Il profondo mistero di ciò che stai dicendo mi infuoca il cuore

This past week has been full of classes, homework, and more classes. The semester is in full swing, but I will not complain because I am in ITALY! Since I’ve been here I’ve really surprised myself. I am such a family oriented person and my friends mean the absolute world to me. I was a little nervous before I left about how I would feel about leaving my family and friends for almost 4 months. Since I’ve been here I’ve been so content and excited about this adventure that I haven’t had time to let myself sit down get homesick. I do miss my family and friends and wish that they could experience part of this adventure with me but I refuse to waste this opportunity wishing that I was back in North Carolina. North Carolina will be just where I left it in December. However, I was super excited when I got to skype with my best friend this week! It’s so strange and a little frustrating at times that my best friend is not here to share these memories with me but the one thing that some of the girls here keep saying is that everyone they love is in their hearts and therefore they are here with them. What a great way to look at things.

I think it is absolutely amazing how fast all of us girls got to know each other and how close we have become. Within the first week of our being here I realized how hard it was going to be not only to leave Italy but to leave these girls. Living with 9 other girls has been fun and not nearly as challenging as I thought it might be; granted we do live in a palace and there is plenty of room for us all to spread out. I feel like the Palazzo Alberti and these girls have become my home away from home. I can’t imagine what it will feel like when I first get home and sit down for lunch at a table that sits four people instead of twenty or what it will be like to not all be in the kitchen making dinner together. I have a feeling that life is going to be quiet.

While out for drinks the other night us girls were sitting at the table discussing how we wanted to go somewhere this next weekend. After a day of classes and an afternoon of homework here we are, four girls, at a dinner table deciding on a whim that next weekend we will go to Rome. Never would I have ever imagined that I could sit down at a table and realistically say, “Let’s spend next weekend in Rome.” What an awesome and humbling experience. It was in that moment that the reality of how fortunate I am hit me!

I hope everyone at home is doing wonderful! Hugs and Kisses to you all!