Grandma's Dream

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTzojWBwAiI

            As most of you know, coming to Italy was my Grandma's Dream. She longed to walked the streets of Italy, and she longed to see where her relatives lived. My Grandma passed away in November of last year, and never had the chance to come here. Even though I never had the desire to come to Europe, I truly feel so honored to have had the opportunity this summer to Study Abroad in Italy. After my Grandma passed away, the desire grew to come here and to see what she wanted to see.
            Today, I wrote my Grandma a letter. The attached link is me reading the letter that I wrote to her. My original plan on this trip, was to bring something that she owned to Italy and leave it on the "streets" here, however I did not do that. Instead, I wrote a letter and I put it in a bottle. I sent it down the river. 

            I know and understand that she may never see it, someone else might read it, or it might sink...but writing this letter really helped in my grieving process. I know that my best friend is radiating with pure joy in Heaven. I'm so thankful and blessed to have come to Italy. 

SBI

Our team arrived at where we will be staying for the next few weeks. We actually arrived 2 weeks ago, however I have not updated my blog since Switzerland… so I am telling you all about it now. 

We are staying at a place called, “Saints Bible Institute.” Where we are staying doesn’t feel like a college, which is okay. It is a small quaint area in the middle of nowhere. The staff here is really small as well, I would say there are less than 10 staff members here. A lot of them are full time missionaries here- which inspires me greatly, because they are doing ministry without an income… just living off of support. They literally inspire me.  

It has been so miserably hot here though. There’s no AC here, however right down the street is a bar with air conditioning.  I would say I am in there quite often, just trying to escape the heat. 

During my time here I have taken Hermeneutics, and tomorrow we are jumping into our next class, Roman Catholicism.  It's been so great learning and growing with the individuals that God has placed here. 

If there is one thing I am learning from my time here...it is to be vulnerable. It's learning how to be in a community with other Christians. I'm also learning that it's okay to have questions and that it is more important to know Him rather than just have head knowledge. 

If you would like to pray...please pray that God would continue to work in our hearts on this trip, drawing us close to Him everyday. Please continue to pray that my heart would be soft towards Him.

I hope your summer is going well and that you are keeping cool. ��

Carly Ann 

Switzerland

Picture from my room. 

All of last week, I was in Switzerland.

And, I loved it. I loved everything about it. We stayed at a retreat center called Credo. This place is a retreat center nearby the Swiss Alps. Credo is a Christian center and hosts the Bible School called, Torchbearers. Being here was so relaxing.


Our week here was spent finishing up classes. Throughout my time at Italy thus far, I have taken Christianity and Western Culture. This class is a three credit class that focuses on Christianity and the Roman Empire, etc. To be honest, before coming on this trip, I hated History. I thought I was going to fail it. But, I can honestly say now that I am loving what I am learning. This week I finished the class with a B. If I can say this humbly, I am proud of my efforts.

We ended class on Tuesday, and since then had a couple free days. On the first free day, I spent my time hiking in the Swiss Alps. It was an incredible experience and if you have the opportunity to do it... I encourage you to go. Most of our group hiked together that day. We also had the opportunity to take the train the the "top of Europe"- the mountain is called Jungfrau. It is 11,333 feet high. And the view from the top was incredible.


The next couple days were spent wandering throughout the town. Meeting new people. Biking around Europe. And just trying to understand and adapt to the Swiss culture. I would have to say that so far out of the whole trip, being in Switzerland has been my favorite.

I miss Switzerland a lot. I could honeymoon there in a heartbeat. The chocolate is beyond incredible, the people are great, and the beauty of God's creation is almost unfathomable.

Tuscany, Italy

Hey!

Update: Last week was absolutely crazy. For those of you that really know me, you would know that I do not like the City life. Rome was awesome, and I loved getting to see all of the historical sites, but I was extremely happy to get to the place of "quiet" retreat. This week gave me time to get a lot of schoolwork done, rest, and enjoy God's creation.

This week we stayed at a retreat center called, "Casa Cares". Casa Cares is a place in the mountains of Tuscany. It is absolutely beautiful here, and the sunsets are to die for.  I have throughly enjoyed my time here, because it was so relaxing and full of quietness. An introvert needs this time.

Here at Casa Cares, I have probably eaten the best food of my life. There's olive trees here, and a whole bunch of cherry trees. As we head to Switzerland tomorrow and Sunday, I will be missing the food we have eaten here.

Anyways, onward to Switzerland. Prayers appreciated as we head to Milan on Saturday then Switzerland on Sunday!

Carly

When In Rome

Hello friends,

This week was spent in Rome, Italy. We flew in on Thursday, and started touring right away. I can not even tell you how much we have done in just four days. Here is a list of all the places we have traveled to: Colosseum, Ostia Antica, Vatican, Roman Forum, San Clemente Basilica, St. Paul's Outside the Walls, Palentine Hill, Pantheon, Milvian Bridge, Santa Sabina Basilica, St. Peter's Basilica , Sisteen Chapel, etc.

It's been really, really crazy how much we have seen in just a short amount of time. I feel like my brain is on overload with information and wonder. I have learned so much about Rome and the History of it. Study Abroad has opened my eyes to a lot. So thankful. It's been a challenge though, making time for homework. For the last three days, we have walked 15 miles each day in 90 plus degree weather, and have been gone for 12 hours a day. I am thankful for our next stop, which is Casa Cares (Tuscany). 

I think my favorite thing in Rome, was visiting the Sisteen Chapel. It was just so unbelievably beautiful. I've never seen anything like it in my life. Also, the Colosseum was amazing to visit. It left you feeling so humble just knowing how many Christians were martyred for their face there. ALSO, trying Gelato from the first time was amazing. They have all kinds of different Gelato here. So far, I have tried Snickers, Strawberry, and Nutella Gelato. I actually budgeted about 30 euros for Gelato. It's just so good. 

Tomorrow, we adventure to Tuscany. I'll blog weekly, so keep your eyes open. 

Love, 

Carly 

Ciao

Hello friends,

This blog is dedicated to all of my travel adventures. As you know, I am headed to Italy on Tuesday. I will be spending two months overseas, studying abroad. I am super excited at this experience. I will be using this blog to inform everyone that I am still alive, as well as using this blog to show you pictures and tell you a little about what I am learning and seeing in Italy. I hope to blog weekly, so stay tuned... and follow my blog!

I leave on Tuesday for Rome, Italy. Please pray for safe travels.

See you all in two months.

Carly Ann