First I must apologize to my blog readers who wanted updates while I was abroad (I like saying abroad because it makes me sound like I'm a world traveler). Unfortunately, the family I stayed with did not have internet for most of the time I was there and even if they did there were 7 people using one computer so I wouldn't have had much time. My brother-who loves computers and knows all about them-asked why I didn't just go find some public wi-fi. It wasn't that easy. All this to say that my lack of communication was not because I didn't try.
By the time I had to leave Italy I was thoroughly enjoying not having a computer or telephone. I realize now how much time I spend on both (usually necessary) and having a break was so refreshing. It was really nice to not have to multitask.
Where do I start?
My flights were good. I almost missed a connecting flight because planes were delayed twice. I literally jogged (with a 50 pound backpack on) off the plane to hear them paging..."Last call for Vaughan (and some other poor soul who was about to miss his flight)."...I made it just in time and they shut the door almost as soon as I sat down. Whew! that was a close one. I didn't want to miss any flights!
The flight to from JFK to Rome was good. There was some turbulence (for about 20 minutes which is a long time if you've never experienced it) and I am not ashamed to say that it scared me a little. It woke me up and I prayed and sang a hymn out loud...that's right, I said out loud. It was softly so no one else heard me. (and for those who are wondering I sang God Will Take Care Of You... I thought it fitting) Thankfully I sat on the wing and the seat next to me was empty so I was able to stretch out.
I hoped that when I got into Rome that smells and sights would trigger memories. I'm hear to tell you that the very first smell was not pleasant and absolutely no memories were triggered. Ever. My first smell was the baggage claim in the bottom of the airport which smelled like most of the people there hadn't bathed for weeks and musty shoes. Not a good combination.
I made it up to the top in record time and even beat Cheri getting there. I came inside to look for her again and saw her rounding the corner. She had a sign that had my name on it like all the other people who were picking up tourists. Silly girl! She had Lydia with her who is a young lady from Pennsylvania who recently graduated from college. She did two years in the states and two years of school in Italy and fell in love with Rome and the Giulianis so she came back for a visit and doesn't plan on going home. She is such a sweet, good-natured girl and Cheri and I had a lot of fun picking on her.
The driving in Rome was so...interesting. They have two lane roads but chose to make them into 4, sometimes 5. Stop signs are suggestions and not heeded unless a car is REALLY close and sidewalks aren't for people to walk only but also for Vespas and scooters. Strangely enough, none of that bothered me like Cheri thought and I had no problem riding in Rome.
Cheri and I did most of the sight-seeing. I'm sure the kids are tired of seeing the same 'ole buildings every time a visitor comes. I learned even more that Cheri and I are a lot alike and we had a marvelous time! We saw the Vatican but I didn't go inside because the line went all the way around St Peter's square. In case you were wondering, St Peter's square is really round. I was shocked and perplexed. I took a picture with a police officer and found out that they don't really do that. I also learned that you don't smile at people, specifically men, when you make eye contact while you walk down the street; you don't wave at people while driving down the road. It just isn't done. I like being friendly to people and this way of not paying attention is new to me.
I also went to downtown Rome and saw the Colosseum, the Spanish steps, the Trevi Fountain and tons of buildings, flowers, people, tourists, and odds and ends. There's too much to even mention.
We went out of Rome for a day and drove to the mountains of Isola. It was absolutely breathtaking! I still look at the pictures and can't believe how gorgeous it is there and how much the pictures do NOT do it justice. I could easily live there and never talk to society again...but then I'd miss my family and friends. But it is beautiful and God's creation is breath-taking.
I ate a lot of good food and my favorite was...everything! There wasn't one thing I didn't like! Except for maybe the octopus tentacle that I ate. I think that was more of a visual thing. I had gelato (ice cream...the best ever!), real pizza, fish, potatoes baked with herbs, pasta (of course), lasagna, fresh fruit, fresh cheese cake, fresh-squeezed lemonade made from the lemons in Renato's mother's garden...and the list goes on.
The church was so delightful. Cheri was such a doll to translate for me and Renato even spoke in English every now and then when Cheri had to step away. It just did my heart good to hear the messages and to meet the people I've been praying for for some time. They are so loving and so appreciative. Which leads me to another topic. I was kissed more times in those ten days then I had been in years. And I loved it!
The Renato, Cheri, the children and Lydia were such a blessing to me. I miss them. I can't even begin to tell you how much I more they mean to me since I spent time with them. God does place people in our lives that are such inspirations and they are the perfect examples.
I would love to go back to Italy one day to help them out in their ministry but I know that I have a lot of preparation. I need to learn Italian. Bad. I don't necessarily see me moving there full time but I would love to go back and stay for a month or more helping them spread the gospel, bringing light to such a dark world. And then I'm convicted as I see that the light needs to be shown here as well. Such a need...everywhere. Oh that God would raise up many more who are burdened to take the gospel around the world. And I know that it starts with me, with you, but there is so much to be done.
Over all...I had a wonderful trip! I can't wait to go back and I am so appreciative, thankful for all the prayers. I thank you for asking about my trip, for suffering through A-L-L the pictures, for listening to my stories and for being as excited as I was. I love you all!
And it's good to be home.
