One Step at a Time. . .

Things continue to go incredibly well, and as summer comes to an end and Italian school is about to start each family is falling back into their regular routines. My schedule has filled very quickly, but I look forward to having areas to help out with.
This past Thursday, I took the younger group of kids downstairs during "Team Worship" to do a story that may hold their interest longer. I walked away feeling a little discouraged the next morning. The kids were bouncing all over the place and I wasn't sure that a word from the story had been absorbed. However, in the following days I had encouraging words from the parents that the children had come back talking about "David and Goliath", . .. the story we had discussed. It put a huge smile on my face, and to know that they absorbed even the context of the story meant a great deal.

Today I had an opportunity to help with homeschooling for the second time. It is definitely one of the more structured things that I have helped with, but I LOVE it. Since being here, I feel like God has completely reignited a passion for learning in my own heart. It is such a blessing to be able to learn in a culture so full of history and art.

Also in the past week or so I have gotten much more comfortable with the public transportation. I can at least get myself out to Rivoli where the other families are. The little bit of independence has been rather refreshing and has left me feeling like I'm ready to take on the world!. . . . I'm undecided as to whether or not that is a good thing or not.

Bonding Time . . .

This week, while I have been house sitting for the Caldbecks who took their children for a surprise vacation, I have been able to spend a great deal of time at Ken and Mindi Heizer's house with their seven children. The time that I have spent at their house the past three days has been such an incredible blessing, and I learn more and more everyday. Ken has a way of describing things that I have heard over and over again in a way that makes it seem completely new.

Yesterday Mindi had two of her italian neighbors come over too bake cookies with the Heizer clan. While baking, Ken sat and read the passage about God being the potter, and we the clay in italian. So fitting for the days activities! He then compared it to the cookies that we were making. That without the hands to combine the ingredients, mold the dough, roll it out, put it in the oven and take it out, then the ingredients are nothing. The dough cannot move on its own, it cannot function. In the same way, we cannot function without the hands of Christ. Julia, one of the neighbors was soaking it up!

After cookies, the girls mother came over for coffee and instantly began to open up to Ken and Mindi about different struggles that she is facing. It was captivating to see how everyone was interacting so intimately and trusting, in a culture that would typically do the opposite. It is miraculous that the Heizer family is able to have such an open-door relationship so quickly that would cause their neighbors to have a desire to know more about the Lord and hear from the Bible.

Ken today said how our purpose is often secondary to God's. Again something that i have heard, but have seen in such a new light since I've been here. I came with the purpose of helping missionary families, to do whatever I can to allow them to minister more effectivly, and yet in coming i have learned so much already. God has completely reignited my desire to know Him, and my desire to learn more. He has opened my eyes the the fact that there is something new everyday, new people, new possibilities, and always something to learn. To come and see the passion for people that the Heizer family has has been incredibly encouraging.
Another conversation that took place was how so ofteen, we as people begin to take credit for that which God is worthy of. Instead of God speaking to the people, it slowly turns to "I" spoke to these people. I pray that I never get to that point, that I would never look back and believe that I am the one who is coming to help these families, but that it is God who is simply using me as a way to accomplish his plans. I cannot wait to see what changes may occur over these next few months.

The next chapter,....

Conference was absolutely incredible! Imagine Missions conference,..only about 10 times more intense. It's like a church family coming back together after two years of not seeing eachother.
I wasn't able to attend any of the main conference, but i was helping downstairs with the children in a VBS program. The kids were so excited! It is very rare that they even get to attend a sunday school class that is in their primary language. This is also the only time that they get to connect with children who are going tthrough similar things as themselves. I quickly learned that MK's (missionary kids) have a whole different set of struggles and emotions as ordinary kids,..in addition to all those "normal" issues.
God did so many amazing things that week! It was incredible to be with a group of people so focused on changing peoples lives. It was incredible, to sit and tell how God has led me, and then when feeling I need to explain what it means to feel at home in a country you've never lived in,...having someone fully understand without explanation. To feel that the world really is completely open and there are opportunities down every road, and its just a matter of finding the one God has for you, but to know that its out there is such an amazing feeling.
The workers for the VBS were wonderful as well. I was certainly blessed not only by their kindness, but also in the ways that God used them.
Before leaving, I had considered bringing a suitcase of craft supplies for the kids. However, i did not feel a peace about it, and it just didn't seem logical. Well, the VBS workers approached me and asked that since they didn't want to bring it all back home, our team would be interested in taking the remaining craft supplies!! Thank the LORD. "God is never late, but seldom early" (thank you Mrs. Reimers). He showed me once again that He will always provide!! It was such a blessing!!
The more time i spend with each family, the more I fall in love with them. The kids aer wonderful, and although they each come with their own challenges, God has put such an incredible understanding and burden in my heart for them.
There is so much that I wish I could be able to do, that i am excited to see accomplished, and yet I havn't got any idea how it owuld be possible in three months. There are also a few teens on the team who I look foreward to getting to know better. Who knows what other doors God may open. All i know is that I already hate that i have to leave in october!

Family dinner. . .

It was Sunday yesterday so Laura and I went to a church here in Collegno. I can't say how I felt about the sermon,..considering I couldn't understand a word of it. Well,...a few words maybe. I pulled out things such as light of the world and such but that is only because they are closer to spanish than english. However, the music was great! They sang a few that I know in english, but had the words on a projector, so I could actually follow them in Italian. The pastor threw out a few words in english during the sermon too. Only once or twice,..but i found it slightly humerous.
Anyone who knows my normal sunday routine knows that it is "family dinner" night. Well last night I met my family here in Italy. The team got together for an evening of "Grill and Chill" Which turnned into "Chill and potluck", but nonetheless it was great! The food was delicious, and it was an incredible opportunity to get to meet everyone, most of them for the first time. There are SO many kids!! But they all seem great!!
Being able to talk with some of the different team members to see what their goals, and viewpoints on different things has been really encouraging, and a key part in helping me grasp a better idea on what is going on religiously in the Torino area and what the team is really working towards.
God has already started to show me so much in the few days that I have been here. He's opened my eyes and heart to not only things that I can do to help the other families, but also to different areas in which I still have so much to grow! I am excited to see how far this journey can take me, and I know already that it has the opportunity to greatly surpass any of my own goals. God is amazing!
It's time to start packing again! I head out for the conference in Switzerland tomorrow, but will be staying with the Caldbeck's tonight so I can get familiar with their house, which I'll be staying at for a few das when I get home. Also so that we can get an earlier start tomorrow morning. I'm sure it will be a packed week, and I have no idea what to expect! At this point, what's one more unknown?! I welcome it!

Ciao. . .

I did arrive safetly yesterday around 3:30pm. I knew I had to be getting close as I could see the snow capped mountains underneath the plane. They were stunning, and only one of many reminders that God has put on the earth of His power and mercy. To look at theose mountains, realizeing that He built them, He could cause them to crumble in an instant...and yet protects us from such devastation takes my breath away.

Although the trip was decently smooth and without tribulations, it made my heart happy to see the familiar faces of the Caldbecks who were to pick me up, and who I knew spoke english! The ride to the apartment provided some nice, worry-free downtime. For the first time all day I didn't have to think about what my next few steps would be. The towns are beautiful, and the architecture could captivate me endlessly.

The apartment space that I have been blessed with is gorgeous. I am currently sitting on my bed. I have the doors open to the balcony, from which I can see not only the city but the mountains as well. It is a simple room, but perfect. There is no tv in the apartment, but you would be amazed at how the lack of one can change the whole atmosphere. It's a much welcome change.

It feels like an early fall day in terms of New England weather. The sun is shining without a cloud interfering with the crystal clear blue sky. Laura, the girl that I am staying with, has invited me out with some aquaintences of hers for the day. It is a perfect day for a trip to the market, which is where we will be headed.

Ciao!

Guided Steps. . .

Well, Where do I begin?! For starters, we were on our way out of Monson when Dad realized that we hadn't even printed off the flight plan. If only I had accepted that as an omen for how the adventure was about to go!

We get to Boston, and go to the wrong terminal, but that was a minor detail. After little time and hassel, we ended up with my luggage checked through and ready to go! We even had time to grab some food before I entered my terminal. Goodbye's were bittersweet, but there were minimal tears shed. I made it through security with absolutely no issues! Thank the Lord!

The flight out of Boston was delayed by half an hour, and we ran a little behind in the air. All together it was a pleasant flight and the person who ended up next to me was great company. We talked different travels, etc. He was a world traveler and I swear God sent him to calm my nerves. He was wonderful, and certainly prepared me for the adventure that was to follow!

I was off the plane at 7:15, but my connecting flight was already bording, and scheduled to take off at 7:35. I still had to get on the shuttle to take me to the actual airport building, and then find yet another shuttle to bring me to my gate which was all the way at the opposite end.. . . while stopping for a passport checkpoint as well (of course!). On the way, i had already been preparing myself that I might miss my flight.

On the shuttle, I immediately clicked off with a girl who was traveling with her mother. Their flight was scheduled for 7:15. yea,...we were all panicking a little inside! But they were amazing! Turns out that they were going to the same terminal. The shuttle we were supposed to take,...nowhere to be found. So, we booked it! and i mean ran! Through the whole airport,..all the way around! But we made it there and went our seperate ways. They were the biggest blessing. Little did I know it wasn't over yet.

I checked out the boards, which said my flight had closed boarding. I decided to check anyway and see what they could do. I reach the gate, only to see my airplane flying away,..without me on it (if ya hadn't gotten that yet!). After asking around a little bit, I made it to the service desk, where i found my lovely friends yet again! They had missed their flight as well, and God's impecable timing allowed us to enjoy breakfast together,..compliments of the airline.

At that point I had 5 hours to go before my rescheduled flight. On the bright side, it gave me plenty of time to make it through security and find my terminal,..where I now sit. Safe and Sound. (Anyone who knows my sense of direction knows that's a complete miracle!)

God never ceases to amaze me! He's taught me so much already in the few hours I've been on ths adventure with Him! Everything I had prayed for, He provided. Peace. That He would guide my footsteps. That He would put people in my path when necessary. He is SO good! I even had an awesome opportunity to witness to the guy I sat next to on the plane! My energy level,..still high! Which is amazing,..considering it is 3:53am Boston time,...and I have a full day ahead of me. It is only 9:53am Italy time! Keep the prayers comin'! No doubt they have gotten me through this far.

P.S. Sorry if the spelling is completely off! It's been a long day, and spell check is in french!