Il Viaggio: M-Trip to Italy!

What a privilege it was to co-lead a team of 10 students on a BFA mission trip to Lago Patria, Italy, this past week.  While it's good to be back in my apartment in Germany, I'll undoubtedly miss counting heads and acting as team mom!  :)

For me personally, this trip was like a dream come true.  Some of the youth leaders now were the first members of the Jars youth group back in 2005 and 2006 when I came on a short-term trip with my home church.  It's really neat to see things come full circle since we are now leaders of the youth.  I absolutely love deepening relationships, and this trip was definitely one that helped me to reestablish connections with this wonderful community of believers in southern Italy.

Italy 2006 - we look so young!

 Italy 2012 - Fabrizio, Marica, me, Sara, Claudia, Vincenzo - reunion!

Last night, after goodbyes were said and Italian kisses given, our team met together for the last time in Italy.  We shared some highs and lows from the week and laughed a lot as Jon recapped some of the best quotes from the week.  Many of us commented on what an interesting mix of people we are, but how we have been unified this week.  We have laughed together, worked together, traveled together, grown together.  It was so encouraging to me to see how our team has bonded, despite our own cultural differences, and that the students so thoroughly enjoyed their time in Italy.  You can read more about our adventures on our team blog:  http://bfainitaly.blogspot.com.

Goodbyes and transitions can be difficult.  But in a way, that's a good thing.  That means that we've invested something in this week.  It means that we care, we've shared our hearts, we've connected.  Thank you for your prayers for our team.  Please pray that relationships continue among our team members, as well as with our new friends in southern Italy.  Most importantly, please pray that God receives glory as we share with friends and family about our trip!