One of our interns has created quite a buzz around the local candy shop here in Ancona. You can probably imagine how eventful working in a candy store can be. the only people that come in are: crazy old men that sell hats across the street, people wanting your signature or a donation for the latest captive in Iraq, and tall lanky interns from America that speak about 5-10 phrases in Italian with a huge smile on their face. At least those were the kinds of people that waltzed into the store while I was in there. For the past several weeks, the candy store lady has been intrigued by one of our interns walking into her store at about the same time every morning, practicing his phrases he learned that day in class, and quickly exiting. I decided to stop by today to check on the interns to see how they were fairing.

We talked of many things, the two candy store sisters had many questions for us as to how we ended up here in Italy and what we are up to. One of the sisters sings Brazilian jazz in clubs outside of Ancona. She let me borrow her ‘ray brown trio’ cd which she was listening to in the store. She let me try some diverse candies and showed me which ones were her favorite. Before we left, she asked me to burn a cd of some of the music I listen to for her. I had just been to curious George the night before and was telling her how great Jack Johnson is.

Tonight was night #2 for the life group I am leading. Last week it was just the interns and me, and it was all in English. This week, Maurizio joined us. I talked twice as much as last time but covered about 1/4 of what I wanted to. I did a lot of translating, and it was really cool to have to switch language gears on the spot, try to lead discussion and prayer. It was a good time together and people stuck around for a few hours afterwards. I guess this is a good beginning. I hope it continues. I think next week we might try to take it to the beach. Who knows, maybe the candy store sisters can join us…they could bring treats!

Anyway, keep praying for the work here. I don’t claim to understand how this kingdom stuff works, but I know He does. And prayer has something to do with it!

Please be in prayer for:

  • Our interns, that they would continue to step out in faith, in a culture which is not their own, so that they can make Italian friends.
  • Our retreat, Monday we are heading up north for a week of planning with our team pastors from California, who are visiting
  • Our intimacy with God, that we would be salt and light, as well as a source of blessing for Ancona