We needed that. . .

Last weekend we headed to a little Christian Retreat center about 30 minutes outside of Florence for an Italian staff conference. It is always good to be with other Campus Crusade staff--to be encouraged by God's Word and hear about what's happening through the ministry. We had no idea how much we needed it this time though. It was like water on a dry and dusty land!

There are about 70 Americans working with CCC in Italy this year. About 20 of those are long-term staff, and the rest are here interning for a year. There are a few other families, as well, which was SO GOOD for the kids. Gavin was especially homesick last week. He has been on the waiting list to get into an Italian preschool, but we're still waiting. He needed to play with some other kids so badly. So he played and played and played. It was cold and rainy most of the weekend, but it didn't phase him. How good for us, as parents, to see our kids' hearts encouraged! Hannah quickly made friends, as well, and is already talking about the next time we'll get to hang out with them (many of their new friends live in Rome).

For me, personally, it was also really good to be with other moms. There are just some unique challenges to family life in Italy. Especially doing what we do. So to be with other moms who are dealing with the same issues I am (like how to have a good parent/teacher conference with Hannah's teachers who speak no English) was such a boost for me.

Also very encouraging was hearing about what God is doing around the country. Since we are just starting the ministry in Bologna, it's been easy at times to feel discouraged by the lack of "something to show." That coupled with the stories we hear from all over the country about the hardness of the Italian heart can be overwhelming. God IS at work in Italy though! It was such an encouragement to hear stories of how people are beginning to see Italians soften to the gospel. In Rome they have started a children's ministry that has taken off beyond anyone's imagination. In Fiesole, a staff mom began a friendship with a very influential Italian mom that has opened doors to share the gospel with the Italian President's Society (a group of very successful, influential Italians). So exciting!

In the past couple of weeks we have felt a strange sense of discouragement. The kind you can't quite put a finger on. Though we are feeling settled and more comfortable with every day life, we have experienced several days of feeling completely inadequate for what we hope to see God do. More than inadequate but completely discouraged. Being reminded of the vision to reach Italy, being encouraged that our experience is normal, seeing our kids filled with fun. . . it was deeply good.