Opera in Italy

Ciao! I am aboard a plane bound for Roma, Italia and couldn’t be more excited! Definitely supposed to be asleep but that’s not happening so I thought I would write to you all. I realized my last post didn’t give too much info about where I’m going and what I will be doing there. As mentioned previously, this is my second trip to Italy. My last trip spring break of 2017 was memorable for so many reasons. I traveled with Ouachita Singers, the touring choir at my school, Ouachita Baptist. We traveled to Rome and Florence, sang concerts Loved strolling the cobble streets in Assisi and, of course, eating delicious gelato at Giolitti.

            This trip will be a little different. I auditioned back in November for a study abroad program with a couple from Texas, Edward and Heather Crafts. Their wonderful “Opera in Concert in Italy” program gives the opportunity for me and other college students around the US to take Italian language classes at a university in Urbino, Italy. The best part of it all? I get to sing! I get six coachings and lessons in opera and get to perform in two concerts, showcasing what we’ve studied the three weeks we are in Urbino. That’s not all, of course! We will be making a couple excursions, including a weekend trip to Venice to see L'elisir d’amore by Donezetti. Yes, you read that correctly. I have the blessing of seeing an Italian opera in Italy. It’s so unreal!!

            Needless to say, I’m delighted! In addition to the lovely people I will get to meet on this trip, a few of my friends from OBU will be attending with me. Among those are my two best friends Lizzie and Rachel. I’m looking forward to cappuccino and gelato dates, morning Bible studies, and maybe even some shoe shopping! Can’t wait to see what the Lord does in the cultivating of friendships and in the start of new ones.

            So thankful for this opportunity and even more for every person who has made this trip possible! The scholarship, generous donations from friends and family, and of course my fundraising job later this summer.

            Speaking of family contributions, my grandma is flying, well currently sleeping, next to me on the airplane! My grandparents decided they would sacrifice a week of their summer to travel with me to Bologna. (They of course were all too reluctant…) My parents, who have given the most to making this trip possible, are able to join me my last weekend in Urbino to see my final concert. We will then go on a tour of Italy since they haven’t been! I am anticipating getting to introduce them to Assisi and Florence, while also exploring some new locations like Verona. I have never been to the Tuscany region, but if it’s anything like Letters to Juliet I think I’ll be content.

            About a week ago I was sharing a quiet minute with the Lord and as I asked Him for how I should pray for our trip I felt called to compose a list of sorts. I shared it with my group from OBU just to share how I would be praying and invited them to join me in the days leading up to our departure. I thought I would share that here. No pressure to join me, but if you feel led I would love to invite you on this adventure with me through prayer and thanksgiving.

Prayer for Italy adventure:

1.     For safety in travel, airplanes, trains, and passengers with us.

2.     For patience and kindness for one another and those we come in contact with. Especially as we get tired

3.     For protection in Urbino, coming to and from the school, when traveling on excursions, etc.

4.     For unexpected friendships to form and for growth in others. That we may encourage one another in Christ.

5.     That we may always be ready to give an account for the hope we have and to share the gospel in love and gentleness.

6.     That we would be prepared to learn and love it! That it wouldn’t be mundane but an experience of joy and the celebration of culture and love of learning.

7.     For every person on the trip as they prepare

8.     For the Crafts and our language professor. That they would be ready to encourage and instruct with excellence.

9.     For health, that no one would become ill and miss out on the experience of Italy.

10.  For those who we are leaving home, some of whom are sick or struggling, I pray we would be able to keep them in our prayers but also enjoy the time we are blessed with.

Much love to you all from Roma!

UPDATE: We are here! It is 5 past 10:00 in Roma and around 2 am there in DFW. I am sitting at a hotel lobby in the heart of the city waiting for my hotel room to become available. Unbelievably thankful for this time I have with my Grandma and Papa. They've been incredible. At one point mid flight my Papa gave up his seat on the aisle to a young man so he and his girlfriend could sit together. They are just wonderful people. I met a husband and wife across the aisle named "M and G" and we played lots of trivia on the flight and laughed. Loved the holy laughter in such a crammed and dark place. Happy to be here and very happy to have made it through the hectic streets in one piece!!