Wow, life has been busy and I can't believe that it's getting closer and closer to the middle of November!! Is it just me or does life go so quickly? INSANE!
Well, Becky (my roommate) and I have had some dinners and coffee dates with people recently and we are definitely planting seeds. The Lord is there, I can feel Him all the time. How amazing He is! We haven't seen anyone come to Christ, and honestly probably won't. But what a huge joy it brings me know that we're doing Christ's work and planting those seeds. Why does God choose to use me? I don't know. But how awesome it is!!
The other day Becky and I had dinner at Chiara and Cristina's house and religion topic came up and I got to share my faith and what I believe with them. One of Cristina's friends was there joining us for dinner, Maria Julia, and she seemed very open. So, I hope to meet with her again soon! Chiara and Cristina seem very closed off about the whole thing, but it's a huge family thing for them. Stuff that's happened in their past, etc, that they aren't open, but I know God could change that in an instant. So, all I can do is talk about my faith and answer questions, etc. Then it's up to Christ.
Becky and I also had dinner with another student and his girlfriend at their house last night. After being there for about 5 hours, we talked about everything there is to talk about. Including why we are here, what we believe, etc. It was a great conversation. They are an amazing couple. Although some of their life choices don't match with what we believe.. we love them anyways know that Christ can work through that. Again all we can do is talk and share and plant those seeds.
Tonight we had a little party in Valvasone with our advanced class. We didn't talk about anything religious.. all of us Christians that were there didn't feel like it was the time to bring that up. There was a lady there that doesn't come to anything.. I think she's afraid that we might actually talk her into something. So, I think it was probably a good thing that we didn't have a discussion about it tonight, to let her come knowing we won't bite then start talking about stuff later on at another party, etc. We did pray though, which I think caught some people off guard. So, we're still "ministering" through that. And who knows when that might lead into a conversation!
Well, Italy has been so amazing! If you could be in prayer for me as I am trying to decide what's next... my two options: 1) coming back to Italy. 2) staying in the states. I think I might feel God's calling to come back. But that would mean raising the same support to come back again...... in only a little over a month! I know that if it's something that God wants me to do, He's going to provide! But it's a definitely overwhelming thought. Plus, I have already made plans to go to Little Rock in May. Not a huge deal I know.. I would miss more birthdays, I have already missed two by coming this semester, and next semester my sisters and my own.... again not a huge deal I know. It's a longer semester.. I would only have a month at home.. Only a little over a month to raise support.. Anyways, if you would be praying along with me on this. I need to really know what I'm doing by the END of this week or BEGINNING of next week. Whoa, buddy. CRAZY stuff right there. The question that's on my mind right now: If not now, when?
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
God's so good!
Well, it's now the end of week 4, of classes, I believe. Crazy how quickly this is going by! At one point it seemed so slow, and now it's flashing before my eyes. Well, I am enjoying teaching, for the most part. I enjoy talking with the students more... all the social stuff, more than the actual teaching English part.
The students, well most of them anyways, are so amazing! They're so nice and fun to be around. We have gone bowling, and to dinner a few times... really trying to build relationships. My "contact", Cristina is 17 years old and is so cute. She and I have really clicked, it seems. She speaks very good English, and is helping me learn more Italian. If you would be in prayer for her and me as I hang out with her and am able to speak with her, that would be amazing. What's truly stupendous is that last Sunday my friend Hannah and I were going to go into the center and hang out before church that evening and we invited Cristina along with us to hang out and then to church, and she came! I know God's hand was on that whole thing. I'm praying that she comes with Hannah and me again. One of the elders of the Italian Christian church, Ken, came up to her and started talking to her and he asked, "So, we will see you again?" and her response, "Yes! On Sunday evenings right?" :) We will see what happens.
The ESL teachers, Maureen, Becky and I, are going through a Romans study every week. How convicting is Romans??! VERY! The main concept that I have been learning... It's not about me! Nothing is about me! Everything from what we say to how we act need to point back to Christ... not ourselves. When we go through a hard time, we should rejoice, knowing that God wouldn't have planned it out that way if it wasn't going to bring Himself glory.
A quote from the book "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan is: "Worry implies that we don't quite trust God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives. Stress says that the things we're involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace towards others, and our tight grip of control." - This book is amazing! If you haven't read it.... you need to. This is my own personal study that I have been going through, and although it's not an actual "Bible study" it has practical concepts that are really convicting. What I love about this book is it's correlating with things from Romans. And what I love about Francis Chan is that he's very direct and to the point.... NO beating around that bush!
Anyways, those are a couple things going on in my life right now. Main prayer request: that I get to have several times of getting to hang out with Cristina and really be able to share the gospel with her. That the Holy Spirit opens up her heart and that she's wanting to know more. Thank you so much for your prayers and support through out this trip! What a huge blessing you've been to me and to the people of Italy!
The students, well most of them anyways, are so amazing! They're so nice and fun to be around. We have gone bowling, and to dinner a few times... really trying to build relationships. My "contact", Cristina is 17 years old and is so cute. She and I have really clicked, it seems. She speaks very good English, and is helping me learn more Italian. If you would be in prayer for her and me as I hang out with her and am able to speak with her, that would be amazing. What's truly stupendous is that last Sunday my friend Hannah and I were going to go into the center and hang out before church that evening and we invited Cristina along with us to hang out and then to church, and she came! I know God's hand was on that whole thing. I'm praying that she comes with Hannah and me again. One of the elders of the Italian Christian church, Ken, came up to her and started talking to her and he asked, "So, we will see you again?" and her response, "Yes! On Sunday evenings right?" :) We will see what happens.
The ESL teachers, Maureen, Becky and I, are going through a Romans study every week. How convicting is Romans??! VERY! The main concept that I have been learning... It's not about me! Nothing is about me! Everything from what we say to how we act need to point back to Christ... not ourselves. When we go through a hard time, we should rejoice, knowing that God wouldn't have planned it out that way if it wasn't going to bring Himself glory.
A quote from the book "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan is: "Worry implies that we don't quite trust God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives. Stress says that the things we're involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace towards others, and our tight grip of control." - This book is amazing! If you haven't read it.... you need to. This is my own personal study that I have been going through, and although it's not an actual "Bible study" it has practical concepts that are really convicting. What I love about this book is it's correlating with things from Romans. And what I love about Francis Chan is that he's very direct and to the point.... NO beating around that bush!
Anyways, those are a couple things going on in my life right now. Main prayer request: that I get to have several times of getting to hang out with Cristina and really be able to share the gospel with her. That the Holy Spirit opens up her heart and that she's wanting to know more. Thank you so much for your prayers and support through out this trip! What a huge blessing you've been to me and to the people of Italy!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Registration for and Teaching ESL
I was able to visit Bailey for a week! While I was there, she had registration for the ESL classes and began the classes. Here she is at the first class up at the board teaching.
This is after the last class of the night...the advanced class...they all seem to hang around and want to talk to the teachers. They end up going out a lot with the students after class or meeting them for coffee at other times.
The above two pictures are of registration for the ESL classes in Valvasone. There were so many people who registered for classes! It was beyond everyone's expectations...praise God!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
The past couple of weeks.
I'm so sorry I haven't written on this for awhile! I have been super busy.
Last Monday-Thursday we had sign-ups for ESL classes. We got a huge turn out in the two towns that we're teaching ESL, Udine and Valvesone. I believe all in all we have almost 200 people. :) That's so amazing, and I know that God brought the people He wanted to be there. That doesn't even count kids classes. :D
In between sign-ups, my mom came in on Wednesday. We had a great week. We went to Slovania and then to Venice. She got to come to Thursday night sign-ups in Valvesone. My mom also got to experience the Italian church, I think she liked it... but it's hard to get anything out of it. After church, we went to this castle, about 25 minutes away and had great food. It was very much a girly, fancy place. SOOOOOO pretty too.
Monday started classes, I was soooo nervous. Spoke way to fast... but all in all, I think I did somewhat okay. Tuesday Becky, my roommate, and I went down to Valvesone to teach with Maureen, my boss. It's such a different feel from Udine to Valvesone... very laid back and easy going people. Where as Udine is not like that... pretty much the complete oppostie.
My mom left yesterday..... It was one of the saddest days of my life. I don't know why it was so hard, because I'm only here for another 10 weeks. But it was super hard. I got up at 4:15 a.m. because a family friend that traveled with my mom and grandmother came and her flight left at 8 a.m. So, we had to get up to take her to the airport. So, we drove to Venice, where the airport is and dropped off my mom, grandmother and family friend then Mrs. Jeannette and I took the bus to the train station and then took the train back home. I wasn't feeling well, all morning... fever, headache, going back and forth between hot/cold, runny nose, etc. In the afternoon, I felt even worse, Becky and I left for classes, here in Udine and I just felt horrible, didn't teach any of the base class because I felt like I could throw up at any moment. So, I sat in the corner trying to act happy... I don't think it worked very well though.
Today I feel, the TINIEST bit better, but no where that I need to be to teach a class. My voice is pretty much at a whisper... it's not good. So, I don't think I will be going down to Valvesone to teach classes tonight... :(
Prayer Requests:
1) That I find someone in the intermediate or advance class that I can minister to.
2) That I start to feel better, so I can actually do what I came here to do.
3) That the people's hearts will be softened to here what we have to say.
Thank you so much for keeping me in your prayers. You guys are such huge blessings in my life.
Last Monday-Thursday we had sign-ups for ESL classes. We got a huge turn out in the two towns that we're teaching ESL, Udine and Valvesone. I believe all in all we have almost 200 people. :) That's so amazing, and I know that God brought the people He wanted to be there. That doesn't even count kids classes. :D
In between sign-ups, my mom came in on Wednesday. We had a great week. We went to Slovania and then to Venice. She got to come to Thursday night sign-ups in Valvesone. My mom also got to experience the Italian church, I think she liked it... but it's hard to get anything out of it. After church, we went to this castle, about 25 minutes away and had great food. It was very much a girly, fancy place. SOOOOOO pretty too.
Monday started classes, I was soooo nervous. Spoke way to fast... but all in all, I think I did somewhat okay. Tuesday Becky, my roommate, and I went down to Valvesone to teach with Maureen, my boss. It's such a different feel from Udine to Valvesone... very laid back and easy going people. Where as Udine is not like that... pretty much the complete oppostie.
My mom left yesterday..... It was one of the saddest days of my life. I don't know why it was so hard, because I'm only here for another 10 weeks. But it was super hard. I got up at 4:15 a.m. because a family friend that traveled with my mom and grandmother came and her flight left at 8 a.m. So, we had to get up to take her to the airport. So, we drove to Venice, where the airport is and dropped off my mom, grandmother and family friend then Mrs. Jeannette and I took the bus to the train station and then took the train back home. I wasn't feeling well, all morning... fever, headache, going back and forth between hot/cold, runny nose, etc. In the afternoon, I felt even worse, Becky and I left for classes, here in Udine and I just felt horrible, didn't teach any of the base class because I felt like I could throw up at any moment. So, I sat in the corner trying to act happy... I don't think it worked very well though.
Today I feel, the TINIEST bit better, but no where that I need to be to teach a class. My voice is pretty much at a whisper... it's not good. So, I don't think I will be going down to Valvesone to teach classes tonight... :(
Prayer Requests:
1) That I find someone in the intermediate or advance class that I can minister to.
2) That I start to feel better, so I can actually do what I came here to do.
3) That the people's hearts will be softened to here what we have to say.
Thank you so much for keeping me in your prayers. You guys are such huge blessings in my life.
Friday, September 25, 2009
It's the weekend
Wow, so much has happened this week.... it's definitely not been a relaxing one, and I feel my time for relaxing is gone and work is definitely beginning.
This week Mauren Little and I went up to Udine on Tuesday and Wednesday, which is about an 45 minutes-one hour away, to pass out fliers. OH THE WALKING WE DID! Seemed like at the end of the first day I could barely move my feet! Hannah Walti and I went up and down streets putting fliers in mail boxes, getting scared to death by dogs barking and trying to get out from behind the fence. We both said, "Now we know what the mailman goes through..." By the second day I felt like a pro! The strength God gives when you think you can't carry on! Crazy stuff, for sure!
Yesterday and today Mauren and I have been training at her house just a few minutes away. She's teaching me everything I need to know for ESL. Everything from time management to role playing on how to share the gospel. I got so overwhelmed on how to share the gospel because it's not evangelizing as you know it..... or at least how I knew it. Here you have to start from the basics. Whenever you start talking to them they think you're a mormon, and you have to explain that you're not and how evangelicals are different from mormon.... etc. etc. etc. Then most everyone here proclaims to be Catholic, yet they only know the basics of what they believe, because hardly any of them go to church on a regular basis. You never get to the Adam and Eve story. You have to know the basics about what you believe and what catholics believe and what mormons, or testimony as they call mormons, believe. It all was extremely overwhelming, and I did break down in tears after that. Tears of frustration but also tears of just being sad about how truly lost these people are. It's definitely going to be an interesting semester. But I already know God's hand is on everything that is going to be said and done. My prayer is that God speaks through me when talking to the Italians.
Whew! So, it's the weekend and what better way to relieve the business of the week, than by taking a trip all day tomorrow to Venice? I don't think there's anything better. All the students and I are going to take the 8:30 a.m. train. EARLY! But I think that we're going to have a good time. I will take loads of pictures to up on here and facebook.
This week Mauren Little and I went up to Udine on Tuesday and Wednesday, which is about an 45 minutes-one hour away, to pass out fliers. OH THE WALKING WE DID! Seemed like at the end of the first day I could barely move my feet! Hannah Walti and I went up and down streets putting fliers in mail boxes, getting scared to death by dogs barking and trying to get out from behind the fence. We both said, "Now we know what the mailman goes through..." By the second day I felt like a pro! The strength God gives when you think you can't carry on! Crazy stuff, for sure!
Yesterday and today Mauren and I have been training at her house just a few minutes away. She's teaching me everything I need to know for ESL. Everything from time management to role playing on how to share the gospel. I got so overwhelmed on how to share the gospel because it's not evangelizing as you know it..... or at least how I knew it. Here you have to start from the basics. Whenever you start talking to them they think you're a mormon, and you have to explain that you're not and how evangelicals are different from mormon.... etc. etc. etc. Then most everyone here proclaims to be Catholic, yet they only know the basics of what they believe, because hardly any of them go to church on a regular basis. You never get to the Adam and Eve story. You have to know the basics about what you believe and what catholics believe and what mormons, or testimony as they call mormons, believe. It all was extremely overwhelming, and I did break down in tears after that. Tears of frustration but also tears of just being sad about how truly lost these people are. It's definitely going to be an interesting semester. But I already know God's hand is on everything that is going to be said and done. My prayer is that God speaks through me when talking to the Italians.
Whew! So, it's the weekend and what better way to relieve the business of the week, than by taking a trip all day tomorrow to Venice? I don't think there's anything better. All the students and I are going to take the 8:30 a.m. train. EARLY! But I think that we're going to have a good time. I will take loads of pictures to up on here and facebook.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Okay, well I haven't had a whole lot of time to update... but I have a moment to be able to give y'all a glimps into my life right now.
Today, my evangelism class is ending. I'm pretty excited about that, no lie. I have two papers, my review on Acts and Tulip (Calvinists points) that I had to explain and agree/disagree with it, with Bible verses and logic backing my view, due today. Whew! So, the Acts one I have a minimal work still to do on it... So, after I update that's what I'll be doing. Then I have to study for the final that's today at 3:30 p.m. That's one thing that you could be praying for me about. I don't need a good grade, because this doesn't count for me for anything... what matters is that I have learned many things by being in the class. Even so, I do like getting good grades. So, I'm going to do my best.
Tomorrow, ESL training and handing out flyers begins. I'm excited about this. A different schedule, which I'm happy about. ESL classes officially start on October 5th. Four days a week from 6-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday. I'll be learning more throughout this week what else I'll be doing with it... So, more will be coming.
I will try to be better about updating this week. Since I don't have the class anymore, it should be easier. OH, I also made it where people can comment on my blog without having to have a blog... so if you want to comment, go for it. :)
Thanks for all your prayers and support.
Today, my evangelism class is ending. I'm pretty excited about that, no lie. I have two papers, my review on Acts and Tulip (Calvinists points) that I had to explain and agree/disagree with it, with Bible verses and logic backing my view, due today. Whew! So, the Acts one I have a minimal work still to do on it... So, after I update that's what I'll be doing. Then I have to study for the final that's today at 3:30 p.m. That's one thing that you could be praying for me about. I don't need a good grade, because this doesn't count for me for anything... what matters is that I have learned many things by being in the class. Even so, I do like getting good grades. So, I'm going to do my best.
Tomorrow, ESL training and handing out flyers begins. I'm excited about this. A different schedule, which I'm happy about. ESL classes officially start on October 5th. Four days a week from 6-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday. I'll be learning more throughout this week what else I'll be doing with it... So, more will be coming.
I will try to be better about updating this week. Since I don't have the class anymore, it should be easier. OH, I also made it where people can comment on my blog without having to have a blog... so if you want to comment, go for it. :)
Thanks for all your prayers and support.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
And we're off..
Well, today starts a new week.. and a very busy week. I'm glad for something to keep my mind busy. Seems this past week was a good adjusting week... but very slow, a lot of time to think how much I miss everyone back home and wishing I were still back at home. But now the work begins. :)
I'm having to take a class at the Bible college here in Italy... an evangelism class. A little overwhelming, since I didn't know I was actually going to have to be taking this class before I came. I have a 10, 4, and 2 page papers due in ONE week for this ONE class. PLUS, it's six hours a day, for ONE class.... GAH! 9:30-12:30 then 3:30-6:30. Part of me thinks even if I don't get good grades on this stuff, so what?! I didn't come here to do school, I came here to minister. BUT, I don't like getting bad grades... so I'm determined to do well, and "pass". Hopefully by tomorrow morning, I will have a great attitude about having to take this class. God has a plan right?
Okay, so one thing that I was really worried about, but God has been awesome is that I am rooming in ONE room with three other people. I wasn't sure about this, when I learned that I would be with other people... but it's been amazing. Abigale, Bethany, and Ashley. They are fun and great to hang around. And the other students are great as well. But God totally blessed me with great roommates for the next couple weeks that I will be living here at the Bible college.
Well, yesterday we learned how to get train tickets, stamps, etc. It was a good learning experience. I think a group of us will be doing things on the weekend, going to Austria and around Italy. It'll be awesome.
Next week, I will start training for ESL. Then the following week ESL classes will start. So, ministering is coming up, and I'm really getting excited about it. :) The people that I will work with, I have grown to like a lot more than I thought I would. Personalities seem to click pretty well. So, that's a huge answer to prayer.
I think that's about it for now, but I will write soon updating you on my life here in Italy.
I'm having to take a class at the Bible college here in Italy... an evangelism class. A little overwhelming, since I didn't know I was actually going to have to be taking this class before I came. I have a 10, 4, and 2 page papers due in ONE week for this ONE class. PLUS, it's six hours a day, for ONE class.... GAH! 9:30-12:30 then 3:30-6:30. Part of me thinks even if I don't get good grades on this stuff, so what?! I didn't come here to do school, I came here to minister. BUT, I don't like getting bad grades... so I'm determined to do well, and "pass". Hopefully by tomorrow morning, I will have a great attitude about having to take this class. God has a plan right?
Okay, so one thing that I was really worried about, but God has been awesome is that I am rooming in ONE room with three other people. I wasn't sure about this, when I learned that I would be with other people... but it's been amazing. Abigale, Bethany, and Ashley. They are fun and great to hang around. And the other students are great as well. But God totally blessed me with great roommates for the next couple weeks that I will be living here at the Bible college.
Well, yesterday we learned how to get train tickets, stamps, etc. It was a good learning experience. I think a group of us will be doing things on the weekend, going to Austria and around Italy. It'll be awesome.
Next week, I will start training for ESL. Then the following week ESL classes will start. So, ministering is coming up, and I'm really getting excited about it. :) The people that I will work with, I have grown to like a lot more than I thought I would. Personalities seem to click pretty well. So, that's a huge answer to prayer.
I think that's about it for now, but I will write soon updating you on my life here in Italy.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Changes
Well, Italy is simply beautiful... amazing... awesome... it's feels so weird to be here though!
So, I got in without a hitch! Was never in an airport longer than an hour or so! That was definitely a God thing. All my luggage was in Italy with me! Which was another God thing, because I had heard that British Airways was one of the worst at losing luggage. I definitely started out on the right foot.
I'm living at the Bible college until the end of this month. My roommate, Becky, is in CA with shingles... and is not able to fly until the 25th at the earliest... so we will see when she actually comes back, hope to know in the next week what the plan is. With Becky's sickness, classes, ESL classes, are getting pushed until probably October. A lot later than normal. I also just had Sam, the head of the SEE Teams, tell me that I will be taking an evangelism class with some of the Bible students for a week+ from 9:30-12:30 every day. I'm honestly, NOT happy about it. But it's not about me right? God has a plan. I'm needing to remind myself of that.. and it's probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.
Well, the other day the SEE Teams group had to clean up the college for the students coming tomorrow. Cleaning what seemed like hundreds of windows and dusting off even more desks, wardrobes.. etc! Crazy stuff. After cleaning we had our first staff meeting. Then I left with our dear friends, the Walti's, and have spent the past two nights with them. I've gotten to see Udine, eat some terrific gelato and bruschetta. YYYUUUUMMMMMMMYYY! Tonight I'm going to Bible study at the church that's all in Italian... so that will be interesting.
Prayer requests:
1) For Becky that she heals quickly, and is able to come back to Italy feeling well and ready to start ESL classes.
2) That I am able to understand a little more of the language, or at least enough to get by... it's pretty overwhelming.
3) That the people I encounter would be open to hearing about Christ and His love for them.
4) That I would remember that this whole trip is not about me, it's about serving others.
I know I will have more later, and I will update you on that and my new life here in Italy. Thank you for all your prayers and support! :)
So, I got in without a hitch! Was never in an airport longer than an hour or so! That was definitely a God thing. All my luggage was in Italy with me! Which was another God thing, because I had heard that British Airways was one of the worst at losing luggage. I definitely started out on the right foot.
I'm living at the Bible college until the end of this month. My roommate, Becky, is in CA with shingles... and is not able to fly until the 25th at the earliest... so we will see when she actually comes back, hope to know in the next week what the plan is. With Becky's sickness, classes, ESL classes, are getting pushed until probably October. A lot later than normal. I also just had Sam, the head of the SEE Teams, tell me that I will be taking an evangelism class with some of the Bible students for a week+ from 9:30-12:30 every day. I'm honestly, NOT happy about it. But it's not about me right? God has a plan. I'm needing to remind myself of that.. and it's probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.
Well, the other day the SEE Teams group had to clean up the college for the students coming tomorrow. Cleaning what seemed like hundreds of windows and dusting off even more desks, wardrobes.. etc! Crazy stuff. After cleaning we had our first staff meeting. Then I left with our dear friends, the Walti's, and have spent the past two nights with them. I've gotten to see Udine, eat some terrific gelato and bruschetta. YYYUUUUMMMMMMMYYY! Tonight I'm going to Bible study at the church that's all in Italian... so that will be interesting.
Prayer requests:
1) For Becky that she heals quickly, and is able to come back to Italy feeling well and ready to start ESL classes.
2) That I am able to understand a little more of the language, or at least enough to get by... it's pretty overwhelming.
3) That the people I encounter would be open to hearing about Christ and His love for them.
4) That I would remember that this whole trip is not about me, it's about serving others.
I know I will have more later, and I will update you on that and my new life here in Italy. Thank you for all your prayers and support! :)
Sunday, September 6, 2009
italy at last!
mint chocolate gelato
the "rest" of our micky d's :) yummy!
the cool table and stools that they had in the mcdonald's
the coolest chairs ever! you eat micky d's in style, over here in italy. :)
menu
mcdonald's menu.
the "rest" of our micky d's :) yummy!
the cool table and stools that they had in the mcdonald's
the coolest chairs ever! you eat micky d's in style, over here in italy. :)
menu
mcdonald's menu.well, i am now in italy. as of 1:05 p.m., or 13:05, today. it's beautiful here. very... italian! just what you see in the movies. :)
quick update before i go to bed, because it's 1:18 a.m. here. all my flights went well, each of them left on time! no more than an hour waiting at any gate! :) when i got in, i headed to the college where i will be staying probably through the end of this week if not longer... that's still up in the air, but i'll update about that on tuesday once i know what's happening. i took got ready for my first italian service, which wasn't too bad! it was interesting hearing the language... two people were trying to translate for me, they were really sweet. after service and meeting several new faces a group of us went to mcdonald's for dinner, it was really cool. two story, very colorful and clean! :) then for my first night we went and got gelato, which is even better than ice cream! so yummy. all and all, it's been a great first day, but i'm pretty jet-lagged. i will update more often now! can't wait to see what God is going to do here in italy!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Overwhelming stress
only about $2,000 more to raise! if you know anyone who would like to give, i would definitely be interested! thanks!
17 days until i leave and i'm overwhelmed about everything that i have to do.
i know my parents are trying to be helpful, and i thank them so much for that, but at times i can't help but to think they are making my life more difficult. once i think i'm good and checking off some items on my long list, they add more that i had forgotten. gah! i don't deal with stress well, but i'm trying to do the best i can.
what i have noticed is in trying to get everything done to go and be an ambassador for Christ.... i've lost my routine in praying regularly and reading my bible. it's as if i think i can wait until i get over there because i have so much going on right now.. when really this is the most important time to be praying and focusing on Him. so, as i have realized this now... i'm trying to work on it and trying to get my heart in the right place before i leave.
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on a happier note, my mom and grandmother have bought tickets to come visit me in italy for a week or so. i believe they are coming at the end of september through the 7th of october. i'm excited about it, and i know by that time i will be wanting to see them.
well, i think that's all for now.... i will try to start getting on a routine of updating this more often as well.
17 days until i leave and i'm overwhelmed about everything that i have to do.
i know my parents are trying to be helpful, and i thank them so much for that, but at times i can't help but to think they are making my life more difficult. once i think i'm good and checking off some items on my long list, they add more that i had forgotten. gah! i don't deal with stress well, but i'm trying to do the best i can.
what i have noticed is in trying to get everything done to go and be an ambassador for Christ.... i've lost my routine in praying regularly and reading my bible. it's as if i think i can wait until i get over there because i have so much going on right now.. when really this is the most important time to be praying and focusing on Him. so, as i have realized this now... i'm trying to work on it and trying to get my heart in the right place before i leave.
____________________________________________________________________
on a happier note, my mom and grandmother have bought tickets to come visit me in italy for a week or so. i believe they are coming at the end of september through the 7th of october. i'm excited about it, and i know by that time i will be wanting to see them.
well, i think that's all for now.... i will try to start getting on a routine of updating this more often as well.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Update Time
Well, God has been good. I have roughly 60% of my support raised! :) I am starting to make phone calls to people that I haven't received anything from and let me tell you I HATE it!! Making phone calls is the worst to me. I don't even care about them telling me that they can't right now, or whatever.... it's just sometimes awkward. Maybe it's just me, but oh goodness!
Recently, I received my passport and bought my plane ticket. That's definitely a huge chunk off my plate. I have also bought some clothing, etc. for Italy. I bought a coat for about $60, at Wilson's Leather... although it isn't leather. Weird? Yes, I think so. In fact, there really weren't a lot of leather coats in the store. (Sorry, I'm getting side tracked) Anyways, $60 for a coat not horrible and I can wear it for many years too... but really it will be hanging in my closet when I get back not really wearing it at all. Texas and heavy coats don't go together. Half the time you only need a hoodie... and even then sometimes it's too hot. - Okay moving on.... I bought some nice skirts and a couple pairs of shoes. I also bought a down comforter! :) I'm pretty excited about that one. I'm going to have to buy all my shampoo/conditioner, make-up, etc. to last me three months.
Everything is actually a little overwhelming to me right now. Like I'm so excited about everything, but I think I'll be the most excited when I'm on that plane knowing whatever I forgot, I forgot and knowing this is it... no more phone calls, no more writing thank you notes, no more running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Trying to see the end result is not normally an issue for me... but I think I'm having to do so much, as I said up top, it's getting overwhelming. There have been times that I already have and have wanted so much to just shut down and escape. My escape, my friends. Everyone at the church. Going over to tan in my friend Courtney's yard. Going to Sonic with a big group and laughing and having a good time. Driving around town with the music blaring and laughing while making up weird dances. Are those things wrong to do? No, of course not. That's how memories are made. It's how I'm doing them. I put other people before working on Italy stuff. I have fun first, then stay up too late working on everything that I need to get done. It's just a simple, yet so hard, adjustment. Figuring out my schedule, making goals for myself day-by-day.
Prayer Requests
1) Taking time to read my Bible everyday.
2) Time management - putting Italy before friends
3) That God would continue to be faithful and provide the 40% I still need to go over.
Recently, I received my passport and bought my plane ticket. That's definitely a huge chunk off my plate. I have also bought some clothing, etc. for Italy. I bought a coat for about $60, at Wilson's Leather... although it isn't leather. Weird? Yes, I think so. In fact, there really weren't a lot of leather coats in the store. (Sorry, I'm getting side tracked) Anyways, $60 for a coat not horrible and I can wear it for many years too... but really it will be hanging in my closet when I get back not really wearing it at all. Texas and heavy coats don't go together. Half the time you only need a hoodie... and even then sometimes it's too hot. - Okay moving on.... I bought some nice skirts and a couple pairs of shoes. I also bought a down comforter! :) I'm pretty excited about that one. I'm going to have to buy all my shampoo/conditioner, make-up, etc. to last me three months.
Everything is actually a little overwhelming to me right now. Like I'm so excited about everything, but I think I'll be the most excited when I'm on that plane knowing whatever I forgot, I forgot and knowing this is it... no more phone calls, no more writing thank you notes, no more running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Trying to see the end result is not normally an issue for me... but I think I'm having to do so much, as I said up top, it's getting overwhelming. There have been times that I already have and have wanted so much to just shut down and escape. My escape, my friends. Everyone at the church. Going over to tan in my friend Courtney's yard. Going to Sonic with a big group and laughing and having a good time. Driving around town with the music blaring and laughing while making up weird dances. Are those things wrong to do? No, of course not. That's how memories are made. It's how I'm doing them. I put other people before working on Italy stuff. I have fun first, then stay up too late working on everything that I need to get done. It's just a simple, yet so hard, adjustment. Figuring out my schedule, making goals for myself day-by-day.
Prayer Requests
1) Taking time to read my Bible everyday.
2) Time management - putting Italy before friends
3) That God would continue to be faithful and provide the 40% I still need to go over.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Italy
Well, as most of you guys know I am headed to Italy! It's a huge adventure and a leap of faith on my part. I will be gone from early September through early December... if you did the calculation that's three months. Three months of missing my family, three months of being on my own (for the first time ever, I might add), and three months of growing more in my Lord and Savior. All of this is extremely exciting to me! Being on my own, not going to school, meeting new people! I can hardly wait. :)
I just sent out my support letters last Wednesday, and I have already received support! I'm so in awe of how God's hand is all over this trip. For those of you who do not know, I'm needing to raise about $10,000. I will have to pay for my apartment, food, train/bus passes, ministry expenses, etc. Did I mention I will be on my own?? That means, sadly, no parents to pay for my bills and necessities... this is how God is going to grow me though right? This is all apart of the "leap of faith". Letting God take over and trusting in him to provide for my needs. Seems so hard, but is it really? We seem to be able to place our trust in people.. friends, family, even acquaintances. Why do we find it easier to place our trust in people rather than the God of this universe? This is a question I ponder as I myself have a hard time trusting in Christ alone.
My prayer over the summer and my time in Italy is that I would place trust in Christ and not rely on my own strength but God's. Some other prayer requests would be:
I just sent out my support letters last Wednesday, and I have already received support! I'm so in awe of how God's hand is all over this trip. For those of you who do not know, I'm needing to raise about $10,000. I will have to pay for my apartment, food, train/bus passes, ministry expenses, etc. Did I mention I will be on my own?? That means, sadly, no parents to pay for my bills and necessities... this is how God is going to grow me though right? This is all apart of the "leap of faith". Letting God take over and trusting in him to provide for my needs. Seems so hard, but is it really? We seem to be able to place our trust in people.. friends, family, even acquaintances. Why do we find it easier to place our trust in people rather than the God of this universe? This is a question I ponder as I myself have a hard time trusting in Christ alone.
My prayer over the summer and my time in Italy is that I would place trust in Christ and not rely on my own strength but God's. Some other prayer requests would be:
- Raising close to or full amount of support
- That God work through me over the summer to prepare me for the fall (I.E., learning Italian, working on my heart to minister to the unsaved, even just being able to "go with the flow" with things that might not go according to plan.)
- That the Italians, the team and I will be ministering to, would have an open mind and heart about the truths we will be sharing with them.
There will be more prayer requests I'm sure as the summer goes on. Thanks so much for praying for me and for those of you who have and will be supporting me to go to Udine, Italy. I appreciate it so much! Y'all are such a blessing in my life.
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