La Dolce Vita - Living the Sweet Life in Christ

Dancing with God

2009-03-09T22:55:00.003-06:00

When I meditated on the word Guidance, I kept seeing 'dance' at the end of the word. And I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another. It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other. My eyes drew back to the word Guidance. When I saw 'G': I thought of God, followed by 'u' and 'i'. 'God, 'u' and 'i' dance.' God, you, and I dance.

As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life and once again, I became willing to let God lead. My prayer for you today is that God's blessings and mercies are upon you on this day and everyday. May you abide in God, as God abides in you. Dance together with God, trusting God to lead and to guide you through each season of your life.

And I Hope You Dance!

"HERE I AM....

2008-10-12T12:49:00.003-06:00

.....ROCK YOU LIKE A HURRICANE!"

It's been about 3 weeks since hurricane Ike hit Galveston and Houston and all the excitement, life is slowly starting to be back to normal...

First, let me just say it has been quite an adventure. I don't know if anyone was prepared on how serious a storm it was going to be. I, fortunately (or unfortunately, whatever your perspective might be) missed all the excitement. I flew home that Thursday before to help my mom pack up their house and move to Maryland.

That Saturday, as we were cleaning and packing we had the news on so we could hear what was going on with the storm. The footage they showed was incredible! Galveston was destroyed! Watching the devastation of Galveston made me begin to wonder about Houston. How were things? How were my friends that lived there? How was my apartment? And my car that I left at the car park at the airport? Well, praise the Lord! that my car was alright when I arrived home! And well, my apartment? Well, here are the pictures of what happened to it... Praise the Lord nothing happened to any my stuff.

So naturally, I had to move out. My friend Christa, who lived in the same complex, lost her roof. So the apartment complex moved us into this beautiful spacious townhome together. It is GREAT! We both feel like we got this amazing upgrade! And it is such a blessing to have a roommate again! So through this storm, God has showered us abundantly with blessings and protection!

Sciopero

2008-07-07T13:01:00.003-06:00

Sciopero. The Italian word for "strike". As in, the workers went on strike because they wanted higher wages. And that is just what happened today. It was my first day of class and there was a strike for all the busses and trains, so I had to take a taxi to get to school...but you know, that's part of the adventure, right? Strikes. Scioperi. So normal for Italy.

The class was great and there are alot of fun people taking the course with me...everyone is mostly from America, one from Canada, and one from Croatia. This course is very informative, alot of work, but a lot of fun! (think of a semester long master's course crammed into 4 weeks)

And I am already seeing how I can apply a lot of this information into my ESL classes this coming school year. And definitely see how this will help me create better English lessons when I go down in teach in Ecuador next summer.

Stay tuned for more....Next Wednesday I start my first day of student teaching!

Ale Viola!!! Forza Fiorentina!

2008-07-05T05:25:00.003-06:00

This morning Nicole and I went to the outdoor market by the stadium so I can do a little grocery shopping for vegetables and fruit and such. I LOVE shopping for groceries this way! Anyways, on our way back, we saw all these people wearing purple (the AC Fiorentina color) lined up at the stadium entrance. Naturally, we wanted to find out what was going on, so we walked over there and asked an old man what the commotion was about and we found out that a new player was signing on to join the team and they had this huge ceremony to welcome him...SO fun! I don't know exactly who he was, but he sure was a very handsome Italian soccer player, and that's what matters, right? Ha ha.

Too bad I didn't have my camera with me....

The Italian Adventure begins....

2008-07-04T04:55:00.004-06:00

My journey to Florence, Italy, has been a long and eventful one so far, and I am not even in Italy yet! I am sitting at a diner in the London Gatwick airport right now. Just finished lunch - burgers and fries (of course, those of you know about my quest for the world's greatest burger...so far no one has topped Rusty's...but that's another story) - note: now I know why the Brits are not known for their hamburgers. But I am getting ahead of myself and getting off track here. How did I get to this point you may ask? I SHOULD be on a plane halfway to Florence by now, but I'm not.....

Yesterday I departed from Houston and arrived in Atlanta with no problems. Boarded my British Airways flight with ease and settled into my seat, preparing for the long voyage to London. Shortly after, I fell asleep, fully knowing that we would be taking off at any minute. Well, 30 minutes pass by and I awake to the fact that were still sitting on the runway. We hadn't moved one inch! Fantastic. From then on I knew that this journey was going to be an adventure! As expected, we arrived 40 minutes late this morning. Customs was just a sea of people! And now, instead of 2 hrs of a connection time, I was now down to 1 hr 20 min to clear customs, collect my bag from baggage claim, take the train to the international terminal, re-check my bag and get my ticket, go through security - all to make my flight to Florence. Yeah, that didn't happen. By the time I got to the international terminal, I had missed my flight. Praise the Lord! I was able to get on the 3pm flight!! Hence the reason why I am writing to you from a diner in the London airport and not from the air....

Stay tuned for more! This Italian Adventure has only just begun!!!

ps - yes, I DO have my laptop with me this time around!

Ecuador....mi pais

2008-06-25T08:22:00.005-06:00

"In His hands are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him...Come let us bow down and worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker." Psalm 95:5-6

At the end of spring, before the beginning of summer...I was so torn about what do and where to go - Ecuador or Italy? I wrote it all down, my desires for each, and gave them all to God. He is was so faithful to answer by blessing me with BOTH trips this summer!!! How great is our God!! And loving is He! I just got back from an amazing trip to Ecuador where I spent 16 days serving the Lord at the same school I was at last year with Fundacion Amor y Esperanza. It was so great to see the faces of the children I love so dearly and work along side the teachers there. My heart came alive during my time there! I was overflowing with joy!!

Since I have been back I have been able to spend some good quality time processing my trip with the Lord with all that He had shown me during my time there. I do believe that the Lord may be changing my vision from that of serving Him in Italy to serving in Ecuador! I am excited about the possibilities that lay ahead and excited to see where God will lead me within this next year.

There is so much to write and to say! I can't wait to see each of you in person and tell you all about it!!

**NOTE: I wish I could have written more about Ecuador during my time there, but alas, I didn't bring my computer. Note to self, ALWAYS bring my laptop with me on International journeys!!!

And I can't believe that I leave for Italy in about a week!!!

Ecuador here I come!!

2008-06-01T10:32:00.006-06:00

Last summer I spent three and a half amazing weeks in Quito, Ecuador. And in about a week, I will returning back there! This time, with a group from my church. I can't wait to be back there and see all my friends, like Pancho and Pity and their family, as well as Cristina, and Johnny, and all the sweet little children at the school!

There will be 11 of us total going to Quito this June. 9 of them will be there for a week, while Brittany (one of my high school girls from church) and I will be there for two weeks. We will be leading workshops for the teachers at Carmen Bajo as well as doing a soccer camp for the children, teaching them the skills, discipline and character building as athletes, and most importantly how this all applies to your life as followers of Christ. It will definitely be an exciting time and I can't wait to tell everyone of you all about it!!

Stay tuned for the updates...stories and pictures coming to you soon.....

Hasta luego in Ecuador!!

Per I Miei Amici Italiani - For my Italian friends

2008-04-02T16:26:00.003-06:00

Okay, so many of you know that I purchased a "FORZA FIORENTINA" scarf to hang up in my classroom. And that I have the picture of Luca Toni and I at my desk. Here are the long awaited pictures of both!

And for those of you who don't know, Fiorentina is the professional soccer team in Florence and Luca Toni used to be the star player for the team (he now plays for Bayern-Munich)

Bella Firenze

2008-04-01T20:55:00.009-06:00

I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel back to Florence to visit my friends and spend Easter with them. What a wonderful week it was of re-connecting with old friends, Italian and American, as well as making new ones. It was amazing how it felt so natural and so normal being back there. And in some ways, I felt like I was in a dream. Was this really happening? Am I really back here? During that week I was able to go on campus and share with students about the love of Christ. Though it was only one day on campus, it truly spoke to the core of my heart. I was discovering my true self again, I was a woman fully alive!

While I was there during that week, I also went and visited a school about possibly getting my certification to teach in Italy. It was great. I was able to talk to the director of the program and find out all the information I needed. I also was able to have some great conversations with some of the staff women who share my vision of starting a Christian school for the Agape staff children, and even possibly open it up to international students. In many ways I felt God's confirmation that He will be bringing me back there long term to serve Him, and to serve Him through teaching!! I am so excited about that possibility! And I am praying that it happens sooner than I expect it!

My time in Italy was sweet and refreshing, with spending time with dear friends, and with spending time with my Savior. I truly felt His presence all around me. I felt His love, His arms wrapped around me. Whenever I would start get nervous or anxious about returning, the Lord calmed my nerves with His peace and I could clearly hear His voice gently whisper comfort to me "Be still and know that I am God. Trust me and do not fear". And that is exactly what I am doing. Placing my trust in Him and waiting for His perfect timing.

And I want to leave you with these verses that continue to bring hope and encouragement to my heart. I pray that they encourage you as well.

"In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength." Isaiah 30:15

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone, my hope comes from Him...trust in Him at all times, O people, pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge." Psalm 62:1-8

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

Lessons Learned

2008-03-30T21:04:00.005-06:00

I know many of you have been asking me about my trip to Italy, but first I thought I would share with you some of the lessons God has been teaching me lately.....

The first thing is: Just be yourself!! (1 Cor. 15:10) To realize who I am through the grace of God. That the most attractive person I can be is being me, just the way God made me. I shouldn't be afraid to let others to see the real me, my true heart. Everyone has their insecurities and struggles just like I do. And God, in His faithfulness is changing me. Not into someone else, but He is making me into more of me. Into the woman He is calling me to be..the more of Him I become, the more of myself I become, the more of my true self!!

(1 Peter 3:3-4) I have finally understood the meaning of this verse. I struggled with it for such a long time because I am not a very quiet person. Those that know me well, know that I can be loud, I am very much an extrovert. But now, through His grace and work of the Holy Spirit, the Lord has shown me what He means about having a gentle and quiet spirit. It is to have a heart of faith, a heart that trusts in God, a spirit that has been quieted by His love and filled with His peace. A heart at rest in Him. And how beautiful that is!

The other three lessons I have learned are:
- Slow Down
- Focus
- Simplify

Sometimes you need to slow down in order to move forward. This hit me as I was trying to do everything I could at home and at work. I can't go 100 mph at work and at home - I need to SLOW DOWN! To slow down with my time with God. Lately I have just been trying to sit and listen more to Him...and not rush through my quiet times with Him, but really slowing down and taking the time I need to hear His voice. God cares about EVERY aspect of my heart. He answers the desires of the heart to those who fear Him. God has perfect timing - WAIT upon His timing! I have been learning to work with God's timing and seek Him with what is bothering me or what is laying heavy on my mind. FOCUS on what only I can do. Lately, what I have been doing is writing everything that has my concern and giving them to God (that includes the "pros and cons" lists that I make along with the concerns.) And with this, He has shown me how He guides me, how He is always faithful! How He is always there to direct my daily steps with certainty and purpose. There is such great peace that comes from trusting God and relinquishing our concerns fully to Him.

God has a specific job for me and for you. We need to slow down, simplify, and find focus on what it is and do it! And when we do, how beautiful it is when we allow our work to flow out of love for our Savior!!

"He will quiet you with His love" Zeph. 3:17

And my dear friends, our Lord's love IS extravagant!!

So Much to Say, So Little Time

2008-01-27T15:35:00.001-06:00

I can not believe that is has been so long since my last post! And for this, I apologize. It's not like I don't have anything to write about...I have TONS...it's just finding the time to sit and write. So.....

First of all -
You are now looking at a fully certified science teacher! I have finished my program and received my standard certification in the mail a couple of weeks ago. Thank you to all of you who have been praying for me and encouraging me during that process. I appreciate each and every one of you!

I LOVE teaching!! I am the Conceptual Physics teacher for the ESL (English as a Second Language) department and the JV cheerleading coach. My students are great! They not only keep me on my toes, but they are also so entertaining.

Since last year, I have discovered not only that my passion is teaching, but I also know now how I will be returning to work in Italy - through teaching. The Lord is so good! And I am so thankful for this vision that He has given me. There is a program in Florence through the University of Siena that I am currently looking into. It is to get my certification to teach Italian to foreigners in Italy and abroad. It is also recognized by several universities in the states, which is great if I want to go and get my master's degree. So my plan is to go back to Florence next summer and take this program, get my certification there, and my dream would be that the Lord will provide me a job afterwards to stay and live and work in Italy! That is my dream!

And there is more update to come later....

Random Facts....at the request of Kat

2008-01-27T15:21:00.000-06:00

The Rules:
1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules. (**if you’re a non-blogger, you can email them!)
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog

My 8 Facts...boy were these hard!

1. I love teaching high school Physics!! I hated it when I actually took it in high school, and in college, but now - totally love it! And I love being in the classroom!

2. I have been a bridesmaid 13 times. Yes, that's right 13 times. That means that I have 13 dresses in my closet that I have only worn once and will most likely never wear again.

3. I love the outdoors. However, whenever I go on a retreat or camping trip, my hair dryer and my straightener comes with me. Just because you are outdoors doesn't mean you still can't look cute (with good hair)!!

4. I am BIG on tradition. I mean, I went to Texas A&M, enough said.

5. I can get quite competitive when it comes to playing sports (though the only sports I play nowadays are tennis and golf).

6. I love trying new things and the challenges they bring - life should be an adventure!

7. One of my favorite places in the world is the beach...the sun, the salty sea air, the sound of the crashing waves...what more could a girl need to find relaxation and peace!

8. My dream is to one day own a little piece of land in the country....

Now, I send this on to be completed by Francine, Lindsay, Tiffany, Amanda, and Gina!

Viva Ecuador!!

2007-10-05T16:24:00.001-06:00

“God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles." Galatians 1: 15-16

From the end of June to the first two and a half weeks in July, I had the opportunity to travel to Quito, Ecuador. Here is my story....

I came alive in Ecuador! For the first time in a long time, I was truly living from the core of my heart! I was overcome with joy! God has shown me so much during my time in Quito. And I have truly grown to love the people and children there. I have enjoyed serving the Lord with Fundacion Amor y Esperanza, a Christian organization dedicated to reaching the poor of Quito with the Gospel, and meeting their physical, educational, and spiritual needs. I worked for about two weeks at their school for under privilege students and families living in the Carmen Bajo, one of the surrounding projects. I stayed with the school director and his wife and family (Pancho and Pity Zola - an amazing godly couple) and taught the fourth and fifth grade classes songs in English. And for the fifth grade class, I took the story of the "Three Little Pigs" and turned it into a play and taught that to them. For their end of school ceremony, the fourth and fifth grade classes performed their English songs and the fifth graders performed the play for the school and their parents. I was so proud of them! They did so well! I have even got to help the school interview prospective English teachers. After Pancho would interview them, I then interviewed them in English to see how well they spoke and if they would be beneficial to the school. And as the school is a Christian school, it opened up many opportunities to talk about Christ with each of them. (one of the qualifications to teach at the school is that you have to be a believer) And just last Thursday they hired one of the teachers I recommended!

My last week there, we left to go to the Amazon rainforest, and to this city called Baños, where there are a lot of waterfalls (absolutely breathtaking!) and the city sits below this HUGE volcano, so there are a lot of thermal hot springs, which were so relaxing and so well needed after being in the rainforest. It was so much fun! When we got back I helped Pancho put together tour packages for the missions groups. You know, its neat how God provided for this trip and that I was able to use the skills I learned at my old job at Ker & Downey and at my new job as a teacher! God is SO good!

Since I have been back, I have been able to speak at my church's missions fellowship about my trip and even have started the beginning steps of putting together a trip for late June to lead a group from my church! I can't wait to go back again this summer!!!

Digging Deeper Into Me

2007-06-14T11:47:00.000-06:00

One of my blog friends introduced me to this fun way of getting to dig deeper into who each of us are. It is called an interview meme. She asked me five questions to get me started, so enjoy...

1) What has been the biggest difference between Pre-STINT Chiharu in America and Post-STINT Chiharu in America?

I think this is one thing that I am still asking myself. I mean, I know I have changed, pegging down like an "Ah Ha! This is how I have changed!", I am still working through...(this and probably some of the other answers will be changed later, I promise. It's late, and I tend to just ramble thoughts at this hour of the night)

2) What is one thing about Italy that you can think of to bring to America and make it better?

The one thing off the top of my head is...SIESTA!!!! Those 3 hrs. in the middle of every day from 1pm to about 3pm where everyone just closes down shop and goes home to spend time with the family...now that's life! During my time there I have truly come to learn just how well Italians know how to enjoy life and cherish relationships and time with one another.

3) Where has your favorite place to travel been? why?

One of my favorite places to visit when I was living in Italy was our trips to the Fattoria Il Santo. To any other person it just looks like another old Italian farm. But to me, it is so much MORE! And it's not just because it's out in the middle of the Tuscan countryside. There are SO many sweet memories tied to that place...lots of laughter and funny stories, rich moments spent with the Lord and with friends, even hard times and sad times that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world! I could totally sit and write an entire blog entry just on this place alone.

And now that I am back in the states, my favorite place to visit is my second home, Florence. I left a part of who I am there. I LOVE the history there, how you are just surrounded by all the work of the great artists! It's the birthplace of the Rennaisance! And MOST importantly it is where my dear, sweet, friends who I hold close to my heart are!

4) Where was one place you wish you could go? why?

One place I wish I could've gone back and visited while I was there was Sicily. For those of you who don't know, that's where my parents and I lived for three years and that is where I graduated from high school. One city I would like to go back and visit in particular is Taormina. That was my favorite place to go when we lived there. During the summers my family and I would go to this one hotel there...I remember swimming in their pool, laying out on the beach, my friend and I getting our picture taken with our first Italian lifeguard, and an encounter with a jellyfish (story that will be told at a later time)...good times, good times.

5) What has been the biggest challenge in your life recently?

There have been quite a few challenges in my life lately. One has been working on my teaching certification...another is being patient in the Lord and waiting on His perfect timing with coming back to Italy long term. more to come later...keep getting kicked off the computer right now...

Rocky Mountain High, Colorado

2007-06-13T22:10:00.000-06:00

Okay, so it wasn't the Colorado Rockies...more like Mt. Redcloud, a 14,043 ft. mountain outside a little town called Lake City, Colorado....

This past week I went with the high school youth group from my church to Camp Redcloud. A Christian Moutain Adventure camp in Colorado. It was an AMAZING week in an AMAZING place! Lives were changed and God revealed Himself to each of us in everywhere we went, in every activity we did - from service projects, to high ropes courses, to our overnight camping trip, white water rafting, and to the peak hike of this 14,000 ft. mountain, where my story takes place....

I have to admit, I didn't think I was going to make it through the first 15 minutes. All that was running through my head was: "What did I get myself into!? I don't think I am going to make it all 6hrs!"

We were clear out of the woods and were walking along the rushing river of melted snow when I heard God sweetly whisper to me: "Chiharu, stop. Take a look around you. My beloved, I have brought you here. I want to show you my glory. I will be your Strength. Trust in Me. I love you."

That was when my attitude and my focus turned to that on Christ. Now, that's not to say that the rest of the uphill journey was easy. There were still parts of the climb that were difficult but the difference was my focus on the Lord. Knowing that He alone is my Strength, that I was dependent on Him with each step, made the journey so rich. This type of perseverance with every inch, the dependence I had on Him with every breath in the increasing altitude, revealed to me how I desperately need Him with every minute, every decision, every aspect of my life.

We were at about 13,000 ft. when the weather started to take a turn for the worse. The wind had picked up, snow was starting to fall, and the temperature dropped to below 30 degrees. We were cold. We knew we were not going to make it to the top that day. Being so close to the finish line, seeing the end, the goal, right in front of you was disappointing. But then I turned around and saw where the Lord had taken me. Breathtaking! Absolutely breathtaking! The trees, the valleys, the mountains, all covered with snow and a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds - God's glory was all around us! Tears, not from the cold or the wind, but tears of overwhelming joy and love slowly trickled down my face. This is what it means to be alive! This is what is meant to experience God's glory!!

"One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard; that you, O God are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving. Psalm 62:11-12

Only happy in the Sun

2007-02-18T20:14:00.000-06:00

I was listening to my Ben Harper "Diamonds on the Inside" CD as I was cleaning my apartment today and last song on the CD - "She's Only Happy in the Sun" - really spoke to me today. And I want to share with you some of the lyrics from it:

"Did you find what you were after
the pain and the laughter brought
you to your knees
but if the Sun sets you free
you'll be free indeed

She's only happy in the Sun"

Just in that verse lies so much truth! When your faith and beliefs are in Christ, the Son of God, the SON DOES SET YOU FREE!!! There is freedom in the Lord, and in Him and Him alone is where my true happiness, my JOY, lies!!

And it just makes me smile that the Lord can use even Ben Harper and his music to speak to me...what a wonderful Father the Lord is!

Integrated Physics and Chemistry

2007-01-15T19:19:00.000-06:00

"Wait for the Lord; be STRONG and COURAGEOUS, and WAIT for the Lord" Psalm 27:14

It's been about a month since my last post...and a LOT has happened! I am sure you all remember about the major decisions that were in front of me...should I return to Italy on STINT or on staff this year or wait two years until I finish my teaching certification? Should I pursue the teaching certification?

Well, I knew that this answer was only going to come from the Lord, and so I started praying to the Lord on what I should do, and meditating on Psalm 27:14 - waiting for the Lord, for Him to direct my path, and making my next step clear to me. TWO DAYS later, I got a call from Elsik High School. They had two positions open for a science teacher, one for 10th and 11th grade, and one for 9th grade. The next morning I went in for the interview. That afternoon the assistant principal for the 9th grade center called me back and offered me the job!!!!! TALK ABOUT GOD ANSWERING PRAYERS!!!!!!! You are now looking at Elsik High School's new 9th grade Integrated Physics and Chemistry Science teacher!! Go Rams! I have been teaching there for two weeks now and have truly been enjoying it!

Thank you all who have been praying for me!! You don't know how much it means to me!

PRAYER REQUEST:
The classes for the certification program have also begun. These next two months will be quite intense for me as along with teaching, I have the certification classes, and studying for the content exam that I will be taking on February 24th. MUCH, much, prayer is needed! I want to be a successful and effective teacher as well as finish strong with these classes and do well on this exam. I pray that the Lord will continue to give me the endurance and strength to do well during these two months. Please continue to be praying for me!

Photos from the heart

2006-12-05T10:42:00.000-06:00

I know I can't share with y'all ALL of the pictures, so I thought I would give you some of the highlights of the trip...I hope y'all enjoy!

Me and my peeps at our Thanksgiving dinner. Which was a BLAST! (btw) We had a great turn out of students and it was so fun talking to all of them and watching their expressions as they tried all the different American food on the table.

This has to be one of my favorite Thanksgivings.

(from back left: Nando, Nico, Nicole, Silvio, Emilio; us four in the front starting with Marcello in the pink shirt, Cecilia, me, and Daniela)

Me and Nicole, the "Diva of Florence"! I was blessed to spend a year working along side her in Florence, during that time she became more than just a friend, she became a true confidante, a true cherished sister, and I am truly blessed to have her in my life! It was great to see her (she has been working with Agape Firenze for over 4 yrs now) and spend time together. Nicole is an amazing woman of God and a treasured friend that I will forever hold dear in my heart.

Me with Ilaria and Matteo - two of my close friends in Florence. It was SO great to see them and to spend time with them while I was there. I just wish it was longer...Ilaria was with Nicole at the Airport when my flight arrived. Oh how my heart just leaped for joy when I saw them both!

And with my sweet friend, Michelle, who went with me on this trip! She was one of the first people I met when I first moved to Houston. What a blessing it was to have her here with me!!

So, as you can see it was a great trip! Great food, great scenery, and most importantly - the company of great friends!!!

Un fantastico incontro!

2006-11-29T09:16:00.000-06:00

I had to share about one of the funnest encounters during my time in Florence!!

My friend, Michelle, and I went up to my favorite piazza - Piazzale Michelangelo - on our last morning in Florence. This piazza sits right on top of a hill and overlooks the entire city. During my STINT year, I would come up here frequently to spend time with the Lord and to pray over the city....anyways, this recent trip wouldn't have been complete if I didn't go up there and pay it a visit...

Well, while we were up there taking photos of ourselves with the backdrop of beautiful Florence, I noticed someone taking photos...well, really I noticed the man's camera first...I was wishing I had one just like it for my trip. THEN, I noticed who he was taking pictures of! LUCA TONI! One of the star players from the Italy World Cup team!!!

C: "OH MY GOSH! Michelle! Michelle! LOOK! It's Luca Toni!!

M: "WHO???"

C: "He was one of the star players from the Italian World Cup team! We can't leave here until he's done. I have to meet him!"

M: "Ummm...okay..."

Poor Michelle, I made her wait there with me until they were done so I could go up and meet him (talk about a good friend!). As they were walking off, I stopped him, and in my poor Italian began gushing....

C: "Um excuse me, you're Luca Toni!"

LT: (smiling) "Yes.."

C: "You're one of my favorite players! I have seen all of your games! I have your World Cup jersey at home in the states! Would it possible to get a photo with you?"

LT: (at this point smiling and slightly laughing - and probably thinking to himself - crazy little American girl) "Yes, of course!"

I was such a giddy little high schooler talking to him, but you know what? I could've cared less! I was not going to let this opportunity pass me by!

Ha ha!

Questa la mia vita!

2006-11-28T09:43:00.001-06:00

Ciao Amici!

This my first post on my new blog. I have decided that it is time to join the club and have a blog of my own so that y'all can know what is going on in my life. (and seeing that I barely check my myspace account these days, figured this would be better)

So where does one even start?? I think that is the hardest part. I guess I should start at what and where I've been the last 3 years, eh?

Well, after I returned from Italy (for those who don't know I worked for Campus Crusade for Christ in Florence, Italy, at the Univ. of Florence for a year.) Anyways, when I returned home, I still didn't know what I wanted to do, all I knew is that I wanted to return to TX. My prayers were answered when one of my good friends from college called me up and told me her company was hiring....and now here I am, back in Houston, TX working at a Tour Operator specializing in trips to Africa, India, South America, and New Zealand. With the company, I've been able to see Ecuador, Peru, the Galapagos Islands, Tanzania, Kenya, and Zanzibar. I have also found a great church that I have gotten involved in - working with the High school youth group. And I have been playing on a Houston tennis league team for the last two years.

It has been great, truly a blessing, being back here, re-connecting with old friends, making new ones, playing the sport I love again, but some how Italy is still calling me.....and how the Lord is going to use this desire of mine, is where I am at today....I have just returned from an amazing week in bella Italia seeing my old 'home' in Florence, spending time with my old friends (Italian and American), and if anything, my love for the country and Italians and to serve the Lord there has just grown stronger. God has shown me so much while I was there that week...and now I have new possibilities and HUGE decisions that I have to face....not to mention, lots of questions that I do not have answers to....so, it is time to get down on my knees once again and earnestly seek the Lord, for HE ALONE can give me the answers, only HE can give me the direction and clarity I so desperately need!

"Lead me in Your truth, and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day." Ps 25:5

"The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you." 2 Chron. 15:2