Wanting

Italy, how long have you been living in my heart?
I can't even say; I have no idea as to how you even got in there. :) Oh wells, you're there now and there's no helping that.

As you all probably know, I've spent my last two semesters at the Bible College in Murrieta. And throughout this past year, a LOT has happened. Well, that's how I feel anyways. But I believe the Lord has completely turned me around and upside down and placed me here, in Montebelluna. And so far, it's a complete blessing.

Italy is nothing like what I had expected. :) I left home September fourth and arrived the fifth. Surprisingly, the plane ride went exceptionally well. Praise Jesus! I get lost in my own mall. :P In any case, the director of my school picked me and another girl Victoria, who turned out to be my roommate, up from Venice.

We ended up at the cutest little flat. It's right above a little funiture store. ;) It has a small kitchen, living room, veranda, and three bedrooms. I'll be honest, I immediately felt awkward. Scratch that. I never feel awkward, I am awkward- In absolutely every sense of the word, but that's something you'll just have to get over and accept. The point is, there was a little homesickness...a little "what did i get myself into."

But I've learned, it's best to just admit your weaknesses to Christ Jesus immediately, because He already knows them anyways. So i did. There was a lot of "admitting" that night. I also asked Him to teach me, to soften my heart, and to give me the strength to endure, all while praising His name. And let me tell you, the Lord is faithful!

He has also, quite frankly, blessed me with the most amazing roommates ever! (well, i still got some favorites back home but they know that) But truly, today was the first day of women's dicipleship and I was blown away. All of these girls have something to give and share already...I cannot even imagine how much the Lord will grow all of us individually by the end of the semester. I am expecting much fruit. :)

As for my classes, I am taking Romans, Minor Prophets, Intro to Cults, and 2 Corinthians. Again I have to admit- so far, so good! God's Word is mighty and powerful. But I think what I have been convicted most by is my lack of compassion for the lost. I have the truth. I have been saved, forgiven of all my sins. And yet, I don't share the gospel as much as I should. This is one of the many reasons I have been so blessed by coming to Italy...they have such a heart for missions and have already taught me how to practically share my faith on a daily basis. Now I just need boldness! < Prayer Request #1

Another great thing about Italy is obviously the culture! I l-o-v-e shopping in the local markets or going to the nearby coffeeshop. I also got to visit the catholic church with beautiful stained glassed windows. And I get to hear the churchbells every morning! Such a luxury!

I don't know, I think it took me an hour to just write this...and there's still so much that I haven't even mentioned...The Lord is good.
But, I gotta stop while I'm ahead.
Honestly, I love you all and I'm so grateful for all your continued prayers. Call me! ummm the phonenumber is totally upstairs and I'm lazy haha...You can either ask my mom for it or just wait for my next entry. It won't be international! Somehow it's stationed in orange county sooo...well i don't know how it works but it does and it's free for me!

So pray for me! I need it.
Pray for the people of Italy.
Pray for my roommates. And unity!
Pray for my teachers.
Visit my madre and daddy and give them loves for me. :)

P.S I miss Juniper...like no OTHER! :(
I'm having withdrawels

OHHHHHH and the thrift store here...is going to become my new home. :)

P.P.S my milk expired today...it kinda made me depressed : /