"Come with me... to a quiet place and get some rest"

Last week I attended InterMission Italy, a retreat for American missionaries working in Europe. Three former missionary couples, who had served a number of years in Australia, South Africa, and Taiwan, came to put on the retreat and share their wisdom and experiences with us. Kent and Nancy Hartman are part of this ministry group, and it was so wonderful to see them. The participants came from Italy, Austria, Albania, and France. I enjoyed getting to better know Memorial Road's Vienna team, as well as the other inspiring missionary families. We were up in the hills outside of Bologna and had a refreshing and encouraging several days together.

We had times of worship, rest, prayer, play, study, and discussion. Topics included re-entry to America, prioritizing, spiritual disciplines, dealing with stress, marriage and parenting in another culture, and handling finances. We also examined II Corinthians, a letter from the heart of a missionary. The organizing committee showered us with gifts each day: tastes of America, tools for spiritual growth, and other fun items. We are all so grateful for the thought and preparation put into this week, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to participate and learn so much!

Memorial Road ladies

After the retreat, I spent the weekend in Bologna with the family who had hosted me for the youth retreat there during Easter. We went to a couple parks and to an overlook point to see the city all lit up at night. Pictured below are Rosa and I with some of the figs we picked from her brother-in-law's tree. I also enjoyed getting to worship with the Bologna church Sunday before returning home.

Every now and then, it's nice to take a step back and rest, as Jesus invited the apostles to do in Mark 6:30-32 upon their return from being sent out two by two: "The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.' So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place."