Time flies...

If you're anything like me you are now asking yourself: Where did summer go!??! Anyone have an answer because I sure don't.

I'm heading into my last week here in the States before I head back to Rome for  new semester. I really don't know where the time has gone! I had an interesting summer...and that's putting it mildly. There were quite a few challenges at home that I wasn't prepared for that made the summer so very trying at times and because of those challenges I find myself at an interesting emotional crossroads: I am both excited to go back to Rome and sad to leave home. Who knew? Despite everything going on here, God has blessed me this summer with quality time with my parents, my sisters, and my friends. I didn't get to see everyone that I would have liked to, but those I did see I was able to really spend time with them and to me that means more than seeing 100s of friends for 10-15 minutes each. I am and have been reminded of God's love through the outpouring of love my friends and family have shown me this summer.

There's still much I have to do (and much I have to buy!) before I head back and this week's going to be crazy! I am going to try to meet a friend for dinner 1/2 way between Tucson and Phoenix, I have to get some cavities (UGHHH!!!!) filled, I have to shop, I have to take my mom to some doctor's appointments, and then next weekend my sisters and I are throwing a "60th Birthday Extravaganza" for my dad here in T-town. So much to do...so little time.

I've been in contact with a couple of the students that will be joining us in Rome this fall and I am excited to meet them and adventure with them. I know that this is going to be an excellent year since hey! I already know what I'm doing....or at least to some degree I do!

So, as I move towards heading back to Rome I am trusting God with what He has for me this year and am trusting who it is that He is molding me into.

Nove giorni....mama mia.