Journal Entry from Italy - May 27th, 2005

(This was taken from part of the entry for that day.)

Some wonderful things happened at the park while I went with the other women to meet up with Rita, the woman whose house I am staying at, and a friend of hers who is not a Christian, but her children attend the events at the church. I gave my testimony to her while we sat on a bench, and she listened so attentively. I pray that it reached her somehow. I was able to also encourage her when I was done with my story, and express to her the joy I have because I am made alive in Jesus. Does she want the same, Father? She must want it for her children...

I walked home with Rita and Valentina to their apartment that night. On the way, Rita asked me what song I sang at the women's meeting on Wednesday (since she was not able to go). I told her "Stupenda Grazia" (Amazing Grace), and she was thrilled because that is her favorite hymn. She said to me, as we walked, "let's sing it right now! You English, me Italian." So we did. It was beautiful; though our words were different ... they were the same. We sang about one amazing, saving grace. Rita doesn't know very much English, but when we got home she managed to say, "Amanda, thank you for singing with me. The song is very important to my heart." She was tearful, joyful. How I wish I could stay here my whole time in Italy. But tomorrow I must move to Dan and Alice's place where Scott, Mark, and Ms. Mickleson are staying now. It will be nice, but I'll greatly miss this family- talking with Serena. I love her so much.

I must go for now, so I will write later. There is something I must talk about ... oh but I can't now. I need to pray. ::sigh:: How tenderly I feel toward these people ... and how greatly it tears me apart...