We finished our two weeks of classes. Two weeks of sharing our stories, why we left our homes, and God’s unconditional love for every single person. I would say almost every student received it well, and it made sense to them why we are gone for 9 months. We are extremely blessed here in Southern Italy. From the delicious food every meal, to the welcoming host families, to the kids we’ve built relationships with, and the beautiful moments we get to experience - we are so blessed. God is answering our prayers in more ways than one. 

I was also able to see my mom and sister for two days a couple weeks ago. My mom is leading trips called Bible Study Live, and her first trip was to Rome. They happened to be in Italy at the same time that I was, and it was a gift from the Lord that I was able to see them. Those small moments just point me back to the fact that God cares for me even in the small details. 

In one of the classes there was one kid who was incredibly engaged, asking questions, and speaking very good English. In that class there were a bunch of boys so of course it was impossible to hear over them, and have a coherent conversation. I pulled up a chair next to him and continued our conversation. He was an atheist, and he said that he believed in science rather than God. I explained how I believe that science and God go together, and science confirms the existence of God. I gave the example of laminin. Laminin is the chemical that gives all of our cells a job to do, it essentially gives cells purpose. When you think about it, everything is made up of cells, so it plays a pretty big role in our world. The best part about this is that laminin is in the shape of a cross. Jesus is the only one that can give us purpose, call us by name, and shape our identity. 

Saying goodbye to someone when you don’t know when you’ll see them again is heart wrenching. Leaving Isernia, we had to do that. There were three kids who were instantly family, whom we spent every day with. Saying goodbye to them was genuinely one of the hardest things I've had to do in a long time. Just because I know the Lord is not done working in them and in their towns, and I am sad I don’t get to be there to see Him do it. After leaving we came to Sorrento. 

Last week in Sorrento was our debrief week, so we discussed what the Lord did and what He wants to do in and through us. We also spent time with all of the people that went home for the holidays. Some of them left for a month, and then will join us again in Mexico on January 2. Last week was amazing. The memories we made, the conversations we had, the moments we shared singing and playing guitar. We were soaking up every last second with them. Then, inevitably, the moment came where we had to say goodbye. Once again, that was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do in a long time. The fact that most of them are coming back made it a lot easier, because we know we will see them again. Although that doesn’t take away from the fact that it now feels like our family is gone. It’s more than just friendship, it’s more than just brother and sister in Christ. They are our family, and being in Sorrento without them feels incredibly empty - it doesn’t feel right. 

The past few days I have been struggling mentally, physically, and spiritually. I have been sick, and it has been constantly raining and cold. I’ve been kind of forced to stay in my little cabin, so I think I was spiraling for a bit. Mentally, I was in my head about a lot of things, and just sitting with anxiety does nothing fruitful. I have to remember that I have power over the enemy, and I am adopted into the Kingdom with no condemnation in Christ Jesus. 

I am so excited for what the Lord wants to do in this month. God told me that He has more for the 12 of us. He wants us to press in, longing for more of Him and His Kingdom. He is inviting us in and we have to be the one to accept the invitation. We want to create a healthy environment full of growth for the spring semester. So the 12 of us are going to be really focusing on pressing in and drawing close, and then when the rest of the squad returns we won't be able to help but pull them in with us. I am looking forward to what God has for me, and also my team.