Dear Roma,
What we had was good while it lasted, in fact amazing.
You captured me with all your glorious intrigues
I often stood in awe just looking at you
My, you are sight to behold
You’re cuisine never ceased to amaze me
You had me at your Tiramisu
Though you were often cold, I foud warmth within your hospitality
You kept me entertained with your deep rooted culture
I enjoyed learning all about you
Your driving skills often frightened me
None the less, I survived.
Though my feelings for you run deep
I have to admit I had a few love affairs
While we were together I was seeing Amalfi, Pisa, Umbria, Siena, Pompeii, Florence, Capri, Greece,Verona, Venice, and Assisi (I wish I could have seen a few others too)
You can’t blame me, I couldn’t help myself and they were just too cheap to pass up!
I was really into Florence and had to leave too soon
Sorry to say, but Capri and Greece win the prize of most beautiful
But Pompeii and Umbria are no match for you
I would tell you that I will never see them again, but that would be a lie.
Perhaps I can give up Pompeii,
but with Tuscany I cannot let go
Dont worry Roma, you will always be at the top of my list
Something about your charm will always keep me coming back for more
I made a nice home with you
We shared some of our best moments together sweet Roma.
I love you, but I have to leave
America is calling my name and that’s where my heart is.
Please know that this doesn’t mean goodbye, but until next time
Love always April
Monday, December 6, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Reflection
Looking back on my life I can truly see where God has ordained and planned things out for me. He often puts desires in our hearts (according to his word) and for that I am so grateful. As I was reading through my own journals I came across something I wrote and am amazed as I compare that entry to where I am today.
9/2/2009
School is starting now and since I’ve transferred from a P.G and am now at UMD, everything is sooo different! The school is much bigger and just seems a bit over whelming for now. There are other things on top of this that I have on my mind and am trying not to let these things stress me out. I know God doesn’t want me to worry and I’m just trying to keep in my grasp the fact that all I have to do is rely on him for EVERYTHING . I know we all go through this. Here are some scriptures that are helping me to cope with everything and I really don’t want to just read them, but actually ingest them and believe.
(Some time after the exerpt above)
I’ve experienced much of what I wanted. I was worried because the school (University of Maryland) is so big and everything was so new to me. However, as with most new things in life, they take time getting used to. I made a 3.5 this semester which qualified me for the Dean’s list! Never in my life would I have thought I could do this. I’ve always wanted to and knew I had it in me, but didn’t know that it would actually transpire. I have gotten accepted into the study abroad program in Italy through my school and will be doing so this fall.
As I read what I wrote and as I remember how I felt at that time in my life I compare it to what actually happened and life doesn’t seem so scary after all especially when you have God right there with you. There is no point in worrying about your future because once He opens a door for you, no one can shut it and He will provide. So I am going to continue to trust him.
I am amazed at how He works things out for the good of those who love him. There is a reason and a purpose for why he puts certain things on or hearts. There is a reason why he gave me the desire to come to Italy and I pray that the purpose be not in vain, but that all things would be of benefit to his plan.
9/2/2009
School is starting now and since I’ve transferred from a P.G and am now at UMD, everything is sooo different! The school is much bigger and just seems a bit over whelming for now. There are other things on top of this that I have on my mind and am trying not to let these things stress me out. I know God doesn’t want me to worry and I’m just trying to keep in my grasp the fact that all I have to do is rely on him for EVERYTHING . I know we all go through this. Here are some scriptures that are helping me to cope with everything and I really don’t want to just read them, but actually ingest them and believe.
(Some time after the exerpt above)
I’ve experienced much of what I wanted. I was worried because the school (University of Maryland) is so big and everything was so new to me. However, as with most new things in life, they take time getting used to. I made a 3.5 this semester which qualified me for the Dean’s list! Never in my life would I have thought I could do this. I’ve always wanted to and knew I had it in me, but didn’t know that it would actually transpire. I have gotten accepted into the study abroad program in Italy through my school and will be doing so this fall.
As I read what I wrote and as I remember how I felt at that time in my life I compare it to what actually happened and life doesn’t seem so scary after all especially when you have God right there with you. There is no point in worrying about your future because once He opens a door for you, no one can shut it and He will provide. So I am going to continue to trust him.
I am amazed at how He works things out for the good of those who love him. There is a reason and a purpose for why he puts certain things on or hearts. There is a reason why he gave me the desire to come to Italy and I pray that the purpose be not in vain, but that all things would be of benefit to his plan.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
It's Name is Fear
This week I noticed the faint presence of something prevailing and looming over me. It was with me as I began planning my fall break trip to Greece and accompanied itself on the entire trip as well. It was not invited, but rather imposed itself upon me. As I said before, this presence was faint yet, waited for the opportunity to present itself boldly for it was not shy-merely cleaver. It hovered behind me in the background almost always tapping me on my shoulder to remind me that it had not gone anywhere and hadn’t intended on leaving, ever.
I could feel those cold hard taps and if I ever assumed t it left it didn’t hesitate to speak up to let me know that it didn’t go anywhere. Soon I began to feel comfortable with it being there, but came to my senses and realized it could not stay. How could I make this go away? I grew annoyed by the ever presence and remembered who I belonged to and that I could overcome and get rid of this thing. Not of course by any power of my own, but by He who dwells in me. Thus, I finally I turned to face it and when I did it looked dead in my face rudely interrupting and speaking louder than before. It’s as if it knew that if I got any word in it would be defeated. It did not wait for me to reply because it didn’t want to hear anything I had to say. It came only to give.
When I asked “who are you” it said with a smile “I am Fear.” I have come to give and I do so generously. As soon as I heard the name, I realized that I knew what it was all a long, but couldn’t call it by name until I stopped and confronted it. A mere “go away” didn’t not work nor did a stern “leave me alone!” I realized I had to use my weapon; the word. As I made plans for my trip it said “don’t go there…what if the plane crashes and you die?
When I we got to Athens it said “What if someone robs you and takes everything you have?
When sleeping in the foreign hostel it said “Someone might come into your room while you are sleeping and hurt you”
When we got on a ferry to go to Santorini it said “Remember the movie Titanic? Well, boats still sink”’
When I wanted to rent a 4 wheeler while on the island it said: “Haven’t you heard? These things crash all the time. Don’t you remember that guy who was on the news and was paralyzed because he flipped backwards off of it and it landed on top of him. “what if you drive off of that cliff?”
What if when you jump in that water you get eaten by a shark or stung by a jelly fish, what if you drown! What if what if what if! Maybe you should have just stayed home. You will be safer if you don’t take any risks.
Such a negative nagging presence it was and although there might have been some validity to its words, I had the choice of allowing them to keep me from enjoying my time, to keep me from enjoying life.
Thus whenever fear came nagging, I didn’t simple ignore it, but confronted it with scriptures like Psalm 91 “He that dwells in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the almighty”
1 John 4:18 there is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not perfect in love.
Psalm 34:4,7 I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all of my fears. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him and he delivers them.
Rather than let fear linger and mingle, I prayed and pictured myself being held in his arms or his angels surrounding and protecting me.
I’m not saying tragedies are avoidable and troubles won’t occur in life, but the bottom line is we cannot allow fear to hinder us from living life to the fullest and accomplishing our dreams.
So whenever fear presents itself to you by saying:
Don’t reach to high in life because you might fail
Don’t apply for that job because you might not be qualified
Don’t take chances because you might fall
What if you lose, what if, what if what if?
Look fear dead in its face and show it whose boss, by proclaiming, I can do All things through Christ who strengthens me!
What will you do the next time fear follows you?
I could feel those cold hard taps and if I ever assumed t it left it didn’t hesitate to speak up to let me know that it didn’t go anywhere. Soon I began to feel comfortable with it being there, but came to my senses and realized it could not stay. How could I make this go away? I grew annoyed by the ever presence and remembered who I belonged to and that I could overcome and get rid of this thing. Not of course by any power of my own, but by He who dwells in me. Thus, I finally I turned to face it and when I did it looked dead in my face rudely interrupting and speaking louder than before. It’s as if it knew that if I got any word in it would be defeated. It did not wait for me to reply because it didn’t want to hear anything I had to say. It came only to give.
When I asked “who are you” it said with a smile “I am Fear.” I have come to give and I do so generously. As soon as I heard the name, I realized that I knew what it was all a long, but couldn’t call it by name until I stopped and confronted it. A mere “go away” didn’t not work nor did a stern “leave me alone!” I realized I had to use my weapon; the word. As I made plans for my trip it said “don’t go there…what if the plane crashes and you die?
When I we got to Athens it said “What if someone robs you and takes everything you have?
When sleeping in the foreign hostel it said “Someone might come into your room while you are sleeping and hurt you”
When we got on a ferry to go to Santorini it said “Remember the movie Titanic? Well, boats still sink”’
When I wanted to rent a 4 wheeler while on the island it said: “Haven’t you heard? These things crash all the time. Don’t you remember that guy who was on the news and was paralyzed because he flipped backwards off of it and it landed on top of him. “what if you drive off of that cliff?”
What if when you jump in that water you get eaten by a shark or stung by a jelly fish, what if you drown! What if what if what if! Maybe you should have just stayed home. You will be safer if you don’t take any risks.
Such a negative nagging presence it was and although there might have been some validity to its words, I had the choice of allowing them to keep me from enjoying my time, to keep me from enjoying life.
Thus whenever fear came nagging, I didn’t simple ignore it, but confronted it with scriptures like Psalm 91 “He that dwells in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the almighty”
1 John 4:18 there is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not perfect in love.
Psalm 34:4,7 I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all of my fears. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him and he delivers them.
Rather than let fear linger and mingle, I prayed and pictured myself being held in his arms or his angels surrounding and protecting me.
I’m not saying tragedies are avoidable and troubles won’t occur in life, but the bottom line is we cannot allow fear to hinder us from living life to the fullest and accomplishing our dreams.
So whenever fear presents itself to you by saying:
Don’t reach to high in life because you might fail
Don’t apply for that job because you might not be qualified
Don’t take chances because you might fall
What if you lose, what if, what if what if?
Look fear dead in its face and show it whose boss, by proclaiming, I can do All things through Christ who strengthens me!
What will you do the next time fear follows you?
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Waking up Roman style
Tap Tap Tap… Its just a dream… (a few seconds louder) BANG BANG BANG! This is the sound that woke me from my bed this morning. What is that you ask? It’s the sound of construction workers on the street below. I can count on and faithfully expect some sort of noise from the Roman streets to wake me from my sweet sleep.
From dogs barking, crying children and Italians who are yelling at each other, but are probably just having a normal conversation about the weather. Worst of all the chronic honking of many horns or the vrooooooooooooom of a motor cycle! I cannot forgot the odd sound of the siren from an Italian ambulance.
Our street is a one way street and you can always anticipate a symphony of horns as early as possible (for reasons I have yet to discover. Does this horn honking solve any solution? I’ve come to the conclusion that it doesn’t do a thing! One person honks, another person honks and then another yet, traffic remains the same. It’s contagious!
While we are on the subject of cars in Italy I would like to add that although Italians are known for having a very easy going laid back culture unlike us Americans who are constantly on the go, I think I have finally discovered their secret.They take all of their aggression and energy out on the road!
Sure, you might see them nonchalantly chatting in a café for hours like there is no tomorrow, but wait until they get into their cars and turn on that engine! Zooooom! They bob and weave, swerve , speed and honk and honk some more in these little tiny cars. Word to the wise, never discount a small economically friendly car engine.
Crossing the streets in Rome is quite an adventure. You better say a few prayers and perhaps purchase life insurance. Some honor the “pedestrian has the right away” rule and others could care less. Thus, I've learned how to cross the street like an Italian. Close your eyes and walk backwards! Lol Just kidding... O and Romans DO NOT run across the street. No matter how many cars are coming their way, they simply walk in their Roman way. So you know I stand out like a sore thumb because I sprint to the other side!
The good thing is that a lot of the streets are one way, so you only have to look out for cars coming in one direction. After your prayer and the purchase of insurance, you must look and wait and look again and then, take a leap of faith and step out into the moving traffic. Most cars will stop for you, but others might swerve around you just missing taking your arm and or leg with them.
Once you make it to the other side of the road, you may check to see if all of your body parts are still attached and you will glance back in horror thinking “How did I make it across that.”
I have come to the conclusion that in Italian driving school, it is a requirement for you to drive as crazy as possible! "what, you didn't almost hit that girl walking across the street? You didnt swerve around that bus that was clearly taking too long to pull off? YOU FAIL"
But wait, I cannot forget public transportation, but I’ll save that for another day…
From dogs barking, crying children and Italians who are yelling at each other, but are probably just having a normal conversation about the weather. Worst of all the chronic honking of many horns or the vrooooooooooooom of a motor cycle! I cannot forgot the odd sound of the siren from an Italian ambulance.
Our street is a one way street and you can always anticipate a symphony of horns as early as possible (for reasons I have yet to discover. Does this horn honking solve any solution? I’ve come to the conclusion that it doesn’t do a thing! One person honks, another person honks and then another yet, traffic remains the same. It’s contagious!
While we are on the subject of cars in Italy I would like to add that although Italians are known for having a very easy going laid back culture unlike us Americans who are constantly on the go, I think I have finally discovered their secret.They take all of their aggression and energy out on the road!
Sure, you might see them nonchalantly chatting in a café for hours like there is no tomorrow, but wait until they get into their cars and turn on that engine! Zooooom! They bob and weave, swerve , speed and honk and honk some more in these little tiny cars. Word to the wise, never discount a small economically friendly car engine.
Crossing the streets in Rome is quite an adventure. You better say a few prayers and perhaps purchase life insurance. Some honor the “pedestrian has the right away” rule and others could care less. Thus, I've learned how to cross the street like an Italian. Close your eyes and walk backwards! Lol Just kidding... O and Romans DO NOT run across the street. No matter how many cars are coming their way, they simply walk in their Roman way. So you know I stand out like a sore thumb because I sprint to the other side!
The good thing is that a lot of the streets are one way, so you only have to look out for cars coming in one direction. After your prayer and the purchase of insurance, you must look and wait and look again and then, take a leap of faith and step out into the moving traffic. Most cars will stop for you, but others might swerve around you just missing taking your arm and or leg with them.
Once you make it to the other side of the road, you may check to see if all of your body parts are still attached and you will glance back in horror thinking “How did I make it across that.”
I have come to the conclusion that in Italian driving school, it is a requirement for you to drive as crazy as possible! "what, you didn't almost hit that girl walking across the street? You didnt swerve around that bus that was clearly taking too long to pull off? YOU FAIL"
But wait, I cannot forget public transportation, but I’ll save that for another day…
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
A Sense of Accomplishment
Today I feel a sense of accomplishment today because I actually met goals I set for myself. This is Midterm week and last week I made a plan to not do anything all weekend except study! I had 3 Midterms for Art History, Marketing (which I took one yesterday and today) and then one tomorrow in Italian. I feel like devoting all that time to study was very necessary and as a result I think I did pretty well on both of my midterms so far. We will see how I did when I get back to class after fall break.
I have found a lot of growth in myself since coming to Italy. Getting out of my comfort zone has really caused me to see the world in a different way and even and has expanded my mind. I have defiantly notice more of an aggressive attitude within me that I knew was there all along, just waiting to come out. I find that when I set my mind on doing something I do it. For example, one day I said I would study abroad, look where I am. I said I wanted to travel the world, look where I am. I said I wanted to cut all my hair off and go natural, look what I did. And it’s all by the grace of God and the desires he put in my heart. Accomplishing the things I set out in my heart to do make me feel so empowered!
My recent example is that since I arrived in Rome, I’ve wanted to sketch the city and I to visit this absolutely amazing statue in which my entire semester is dedicated to painting called the “Blessed Ludovica Albertoni” by Gian Lorenzo Berninii in the church S. Francesco a Ripa. I’ve been using a sculpture book as my source, but I actually wanted to see this work for myself.
So, Yesterday I was determined to go visit the statue after my Art History final. My Painting professor gave me directions, but they were pretty much hard to understand. So I became pro active and searched for the address using a map and online resources. I ended up finding exactly where it was and my professor’s directions were pretty accurate. Upon arrival to the church I found it to be closed for wonderful convenient “Siesta” which is the Italian way of a lunch break where most shops close for a about three hours each day (varies depending on the shop). It wasn’t going to open again until 4, but I wanted to spend my evening slaving away at studying for my Marketing exam.
I decided to go to the church the next day (today) after my Marketing exam. I didn’t t want to go straight home, but felt inspired by the beautiful architecture of Rome all around me. So, I walked. I walked until I made up my mind to take a trip to the Tiber, sit under a bridge to sketch. When I looked at the stair case to get there it looked a little sketchy and I was semi afraid of getting mugged thanks to the many pick pocketing stories I’ve heard. Instead of being afraid I said a little prayer asking for God to protect me (as I always do) and took the steps down to get closer to the river.
It was cold out and was raining on and off, but I decided to stick it out. The water of the Tiber isn’t the cleanest, but is this very pretty shade of blue green. I walked passed a cute couple having lunch at the river’s edge and sat not too far from them. I figured if someone did try to mug me, they were right there and could come to my rescue (LOL). As I sat and sketched I felt a sense of accomplishment. I didn’t stay too long because all I had with me was a red colored pencil and no eraser. Plus, it was cold. As I walked back to the tram to go home I really took the time to soak in the fact that I am actually in Rome!
Today after my Midterm I finally made my way to the church. I was going to take a bus, but decided on walking instead just so I could enjoy the city. When I arrived I was a little creeped out. This may sound odd, but Catholic churches always give me the creeps. I’m not sure why, but I get this eerie feeling. Maybe it’s all the old statues and that they always seem to have dark lighting and are cold. idk… Anyway, after tip toeing around the church looking for the statue, I finally found it! It’s much smaller than I expect, but still an awesome sight to behold! T
To think that someone actually sculpted this out of stone is beyond me! Sculptures are one of my all time favorite types of artwork. I couldn’t get as close to her as I would have liked but pulled out my sketch pad and went for it. First I started out with trying to remember everything I ever learned in art class, but then decided that I didn’t want to be so formal. I just wanted to understand her. Many people came in and out to view the statue, but I pretended like no one was there. That is until someone tapped me and told me they liked my sketch.
After about an hour I decided to finish and walked out with a smile because I actually accomplished what I set out to do and got to see this magnificent masterpiece! The sketch didn’t come out to bad either!
Roaming Alone
Lately I discovered that although it is nice to have company, sometimes it’s even nicer to do things on my own. I get to exactly what I want to do when I want and how I want. I also get a lot more accomplished when I do things by myself i.e. homework, studying, etc.
While in Rome I often hang out with a group of girls and a few guys. We always have a lot of fun, etc, but sometimes a lot of people means a lot of opinions and ideas and you might not necessarily get to do what you want to do. Also since one of my roommate’s who I’m usually with all the time went to India to visit her family for 2 weeks, I’ve been a lone way more.
However, I plan on using this time wisely by visiting plenty of museums and really seeing Rome the way I want to. It’s not that I couldn’t do it with her, but sometimes she is on a different schedule then me out what I consider fun might not be fun to her.
Thus, sometimes Roaming alone is the best way to go...
While in Rome I often hang out with a group of girls and a few guys. We always have a lot of fun, etc, but sometimes a lot of people means a lot of opinions and ideas and you might not necessarily get to do what you want to do. Also since one of my roommate’s who I’m usually with all the time went to India to visit her family for 2 weeks, I’ve been a lone way more.
However, I plan on using this time wisely by visiting plenty of museums and really seeing Rome the way I want to. It’s not that I couldn’t do it with her, but sometimes she is on a different schedule then me out what I consider fun might not be fun to her.
Thus, sometimes Roaming alone is the best way to go...
Brinner (breakfast for dinner)
Sooo today my roomates and I didn't know what to cook for dinner and didn't want to go out to eat, so we decided to put all of our food together and cook breakfast for dinner!It was SO good! We had Potato's (made by me) Omelets and French toast.
Recipes: (Sorry, there are no precise measurements, we did everything by what we felt seemed to be the right amount and it was!)
Some potato's (how ever many you want)
Garlic
1 Onion
Salt
Pepper
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Omelets:
Butter
Eggs
Salt & Pepper
Cheese
Pepper's
Onions
French Toast
Milk
Eggs
Cinnamon
Recipes: (Sorry, there are no precise measurements, we did everything by what we felt seemed to be the right amount and it was!)
Some potato's (how ever many you want)
Garlic
1 Onion
Salt
Pepper
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Omelets:
Butter
Eggs
Salt & Pepper
Cheese
Pepper's
Onions
French Toast
Milk
Eggs
Cinnamon
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)