Ciao from Italy!

So, my adventure has begun!
As I write, I am sitting in my delicious bed, inside of my 15th Century Villa of a dorm.

I will spare you the minute details of my travels so far, and just get to the highlights.

First things first: I am safe, and happy.

Flying was relatively easy. The only parts that were not my favorite were the flight from Pittsburgh to Paris, and maneuvering the Parisian airport. Other than that, it was the usual: jumping on a plane, smiling at my neighbor, and sleeping.

One fun story from the Parisian airport. I was waiting in my terminal, and went to buy a pastry. While there, a French young man behind me offered to pay for my meal. I thanked him and politely declined. His response: "Ahh! 'Taken' ruined the lives of European men!"
Now, if you haven't seen 'Taken' it is a movie about a teenage girl who gets abducted while traveling Europe. If you have seen "Taken," then you can imagine how hard it was for me to keep a straight face afterward.

Anyway.

When I finally made it to Florence, it had just finished raining. As I was looking out my window, I noticed that there was a rainbow forming. This made my heart smile. I felt as if God was re-asserting that fact that I am supposed to be here. I mean, the rainbow was originally a sign of a promise. Noah did as God instructed, and in turn got life, and bragging rights on continuing the human race. Now, I feel as if this is where I am supposed to be. This is God's will. And while coming to Italy may not seem like a huge sacrifice (you all obviously didn't see my parents in action trying to get all of this ready), there is always a need for ministry everywhere. I'm not exactly sure why I'm here yet (aside from the fact that it is beautiful), but it seems very right.

Anyway, after being picked up, I immediately went to lunch in the Cafeteria. It was absolutely incredible. They feed us like Spartans. Carbs, carbs, carbs...and a small salad.

I feel myself falling in love with this place more and more every second.

The places, the view, the people, the language--they are all incredible.

So far at Villa, everyone has treated me as if I've been here forever. And in a way, I kinda feel like I have. The way the shadows reflect the mountains. The way the sun shines over the hills. The autumn breeze that is beginning to kick in...it all feels so very much like home. Then, Tuesday morning, it hit me like a brick. There is this HUGE ocean separating me from the people I love the most. Thousands of miles of blue. I could feel the anxiety (and extreme jet lag) beginning to kick in, when I heard "Ciao Bella Maria! Vamos a mangiare!" from outside my balcony window.

Yes ladies, the time has come to speak of Italian/European men. Now, I originally came with every intention of being on a man diet. I didn't come to Italy to find men. But, they make it a little hard to not be noticed. They're not very good at being incognito. Picture this: the most charming, handsome men...with accents: that is my definition of Italian and European men so far. Now, that is subject to change and I am still very aware of their status as dangerous. But, when in Florence, and complimented...I think I'll take it, thanks. My diet is now under reconsideration.

Speaking of diets...
Americans have no concept whatsoever of Italian food. I will never again eat dominos or pizza hut or any of those places. And ice cream? That is nothing. Today I had Pizza at the Pizzeria that won World's best in 2002, and Gelato at the Gelateria where the Medici's are said to have frequented. Mama mia!!! My taste buds will never be the same. Just that made me want to go to the embassy and apply for residency.
I had the Pizza Regina, which is made with truffle oil, mushrooms, gorgonzola cheese, and basil. If your mouth isn't watering, you are not human.

Anyhow. I'll begin to post later about my friends so far and my roomie. But for now, my little fingers are tired, man! Also, I'm kind of new to this whole blogging deal, so lemme know if I'm not writing enough, or if I need to condense the information.

Love, miss, and bless you!

Mary