Life's not always perfect...
Aug
30
I thought I might take this time to be real and honest with everyone and give a little status update here. People ask me all the time how things are going and if I'm just 'loving it'. But the answer to all of that is much more complicated and in depth. It really depends on the day. I do love it the majority of the time. There are things that I definitely take for granted, like the pure beauty of God's creation. I love the clean, crystal clear water here. It's makes such a difference when compared to the thick, salty, green/brown, seaweedy water back home. I love that I can walk 10 feet to get to this beach, but if I walk 5 minutes in the opposite direction I'm hiking a mountain. I love the differences and history of each town. I love the food! And really, it's a good thing I'm not making much money because I think I'd probably spend it all on treats like gelato and focaccia. I love working outside every day with other people, making a difference in these children's lives, and getting to see their progress both with me and just growing up in general.
However, it should be expected that I don't love everything. My job is very exhausting sometimes and I have had to learn patience and humility in more ways than I can describe. The Italian culture of conformity, routine, and blending in is something that I still haven't warmed up to. I stick out like a sore thumb here. It's nice sometimes that it seems like everyone in Spotorno knows me, but I feel like I don't really know anyone. Every time I walk down the boardwalk or through the bordello (shopping district) I pass people smiling and saying "Buongiorno", "Ciao Lori", "Come va?". Yet, half the time I hardly even recognize them. I don't like how quickly the youth feel like they have to grow up. I don't like that it is unheard of for a single guy and girl to be friends without anything else going on there. And I especially don't like that I haven't met a single other believer since I've been living in Italy (3 months now). That lack of Christian fellowship is by far the hardest part of this new lifestyle. God has to find ways to force me to focus on Him.
Lucky for me, one of those times was Saturday. I had the day off and could just feel God pulling me into His arms. It turned out to be a great day and a chance for me to clear my head and focus on the more important things. I went on a morning hike up Mount Mao, which pretty much kicked my butt. I needed the exercise. It was a great spot to sit, watch the entire Ligurian coastline, and be completely isolated, just me and my iPod equipped with just the right worship songs. I made it home right in time to enjoy one of Luca's fancy lunches of pasta vongole. Then I was off to enjoy the afternoon/evening in Savona. It's a cool town that I've only really explored once before this, and it's only 10 minutes away. I shopped, saw the historic center and harbor, visited the Duomo and Sistine Chapel there, watched an outdoor conert and met all kinds of locals that were, like everyone else, thrilled to be meeting a real American. I'm a novelty item here in these small towns.
So, that's where I stand. Life is hard sometimes, but God is good. I am just here trying to take full advantage of His gifts and where He has placed me, and follow Him in every step that I take forward.
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