(written on January 8th)
I am about to board my international flight to London and
then onto Venice. The reality is just starting to hit me that I will actually
be in Italy for 6 months. It sounds like such a long time as I say goodbye to
friends and family but then I reflect on the fact that from the perspective of
eternity it is merely a blink. What will this incredible adventure mean when
it’s over? I don’t want a single moment to pass me by. My very best friend,
Kaitlyn, reminded me of this last night as I was worrying about having too much
free time while I’m there. She spoke right to my heart, saying “Go over there
and fall back in love with life. Take in the details, smell the roses that you
would normally pass by, listen to people laugh. But most of all fall in love
with yourself and your surroundings.” Whoa, that’s exactly what I needed to
hear. Kaitlyn has been my rock for as long as I can remember; every one of my childhood
memories includes her-most likely her being a diva. Our friendship is the
coolest connection that I’ve ever had and I can’t help but think that isn’t by
accident. Kaitlyn and I have been through a lot together and her life is a
miracle. God created us for this kind of community. How great is our God that he knows exactly
what we are troubled with and calms our fears and blesses us with rich
friendship!
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a
friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24
I am now with my family in Thiene, Italy about an hour from
Venice. The last 48 hours have been more difficult than I would have ever
imagined. In an effort to be transparent I want to not only share with you the
wonderful things that are surely yet to come, but also share the low points and
struggles. Although my new host family is very nice, my heart is back home with
my mom and brother. No one will ever come close to replacing them in my heart
and I have truly come to understand that my home is wherever they are. At the
moment, 6 months feels like an eternity away and my heart gets so heavy when I
think of the time that separates us. The hardest time for me is at night when
the house is quiet and I am begging for sleep to come.
Today- Saturday, January 11th, the family took me
to Verona to explore the city. It was wonderful, I had such a good time with
the family and I am much more comfortable around them now. I got to see the old
coliseum in Verona, explore all of the shops and even have my first Italian
gelato! Also, I got to visit the house and balcony of Juliette from
Shakespeare! I know that these difficult days will end soon and I know that the
Lord will steady me through them. There is nothing more powerful than prayer
and support and encouragement from friends.
My mom shared this quote with me this morning and it made me
stop and laugh and it gave me a little bit of comfort.
“On particularly rough days when I’m sure I can’t possibly
endure, I remind myself that my track record for getting through bad days so
far is 100% and that’s pretty good.”
Ciao!
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