In the Shadows

Ashley Howell
Jul 26, 2017
3 min read

I'm going to change things up a little on this post! We are going to start with an update of this past month and then move into my thoughts for this month!

Update

I'm not going to lie, July isn't going to be much different than June's update. Since it is summer, we don't have our weekly students which makes it interesting to say the least! Nathan, of course, has continued with all of the band concerts. I really wish our supporters who love music could be here to watch! My personal favorite is the Jazz band. There is a lady who sings with them and there is just something about her that's quirky! You can't take your eyes off of her when she sings!

The Harding Villa is known for it's 4th of July Party! Obviously it's not a big deal in Italy, but it gives the people in Scandicci another reason to get together, eat, and have fun! And we both know they won't miss out on that. We were very thankful to get to go and spend time with other Americans for the evening too anddddd eat some American foods we haven't had. You really can't understand how much you miss cheetos until they are gone! You know what I mean?! Then, you might eat half a bag. It's whatever. Once a year won't hurt, right...? (Don't think it was just me, the rest of our team had their 1/2 bag too!) Anywaysssss, they had three groups come and perform, Roaman Music, Nothing for Breakfast, and the Vocal Blue Trains. It was a different tradition than what I'm used to, but enjoyable and relaxing!

This summer we decided to try out a movie night in Italian once a month and some puppet shows. Nathan and I were "in charge" of both. I was lucky enough to use my skillzzz to make some posters. (I think they were awesome, not bias or anything.) I'm going to be honest, neither event has been a hit...BUT we are learning and trying to figure out what Italian families like to do in the summer. It's funny how things like puppets just keep popping up in my life. If you remember, I was the head honcho for Lad's to Leaders puppets for 2-3 years at FWB CofC. Apparently it's my calling and something I thrive at doing!! Who knew?!

This summer we've also started Soccer in the Park with dinner. We head to a nearby field, kick around the ball, grill hamburgers, and whoever can come is welcome! We've aimed it more at the youth, so families from our church come. There are also Africans who play on the field on Wednesdays so we've been feeding them and talking to them every week. Let me just say, people notice when you are nice. Most of the time, the Africans aren't wanted in Italy, which is why they asked, "Why are white people talking to us?". Because you are made in the image of God and you matter. Say something nice to someone today! Open the door for them. Something!

We've been doing a lot of hanging. What I mean by that is spending time with people. We've been hanging out with our teammates, Richard and Caleigh (from Rome), families who have stayed with us, members of the church, and others I'm sure I'm forgetting! It's been really great to have time to get to know people. Sit down at the table, maybe get a gelato, and get to know someone. This summer has been a blessing.

thoughts

Over the past few weeks, I've been studying Colossians with a few of my closest friends and lately I've been thinking about living in the shadows. It started when we studied verse 17 of chapter 2. "These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ". It made me focus on the shadow for some reason. How am I the shadow? I should be the shadow compared to Christ. I am made in God's image and a reflection of who he is. If someone looks at me and doesn't see Christ first, then I'm not living in the shadow. I've stepped up to take the spot light. I also love the image it gives off to the world vs those in Christ. Living in the shadows represents quietness and worthlessness, BUT in Christ's shadows we are found living a new, free life full of love, peace, and thanksgiving. I hope you'll be thinking about living to show Christ as I do the same here. 1.2.3 BE THE SHADOW!

Ciao for now friends!

Love,

Ps, get ready for next month's blog, because I don't know what's going to happen! All of Italy goes on vacation in August... so we will see! We might need you to send us bread and milk! ;)