Some things are just meant to be. Corny, but really.

I wasn't going to blog today, but I just have to. I do.

We went out for gelato and to scope out our classes, and after finding out that our classes are apparently behind a garage door (so says the address that we were lead to) and after getting ripped off for the worst tasting gelato ever, I saw a little turtle guy thing sitting on the trash can that I threw my gelato cup into. I am not sure what he is made out of, but he's hard and solid. I got really excited when I saw him, but then I was too afraid to pick him up because I always have irrational fears that random objects that appear to have been purposely placed somewhere may have drugs inside or be made out of something illegal or be explosive. One of my roommates, Tess, picked it up and carried it home for me, and when we got back, I gave it a bath. Now he sits on my bedside stand. My little Elijah reminder. I hope that my tortoise at home is doing well.

I feel very comfortable with being in Italy now. Since it has been a full week of being here, the whole vacation feeling has left, and I have accepted that this is home now. Sometimes, the reality of how far this actually is from home hits me, but I still don't quite miss home yet. It's funny because all of the fears that I have felt towards coming here have melted away. Especially after learning to make simple conversation with the locals and becoming good friends with my roommates and settling into our apartment for a while before starting class. (I am still anxious to start class, but I am certain that that soon will melt away too, especially by the 2nd or 3rd class; they run 2.5 hrs. each, everyday!) Anyways, I feel calm. I feel like this is where I am supposed to be right now. This is my time to do something big. This is right. For me. Here. Now. 

I know that it sounds really cheesy and corny, but it's so very true in ways that most readers probably wouldn't understand. I am so thankful for so much right now. Italy is beautiful. There is hope. I'm really in love with God right now for giving me these opportunities and for showing me how great life is. He truly has carried me to a world that I never thought could really exist.

Each day gets closer to the fourth, and once the fourth is over, the days get closer to the next July 4th. I can't believe that it will be three years tomorrow. Really. Why does that number get bigger each time? Even from a world away, I miss you, although I guess we have been this far for a while. <3SEB, TWB