ReachGlobal during my time in CA. I also value your prayers and your help in making as many connections as possible with new supporters of the work God is doing in Rome. Please be thinking of people and churches you know that would be open to hearing about the ministry in Rome as I will be asking for your help as part of my team to build these new connections. Thank God with me for being in all the details.

The View

2011-03-02T07:35:00.000-08:00

As I rode out of Rome last weekend aboard a bus heading to the sea I gazed with anticipation out the window. In fact I switched seats 3 times before settling on one with what I hoped would be a good view. We were moments outside of Rome when I realized what I was looking at was not a good view, it was a heartbreaking one. For a moment I flashed back to scenes I witnessed in Haiti, pieces of tin leaning against sticks surrounded by mounds of garbage. My eyes filled with tears as I looked just beyond this gypsy camp to see a mall, new apartments and even a few villas just a few hundred feet from the encampment. I had heard and read of the gypsy camps, but this was the first time I was seeing them and my heart broke and my mind was filled with questions.

We continued on and the gypsy camps faded into the distance, but my view of Italy had once again been altered. I could no longer simply sit and enjoy the beauty of the snow covered hillside towns because all I could think is why don't you help your neighbors? I wondered about those who would spend yet another night in the freezing cold and rain. I thought of all the gypsies I encounter daily and how cold my own heart had become to their plight. It made me think of the other groups of people who call Rome home; the immigrants, homeless, pilgrims, refugees, and those who were trafficked. The people no one thinks about when they think of Rome. It was a beautiful and painful prayer-filled ride to the seaside town of Montesilvano.

I arrived on time but was dropped off on the side of the road. Having confidence in my Italian and my ability to find the beach if it was anywhere nearby I walked into the coffee shop and asked for directions. The guy had no idea where my hotel was, but pointed right. So I went right. I ended up at the train station there was a map, but it did not have the street I was looking for listed, so I asked a guy working on the side of the road. He again had no clue, but pointed so I went the direction he indicated. I walked and walked and walked down a long cold neighborhood street. I only saw one old woman, I smiled and asked her for directions. She merely shrugged. I got to what appeared to be the only street with any life on it, and turned in the direction I knew led to the shore and continued on. I found another coffee shop at the end of that street, asked for directions again, the guy had no idea, but the gal that walked up thought she knew and said it was 2 Kilometers or more. I found the beach, I wanted to be excited and enjoy the view of the ocean beating against the rocks but it was so ridiculously cold and windy that I could not stand to look at it. Finally I arrived suitcase in tow at the Grand Hotel Montesilvano (yes that's right a giant yellow building taller than anything else in town that no locals seem to know exists).

After checking in at the conference and getting my key I made my way to the 4th floor praying that my room would have a great view of the beach. It did, but it was too cold to leave the windows open, the heating was not fully working due to the fact that normally the hotel is closed for the season and had opened just for us. I laid down on my two beds pushed together and piled whatever blankets I could find on top of myself to try and get warm. But refused to feel bad for myself as I thought back to those we had passed along the road who would be spending yet another night of their lives under some tin and cardboard.

When it was time for dinner I made my way downstairs and into the dinning room. I chose a seat at a table filled with people from Napoli. Some of them acknowledged my presence, but most did not. I was soon to realize that this was going to be the case at every meal throughout the weekend. I was invisible, or at best an annoyance disturbing the groupings no matter where I chose to sit. I had, had hope the first meal when I realized that the girls from Napoli were from a church planted by Twin Lakes Church in Aptos (min from my home town), I thought, great we will have something to talk about. However, as soon as we got that bit of information established the conversation was through.

I don't want you to get the wrong idea about Italians, because up until this weekend I have personally never really had a hard time feeling welcomed, but for whatever the reason and I believe there was a reason I was to be the outsider this past weekend.

Our speaker, Peter Mead was given the task of speaking to the theme, His Passion, My Passion; Sharing the Passion of God with the Nations. I have to say that Peter did an amazing job. I have heard hundreds of speakers at similar conferences over the last few years and Mead's approach and style of sharing captured my attention like few others have. Why? I think because Peter was determined that we needed to look at the scriptures through different lenses, he wanted to impart a different view of the stories we think we know so well. As I sat and listened to him present the same old stories from a different view my heart and mind were captured once again by the beauty of God's word.

I spent a good part of the weekend alone with God; in my room, or on a walk along the bitterly cold shore and through the empty streets of Montesilvano. In these moments God began to show me how I needed a change of perspective. I had come into the weekend beaten down, overwhelmed by life, by a lack of support, stressed and depressed. When I arrived to a gray cold ocean side town and was made to feel like an unwelcome outsider all I wanted to do was cry. But God met me in my sadness, in my loneliness and my heartache and began to reveal how He was viewing my life at the moment. He reminded me of; all the friends and connections that I have made in such a short time in Rome, of the beautiful apartment that He had provided, of the amount of Italian I had learned in just a few short months, of the new families I was being welcomed into, of the work He was doing through others I have met. In short God helped me refocus my eyes upon His goodness and faithfulness instead of looking at my weaknesses and struggles.

Just like God had allowed me to be uncomfortable to get my attention in Moldova at the last conference I went to, He was doing it again to help me see and truly connect once again with those He loves here in Rome. Those who many find it hard to love, the gypsies, homeless, refugees, immigrants, and those whom many assume it is easy to love the Italians. God reminded me that He desperately loves all of these people who find themselves living in Rome and He has placed me and my fellow missionaries and the Christians of Italy here for the purpose of showing that love in a tangible way.

Contrary to popular opinion living in Rome is not a walk in the park. In fact I got a t-shirt at the missions conference to remind me of just that. The t-shirt says "Missione non una passeggiata" (loosely translated too: missions not a walk in the park). Don't read this as complaining, as that would be reading what I am saying incorrectly, but I want you to understand that missions here in Italy like most if not all places in the world is not an easy thing. Rome may very well be one of the most amazing cities on earth, it may be the center of the Catholic church and it may be a top tourist destination but never let those three facts hinder you from seeing the need in Rome. Rome is a spiritual battle field, not much different than when Paul describes it in the first part of Romans...

Romans 1
¹ Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— ² the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures ³ regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life^[a] was a descendant of David, ⁴ and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power^[b] by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. ⁵ Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from^[c] faith for his name’s sake. ⁶ And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
⁷ To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul’s Longing to Visit Rome
⁸ First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. ⁹ God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you ¹⁰ in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you. ¹¹ I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— ¹² that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. ¹³ I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters,^[d] that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
¹⁴ I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. ¹⁵ That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.
¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. ¹⁷ For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,^[e] just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”^[f]
God’s Wrath Against Sinful Humanity
¹⁸ The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, ¹⁹ since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. ²¹ For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. ²² Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools ²³ and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.
²⁴ Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. ²⁵ They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
²⁶ Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. ²⁷ In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.
²⁸ Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. ²⁹ They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, ³⁰ slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; ³¹ they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. ³² Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

Friends, pray with me for the people of Italy, especially the people who live here in Rome. Italians and non Italians, if you don't know how to pray pray through this passage of Roman's everyday. Pray for those of us serving here in Rome, not just those on the ReachGlobal team but the other missionaries and Christians here that God would continue to strengthen, equip and encourage us to continue on fishing for men and feeding them the bread of life. You are an important part of the ministry that God is doing here and around the world, don't be fooled into thinking for one moment that your prayers and giving are insignificant, God uses them to bring people into His family. We all need to make sure that we are keeping our eyes focused on the right things and the right things are the things that make God's heartbeat, the things He is passionate about are fishing for the lost, and feeding them the bread of life so that they too can come to glorify Him with their lives.

Let's keep the things of God in view and ask Him to continue to open our eyes to what He is doing and how He is inviting us to be apart of it.

LA SUA PASSIONE: LA MIA PASSIONE - CONDIVIDERE LA PASSIONE DI DIO PER LE NAZIONI

2011-02-25T01:10:00.000-08:00

In a few minutes I am setting out to attend a conference of Italian Youth with a passion for missions. I am going as an observer as I am now to old to be a youth. :) The theme for the weekend is HIS PASSION: MY PASSION - SHARING THE PASSION OF GOD TO THE NATIONS. The conference is taking place just a 3 hour bus ride away on the East Coast of Italy in a town called Montesilvano, and to be completely honest I am looking forward to the chance to escape the craziness of Rome, my routine, and my computer and to enjoy being at the beach...I have missed the beach! I am also interested to see what the conference organizers have in store, to attend the workshops and the seminars (In Italian) and to make new connections with Italian believers who not only have a passion for God but for reaching out to the World!

Letting God Enter In

2011-02-24T03:15:00.000-08:00

First of all I want to say Thank You to those of you who have responded these past two months by renewing your support, increasing your support or beginning your support, and for all of the prayers and words of wisdom! A HUGE THANK YOU!

I would love to tell you that enough has come in, but so far that is not the case. It is almost the end of February and for this month even with all the extra giving my support is still low. If you are planning on giving please don't delay, your support is desperately needed!

But I also wanted to let you know about my encounter yesterday just to remind you of how God is at work here, even when things seem grim...

Yesterday I had another language exchange appointment this time with a woman about my age. Before our meeting I met with God over coffee and asked that He direct and bless our conversation. As we were chatting in Italian the first 1/2 hour the woman asked me about my work, so I told her what I am doing here. When we switched to English she asked me if I was Catholic. I said no, and then she asked me to explain the difference between Protestant Evangelical and Catholicism. She was eager to here what I had to say. She asked where I went to church, and I gave her directions and an invite. I told her about our home group that meets each week. I asked her about her own beliefs. She explained how she used to be Catholic and had lost her faith. She shared about taking part in a World Youth Day hosted bay the former Pope. I could tell that it had been a transition point her her life. She told me of a friend who goes to a Catholic church in the south that sounded to her a lot more like my idea of church. I asked about her family and their beliefs, and she wanted to know about mine. It was evident that God was indeed leading our conversation. When our time was over she asked if we could meet again next week to talk. Of course I said yes!

Today I am watching the little Bambino again. You can join me in praying for him and his family and our times together that they too would be directed by God. And tonight I am meeting with another Italian woman and would love to enter into a Christ centered conversation with her as well.

Thanks again for your prayers and support! Please keep them coming, I am not ready to come home and it seems like God is opening doors here!

Not a bad day

2011-02-18T02:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I woke up feeling pretty crummy, after a night of very little sleep due to a very stuffed up head. But I had been invited on Sunday to the home of one of the ladies in my church and I really wanted to go. She had wanted to get together back in Sept, but at that point I spoke little Italian and she spoke even less English. Now that my Italian and my confidence has improved I was looking forward to getting to know her and her family better. Getting to her house was no simple thing, she lives outside of the city, which meant I went to catch the train (which I am not loving at the moment due to my run it with one 2 weeks ago) The train was late, because it is Rome. Then I switched to the metro, when I got the the main metro station which is always a zoo (because it is constantly under construction) it was even more so as they actually rerouted people out of the metro altogether and then back underground, just to switch from one line to the other. But all this considered I was still doing pretty good. I rode the metro about 7 more stops and then got off and boarded yet another line for another 4. In all it took me about 1 1/2 to get to her metro stop, where I called her and she came and picked me up.

She was very impressed that I was able to navigate myself all the way to her zone, and told me so again and again in Italian also adding that she hoped that she and her family could a second family for me here in Rome! I was honored and blessed and glad that I had made the trip. And I loved her even more when she suggested we stop for a cappuccino before heading to her home, a woman after my own heart. We chatted over coffee and I was able to answer all her questions in Italian; where are you from, why Rome, tell me about your family, do you like the city, what is it that you do, how long are you staying...And I was able to ask her questions as well. I found out that she is Brazilian, she is married to an Italian, he is from Calabria, they have one son, he is studying to be an engineer, they have lived in Rome for 20 years, she used to work as a secretary in Brazil, and in Rome has worked a number of jobs, her husband works in a restaurant near our church...I tell you all this knowing it sounds simple, but you have to keep in mind we had this conversation 4 hours of conversation in Italian! After coffee she took me to her home, a beautiful 2 story apartment. She got busy making lunch and I chatted a bit with her shy husband and son. Then we all had lunch together. Two types of pasta, a quiche, samples of sausage, cheese and olives from Calabria and gelato. She had also made me a cake, but I had to take my piece to go as I could not eat one more bite.

Before leaving she lent me some Christian books in Italian so I have something to read, and she invited me to come back anytime, especially during the summer when I want to go to the beach, she has an extra guest room, and they are not far from the beach. Like I said a woman after my own heart!

From this appointment I did my best to hustle back to the other side of Rome where I was to meet up with Anne a fellow missionary who has been here a year with GEM (Greater Europe Mission) but is heading back to the stated with her husband next week. This was my second meet up with Anne this week because she is hooking me up with a sweet job. I am taking over her role and babysitter/English teacher for two different kids in two different families. I met the first family and child on Tuesday, they live on my street just two buildings down, which is amazing! I am excited for the chance to get to know some neighbors and to use some skills I have. And now we were meeting up at the school of the second child where we would pick him up and walk to his apartment together. I am happy to say I am in love with this 4 year old little man. He is adorable, and there is possibly nothing more hilarious then watching a little kid playing with cars stop to chew out in Italian one imaginary driver whose parking job was hindering the flow of traffic out of the parking garage. Complete with sincerity, hand gestures and facial expressions I see Italian's use everyday but watching a 4 year old recreate the situation on the floor of his bedroom and understand how ridiculous and funny it is was pretty amazing. Another reason I am so glad I did not let this cold keep me from my day.

I got back to my apartment around 6:30pm and sat down to craft my newsletter letting my supporters know that I am in a bad financial state and really need their support and prayers. Over the next few hours I received emails of encouragements, promises to pray and even a new supporter! Then I watched the latest episode of American Idol online and was just about to fall asleep when my phone rang at 11pm. Not a normal time for my phone to ring, I answered seeing it was Joe another fellow missionary from GEM who we work with. He let me know that their whole station wagon was full of kitchen stuff for me from Anne and Andy, and wanted to know if they (he and his wife) could come unload it. Of course it was fine, I got dressed again, and they showed up with bags and bags of kitchen supplies and food! What an amazing blessing! I had woken up expecting a day that would be tiring and overwhelming, and went to bed last night overwhelmed by all the ways God had blessed me!

Not Good and yet...

2011-02-17T10:53:00.000-08:00

Friends my heart is overwhelmed. This has perhaps been my toughest month in Rome and yet I am starting to see God open doors into the relationships and places He wants me. It is my belief that Satan is not happy about this, and hence He is taking every opportunity to hinder the progress I am making here in Italy. I have had a run in with a train badly injuring my leg, I spent a week sick, I have had to stop attending language school, and some of my friends here have returned to the states and too top it all off I am seriously underfunded!

You have no idea how much I hate, HATE continually having to ask people for more support, I feel like a broken record. Yet, as a friend and supporter reminded me yesterday raising financial support is an ongoing part of the life of a missionary. She suggested that I lay it all out for you clear as day so that you are well informed and able to assess the need for yourself.
ReachGlobal requires that Single missionaries serving in Rome raise $6285 a month. When I left for Rome last July I departed in good faith based on the promises of faithful giving. (some of it monthly, some quarterly and some yearly.) Since being here there have only been 2 months where the total $6285 pledged actually was given, usually I am seeing about ½ come in. I was hoping that those who give once a year at the beginning or end of the year would help to make up this loss, but that did not happen.

This means that at this point, almost 8 months in my Ministry Account is severely underfunded. This ministry account funds not just my salary (which has been cut by $1000 a month) but also our ministry here in Rome, heath care, retirement, travel, payroll services in Minnesota as well as other office costs at out headquarters, housing, conferences and training, and language school. Because of the huge shortfall in my account I have had to take a $1000 pay cut and stop attending language school and they have frozen my ministry spending until my account reaches the minimum balance required of $4,500.

My heart is overwhelmed because I feel like I am just really starting build good relationships with Italians, my language is improving, and I am finding niches for ministry. I have tried to make the best out of the situation, taking on two babysitting jobs with Italian families where I am there to teach their children English. This is helping me supplement my income a bit and it gets me into the homes of my neighbors. Because I am missing language school I am working hard to meet up with complete strangers to exchange language, which again lets me meet more Italians, but is not nearly as effective as school. Today I went to the home of a family that goes to my church, and spent four hours or so talking with them in Italian over lunch and coffee, this is a great new connection and the mom really wants be to consider them my second family here in Rome. I have encountered a woman from Moldova and her two children for a week now each time I go downstairs to the Coffee Bar to do my Bible study. I am praying that God will help me to help her and her family. Last week one of the girls from our home group led the Bible study for the first time and did a fantastic job, she is hoping to move into our neighborhood which would be a great new addition. We have had a number of people visit from ReachGlobal some joining our team and others to attend a conference on ministring to the refugee population in Europe, Sarah has been asked to start teaching English at our local library and she has asked me to help her, and I am back to teaching English on Tuesday nights where some good relationships are forming. I was also able to write out my testimony in Italian and am working on putting it to memory. And next weekend I will head to a conference for Italian youth interested in missions.

So, as you can see many GOOD things are happening, and it breaks my heart to think that I might have to come home in the next month or two if my support does not increase by $3000 a month. It would be such a shame to have to leave right when all of these connections are happening.

I have been reading through the Bible with my home group four passages each day and as I read through Exodus this past week a few thoughts struck me and I feel they apply to God’s provision…
1.       When God called the Israelites to leave Egypt he first had them go to their neighbors and ask them to give them their gold and jewelry. And God prompted the Egyptians (who did not believe in God) to give over these things.
2.       The Israelites were likely in shock and totally excited by this as they had been serving as slaves for quite some time, they likely doubted that their asking would produce such a bounty.
3.       Later when it came time to construct the Tabernacle God had Moses request the people to bring forth all the gold and wealth they were willing to give in order to accomplish His desire.
4.       I am guessing based on knowing humans and having read the story of the Israelites short term memory problems with how God continued to provide all that they needed that giving up this wealth that God had provided was very difficult.
I am asking you point blank to think hard about how God has met your needs and how He continues to meet your needs. Then I am asking you what God had Moses ask the people of Israel, to give willingly whatever you can out of what God has blessed you with. If you are already doing so, thank you. If you are one of the many who promised to give but have not been giving I ask you to start today. And if you are not giving and can give willingly to the work that God is doing here in Rome then I ask you to give today too.

I am asking all of you to pray for me. Pray that I would not become discouraged, that I would continue to serve faithfully with joy. Pray that my language learning will not diminish, and that my new jobs will help tie me over as well as help me build relationships with these families. Pray that God will supply all my needs as I know He is able to do.

If you are a member of a church or a group who might be able to join my support team please pass along my need to them as well, for we are all one body!

Waste Not

2011-02-04T22:46:00.000-08:00

I am learning that God has let nothing in my life experiences go to waste. Turns out that even my Online Dating experience prepared me for life as a missionary. This week I signed up online at a sight for people searching for Language Exchange Partners. Much like one signs up for online dating minus the pictures and with much less upfront information. And now just a few short days later my inbox is filled with Italians who want to meet for coffee and to exchange an hour of English for an hour of Italian. Today I am meeting with my first 2, then Sunday 1, Monday 2...I am taking a break on Tuesday and Wednesday to attend the Refugee Highway Conference and then 2 more on Thursday. Just goes to show you that you never know what God will use.