Putting myself out there...

So, I've come to realize that one of the things lacking for me here in Rome is a social life. Friends. People who are over 22 and have graduated from college. I'm used to having lots of friends to do things with, to talk to, and just to know are there. I knew it would take some time to meet people here, but I think I underestimated my own need for friendship. I guess I also thought that I would find a lot of support from people at home that would tide me over until I met people, but thus far that's been a lot more scarce than I thought it would be. So, I'm putting myself out there!

Last week I had a girl over whom I'd socialized with before to hang out. Lynda joined us for the evening and we had such a good time. It was great just to be able to laugh and share and be women. I'd almost forgotten what that feels like! I've also decided to start checking out expat groups as a way to meet people. This freaks me out a bit. Most people who know me think that I am fairly outgoing. While I am outgoing to a certain extent, I'm also very shy and situations like going to a meeting where I don't know anyone scares me. But. I have to do this. I need an outlet. I need people. This is the way I was created. I've been praying for a friend and thus far God is answering my prayers in the form of the new friend who came over last week, but I'm continuing to pray because it's always nice to have a group of people  you can be with.

For those who live abroad or who have ever lived abroad, any advice?

Snow!!! (and Pompeii)

We're into week 3 here in Rome and things have been hopping.

We've been settling into routines and students have been out and about exploring Rome. Thus far it's been a good semester and I've enjoyed getting to know the students. They seem to be a fun bunch and they keep me on my toes.

Last Friday we went to Pompeii. The morning was frigid and rain was falling as we made our way to the train station. As we were walking from the bus into the station one of the students commented: "This rain actually looks like snow." I laughed because typically Rome only sees snow every 10 years, but hasn't seen any in 24 years. I told her that it wasn't snow more likely just really big rain drops. Imagine my surprise...no, shock, when we were outside waiting for the train and large flakes of white stuff began to fall from the sky above. Snow. It was wild! In no way was I prepared to deal with snow or snow-producing temperatures. I was worried.

As the train sped thru the Italian countryside I marveled at the snow-covered terrain. It really was beautiful. I was quite relieved, though, that the more south we went the less snow appeared. Thankfully, Napoli and Pompeii were snow free!

We spent the day amid the ancient ruins of Pompeii and again I was struck by the horror that it must have been. These were real people...with real lives. What must they have felt as they heard and saw the great volcano erupt? There must have been suck terror, hopelessness.

All in all, it was a good day. Long, but good. Of course, I came home with more than just good pictures and memories...I came down with a cold that kept me in bed for two days!

Small moments

We had one of those 'in between' moments I talked about in an earlier post last night.

My RA is a musician and because music is so important to him he brought his guitar with him to Rome. We benefit from this as a community. So, last night he and another one of the students decided to give an impromptu concert. What ensued was many of us gathered together in the TV room while they serenaded us with parts of requests, music they'd previously written, and on-the-spot creations. It's been a long time since I laughed so hard. I took a step back and watched the group and was once again overwhelmed by what God is allowing me to do. This is why I do what I do....because I get to do life with these young people and be a part of what God is doing in them thru the gifts that He's given them.

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!