Every year, we share a personal update all in one letter because many of you have asked. We exclude these from our regular letters because we want to focus on the ministry. We usually send this family update in July but I forgot.. haha!

For me, Joey, this last year I do feel the Lord wants me to live in the tension of rest and work. It’s a strange lesson because usually the two topics are taught about separately as if they are mutually exclusive. It’s interesting how the Lord teaches the lesson; he uses our literal schedule. There are super busy weeks and then slow weekends where we get to enjoy some rest. I’ll confess I am not as good at resting as I am at keeping busy, but I am thankful the Lord is nudging me in this area. Another update from this last year is that I finally feel like I’ve perfected the signature “shape” of bread from my mom’s Italian hometown! I eventually got there.

For me, Jenn…there’s so much going on and I am just thankful the Lord is a sustaining God because it’s only by His grace, we can manage things in this busy world. From the library to international students to church and kids and extended family, life is a roller coaster. Personally God has been teaching me to focus on one thing at a time…I mean really is it even possible to multitask without something getting overlooked? This is an ongoing lesson for me. Of course I am continuing my goal to read as many books in one year as possible. And since I love books, here’s some recommendations for you ! Authentically Izzy, Soul of An Octopus and Daddy Long Legs (as for my reviews, check out the blog as they are too long to include in this letter!).

As for our oldest, Gianluca (13), he is officially a teenager and definitely going through puberty! His voice is deepening and any moment now we are expecting him to have a beard like dad. haha. Of course he continues to work through his various social and cognitive deficits due to his autism; we are proud of how hard he is working. He’s in several “inclusive” settings even over the summer and we are thankful for that. On top of this we are trying to get him to take on learning bass guitar. He has surprised us by how much he’s learning! Please pray for us as we are thinking of high school for September 2025. We just want what’s best for our boy.

Gabriel (11) has a few more years under his belt learning drums. He’s really excelled a ton and we are already practicing worship songs together. A hope is certainly that he can play in church one day! On top of this, he’s made a big transition from 5th grade to middle school. Thankfully most of his friends are all following each other. Gabriel still loves his baseball, gaming and has become an avid reader like his mamma. We can’t keep up with his checked-out library and ebooks! haha 

As for our little dancer, Lana (7), she continues to bring tons of joy and drama to our home. Sometimes we wonder if she will be an actress because of the amount of facial expressions she has in her arsenal. Lana is super kind and thoughtful of course and lately loves getting manicures with her own stick-on set. She enjoys a nice walk to the corner store for some ice cream and she will always go to the park for playdates with her friends. Just as the boys have their instruments, she has taken on piano/keyboard, which she thoroughly enjoys! 

Thank you so much for praying for and following our family’s missionary calling. We are super grateful to the Lord for you!! Pray of course as we close out our summer ministry responsibilities and prepare for the fall semester. In between there we are going to El Salvador to visit Jenn’s parents August 12-22. Busy time !