Wednesday, October 9, 2013

September/October


We blinked and September was gone. It was a busy month full of challenges, new friends, and new work. We are so thankful for the cooler weather and for changing of the seasons. It is amazing the peace that comes with the leaves changing colors and falling all around you.

Carli began her job teaching preschool at the first of the month. She has her hands full with the little ones. Day by day her Italian is improving, thanks to the kids. It is great to see the potential relationships that could come from Carli's new job. Please pray for strength, patience, and humility as she continues to adjust to working at the school. She knows this will be a stretching, bending, and growing period in her life, and she is embracing it with a smile.

We both have been continually meeting with people, and building relationships. It hit us this past month how crucial community is in a place like Florence. It is through community that people feel accepted and loved. When they feel comfortable, they tend to be more open to ask questions, which is what we are praying for.. Another realization this month came during the Bible study we attend. For the first time we really saw how diverse Florence is and how many nations could be reached with the Gospel in one location. It gives us such happiness and peace knowing that whatever God has us here for, whether it be planting, sowing, or reaping, we are loving being used for His Kingdom.

Please continue to pray for us as Justin heads back to the U.S. for a couple of days for his brother's wedding. Pray that the relationships that we have here will continue to grow and that the Lord gives us clarity with starting a church plant here in our part of the city.

We love you all very very much!

Carli and Justin