October Update

“Then the Spirit entered me when He spoke to me, and set me on my feet; and I heard Him who spoke to me.”

Ezekiel 2:2

October has arrived, and with that so has our two year anniversary of living in Montebelluna. The past couple of years have literally flown by and, what may come as a surprise to many of you, the Lord is moving us on from this place.

We knew at the beginning of the year that we would have to eventually face the inevitable question, “Lord, what do you have for us next?”. Not that we were looking to leave Italy (it was actually quite the contrary). Nonetheless, with our two year commitment coming to a close, we wanted to be sure that remaining here would be the Lord’s will. So we began seeking the Lord and praying for direction. And (as the Lord often does) He asked us to wait. Waiting, for what seemed in our minds a very big important decision, was by no means easy. Looking back on it now, however, we can see how the Lord’s hand has been working on our hearts (especially mine) to prepare us for what is ahead.

Due to certain circumstances we began looking to go back to England. But in my heart I was so torn! Part of me wanted to stay in Italy, part of me wanted to go to England, part of me was saying going to England would be giving up on what the Lord called us to do, another part of me said that if we stayed because we wanted to that would also be a decision in the flesh- I was going crazy. But the Lord slowly and in His perfect timing showed both of us individually through His word that England is where He was now moving us. It was amazing how, once I knew the Lord had spoken, His perfect peace (the kind that surpasses all understanding) took hold of me! And although I grew up in Florida, where the weather is warm and sunny, and although when we moved to Italy I thought we would live here forever, I know He will sustain our family in cold rainy England! Because the Lord’s ways are perfect and His plans and purposes for His children are far greater than anything we could dream.

We will miss this place so much! Leaving is not an easy choice for either of us. It has been a place of so many of our “firsts”, both in our relationship personally with one another as well as in ministry. This body of believers really has become our family and we have seen them grow and ourselves grow while serving here. We truly are and have been blessed beyond measure!

Our tentative plan is to be in England by the end of the year. We will be moving to Oxford (James’ home town) where James will, hopefully, be starting a full time job. Before we leave Italy, we have to finish getting all of Logan’s documents in order (both British and American), which is taking a lot longer than we planned. Logan and I will most likely be returning to America sometime in February so that I can apply for my visa (which I have to do in the States). If James isn’t working at that point, he might be able to join us for a short time... but if he does have a job, then we are looking at another season of long distance. My visa can take up to three months to be processed. Obviously, we are hoping for a much shorter time than that but are planning for the long haul, if necessary. 

And that about wraps up our future plans update for this sadly neglected blog! As much as I would like to say that I will continue to post on this, I can make no promises since blogging is very low on my “new mum” priority list! BUT I would like to try and do another post in the near future about what we’re doing now. But again, no promises!

Prayer:

James- as he teaches Ecclesiastes and does accounting work for the Bible College

All Logan’s documents to come through quickly

Applying for my visa in February.

All the many transitions that are heading our way

Continued prayer for the students and church body here in Montebelluna

Another Beginning

Establish Your word to Your servant, who is devoted to fearing You.  -Psalm 119:36-

Students and Staff- Spring 2013

Dean Malispina- Director in training sharing from the word.

The second week has already begun and we are settling back into the semester routine. We have 11 students this spring... and they are ALL girls! This will make for a somewhat different atmosphere but we know the Lord has put this group specifically together for a reason. Many of the girls have grown up in Christian homes and are looking to deepen their relationship with Jesus, while others are seeking healing and truth. Be praying especially for the female side of the staff as we come alongside these young women and point them to the Lord.

James is overseeing two audio classes this time around. One of the classes is only for the Italian ladies and he is using it as a language learning opportunity- reading through their work in Italian. He has also begun working on putting together a a newly translated children's coloring book for the Sunday School (editing the pages to put in the translation etc.) which he really enjoys doing.

baby Mitchell 26 weeks

Being 27 weeks pregnant I am finding it a little more difficult to be going as much as I was last semester- especially since the quickest mode of transportation is my bike! I'm looking forward to Spring coming soon hopefully that will make walking a little bit more enjoyable. However, I'm staying involved in everything as much as I can (with just a few more naps included).

Prayer:
Pray for these lovely girls! That the Lord will simply overwhelm them with His love and grace we are so looking forward to see what the Lord does in and through them during their stay here.

Update!

The new Mr. & Mrs. Harris!

Virginia winter and family photos

Since I’ve last posted a whole semester has gone by and we’re already looking forward to the next. I have neglected blogging for quite a few months so I’ll try and do a brief but also informative post about what we’ve been doing.

We found out that we were expecting a baby at the end of September and we were (and still are) absolutely thrilled!! So, on top of the semester beginning, we were catapulted into trying to figure out how the Italian system worked when expecting a child. Thankfully, I didn’t get any morning sickness, so besides needing to nap often I was able to carry on as normal. We will be having the baby in Italy and Lord willing my mom and James’ parents will be here around the time of the birth in May.

Last semester, James taught through the book of Ecclesiastes. This seemed to be very daunting for him at first, but his Grandma wrote him a letter and said, “The Apostle Paul said he came with fear and trembling, better for the Holy Spirit to speak through you, when one is in that place.” While he did feel the fear and trembling part he got through it with the Lords strength, learned much in his own walk, and (in my very unbiased opinion) did an excellent job.

I left in early November for the States to help my sister Ashley prepare for her wedding. James followed me a week or so later after he finished teaching his class. I was very very happy to see my family again after not seeing them for over a year and especially since we  got to share the excitement of a new little life with them. After the wedding in Florida we headed up to Virginia to where my parents live and stayed with them through Christmas.  Over all the time was very restful and quiet. We loved spending some extra time with my Dad since he was still stuck in a recliner recovering from his terrible car accident. After America we spent a couple of weeks in England with family and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it especially being able to see some of our growing nephews and nieces!   

Some of our adorable nephews and niece! 

This year there are many changes coming, the first is set to arrive around May 26!  Then in June the current director of the Bible College will be moving with his family to pastor a church in Treviso at the end of the term. We are very sad to see them go but know it’s the Lord's will and plan. This will bring some adjustments to the different rolls within the Bible College but the Lord is faithfully providing everything and every person needed. This semester we will be seeing some roles shift and are excited to see what part we will both play.  

At the end of the summer our two year commitment to be in Montebelluna will have run its course. We are praying about what the Lord wants next for our family, whether to stay, or move on. Prayers for this matter would be greatly appreciated as we wait on the Lord.  

Please continue to pray for:

• The new semester- students arriving, changing roles within the Bible College
• Our baby boy as we prepare for his arrival and the birth process in a foreign hospital (which I'm nervous about)
• Continued language learning
• Open doors to minister within the community