Settling In

     The suitcases are unpacked, jet lag is no longer an issue, I have my own set of keys, and I can at least find my way to the supermarket-I guess that means I'm beginning to settle in!

     Fortunately the apartment I share with my roommate, Taylor, is certainly spacious enough for two even though it is the classic "European" layout.  I'm thankful to have my own room, and we have a couple of little balconies that can each fit a few chairs.  There are three different keys I'll have to get used to in order to get in, one for the gate, one for the building, and a massive skeleton key for our apartment itself.  For someone that struggles with just a front door key, that'll be a laugh.

Balcony that attaches to our kitchen and that has become my
favorite spot to enjoy coffee and reading in the mornings.

We live in the southern part of Rome, outside of the center walls (where most of the historical monuments are located that come to mind when we think of Rome).  Yes, I have a Rome mailing address now too, which is quite exciting!

Via R.R. Garibaldi 119 E/5

Roma, Italia 00145

     Italian culture is far different than I even anticipated from prior knowledge and hearsay.  Becoming a part of a truly relational culture is going to be more difficult than my American, independent self realized.  Last night I went out with Taylor and her Italian friends for the first time and started to pick up on the subtle little things that will require me to check myself often.  Since we were tired long before it looked like anyone was ready to go, I thought that we could just walk back to our apartment with another friend of ours.  In the states that wouldn't be a big deal at all, it's quite common for someone to drop in or duck out early from a group gathering, and no one thinks anything of it.  Here though, if we would have left before the group was ready to go, it would have been quite offensive.  Glad I learned that early in the game!

     Be in prayer for the Italians as a people group.  Because they are so relational, it's evident that they are ripe for the gospel in the aspect of a relationship with Christ.  The challenges will be earning their trust and acceptance, something that will not come quickly or easily, and diminishing skepticism towards religion.  Thankfully our God can move mountains, so He can most certainly build bridges and soften hearts!