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!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
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.
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