And we're off!

Students arrived bright and early Thursday morning. Lynda and I met their plane at FCO and then braved the airport shuttle back to campus. I always love riding in a car/shuttle with people who are experiencing it for the first time!

We have 12 students this semester from all over the US and even one student from another school. So far it seems to be a really great group. A lot of laughter has been ringing thru these hallowed halls.

Last semester was a learning experience for myself about what to do, what not to do, and what needs to stay as is. I am thankful for the experience and am thankful for the students I had last semester who journeyed with me. More importantly, I am thankful that the Lord is continuing to refine me and use me to impact the lives of college students...something I love to do!!

So, with the start of a new semester comes a flurry of activity. There's so much going on this semester....trips to the Vatican, the Coliseum, Forum, museums, Florence, Venice, Pompeii, and more. I will be better about recording those moments and the ones in between that seem to matter more in some ways.

I could write forever...but for now I'll just say: Buona notte!

Rainy Rome

It's raining. It's been raining and it's supposed to keep raining here. I love the rain. In some ways it's so therapeutic and always makes me want to curl up with a good book or movie and sip tea or hot chocolate. Too bad I have so much to do that I'm unable to take advantage of the weather!

I did get out in it today and am blogging as a means to thaw my fingers. This Arizona girl is freezing! It's currently 46 right now. It's supposed to be 67 at home. Sigh. Va bene.

Lynda and I trekked to Ikea today to get some things for this semester and had a laugh or two as we managed to juggle our purchases, rain coats, umbrellas, and purses without slipping on the bus. Life here is never without laughter and adventure...which is a good thing...it keeps life from being mundane and predictable.

Speaking of mundane and predictable...students arrive in 2 days! I may just be wishing for some mundane and boring moments as I journey with them thru Rome and Italy...although I seriously doubt that.

Second time around

I am sitting in my room in Rome as I write this. Lynda and I arrived this morning after a good flight. My flight from Phoenix to Dulles was barely even 1/4 full so I had the whole row to myself and then our flight from Dulles to Rome wasn't even 1/2 full so again I got a whole row to myself! What a difference it makes when you can stretch out. This doesn't mean that I actually slept...heaven forbid! (I've never really slept on airplanes) Rather, I was able to relax and not have my knees shoved into my chin.

It's cold here now. I mean it's cold relative to AZ. When I left AZ yesterday it was in the mid-60s because it was raining and had previously been in the low-to-mid-70s, but it's only in the low 50s here now....my room is cold! What a difference from our arrival last August when it was hotter than the center of the sun!

I was greeted warmly by the Sisters and Ana. It's nice to be received so well!

I have been fighting sleep since I got to my room because I know the best way to fend off jet lag is to wait until it's a decent hour to go to sleep here, but I fear I've lost that battle as I lost two hours earlier while I was reading...pretty sure I dozed off. Can you blame me? Lynda and I are meeting at our local pizzeria later as another way to ensure that we stay up as late as we can...and also because neither of us has any food in our homes!

So, getting back into the swing of things and getting ready for my students' arrival a week from today. I'm looking forward to what I need to do and what's going to happen.

Thanks for praying for safe travel. They were answered. I know God has amazing plans for me here in Rome and with these students. I just pray that I am open to His leading, His timing, and His method.

Returning to Rome

Well, after a nearly 5 week break at home I am getting ready to head back to Rome.

I am looking forward to this semester and all that it will bring because I've been down this road before. I know what to expect, what needs to happen, and what's realistic. I am excited for where God is taking me and all that He's producing in my life.

So, get ready...life's about to get busy again! (If you remember...please pray for travel safety and for our new semester and my role in it.)

"See" you in the blog-o-sphere!