Saturday, July 13, 2013

Home Sweet...Where?

Yep...

Re-entry commences in T-minus 10 days. 

The other day, I told a friend of mine, "I'm coming home in 3 weeks!" and her response was, "Well, technically that's your home now!"

I'm sorry...what did you say? Italy is my home now? When did this happen??????

But the thing is, it hasn't actually happened yet. Not officially. So where have we landed on the whole "home sweet home" thing? 

I honestly couldn't tell you...I wish I could! But the fact of the matter is, when you sign up for a life in missions, the idea of home becomes a lot less about square footage...

Square meters...

Metric system...I gotta get on that.

All of a sudden "home" is defined by people, secret hiding places in the woods, walks to the river, the best gelateria, the best coffee shop, the view from the window when the sun comes up...

And ultimately this...

My home is with the Lord. And wherever I am is because He wants me there. 

So right now, I'm headed back to a place that once was my physical home. Parts of it are still "home," but parts of my home will remain here in Italy waiting for me to return....

 or wait to hop on the plane to meet me on the other side of the world for a bit (12 weeks from today for those who are counting!!!)

That saying "Home is where the heart is"? 

Couldn't be more true. 

I guess now my home is just getting some more rooms...






"The Lord is my Shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for His Name's sake
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Psalms 23



various and AWESOME God sundries...

Marco and I took Mavy to dinner a couple of weeks ago and God opened the door for him to share the Gospel and a bit of his testimony with her!! After talking with her the next evening via Facebook (easier to talk that way because I can use all my translation tools before saying anything...muahaha...) she told me that nothing in the way of religion has ever made sense for her until our conversation the night before. She saw the living proof in the two of us and is at a place in her life where she is ready to make a positive change, away from the built-up negativity. We will be able to continue our friendship via Facebook while I am gone as well as continuing the work and dance together when I come back in December. My biggest prayer is for her heart to be continually open to the work God is doing through the Holy Spirit in her life. It would be so incredible to see that "hahahahah" become a "Grazie Dio!!"

One group of sports interns is returning to Italy after only one week instead of two at their sports camp in another part of Europe. This has created a need for a new "plan" for this last week in Italy. The decision has been made to have another sports camp here in Torre, which is a fantastic ministry opportunity, but is extremely last minute. Prayers are appreciated for the kids who will be coming as well as all of the leaders - for protection, reception, and grace as we give all control to God trusting this opportunity to His hands not our own.

Praise Praise PRAISE for these last six months. My mind is beyond blown by the grace and mercy God has poured out on my time here, as well as providing open doors for our return. 

"Because your steadfast love is better than life,
my lips will praise you.
So I will bless you as long as I live;
in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,
and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,
when I remember you upon my bed,
and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
for you have been my help, 
and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy."
Psalm 63:3-7


3 comments:

  1. Awesome awesome post, Lauren. So happy for your next 12 weeks, but better yet, the rest of your life serving the Savior with a husband on the same page! So so special.

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  2. Thanks for the update and post....may God bless you on your incredible journey

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  3. Absolutely endorse Nancy's comment.
    Lauren, you are blessed to bless others.

    If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
    and you make the Most High your dwelling,
    no harm will overtake you,
    no disaster will come near your tent.
    For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;
    they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
    (Psalm 91: 9-12)

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