March?!

So, I haven't been updating this as often as my CIMBA blog, obviously. It has been a little rough here lately. My friend's parents came to visit and just made me realize how much I miss friends and family back home. It's nearing two months since I left home, which is pretty crazy to me. There is a lot going on in my mind right now--just a lot to think about...Home, school, friends, family, traveling, money, summer, and on and on.

I've been spending more time with God lately and I know that has to do with my troubles. I've had some good time in the word, listening to messages, praying, reading a devotional...so much of what I need. Ashley and I started a friendship study just last week. I got it for the both of us to do together, since we don't live in the same place (it's always been a long distance friendship). We waited a long time to start, but I'm so glad we started doing it. I'm going to start on the second study sometime this week. I know God will use this to bring us closer together and especially to Him. God continues to be faithful and teach me things here.

This morning while I keep going back and forth between studying and time with God, I came across these verses in my book that I think is very defining of my life right now...

"Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3

God is calling me to trust Him with this time I have abroad. It is very scary for me to spend all this money traveling, but this is me not trusting Him. God brought me here for a reason and allowed me to fulfill this desire. I'm trying to seek Him here and listen to what He is trying to teach me.

I've been putting a lot of focus on my studies instead of God. I haven't been doing as well on my tests as I would have liked. I study a lot and for those who know me, they know what that means. I usually spend the evening working on getting homework done; just reading for classes. I have two papers and a group project due this week---before I was overwhelmed. Now, I feel a little bit more at ease and I'm sure that's only because God has been working in me.

We went to Rome this last weekend and it was great to see all the history. It was difficult because traveling there was so expensive and I think that is partially what upset me this weekend. I've never spent so much money in such a small amount of time. However, the fact that I get to see all these places of beauty and interest are only because of God. I hope I keep remembering that and don't lose focus. In a couple of weeks, I will be leaving for more travels which I am pretty excited about. God continues to bless me here with caring friends and enjoyable times. I can't say that anything horrible has happened to me yet. I may be struggling with other things, but at the same time, I seek God through it all. I pray I continue to give my time and worries to him.

Ciao, friends.

Italia---2.5 Weeks In

This is God's painting! Above is the sunrise I saw on the bus to Florence. :)

This week is the second week of classes. Last weekend I was in Florence, which was pretty cool. It was a long a weekend, but of course a good weekend. I am truly blessed to be here. Although, I will be honest there are some points in time when I FORGET that I am in Italy. I am around American students a lot, however I don't think that is the reason why. I must just not realize it yet.

I already have a pretty decent amount of schoolwork, but I'm staying pretty good with it. However, the professors decided to assign work on the same day and have it due on the same day. But, I think that happens everywhere; it's happened to me before.

My little travel group is planning our first travel week which I am pretty excited about it! We are going to Milan, Paris, London, and Dublin. I am SO excited, especially for Dublin for some reason. However, the other locations are going to be great too. Don't worry, I'm excited for them too. We have already reserved the Last Supper. I can imagine that it may be a slightly emotional experience for me. This painting depicts the point at which Jesus announced he was to be betrayed by one of his disciples. All this art often gives me a realization of who I am and what Jesus has done for me. (I also saw A LOT of Madonna and Child and Crucifixion paintings which make me ponder too.) I would stand at the paintings and just remember and think back to Jesus on the cross...

I have been disappointed with my dedication to spending time with God here. It is definitely hard while traveling to get away for a little bit or to make time to journal. But, I don't see those things as legit excuses. I even missed my Sunday study of Ecclesiastes this week because I was in Florence and then traveling home. However, I plan to do more later this week and weekend with that...since I plan on staying in Paderno. I spend time in prayer, but have failed to spend time in the word. I also feel as if I have not completely exposed who I am here.

God had been exposing my own flaws here. But too often I seek out the flaws in others. I'm striving how to love people the way God would and it continues to be a work in progress.

I did not get the last scholarship that I applied to. It was disappointing, but I'm still here in Italy! I know there is a reason that I did not get it and I just have to trust God that everything with finances will be okay. I have been working on my summer project application here and there, but not very faithfully. I've only been in Italy for 2.5 weeks, but those SP application deadlines come quickly. My mother worries I take on too much and am planning for the summer too soon. However, I cannot wait to apply until I get back in April. I'm not sure if summer project is really what I should be doing this summer, but I am taking a step and seeing what happens.

I'm still taking it all in. For those of you who are reading this, just know, it's very likely I'm missing you! I have pictures of people up in my room and of course look at them often. I pray everything is good at home and just know that right now I'm good here. I'm still learning and growing, and I think that is the way God intended it to be.

First

I've been in Italy for about a week now; spending the first weekend in Venice. It was rainy, cold, but the architecture was amazing. Our Hotel was pretty nice and we were able to have breakfast there everyday before we left. Except, the last day I overfilled my cappuccino and accidentally made a mess! Oops. I guess I learned about cappuccino machines here in Italy.
Sometimes I think about almost the unlikeliness of this trip. How amazing is it...that this is happening? I've wanted to come to Italy since I was thirteen. This is just a HUGE blessing. I continue to be grateful; I hope everyday.
Right now I live in a beautiful place; God creates beautiful places. Not that home isn't beautiful--it is in a different way. I find beauty in the people I know there and the life I have there. I go outside and often am in awe of this place. Colorado has nothing compared to these mountains. They are grand---grander than I could have ever imagined. I've met some really awesome people; everyone seems to be so funny. I don't think it's due to jet lag either. In fact, I'm surprised at how I've adjusted to time. Although, I think about what time it is at home quite often.

I have this hope and prayer that I will able to expose more of who I am here. Not MORE than home, just more than I already have. I know it's just the first week, but I want to know these people more deeply; to understand what is important to them. I want them to know the same about me...I've seen God's love in my life so many times. I want to care about others the way He has for me.

On a less serious note...We traveled to Bassano and Crespano this weekend--bigger surrounding towns to Paderno. We did a lot of walking and exploring, it was great! We ate at some Italian restaurants, saw some sites and just enjoyed being.

I actually do not have class next week--just a bunch of orientations. However, I still have some studying to do; the semester has started afterall.

Thanks for reading my first "personal" blog. Ciao.