I'm Not Italian (Shocker!)

Ashley Howell
Jun 30, 2017
4 min read

Figuring out how to fit in

"Duh. Of course you aren't Italian Ashley." You are right! I am a white, female, American, Christian living in the middle(ish) of Italy. Having figured out that I don't fit in became quite obvious once we made the move. Nathan and I walk into Florence and do you know what we are?! Tourists! How could we be anything but? We don't fit in. We will never pass as Italians. These thoughts really have been filling my mind for a while now. The question of, how do I fit in when I can't? How much should I try and look Italian? Do I need their clothes? Their hair style? How am I suppose to be a blonde hair blue eyed girl in Italy? I've found comfort in Romans 12:12 and 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.

Romans 12:12

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

I've learned that, while I'm not suppose conform to this world, I can fit in. Fitting in has this terrible meaning in the church. "You aren't suppose to fit in Ashley!" You are right again. BUT we have a different reason to fit in: to minister, not to become someone we aren't. Just like Paul said in 1 Corinthians, he became all things to all people so that he could relate to them, for gospel reasons. I CAN DO THAT! We all can. We must be flexible so that we can share the wonderful Word of our Lord with all people. Not just people who are white (like me). Not just people who are American (like me). Not just people who we relate to easily. All people. Surely if Paul can do it, we can too, for Jesus' sake.

Update

This month has been crazy and slow all at the same time. The Bible School has been very blessed to have many people come visit so far this summer. Specifically we've had two Harding groups: the Bison Athletes in Training group and Jay Wall's Music Group. I was crazy and signed up to do all the BAT group's laundry. I felt like Tracy's mom from Hairspray. I did 18 loads of laundry in 3 days. It's safe to say when it came to mine and Nathan's laundry, I left him in charge. ;) We did have a great time serving them in cooking, cleaning, navigation, etc. They were a great group. Jay's group was equally as amazing. They have been a great blessing to get to know, share Avanti with, and hang out with. I was fortunate to join in on their day trip to Fiesole, the Academia, and their church visit to Prato. Prato was amazing! The church is so vibrant, loving, and inclusive! We will definitely visit again.

Nathan's band life has definitely sped up. He's had two concerts this month and has another four coming up in July! One of the concerts was in Piazza della Signoria (you should look it up!). It's the first one he's done in Florence, and our sweet friends who were in town, Michelle and Misty, came with me to watch. It was so great to see (and eat with) them before Michelle moves back to the States. The other concert was a joint group of bands around the Florence area. It was beautiful to listen to....and very hot! Speaking of being hot, Nathan attended one of his student's archery competitions! He enjoyed getting to see him compete finally! They've been trying to get him to one for months!!

Nathan and I have moved! Only down one floor, but hey, it counts!!! After some recent events, we've decided to stay at the school a little longer, and with that, comes the apartment on the second floor. Yay for moving out of a bedroom on the third floor! We are enjoying it very much. We still plan to work with the church in Florence using our gifts. Please be praying for us to balance our responsibilities here at the school and our work at the church in Florence.

One more thing! One of Bethany's students had a showcase of her jewelry last night. All of us girls got together to support her and go to her event. It was fantastic to see her beautiful work along with some people we know. We also got to go out to eat afterwards. (Much needed girl time!) We found a fantastic Greek restaurant that we will definitely be going back to. Shout out to GiGi for treating us so well!

That's all friends. Please be praying for our team, our church, and our community. We have many things planned this summer!

Ciao for now,