Journey to Rome

Okay, I've tried to post, but been busy. I made it to Rome! We arrived Monday morning after a wild adventure getting here! I'm really grateful that I told myself to hope the best and expect the worst because things never go smoothly, especially with travel. We are pretty spoiled in America with all of our instant gratifications and wants.  

 On my way to the SLC airport, I got a text that said our flight from LA to Rome had been cancelled due to technical difficulties. I was with mom and talked through it with her. We decided that I go to LA then figure out the next step in getting to Rome. This weekend has been anything but smooth logistically. Instead of a direct flight to Rome; we flew to London, had a 6 hr layover. Then we flew to Copenhagen, had another 6 hr layover overnight. They airlines told us to talk to someone and get a voucher for a hotel in Copenhagen; after looking for someone at 1pm, them saying they don't know what we're talking about, and us not wanting to pay $200 for the hotel, we found some benches to sleep on instead. Jan and Barbara are troopers! We got onto a flight Monday morning at 7:30am, then arrived in Rome. It’ll take a couple of days for our bodies to understand what’s going on with sleep and time, but here we go! 

 Travel is growth. Being flexible and open. Travel is talking with all, never knowing what friendships are being formed or what seeds are planted. Travel is problem solving, making decisions and getting instant feedback, or not knowing the consequences, but trusting. Travel is also faith. Trusting the Lord and His direction. It’s not worth planning too much, the openness is what creates opportunities. 



This is Erin. I ended up sitting with her about half of our 12 hour flight to London. Erin has grown up in California and Germany. She is a soul searching soul and so we connected really well. She shared her struggles with past relationships and how she is learning so much about herself. I love the realness that people have. It helps us to see each other for our true selves and doesn't waste time. She had a whole row to herself, the ladies wanted a bit more room so I asked if I could sit with her. She gave it up just to have company to talk too. Sometimes we have to get a little uncomfortable in some ways just to connect.





This is Barbara and Jan. Jan is the blonde and Barbara the brunette. 
These are the four flights that took us to Rome. 



Sister Pacini, temple matron, getting us from the airport

One huge department store with mall/groceries and everything you need
My first grocery trip, got the essentials




Above me is about 10 feet from our airbnb. It is perfect for exercise. Not only are their a lot of trails, but every 100 meters or so there are exercise activities (pull ups, stumps, etc...)

Here is my wall of support! I wanted to bring some of home with me. I read and look at it every morning. 

Rome is hot and humid! So my good friends have been this fan (no A/C), and this bus and I spend a lot of time together. It takes me wherever I need to go and is not very punctual, so he's teaching me lots of patience!


Tender Mercies:
-Our Airbnb host is out of town, so his friend and brother have been helping us get settled. We are using public transportation here, so we needed a bus pass. The first day, Lucas picked us up from the grocery store, brought us back home. The second day, he picked us up and took us to buy our monthly bus passes. So kind.
-Enrico, is our hosts brother, came to fix our water (no hot water working), he sent me a Whatsapp to see if he could come to fix it, I said as long as you bring Gelato. HE SHOWED UP AT OUR DOOR WITH GELATO! If you know me, ice cream is a love language for sure! It was so kind, and he wouldn't let us pay for it.
-The peace that has come from figuring everything out one moment at a time. That is definitely Heavenly Father's doing.
-I know this is part of my plan to be here. I've felt that from pretty much when I heard about it. Thank you good friends and family for being so supportive! I'll post about the first week of the temple this weekend :)


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