Facing the music

I’m not in Rome. I’m not a nanny living in Europe. There is really no reason for me to have a picture of the Roman skyline.

So I changed to something a little more appropriate.

When I began writing this less than six months ago I couldn’t even have begun to imagine that this is where the Lord would lead me, but now that I’m here I can’t imagine it any other way. So join me in my new adventures, with a new title, and a new look that is all a little more appropriate for my new (and improved) place in life.

(You gotta know being a newlywed won’t be boring ; )

Chameleon

I have become a chameleon. I love playing this game; trying to fit into the city I am wandering around exploring.

In rome in my sundresses and huge sunglasses I was confused as an Italian by Italians several times. Its fun to have people think that you know what your doing.

Today not one but two french people confused me for a Parisian!!!! Since it is very much fall here I had to switch gears to pants, dresses, ballet flats, and scarves, but I managed to pull it off.

Of course, it usually gives it away when I pull out my map-o-Paris and start trying to figure out where I’m  at and where I need to be going, but oh well…one little triumph at a time!

Au Revior

Strangers

I’m beat. 14 hours of train rides and I finally got to Paris.

And of course it couldn’t possibly have gone smoothly…that would be too easy!

First started with the stomach cramps as soon as I got on the first of 5 trains. Let me tell you people that the lavatory in a second class cabin on a midnight train is not a pretty place to be.

Then there was the fact that the sleeper train had no more cabins, so it was the jump seat in the aisle for me.

Then the running up and down stairs with two suitcases looking like a mad woman from lack of sleep (see above)

Now, it might seem like I’m complaining alot, but I actually have a positive point to make. I have been so blessed and touched by the kindness of strangers on this trip.

Every single step of the way there was someone to help me with my bags, let me have a seat, help me find my platform, give up thier seat for me.

A sweet woman watched my bags while I was in the bathroom, three old guys insisted on sitting on one side of the sleeper car so that I could have a whole side to sleep, and countless people went out of thier way to not only point me in the right direction, but also take me there and show me what to do when I got there.

This could have been a nightmare and instead it was just a few bumps in the road. I have been trying to do my part to pass the buck to show people love!

I hope we can use this influence of strangers to spread the love all over!

Au Revior

Attitude

Sorry this was supposed to be in earlier

Italian women have a reputation for being, how should we say this…confident. They walk around with huge sunglasses, not acknowledging any other human being on earth, or bothering to go out of their path. This could possibly be seen as an attitude problem.

I am here to tell you folks to please forgive these poor women. They have adapted these behaviours for a good reason and you would too!

As is my general Texas nature I like to say hi to people and smile at people on the street. After just two days in Rome my smiles are gone and I’m hidden behing huge sunglasses.

You see the men in Rome (I’m sure not all, but in my experience a good many) have a confidence problem too. They take every smile, every hello, even every look as an acceptance to thier unspoken (or sometimes very loudly spoken) invitation.

Yesterday the man at the Gelateria tried to hug me!!! Now I know that the personal space bubble over here is generally smaller anyways, but seriously???? Buy some deoderant and get some manners!

Well I’m off to go prancing around Rome in my big sunglasses and aloof attitude for a few more hours before my train leaves!

Roman Holiday

Roman Holiday is my proof that it only takes one day in this city to change your life.

So today I had my Roman holiday.

I wish!

I ate gelato on the Spanish Steps. Put my hand in the Mouth of Truth. Basically I wondered around doing all the things she did in the movie.

WHOA

Don’t panic. I didn’t cut my hair, just going dark is enough for me!

Colloseo

Anyways if you haven’t seen the movie I order you to go rent it right now. Less than a day left in Rome before Paris!

 

Bonjour!

God’s Laughter

Attenzionè: This post is not as lighthearted as most of what I write.

There is a saying that goes, ‘If you want to hear God laugh tell Him YOUR plans.’

I had plans. I had Big plans. I always have. I have dreamed of living abroad, living an exciting, adventurous, exotic life.

However plans change…and so do dreams. In the past few months somthing shifted inside of me, but it was uncomfortable so I chose to ingore it. Instead I threw myself into making my lifelong dream come true. I prepared and plotted like no one has ever done before.

God went along with my plans and even encouraged them and now I know why…He needed to show me that I wanted different things now than I did before instead of tell me (cause you know you can’t tell me nothing).

While Italy is still the beautiful and wonderful place it was the summer of 2005, however, living here is no longer what I want. Yes. I did have a bad experience with my family, but that is not really the reason. I knew the second I set foot here that something happened to me that had never happened before in my life:

I was homesick. Seriously homesick. (This is from the girl that was gone for the whole summer and only called home two or three times)

I am coming home.

To those who are dissapointed I sincerely apologize.

To those who said I couldn’t do it I stand here to say that you were right and I am humbled.

I am choking on my pride right now, but I want to thank all of you for your love and support. It would be so easy to stay, to find a different family and settle in, but please understand that I am making the harder decision because I truly believe that it is God’s will.

So now I am laughing with Him. In fact I am laughing all the way to PARIS tommorrow.

 

See you on Friday!

Bonjour!

Whoosh

WOW! Time has flown since I got to Rome.

Nothing has gone as planned but it has all been fabulous. i will very quickly update you on what I have done so far.

Take a deep breath:

Survived two more car rides–Drank six cups of the strongest espresso you have ever laid lips on–Eaten exactly these vegetables; broccoli, tomatoes, and zucchini–Had a siesta–Seen the Circo Massimo, Roman Baths, Coliseum, Pantheon, Roman Forum, Piazzo Nuvano, Camp di Fiori. Walked approximately 50 kilometers. Lost approximately 7 kilos. Lived in a crash course of Mussolini’s decorating style. Given up air conditioning. Turned down no less than 5 marriage proposals. Learned to say ‘I’m hungary’ in Italian (ho fame). Been on Italian MTV (Roommate is friends with the film crew that was at The Human Race–evidently a big deal!).

Still to come:

Leaving for the beach at 7 tonight on my first bus ride of the trip. We’ll see if that goes to plan. Around here that is doubtful! ( I prayed to the Lord for patience and I believe that Italy is His answer!)

 

Also I discovered that my computer charger won’t work with the converter I brought so I need to find an Italian charger for my Dell computer any ideas?!?!?

 

I still have so much to tell and so many thoughts, but they will have to wait until things get more settled.

Please leave me some love! Keep me in your prayers as I am praying for all of you!

 

Okay Exhale…

CIAO

August 29 2008

That is the day today. That is the day on my flight itinerary. However it is not the day that my employers thought it was. Thus when I got to the airport in Rome there was no one to pick me up!

Luckily they were just a phone call away and promptly sent Lena’s (the mother)sister to come pick me up. She is super sweet but communication is difficult. I new something was amiss when she told me how my ( 23 kilo) suitcase was so empty!

Then I had my first experience with Rome driving (as a passenger of course) and I can happily report that I lived through it, the bad news is that it is worse than expected. I’m pretty sure no human on earth has ever held their breath that long.

Soon to come…pics of my new hood!

Anyways I am starting out my job with a weeklong trip to the sea tommorrow. Hopefully I will find internet, but if not I will catch you up next week or have someone post for me!

CIAO!