When God Answers...

As I have recently joined the growing list of the unemployed in our country, I have spent a small amount of time re-reading my journal from 2009. Here's an excerpt from May 5th
"...Lord, when are you going to pick me up and throw me into some other job? Right now all I want to do is hole myself up in my apt and read and write..."

Well, God has answered. Everything that is in me wants to find a new job asap. To put my resume in the hands of as many people as soon as possible. Yet, as I pray about where to begin He has asked me to "receive and relax". He has asked that I not be proactive in the search, but to take the time to read and write and wait and trust.

The adventure continues.

More Italy

Ok Jess, I’ve processed. It’s long. I hope you enjoy it.

We arrived on Wednesday morning and after meeting “pretty Jerome” and “young Austin” while waiting for our luggage, the four of ventured to find the train to take us into Rome. We departed at the Termini train station, each to find our separate dwellings. Tiff and I were staying near the Vatican, while the boys were closer to the train station.

As we entered a new city, whether Rome, Florence, Venice or Cinque Terre we’d find our abode and then wander to get familiar with the area. We stayed in Rome for three days, then Florence for three days, Venice for three days, Cinque Terre for one full day and two nights, back to Florence for two days and then Rome for the night.

Highlights from Each City:

GELATO! The food in general was A-mazing! Everything was fresh, everything, and simple. We do too much to our food over here. Cappuccino—I miss it. I don’t even like it in the States.

Rome—Vatican, Sistine Chapel, Fountain of Trevi, Coliseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, street vendors, dinners outside with roaming clarinet players, dancers and fire eaters. Cobble stone streets. Rome is a very fast town everything is go, go, go.

Florence—Academia—where Michelangelo’s “David” is. I wasn’t prepared for the greatness of this piece. It really was amazing. The Uffizi Art gallery had some great pieces, but they did tend to look the same to me after a while. We biked through Tuscany. This included a tour of a castle as well as wine and olive oil tasting that they made on the property. There’s something to be said about biking when all you can see are vineyards on one side and olive trees on the other. We ate a truly “Tuscan” meal at Il Laniti, 2.5 hrs later we rolled out of there. Definitely one of the best meals I’ve ever had.

Venice—what can you say about a city whose streets are water? Venice is seemingly a very laid back, friendly town. St. Mark’s Square and St. Mark’s church is amazing. (They smuggled his bones back into Venice from Egypt in a box stuffed full of pork so the Muslims’ wouldn’t search it. AND the church is mainly decorated with gold pirated from others). We saw Andrea Boccelli sing in St. Marks’ Square—words can’t describe. I really loved being on/near the water. We went to Peggy Guggenheim’s place. She has a lot of modern art, which I loved. We a road the grand canal via the “water bus” system and not a gondola. Gondolas are expensive and way too romantic for two highly single girls.

Cinque Terre—is five (cinque) cities along the Italian Coast. This was my favorite—mainly because it’s not too touristy yet, each of the towns are small and the locals recognize you. Its one of those places where everyone looks out for everyone. Kids don’t get away with much because someone is always watching. We hiked the coast on the 4^th of July. It was a 9 km hike, and it kicked my butt. I loved it! It was there I realized how much large bodies of water need to be apart of my life. I am so much calmer around them, and more creative for that matter.

Anyway…that’s a very, very short summary of Italy. If you want funny stories or more detailed randomness…shoot me an email.

Things that are True in Italy:

Italian men are not shy

Wine is cheaper than water

Croissants cheaper than fruit

Coffee cheaper than tea

Italy 09

Italy--I don't really have the words to sum up what we did or how it was. It was surreal and overwhelming and lavish. I John talks about how God lavishes his love on his children.

There have been so many people who were excited for me and the trip. There are so many people who have said I deserve(d) this trip. Really? I deserved it? Why me and not someone else?

I am grateful to have had this experience. I lack the words to explain all that I feel. In Italy I realized that I am not good a receiving good things. I realized that when I get overwhelmed with beauty or greatness I tend to become quiet and reflective rather than exuberant or giddy.