We are asking for your prayers.
Quick Update:
Our scheduled departure date for Italy was 2 weeks ago today. We were forced to cancel our flights due to not having yet received our visas.
In recent days, we have been in contact with the Italian consulate on the phone regarding the status of our visas. From our conversation we learned:
1) They may not be officially recognizing the Bible School in Scandicci Italy, and therefore will not be issuing anymore student visas.
2) After reviewing our paperwork, the consulate decided to change our request for a "Missionary Religious Visa" to a "Work Visa." They did this without first notifying us.
What does this mean?
If the Bible School is not recognized we cannot send any workers to the school. Also, a work visa, is near to impossible to receive, and is not what we need anyways!
What we are doing:
David, the current director will be contacting the consulate today to try and better communicate the need to process our visas, and to resolve these issues.
PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYER today that God will move this mountain and we can begin/continue this work in Italy!
We love you all. We are so grateful to be a part of the body in Christ.
xoxox
28 August 2014
25 August 2014
Recap. 2012-2014.
Here we are almost exactly 4 years to date from when this Italian adventure first began...unbelievable!
*Disclaimer: 2 years is a lot to summarize in 1 blog post. Find a comfy spot and a cup of coffee before you approach this post. ;)
Where can we start??
The work in Italy truly changed us. As probably any other missionary will explain, we went to serve, but ended up ourselves being changed in the process. Likewise, leaving Italy was one of the hardest things we have ever had to do. This is mainly why I didn't make a final blog post about leaving the country and returning back to the states until now. . . almost 2 years later.
To be completely honest, we were heartbroken. It was a loss and a homesickness that we carried around with us, up until the moment we received the opportunity to return (details further down:)). We of course knew that America was not Italy. Intellectually, we understood that the cultures were different, but in our hearts, we couldn't help but miss our work in Italy. This was a struggle in many ways, bc it was a grieving process that no one else could really relate to or understand.
And so to sum it all up, reverse culture shock is real. We drug our feet through every step of the process. At first we were dedicated to excitedly telling everyone all about the work in Italy- without concern of the response of our audience. We decided that our states-side contribution to the Italian ministry would be awareness. This wasn't so difficult at first, as we were in some ways blinded to our new culture. However, after several months, the success of the communication of the work, was lacking. We were and are beyond grateful to have witnessed what the Lord showed us in Italy, and we thank Him every day for giving us that opportunity. Likewise, in all reality, we couldn't expect others to fully understand our love for Italy . . . but we couldn't let it go either. We felt responsible to tell about what we had seen and heard!! We were dedicated to this!
So, by the summer of 2013, we decided to return to Italy not only to visit our loved ones, especially those in Taranto, but also to scout out the two main cities that Ben had specifically mentioned: Vicenza and Bondeno. <<We are extremely grateful to all of you in Cabot, as well as many of you here in Ohio, that helped make that visit possible!>>
One of the most encouraging things we witnessed during this visit was the growth of the youth in Italy!
Click on the link below that will direct you to my Google+ profile, and click on the video called "E&J ItaliaSummer2013." The video we made will help to communicate the desires of the youth in Italy- I promise its worth the watch! The video also will give you a glimpse into the rest of our 2013 visit :)
This visit really solidified our desire to return to Italy. Seeing the brothers, Laura, and all of the youth was such an encouragement! In our spirit we knew that we would return to Italy, but even after having 2 fantastic visits with the congregations in Vicenza and Bondeno, the details of our return still felt a little fuzzy.
The Email that changed everything.
Throughout the fall and into the winter of 2013, we kept in close contact with Ben and the Cabot church of Christ regarding this idea of returning and serving in northern Italy. We also began to tell friends and family about the possibilities of returning. We still didn't feel 100% about this opportunity, but we were conflicted bc we felt so strongly that the Lord was calling us to return.
It wasn't until the early morning hours one day in January that we heard the Lord loud and clear. David Woodroof, who was the director of the Bible School when we first began as AI workers in the fall of 2010, sent us an email. Thanks to our smart phones, we were promptly notified ;) David was writing to inform us that he and his wife Debbie had decided to return back to America in August, and were wondering if we would consider assuming the role as the new directors! The days that followed, we met with David and Debbie via skype, talked with the AI recruiter Scot Harris, and ultimately, received the official job offer from the AI committee at the College church of Christ in Searcy.
The rest is history in the making!
While the role of the new directors wasn't one that we would've immediately imagined for ourselves, it encompasses everything that we hoped to be a part of regarding the mission in Italy! We are so so grateful bc we feel that the possibilities for this work are endless!
Not only will we be teaching the Bible to our students in Florence, but we will also be able to help the AI workers understand and ultimately fall in love with the Italians. Our life and work in southern Italy really gave us a greater understanding of the needs of our brothers and sisters around Italy. We hope to utilize everything we learned and will continue to learn, in order to be able to work together to unify the church in Italy. . . Much more on this to come in the following posts!
So what have we been doing all this time in America?
Jobs?
Eric went back to his job as a professional surveyor, while I pursued my art career.
Columbus Ohio has a wonderful arts district. Specifically, there is an area downtown called the Short North that is packed with over 40 art galleries. After visiting the different galleries and investigating a little, I decided to approach the Sharon Weiss Gallery.
Living Quarters?
Admittedly, when we first arrived, we did spend a couple of months looking to buy a home while staying with my family. After a while, this search didn't really set well with us. We were trying really hard to adjust and settle in here, but the Italian mission was still so fresh in our hearts and minds. Our commitment to Italy wouldn't allow us to "go all in" here in Ohio. It also was difficult in general just to digest the word "settle." For the past 2 years, staying on the move had was our lifestyle. Processing buying a home and settling anywhere, was very strange.
Long story short, nothing ever came of our home search (divine intervention!), and we decided to rent a one-bedroom apt in Lancaster. Thankfully, we had saved back just what we needed to furnish the apt, and only had to purchase a couch!
Keeping in Touch
The Cabot COC
Before leaving the first time to Italy in 2012, we lived in Cabot Arkansas and attended the Cabot Church of Christ right down the road from our home. All of you in Cabot have been such a tremendous support to us in every way. From day one, you have been right beside us, encouraging us and serving with us, even during our time in Italy!
Coming back to the states was no exception. The transition was draining on us emotionally and spiritually, but knowing that all of you were in our corner helped us so much! Thank you for keeping up with us during this period, supporting us, and believing in this mission! We love you all!
Lancaster, OHIO
Relationships
We have also been blessed to develop many more relationships (Of course, not limited to the ones on this blog post!), and to grow during this period of transition. Here are some highlights!
*Disclaimer: 2 years is a lot to summarize in 1 blog post. Find a comfy spot and a cup of coffee before you approach this post. ;)
Where can we start??
The work in Italy truly changed us. As probably any other missionary will explain, we went to serve, but ended up ourselves being changed in the process. Likewise, leaving Italy was one of the hardest things we have ever had to do. This is mainly why I didn't make a final blog post about leaving the country and returning back to the states until now. . . almost 2 years later.
To be completely honest, we were heartbroken. It was a loss and a homesickness that we carried around with us, up until the moment we received the opportunity to return (details further down:)). We of course knew that America was not Italy. Intellectually, we understood that the cultures were different, but in our hearts, we couldn't help but miss our work in Italy. This was a struggle in many ways, bc it was a grieving process that no one else could really relate to or understand.
And so to sum it all up, reverse culture shock is real. We drug our feet through every step of the process. At first we were dedicated to excitedly telling everyone all about the work in Italy- without concern of the response of our audience. We decided that our states-side contribution to the Italian ministry would be awareness. This wasn't so difficult at first, as we were in some ways blinded to our new culture. However, after several months, the success of the communication of the work, was lacking. We were and are beyond grateful to have witnessed what the Lord showed us in Italy, and we thank Him every day for giving us that opportunity. Likewise, in all reality, we couldn't expect others to fully understand our love for Italy . . . but we couldn't let it go either. We felt responsible to tell about what we had seen and heard!! We were dedicated to this!
{ Eric & me at our first hockey game together! }
2012.
During the winter of 2012, we came into contact with Ben O'Neil. Many of you know Ben and Jane, and are well aware of their family's dedication to the work in Italy. It was certainly a God moment, as we ran into him very nonchalantly one evening at a hockey game. After some small talk, our conversation obviously began to drift towards Italy. To make a long story short, Ben was interested in helping to send a missionary family to the northern region of Italy. . . Where? when? yes! we will consider it!!
{ Eric & Fabrizio }
Summer visit 2013.
So, by the summer of 2013, we decided to return to Italy not only to visit our loved ones, especially those in Taranto, but also to scout out the two main cities that Ben had specifically mentioned: Vicenza and Bondeno. <<We are extremely grateful to all of you in Cabot, as well as many of you here in Ohio, that helped make that visit possible!>>
{ Kristofer, Martina, & Marta }
Youth Retreat at the Bible School. Summer 2013.
Click on the link below that will direct you to my Google+ profile, and click on the video called "E&J ItaliaSummer2013." The video we made will help to communicate the desires of the youth in Italy- I promise its worth the watch! The video also will give you a glimpse into the rest of our 2013 visit :)
Google+ Profile
* To keep up with all of our updates, please bookmark this Google+ profile, or join to follow!!
* To keep up with all of our updates, please bookmark this Google+ profile, or join to follow!!
This visit really solidified our desire to return to Italy. Seeing the brothers, Laura, and all of the youth was such an encouragement! In our spirit we knew that we would return to Italy, but even after having 2 fantastic visits with the congregations in Vicenza and Bondeno, the details of our return still felt a little fuzzy.
The Email that changed everything.
Throughout the fall and into the winter of 2013, we kept in close contact with Ben and the Cabot church of Christ regarding this idea of returning and serving in northern Italy. We also began to tell friends and family about the possibilities of returning. We still didn't feel 100% about this opportunity, but we were conflicted bc we felt so strongly that the Lord was calling us to return.
It wasn't until the early morning hours one day in January that we heard the Lord loud and clear. David Woodroof, who was the director of the Bible School when we first began as AI workers in the fall of 2010, sent us an email. Thanks to our smart phones, we were promptly notified ;) David was writing to inform us that he and his wife Debbie had decided to return back to America in August, and were wondering if we would consider assuming the role as the new directors! The days that followed, we met with David and Debbie via skype, talked with the AI recruiter Scot Harris, and ultimately, received the official job offer from the AI committee at the College church of Christ in Searcy.
The rest is history in the making!
While the role of the new directors wasn't one that we would've immediately imagined for ourselves, it encompasses everything that we hoped to be a part of regarding the mission in Italy! We are so so grateful bc we feel that the possibilities for this work are endless!
Not only will we be teaching the Bible to our students in Florence, but we will also be able to help the AI workers understand and ultimately fall in love with the Italians. Our life and work in southern Italy really gave us a greater understanding of the needs of our brothers and sisters around Italy. We hope to utilize everything we learned and will continue to learn, in order to be able to work together to unify the church in Italy. . . Much more on this to come in the following posts!
So what have we been doing all this time in America?
Jobs?
Eric went back to his job as a professional surveyor, while I pursued my art career.
{Eric Smith, P.S. }
Almost immediately, Eric was back to work with a the company where he first began several years ago. To become a surveyor in any state, one must be tested depending on schooling and experience. Working for the State of Arkansas was Eric's first job after graduating from the Ohio State Univ. and so he is already licensed in Arkansas. Coming back to Ohio, Eric took the state specific test here and obtained his Ohio license here as well.
Columbus Ohio has a wonderful arts district. Specifically, there is an area downtown called the Short North that is packed with over 40 art galleries. After visiting the different galleries and investigating a little, I decided to approach the Sharon Weiss Gallery.
{ The Sharon Weiss Gallery }
{ me & Sharon }
Sharon is one of those people with whom you instantly create a connection. From the moment I stepped into her gallery, I knew I would be blessed by her. Not long after our first meeting, she warmly accepted me and my work into her gallery. Sharon remains a dear friend and gracious mentor to me.
Admittedly, when we first arrived, we did spend a couple of months looking to buy a home while staying with my family. After a while, this search didn't really set well with us. We were trying really hard to adjust and settle in here, but the Italian mission was still so fresh in our hearts and minds. Our commitment to Italy wouldn't allow us to "go all in" here in Ohio. It also was difficult in general just to digest the word "settle." For the past 2 years, staying on the move had was our lifestyle. Processing buying a home and settling anywhere, was very strange.
Long story short, nothing ever came of our home search (divine intervention!), and we decided to rent a one-bedroom apt in Lancaster. Thankfully, we had saved back just what we needed to furnish the apt, and only had to purchase a couch!
{ Marie & Minnie }
For some reason, I would always find the girls hanging out in the shower! haha.
Keeping in Touch
The Cabot COC
Before leaving the first time to Italy in 2012, we lived in Cabot Arkansas and attended the Cabot Church of Christ right down the road from our home. All of you in Cabot have been such a tremendous support to us in every way. From day one, you have been right beside us, encouraging us and serving with us, even during our time in Italy!
{ Our Cabot Family }
Coming back to the states was no exception. The transition was draining on us emotionally and spiritually, but knowing that all of you were in our corner helped us so much! Thank you for keeping up with us during this period, supporting us, and believing in this mission! We love you all!
Lancaster, OHIO
Living in Lancaster allowed us to be close to our church family here and served as a central location to both of our families as well :)
{ The Kimbler's & The Smith's }
{ Eric & his mom Christi }
{ Angie, Eric, Stephanie, & Nate }
{ Taylor, Kilynn, Grant, & Trenton }
{ me & Ashley }
{ me, mom, & Eric }
This was taken this May at my mom's nursing graduation! So proud of you mom!
{ Hannie & me }
{ Dad, Mom, Hannie, me, & Eric }
We have also been blessed to develop many more relationships (Of course, not limited to the ones on this blog post!), and to grow during this period of transition. Here are some highlights!
{ Nate & Eric }
One of the things Eric enjoyed while being back in the states was getting back into some sports. In the winter, he organized a men's basketball league. This was really helpful in Eric's transition. We had gotten used to a community mentality in Italy, so any chance we got to form a group (for a lack of a better term), we embraced it! He also has really enjoyed getting to spend more time with his younger brother Nate. After Eric and I got married, we moved immediately to Arkansas. Following Arkansas was Italy, and so this time together in Ohio was so special for Eric and Nate. Many weekends were booked playing golf together:)
{ me, Maddie, Eric, Austin, & Austin's girlfriend Autumn }
The Vanatta kids. Maddie is one of the tween girls that became so special to me during our time in Lancaster. She has been such a sweet blessing! We were fortunate to be able to witness her baptisim after our trip to Winterfest together our first winter back in the states. Austin is her older brother. He just graduated high school and is starting his college career to pursue nursing. Austin and Eric always seemed to be on the same page ;) I have enjoyed watching them joke together and grow together in the faith. We are, not so secretly, trying to recruit Austin for AI 2018!!
{Gracie}
We arrived back in the states September of 2012. Almost immediately, I met 12 year old Gracie. What a joy she has been to me! The Lord knew that I needed her in my life here.
and. . . the tweens! Shortly after we arrived in September, in addition to meeting together throughout the week, Gracie and I began our own little Bible Study on Wednesday nights. A couple of months later, we met Ashlyn and Kayley. Slowly, we started what became a tween girls class. I am always impressed by these girls! They have the world on a string, and I cant wait to see what the Lord has planned for each of them. This part of my time here has been a life savor for me. I don't know what I would've done without these girlies.
{ Gracie, Sydney, Kayley, Maddie, Ashlyn, & me }
Before our scheduled send off, August 14th, we hosted a game night for the tween girlies.
{ me & Ashlyn after her baptism! }
{ Sharon, Charity, Don, & Xander }
This family has been so involved helping us with our transition here. We enjoyed many game and movie nights together. We are so grateful for your friendship, your compassion, and your willingness to reach out! We're looking forward to your visit in Italy!
{ me & Andrea }
Thank God for sending me my kindred spirit Andrea! A constant friend, encouragement, and support. Love you dear friend.
Wrapping it up.
In short. . . T H A N K Y O U! We are grateful for those of you who have eased the burden of our transition with your compassion and your love. Praise God for knowing our hearts and sending you our way!
Much more to come about The Bible School, Avanti Italia, and our fall 2014 team! stay tuned!
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