ministry week. fine arts. and the loveliness of verona.

the last two weeks have been full of new adventures. last week was the third week of a missions/evangelism class, in which we were able to help the local church in pordenone. each morning consisted of handing out tracts/church info to bars and homes for several hours, followed by lunch and riposo (italian siesta). during the afternoons we were split up into groups to either help in ESL classes sharing about our lives in america, or performing mimes (dramas) and engaging in conversations in a piazza in pordenone. i got to portray a religious person in the mimes, and one night i had the chance to explain the meaning of the mime/a brief gospel explanation through an interpreter. the week went very quickly, and we are continuing to pray for the Spirit to breathe life into those who heard the good news. 

            i definitely have been shocked by the lack of understanding of the gospel in this beautiful land. my heart is breaking for these people who have yet to hear the good news. most claim catholicism, hoping to make it to heaven on the basis of good works. if only they knew of the grace and kindness of Jesus! i am unsure what my role is in the evangelization of italy, but i am eagerly praying for God to send out laborers into the harvest.

            last weekend almost our entire class took a lovely day trip to the enchanting city of verona. it was the most beautiful sunny day, perfect for exploring the city. from walking around the arena to visiting juliet’s balcony to climbing the stairs of the bell tower to enjoying the view from an old castle, it was a day of adventures. here are a few of my favorite pictures:

the arena

juliet’s balcony

top of bell tower

top of hill from castle ruins

currently i am in a fine arts class, studying much of the art in italy before and during the renaissance. days are long sitting in six hours of class, but i am really looking forward to week two of the class – touring venice, rome, and florence to actually see much of the art we’ve been studying! more on that to come, i’m sure!

Jesus is really blessing me with strengthening relationships, but honestly it is quite hard to be far from home – especially during spring break while my family is all in florida. internet is pretty poor here, so communication with home is typically impossible – from this i am learning many lessons on trusting Abba to provide exactly what i need when i need it.

today i am loving psalm 142, taking much comfort in the honest words of david and in his confidence in the goodness of God, specifically in the last lines of the psalm. today i am thankful that God is faithful. today i am thankful that He is here.