What does that mean?
A year ago I met a woman at church and she asked me to get coffee. We sat over cappuccinos in a cafe in Rome and she told me her story. I listened to her calmly explain the time she was held at gunpoint in Africa, or the tuk tuk she would drive to the cafe in India.
“I wonder what your eyes have seen!” I said.
“A lot of naked men.” she replied
We ended with the warmest hug and an invitation. “You’re always welcome to stay at our apartment if you need.”
That summer I made the biggest ask I could imagine. Did she really mean what she said. I needed a place to stay and she had offered. I ended up living with her and her husband for 3 months that summer in their Italian apartment. Those 90 days changed me more than I could have dreamed.
On my first night I was handed a key and told I was welcome to join them for meals and could eat anything I wanted. No charge. You’re welcome here. And they adopted me. My Roman parents.
In August we both had moved back to the states and ended up 2 hours away from each other in Virginia. God gifted me more time with them.
On my first visit to DC I was handed a new set of keys with a ribbon. Make this your home. Even if we aren’t here. If you need a city getaway or a weekend retreat, please come. So I did. Craving dinners with my parents who would remind me of my identity in Christ and security in Him over a candle lit dinner.
Now they are off on a new adventure and my heart breaks to watch them go. I’m encouraged as I watch their church bless them and tell of the ways they have opened their home to the members.
And it wasn’t enough. I walk out the door with my arms full. They have packed me up with everything I could carry. “Take it all. Take whatever you want.” But you’ve already given me everything.
To my adopted Roman parents.
Words can never describe
How grateful I am to you
But maybe I can try
So here are just a few
The gospel comes with a house key
That’s what you taught to me
Abundance and simplicity
And living life with glee
You always point me back
And kept me right on track
Picking up our cross
And Christ’s heart for ours.
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