Per I Miei Amici Italiani - For my Italian friends

Okay, so many of you know that I purchased a "FORZA FIORENTINA" scarf to hang up in my classroom. And that I have the picture of Luca Toni and I at my desk. Here are the long awaited pictures of both!




And for those of you who don't know, Fiorentina is the professional soccer team in Florence and Luca Toni used to be the star player for the team (he now plays for Bayern-Munich)

Bella Firenze

I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel back to Florence to visit my friends and spend Easter with them. What a wonderful week it was of re-connecting with old friends, Italian and American, as well as making new ones. It was amazing how it felt so natural and so normal being back there. And in some ways, I felt like I was in a dream. Was this really happening? Am I really back here? During that week I was able to go on campus and share with students about the love of Christ. Though it was only one day on campus, it truly spoke to the core of my heart. I was discovering my true self again, I was a woman fully alive!

While I was there during that week, I also went and visited a school about possibly getting my certification to teach in Italy. It was great. I was able to talk to the director of the program and find out all the information I needed. I also was able to have some great conversations with some of the staff women who share my vision of starting a Christian school for the Agape staff children, and even possibly open it up to international students. In many ways I felt God's confirmation that He will be bringing me back there long term to serve Him, and to serve Him through teaching!! I am so excited about that possibility! And I am praying that it happens sooner than I expect it!

My time in Italy was sweet and refreshing, with spending time with dear friends, and with spending time with my Savior. I truly felt His presence all around me. I felt His love, His arms wrapped around me. Whenever I would start get nervous or anxious about returning, the Lord calmed my nerves with His peace and I could clearly hear His voice gently whisper comfort to me "Be still and know that I am God. Trust me and do not fear". And that is exactly what I am doing. Placing my trust in Him and waiting for His perfect timing.

And I want to leave you with these verses that continue to bring hope and encouragement to my heart. I pray that they encourage you as well.

"In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength." Isaiah 30:15

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone, my hope comes from Him...trust in Him at all times, O people, pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge." Psalm 62:1-8

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21