So far Rome has been pretty crazy and honestly very overwhemling . It was awesome having my mom here with me to travel for a week, but it was so hard for her to leave. Saying goodbye to her really made me realize that I was in a foreign country by myself. This may have been the weirdest, scariest, and most vulnerable feeling I've ever had. I kept finding myself thinking 'what have I gotten myself in to?' Meeting my roommates was good, there are 6 of them and they're all really nice! Emily is from New Jersey and goes to Cornell, Jen, Sidney, and Ally are all from Massachusetts and are roommates at University of Massachussets, Cecile is from Pittsburgh and goes to University of Pittsburgh, and Stephanie is from Miami (Florida, not Ohio) and goes to University of Miami. It has been so interesting getting to know all of them because they are honestly so different than me. Emily is Jewish and I thought it was so cool! I know this sounds horrible but I don't think I have ever had the chance to be friends with anyone that is Jewish, so it has been so interesting hearing about all the the traditions and practices that they do like Shabat. The three girls that are roommates at Umass are kind of clinging to each other and that's fine, it just is kinda weird when the rest of us don't know anyone! Cecile came last night, she is so awesome! She is kind of overwhelmed too, so it makes me feel so much better that I have someone to talk to and maybe even vent to when I start missing home and everyone I love.
Today we went to the Vatican and Castel Sant' Angelo! The Vatican was maybe the most amazing and mind blowing place I have ever been. The feeling that I got when I walked in was not only one of awe, but more so a homey feel. It was pretty crazy to me that even though I'm thousands away from my home and where my faith began, I am still able to relate to and feel part of somewhere so special. Our tour guide even took us down to the second level of the Vatican where we got to see the tombs of tons of Popes. It was crazy!! I could've stayed in this beautiful place all day.
It was so interesting that right after seeing home of Catholicism, my Jewish roommate Emily had to leave for Shabat services. I guess not every Jewish person does this, but she chooses to follow it. Every Friday at sundown becomes the Sabbath and a resting time for her. She found another girl in our program who is Jewish and they went to the Synagogue of Rome together. I thought it seemed so cool that instead of gearing up to party it up on Friday night in Rome, she still took time for her self and her faith. She even chooses to not use her phone or computer every week during Shabat. It sounds so crazy to me, but at the same time I am amazed!
This quote popped up as a reminder from God post-it on my home page and I loved it, and its really been helping me:)
"Have no fear. A beautiful future lies before you. Let it be a new life where every happening, even, and plan you are conscious of Me."
