We Seventh-day Adventists in Fede e Luce
We Christians tend to be pessimistic; we think today's youth deserves only condemnation. Fortunately, we are wrong. I speak from my own experience.
I am the mother of a forty-five-year-old daughter born with spastic paresis. She had surgery for encephalomeningocele followed by hydrocephalus. The pain was great.
I turned to the Lord. I placed everything in His hands, and despite my failings, I can say He helped me greatly.
About thirteen years ago, a dear friend told me about a community called Fede e Luce, where our children could find young people who were available, full of love, eager to make them feel happy and welcomed.
I belong to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and before I brought my daughter to Fede e Luce, my husband and I had doubts. We were afraid that, not being part of the same church, she would not be received warmly. My daughter cried often because she wanted to be among young people, to share in the life of those without disabilities.
One Sunday I made up my mind. My husband and I brought her to Fede e Luce. We have never forgotten that day. We were welcomed with love and warmth. My husband immediately mentioned that we belonged to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, but we were told they were open to everyone. What mattered to them was welcoming and helping the young people. And that is exactly what they did. We have always been treated with the utmost respect and with love.
If it hadn't been for these foolish prejudices, my daughter would have experienced this great joy earlier. And we, too, have been happy to be part of this family—and I call it a family because both friends and parents share joys and sorrows alike. I lost my husband not long ago, and many stood by me.
I face many trials, but the Lord, in His infinite goodness, gives me the strength to overcome them.
I underwent some very painful treatments for my health. The Fede e Luce community was there for me. Both parents and friends asked about my well-being. They looked after my daughter. They are a living testimony of love and faith.
I will never stop thanking them and praying that the Lord blesses them and inspires many more young people to follow their example.
Ernesta Capria
New Year in Hawaii
For the first time, the Rho community celebrated New Year's Eve together: a few days by the lake, then the big evening, themed around Hawaii. Those were beautiful days. We enjoyed being together in every moment—shopping, preparing meals, on outings, sharing bedrooms that were, admittedly, a bit crowded. We had to adapt and appreciate each other's different personalities and needs.
It is strange how the desire to share more grows and deepens. It is strange how we come to understand, again and again, with greater depth that Fede e Luce is nothing other than friendship, loyalty in relationships. The important celebrations, the meaningful moments—we choose to share them with those we love most.
A Friend