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.