Vorrei, Vorrei - January 22nd, 2008 to January 23rd, 2008

The beginning of my overseas adventure began like this:

I started the trip well, make-up on my face, heavy hiking pack on my back (within size restrictions, though!), completely ready to go.

It was my first time going through the international airport by myself, though, so I was a tad bit nervous. After saying goodbye to my siblings at home and parents at the airport, I made it through security without any hassle and got to my gate... about 2 and half hours early. I stuck it out reading, got my last completely American meal at McDonald's, and eventually got on the plane. When I got to a snow-covered Detroit, I found my gate quickly (thanks to the fantastic moving walkways), and when I found my gate, I found my group... minus a few crucial people. Our chaperones, the Garners, were not there yet, along with a good sized portion of the group. Which was very odd, since their flight was supposed to be at the airport before I had even left. Apparently they had to be rerouted to another airport and then to Detroit, and they would be in only minutes before we left. Great. Time for us to be adults and get on the plane to Amsterdam.

"Beautiful Ahmstahdahm:"

As we left the Detroit airport, I snapped this photo:

The plane ride to Amsterdam was so long. I couldn't sleep, couldn't read, so I ended up watching a few movies. We finally arrived in Amsterdam and experienced our first real taste of being overseas as this group. It was pretty uneventful and went by quickly. Because the airport in Rome was under construction, we had a specific time slot that we had to get to the airport by... which meant a 55 minute delay at the airport. BUT before we found that out... a familiar figure appeared! And then another! Our lost group had finally joined us across the ocean.

I finally slept on this flight, but when I woke up, this was the view out the window. The Alps!

When in Rome...

Our flight to Rome was quick and painless. We got on the bus and were on our way to the villa. The land between Rome and Florence was so incredible. Rugged, untamed land sits right next to the limits of "civilization." Buildings are built right into the hill, with more buildings just above them. The land itself has such an unmatched beauty to it, an unassuming grace and wildness.

“Il Palazzaccio”
Our villa is a bus ride outside of Firenze, in the town of Scandicci. On our first Thursday, we visited the town, learning important places such as where the bank was, certain favorite coffee shops, the grocery store, and other necessities. It’s set on a hill, and when it’s clear enough, you can see the top of the Duomo.

Anticipation and Allure

I've been thinking about some things the past few days. I'm an adventurer. I love the ideas and fulfillment of climbing mountains, white water rafting, rappelling, traveling to far away places and experiencing other cultures. I'm only a few days from taking another step toward a dream that I've had since I was a little girl. I get to go to Florence, Italy in just a few days. I've never been more excited, more ready for such an adventure. Yes, I'm scared about it. But there are a few things that I like to remember every time I start out on a new journey. One of them is what this blog is titled for. Psalm 139:9-10 says "If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." The other comes from Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I'm ready to rise on the wings of the dawn and to settle on the far side of the sea, even if it is only for three months. I'd love to have your prayers and your love as my world becomes much tinier, scarier, and more wonderful. And I'm fine with not being able to see my future. I know it's in good hands.

Hop-scotching uphill in flip-flops, backpack on my back, and in a skirt in Dominica.

It's harder than it looks.