Sometimes, we come across things that we truly connect to. There are things in this world that speak to our true essence and inspire us. Of the things that have fueled me, there is this anonymous quote that encourages the very thing I desire right now in life. I desire discovery. I desire a love affair with life. I believe that true worth in life comes from the opportunities that allow us to discover the world around us. And to my great fortune, I am doing the exact thing that I wish for in life.
I have been able to move to a country that has always been a dream of mine to explore. Italy is more than I could have ever hoped to encounter. I have never felt so comfortable in a place that is so foreign to what I had been raised in. Putting the incredible food, romantic language, and dreamy sights aside; I have fallen in love with the Italian way. There is an unexplainable comfort and peace in this country. I feel an intense sense of belonging and safety in knowing that I am exactly where my heart desires me to be. I knew that I had officially fallen in love with Rome when locals began treating me as a local. As simple as it seems, being approached for directions and then giving directions (in Italian) is one small, but meaningful way to experience this acceptance. Although I may be substantially taller and blonder than the average Italian, I feel like Roman. And for that, I can't begin to express my thankfulness to be here.
Even beyond Italy, I have found that we each are called to places to experience them and learn. My time abroad, so far, has led me outside of Italy, to Austria and Germany. It was in both of these places that I have continued to recognize a calling. I felt that calling upon hearing about the loss of my aunt to cancer. I found myself in Votivkirche Cathedral in Vienna lighting candles at an alter of prayer in her remembrance. It was there that I was reminded in a prayer card that "we must remember the light in moments of darkness." In Austria, while dealing with the loss for my family and feeling some guilt for being so far away during a hard time; I was reminded of our purpose in life. I have been called to these adventures, I have been called to these experiences, and I have been called to learn these lessons. While sight seeing during the day and exploring in the night in both Vienna and Berlin, I have been reminded of the importance to learn about life through travel. And after the touristy days (Schronbrunn Palace, St. Stephens, the Holocaust Memorial, and the Berlin Wall) and "college kid nights" (underground dance clubs, German beer, and late nights that turn into early mornings), I can reflect in knowing that I am learning something about myself.
The desire for adventure has lead to a desire to be better. It's still overwhelming to think of the great opportunity I have been given. I hope that the things we all learn are translated into actions rather than just fun memories. I've discovered that this isn't just travel, but it's a time to learn how to be better and not just for yourself.
Until the next discovery, it's time for me to get back to the "study" part of study abroad. Here's to another week of midterms and back to the other kind of learning.
Ciao for now.
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