Rome has been my home for about a month now and, let’s be honest, Rome makes a great first impression. From budding friendships to thought-provoking scenes, my brief time has included most things I love about life. As one who loves languages, new experiences, beautiful old buildings, and especially getting to know new people, moving to Rome was a recipe for success. Being here isn’t about moving, though, it’s about staying.
So how have I been staying over these past weeks? Wonderfully. I praise God daily for the smooth adjustment with new faces and places. I knew my team before coming, but their goodness has surpassed my hopes. I’ve already established relationships with variety of people. I’ve felt physically healthier in this past month than I have for over a year. God and I spend much time together, especially with my commitment to pray daily for my ministry partners. Learning the language and culture continuously stimulates my mind. Things are starting off better than I ever imagined. I'm really settling in, and I'm excited about the many possibilities for service.
Acknowledging all of this, I am not ignorant of the fact that this balance in life is impermanent. No matter where we stay life contains ups and downs, tenacious as the tide. Resting joyfully in life’s goodness does not necessitate denial of time’s trials. Furthermore, it doesn’t mean I am blind to the deep need of this city. I am confident that there are many stories to come with deeper insights into things I’ve only caught in glimpses. Things like spiritually starving students with no sense of purpose, or prostituted women with no source of power, or desperately lonely individuals with no space of fellowship.
I am learning the landscape—literal and spiritual—of this ancient metropolis. And while each day starts with a praise and ends with a smile, it also includes grief for others and motivation for action. God has given me peace in knowing I am in the right place by revealing needs and providing personal joys of living here. Every day, my roots can grow deeper into this soil, and God can spread more seeds. So, praise God for a great start and for opening my eyes! Now I pray for discernment regarding all the service opportunities and always for more understanding of this setting.