First of Times

A bit of struggling occurred when trying to title this post. I was between "time of firsts" and "firsts of times" but decided on celebrating the first memories of many memories on this trip. First of all, I definitely over packed. Well you learn some you lose some! It’s my second day in Italy and I’m writing this post at 10 am on my first train ride! But more to that later. Yesterday, I got to lounge outside over a courtyard with a cappuccino while working on my music. Around 8 we left to take a walk around the Pantheon and the Trevvi Fountain in the night. Watching the sun go down was gorgeous, especially around some of the government buildings near our hotel. Seeing the great sights lit up was breathtaking. I found myself meandering on the steps of the Pantheon, weaving between columns. The marble was cold on my fingertips and the lights reflected off of them. It seemed more massive in this light than in the day. But instead of being intimidating it seemed more like an old friend watching over you. I wondered about all the different faces the marble walls had seen. Tourists and pilgrims. Worshippers and defacers. The givers and the thieves.

I started thinking of prayers for the people around me. No matter their background or religion. I did see something that surprised me though. There was a small group of people outside against the wall with some incense and pillows dancing with a live guitarist. It seemed a little New Age and I had a weird feeling in my stomach and got dizzy so I asked Jesus to be present there and left. Still not exactly sure what was going on but whatever it was broke my heart. A place to recognize faithful believers and martyrs of Christianity was now the steps of something else entirely. I don’t know what to think about this or what my response should be. I have prayed that He would break my heart for what breaks His.

On a different note, we awoke this morning bright and early after sleeping for the first time in about 48 hours! (I only slept for a little over an hour on the plane) After a delicious Italian breakfast we sat outside above the courtyard before embarking on the 20 minute walk to the train station. Now the train station was a new experience completely for me. The inside was more like an airport but not at all like Hugo. I heard so many new languages and accents it was whelming but in a good way! The only thing unnerving thing was that we had all of our luggage with us and had to cling to it tightly.

Now that I’m on a train I must say this is my favorite form of travel. We are on an Italo train which means we can journey from Rome to Bologna in 2 hours-so fast. But the view of the country is unbeatable. It also seems so much easier than plane travel. And of course I would prefer ANYTHING to bus or taxi cab.

I don’t have too much else to say except that waking up this morning was a little magical. I think first couple days in Italy are like that. I thought I was dreaming! But I’m actually HERE! The most magical place on earth.

UPDATE: Have reached my “home” for the next three and a half weeks! Urbino, Italy! Said goodbye to my grandparents this afternoon and have already made some new friends and even learned a few more phrases! (Besides a couple normal ones like “How much does this cost?” I learned the really important ones for Bonnie, “Help me” and “I’m sorry.” No sooner did I learn Ho bisogno del tuo aiuto then my lemon soda spilled everywhere….

I’m staying in a hotel at the side of the mountain with a beautiful view! One quick thing before dinner. When I first walked in and saw the hostel like room, my heart sunk. No it’s not because it wasn’t clean or pretty or anything like that. It’s because my roommate wasn’t there yet and I realized I would be living here and I had no family or friends in that moment. I felt so alone. My anxiety crept in quickly and I nearly started crying, but the Lord stood with me and comforted me. I dropped my bags and began praying. I prayed over my room and Rachel. I prayed for our times in there, for sleep, and for His presence with us most of all. I’m so thankful the Spirit captured my thoughts in that moment.

I share this story to encourage you. We’ve all had days when we feel alone or closed in. When we feel we can’t break through the fear, guilt, loneliness, or shame of our circumstances.

But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me,

so that through me the message might be fully

 proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.

2 Timothy 3:17

We need to remind ourselves that He gives us the strength. Because of His quieting presence, I was able to proclaim truth to my heart which was trying to make me doubt the truth I know.

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed,

for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you;

 I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

            So rest tonight, with the knowledge that he is faithful and He is with you always.