Sites visited:
Basilica of San Giovani
Basilica of San Clemente
Roman Forum
Paul's Prison
Sacred Steps
ICF

Standing in front and in inside of these historic and ancient places is just incredible and breath-taking. It's difficult to put into words the experience of standing in places like Paul's Prison and San Clemente and feeling the enormous spiritual connection that is almost imbedded into these walls.

While there is this connection within the bricks and stone it is overshadowed by the helplessness and lack of connection in the eyes of the people. While this is the cradle of Western Christianity, it is not a Christian nation nor a nation of hope.

8-14-05

Sites visited:
Paul within the Walls
Refugee outreach

In a hopeless situation there is a little chance to see a glimmer. Standing the parking lot as some of the refugees were getting some dinner, there was an almost immediate presence of the Spirit with us. Not only with us, but in the entire place. These Afghan men should have no hope and shouls hate us as Americans. But, the don't...They welcomes us and invited us into their home, even though they were living in a parking lot. There was some hesitancy among the men to come forward because of their culture. But, as the "regular" homeless took their tea and left, it was just amazing to see the welcoming that the refugees extended...They extended their hospitality to us, their guests.
The language barrier was difficult to break and I know that some of the men really wanted to talk politics with us. But, I couldn't understand the question that one man was asking. I answered what I thought was the question, but I could tell by his expression that wasn't what he wanted to have answered, but he was frustrated with his English skills, so he simply said thank you. It made me sad to think that this man really wanted to know what I thought (especially me, as a woman), but we couldn't communicate well enough to be able to share.

Jacqueline was a woman from Spain who was visiting with the church. It tooks us awhile to realize it, but we could communicate fairky well in Spanish. As people around us were talking in Italian/Arabic/English, we were talking in "Spanglish". It was something comforting to both be ale to speaking in a "natural" language for both of us. She reached behind me and rubbed my back. It was a gentele and comforting...A move of friendship as though we had known each other for years, but really only a few minutes. But, clinging to what made us "similar" had given us a connection that was immediate.

At church, during worship, it was incredibly interesting/ironic to be worshipping in an Anglican church, but in a charasmatic service. As the service continued, they asked for people who needed prayer to come forward to pray. As these came foreward, I began to pray in my pew. Suddenly, I felt a hand clasp mine and draw me in. Krissie explained that the woman I was standing with was named Asta. Her husband Jobi took their daughter 2-3 years ago and she hasn't seen her since. Asta still comes faithfully to church and lays her concern at the altar. As Krissie and I prayed for Asta, I could feel her desperation and pain in the midst of her sobs. But, more importantly, I could feel her hope. Although he experience told her that he husband was not going to bring her daughter back doon, her faith told her to have hope.

I'll try and post most of my thoughts & reflections from my trip. It helps me, because I have to turn this in to the director of the program, so I want to make sure that I've said things the way that I really want to say them....

So, here goes!

8-12-05

Our trip began with delays. Our plane in Chicago was "broken" and un-flyable. It was just a minor problem in the scheme of things, although with planes, it's hard to tell when things are simply "minor." While it was frustrating and irritating to be delayed nearly 5 hours, there wasn't anything more that could be done! We put our trust in the pilot and the airline and because it wasn't safe, he choose not to fly. So, we were literally stuck. I could tell that this set-back was doing a number on Richie. He had not been interested in flying whatsoever and had even gone so far to tell me that he would need to be carried on the plane because there was no way that he could get on the plane sober. I felt helpless as I watched him grow more uneasy and really nothing that I could have said would have made a difference. So, I said nothing. I was frustrated as some of the other members of the group were picking no him about the flight. I suppose I'm more sensitive to other people's feelings to see that this delay wasn't just irritating to him, but it was frightening. I told him to go and call Leslie, his wife. He seemed much better after that, and boarded with us. It all worked out as 5 hours later we boarded our plane to Frankfurt. Not that this situation was "fun" and not frustrating, there was still nothing that could be done. We were literally at the mercy of the airline. It was a gentle reminder that flexibility is key on this trip. We can't control every moment and therefore things will happen that are beyong out control. Yes, it's frustrating, but it's not something taht we can't worth through.

Sites seen the first day:

Trevi Fountain
Paul's Gate
Piramide
Piazza Nouvona
Outside of: Colossieum & the Pantheon

Ah, it seems like this trip has just flown by, but at the same time it feels like forever since we left the states. Since I have been immersed in Italy, I have grown more fond of and more in love with the Italian culture. Things here seem so calm and patient. The people don't seem to really get into arguments or fights (except for the traffic situation!)

I am nowhere near getting ready to leave and I really think that I could spend at least another week here...Just to soak it all in and be in the atmosphere. But, the members of my group are more than rady to leave. And although I am not ready to leave Italy, I think that I am ready to leave the members of my group behind...They are wonderful people, but I've had just about enough. There is no way that I, as a blonde, could ever begin to think that I would really blend in and look like an Italian...I have no grandiose ideas that would happen. But, as soon as the members of my goup open their mouths it becomes so aparent that we are an American group. Tonight at dinner, I wanted to get up and leave because they were really being obnoxious. The server was trying her best to understand us in English, when Italian is her native tongue, the restaurant was very busy, and she was stretched to the max. But, they made comments and snide remarks about the service. I suppose some would see it as just commenting on the situation, but I certainly saw it as complaining and rude. Now, part of the problem and the reason could be that I am ready for a break, but there is some truth to the fact that we, as Americans, havea certain air about us. There is no question and there is no doubt about that, especially after this trip! I don't want to make it seem that I'm superior by any means, because I behave just as American as the next, but I do try and make myself aware of what I am doing...

So, everyone headed back to the hotel this evening for a rest, and I couldn't bring myself to spend time in a hotel when I have paid so much money to really experience Italy! I don't know, I suppse that some of it could be equated to my youth (Which it definately has in this group, as I am the youngest and made aware of that!), but I really can't be sure of that. Our translator/guide/interpretor was wonderful here in Florence, she planned out our day and showed us how to get places...She really was wonderful and I think because of our closeness in age, we clicked a lot...But, I think that my inner Italian was speaking as well! But, she and I walked through the market again while everyone else was resting and I really can't believe how smooth these Florence men are. I know that I could have bargained a little bit more for some of the things that I got, but I was so flattered by their remarks, that I just paid the extra, which I'm sure was part of their ploy!

But, this one this evening I think really took me...At least in terms of flattery. He was an artist in the streets, doing portraits and I tried not to make eye contact, because I was not too sure how far I was from the hotel and I had to meet the group for dinner (They were tired again, so I wandered alone this time...). But, he came right up to me and was completely complimentary and flattering that I agreed for him to draw my portrait, which he did a wonderful job on, I might add. But, as he was drawing, he gave me an insight into Italian men and what it was that they were doing. In some ways, it is not a ploy, but it is their way of showing affection. They don't just think things, they come out and say what it is that they are thinking. He asked if American men were the same and I said of course not! They tend to keep things inside...Nobody really talks to each other that much. I suppose that's a huge generalization, but there is some truth to it... He told me as I was leaving (And after I had paid him...) that he was sure that I was going to move to Italy and when I did, I would drive the men crazy. He held my hand and said that they would look into my eyes and just fall in love, and he knew that was true because he had just drawn them... Talk about melting! Now, yes it could have been a line, but let me tell you...It was a line that I didn't mind hearing. So, if I got taken, I guess it was worth it!

So, I suppose that's not really a "God moment", but it is no doubt and Italy moment!

Please pray for us as we travel back to the States on Sunday. After hearing about the several plane crashes, several in our group are very aprehensive about flying. So, pleace pray that they will have peace and comfort and that we will arrive on US soil safe and sound on Sunday night! God bless!

Florence!

Ah, Florence...It's so amazing to be in these places. Especially to be in these places once again! I can't even begin to tell you how amazed and awed I am by everything aroudn me. The churches/basilicas are just astounding. The people are so friendly, but yet so empty. The streets are filled with activity late into the night! It is just breath-taking!

I asked God for a soild sign tonight if I'm really being called here...I think that I received it, but I suppose I'm still fighting. There are so many implications with what that means and I really can't deal with them right now. I'm also not really sure if I heard it right or maybe I'm still putting to much of myself into the decision. God has put all the right people behind me, but yet I am still doubting. Why am I doubting? As I told someone tonight, I have a whole list of reasons why I shouldn't be here. But, there is one haunting me that this is the right place.... Please continue to keep me in your prayers as I still discern this voice.

God bless!

We are reunited once again! The team has been put back together and we are touring Florence for the next 3 days...Now, the group is not in solidarity as people are still sick and are also tired, so please continue to pray for us as we are still going to be together for another 4 days! Florence is an amazing city...I've been here once before only for a day, but things are coming back to me and it is simply amazing! I can't even begin to tell you how much I love this country! I swear, I really could move to Italy...But, there are some things in the way (more on those later!)

There were disctinct differences between Rome & Milan & Florence and it's been so interesting to see them just in our first few hours within the different cities. There is so much to take in and so much to see that you simply get dizzy and have to catch your breath! I am constantly amazed by what is happening in here.

I was a little dissappointed last night as the members of the group that I was with were "complaining" about the trip. The thing that I have to remember is that they are all married and have left their family behind. Right now, I don't have that obligation and I am free to travel without anything to think about. I suppose that makes me "lucky" in one respect, but it's also very lonely in another. Whenever I start to think about it...I get hit on by an Italian man...They are quite forward here! But, here in Florence...they are very, very smooth! I think I have blushed at least 3 times in the 3 hours that we've been here...Amazing!

More God moments when I return!

Milano!

I'm in Milan now! There are so many amazing stories to tell of our trip thus far. I'm limited in time, but I want to share them all with you! Let's just suffice it to say that God has been so amazing this journey. We have been so blessed to meet and work with the people that we have. I don't think that I have cried so much! There have been high points and low points, but the spirit has definately been moving. Please continue to pray for us! We'll be leaving Milano on Tuesday and heading into Florence, then flying out from Rome on Sunday!

I'll share more as time allows!

falling in the streets! So, I didn't know that it was going to rain in Milano today... and I chose to wear shoes that really aren't the smartest...We're heading back to the hotel after this, so I'll be able to rest and bandage my wounds and change my shoes! It's all good though...I don't really embarass easily, so it's not a big deal, I shrug it off and go!

Okay...One quick story!

Our last night in Rome, we decided that we would do some street evangelism. The last 2 days were really powerful and so we decided that it was time to listen to God's voice and do what God was telling us! But, as the day wore on people became more and more tired... Well, I had asked Chuck (our missionary guide) to call some people that he works with to meet us in Piazza Nouvona, where we would do some work. This is a very eclectic square and many many many people were there. But, again as the day wore on, people were getting very tired...This was also when one of our group became ill, but that's another story... So, it comes to the time when we're going to meet Lawrence & Ruben in the piazza and people start to say that they want to go home...Well, quite frankly I was ready too, but I felt guilty because I had specifically asked Chuck to call these people, so I and 3 others decided to stay behind. But, I had a bad attitude about it... I'm not gonna lie...and I kept running into Americans who were just downright nasty. I was ready to leave and I even told Justin (another missionary) that I thought it was dry tonight and I put my literature on the bench. Lawrence & Ruben were still going strong though. Then, I remembered Chuck's words before he left with the other half of the team... It was our job to encourage Lawrence & Ruben above everything else. So, Lawrence & Ruben were having a heated discussion with another Italian group, so I just went over behind them and started to pray. As their conversation became louder and more heated, another member of our group came over as well. As we were standing there, completely unaware of what was being said, a man on a skateboard came by. He was a Romanian refugee who was crippled and was roaming the piazza looking for handouts. He came over to our small little group and looked up at Richard & I. Richard insisted that he didn't have any money, but that's not what this man wanted. "Romanian" he simply stated and I wresteled with Richard's backpack until I found a tract that was in Romanian. I handed it to him and smiled... "Gracie a Dios!" he shouted with a huge grin and a bright face and continued on his way, never asking any of us for money. My heart was filled with joy and I thought that was why I was still there that night...If for nothing else, then to give that man something about God in his own language! But, there's more... Soon after that, I felt someone behind me. I turned and look and sad "Italiano" so I could give him a Gospel of John. He smiled and said "No, Russo" (Russian), well I rummaged through a few things and said that I didn't have anything and Richard said that he had gotten something before. Well, this man started to speak to me in Italian, thinking that I could understand, so I called Ruben over. Their conversation was warm and joyful and engaging. About 10 minutes into it, Ruben told me that I need to hear this man's testimony. He was sick for about 5 years and God healed him... He couldn't work or do anything, but God healed him! Now, all he wanted to do was praise and worship God. It was simply amazing. For that spell when I was extremely negative and wanting to leave, I left completely joy-filled and so happy to have stayed behind!

So, what is God telling me on this trip? God is calling me to Italy...But, I'm not exactly sure how yet. I don't know if it's long-term or short-term trips. I think that my own desires, hopes, and fears are clouding God's voice. So, as you remember the team in your prayers, please remember me specifically and ask that I hear God's voice clearly in the midst of the chaos. Thank you and God bless you!

Roma a Roma!

Rome is amazing! We are having a wonderful time seeing the sites of the city and of history. It's just as incredible to encounter the people that we are seeing. We have met so many beautiful people and we've really only been here for a couple days. This afternoon we'll be assisting in worship: some preaching, I'll be singing, and others doing various other things. It's just mind boggling to think that we're doing some of these things in Rome of all places.

It's also breath-taking to just see some of these ancient and historic sites. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue our journey!

Greetings to ya'll from Rome! It's amazing to be here in this city of amazing history and beauty and just an incredible atmosphere! It's hard to believe that we've been here just a couple days and yet still seen some of the things that we've seen. We are still in awe of the sites such as: Paul's Prison, the Forum, and various churches that we've been inside. This afternoon we'll be assisting in worship: Some preaching, some leading, and I'll be singing. It's so incredible to think that we'll be doing some of these things in a foregin country, let alone in Rome, Italy! Tonight, we'll be working with an Afghan refugee community, so please keep us in your prayers. I'm so grateful to be here and so insipired by this trip! On Wednesday, I'm hoping that I'll be able to re-create my profile picture, as we stop in the village of Orte. I have no idea where that stoop is because it was hidden amognst the alley ways and side streets, but God will provide!

Leaving!

I'm leaving bright and early tomorrow morning! If you are interested, I'm going to try and post some of my thoughts/experiences as I can on here.

Feel free to post coments/love everywhere and I will respond when I come back! God bless you!

Greetings to you in this humid August month! I am preparing for this same weather in Italy in just a few days. It is hard to believe that the trip is so close, but in less than a week, I will be exploring the streets of Rome and working with the refugees in Romanian camps.
There is a group of 7 representatives from United Theological Seminary and I have done most of the planning and arranging for this trip. We will be traveling to Rome, Milan, and Florence for a little over two weeks. During this time, we will be working with missionaries Chuck & Krissie Cilano in Rome. Exact details will be finalized once we meet with Chuck & Krissie for the first time, but we know that we will be working in some fashion in a Romanian refugee camp, Muslim homeless groups, working with various churches, and exploring Italian culture.
This is an exciting trip and a wonderful adventure to take. We will also be able to explore both the history of the early Christian churches, but also see the present of these churches. It is impossible to visit Rome and not see tome to the historic sites such as: the Forum, The Coliseum, and the Vatican. So, we will be able to explore those sites as well.
Our time in Milan and Florence will be spent viewing historical landmarks and engrossing ourselves in the Italian culture. We hope to be able to come back with a better understanding of what the Church is doing in Italy and how people actually live. In the beauty of the cities, it’s often easy to miss some of the “real life” and how people actually live in these places.
I thank you so much for your support of me and this trip. It is very encouraging to feel the support and to know that there are people who will be praying as we are on this journey. I look forward to sharing many stories when I return and, of course, many pictures as well! God bless you and please continue to keep this group in your prayers August 11- August 28