Take My Hand

Well, I have been a bad blogger lately. I'm going to blame it on my computer dying, but I'm not sure if that is the only reason. The last weeks have been great and busy. LOVED having Mom and Al visit. I don't have a lot of time to write today but I wanted to post a song that I have loved listening to while in Haiti. It's called Take My Hand by Shawn McDonald. Here are the lyrics.

Take my hand to the promise land
And on You I want to stand
'Cause I cannot do it on my own

You're what I need and I need to be
Right by your side 'cause I cannot hide
Lord I know that I need You

Na na na na na na na na na, I need You
Na na na na na na na na na, I need You

Without You I'm so alone
I am weak but You are strong
You pick me up when I'm falling down
And I'm crying
Out to You inside of my heart
I need You Lord, O so, for the part
I want You to have my life, Jesus

I fall to my knees
And I'm begging You please, oh, Lord
Want you change me
Make me new from the inside out
I want to shout out your name

I love that song. Death and Haiti have reminded me these past few weeks that this world is not our home. Heaven is. Hoping in the Promised Land and not in this broken world!

Growth

It’s been an exciting and busy week at Mission of Hope. I LOVED having a NC family here and talking with Shelley from the Apparent Project was so encouraging. 3 Cords has a bright future!

Talking with Shelley about 3 Cords, growth, and even possibly selling products in retail stores made me BEYOND excited. When we left the Apparent Project I felt like I was floating. I could see the potential of 3 Cords. 50 more women could be employed. Big chains like Anthropologie could sell our product. I’m a dreamer. As my head was floating higher and higher in the clouds, I was reminded that I’m just an intern and God is the one who will advance 3 Cords. If God wants 3 Cords to employ 400 amputees then it will happen. He is the one who has allowed it to prosper and He is the one who will lead as it grows. I’m so excited to be a part of the growing process. This week we have almost finished the party packets and on Friday afternoon I got to hang out with the women. I love those ladies. I wish I could spend every day with the women of 3 Cords! They are wonderful. I would miss the groups though.

One thing I have loved about the groups is that each one is SO different. They all ask different questions, have different convictions, and are from different backgrounds. Through each group the Lord teaches me. Last week I was reminded of Haiti’s, and my own desperate need for God’s word. As we walked around a small village talking and praying with people one of the ladies continually asked people if they had Bibles. A lot of them responded no. This isn’t rare in Haiti and a lot of people are illiterate so that would limit them in studying the Word, but still it stunned me. Here I sit with God’s word readily available and yet I do not study it. I can read and I have God’s living Word in my heart and mind. The Word of the Lord is truth; Haiti needs truth, just like I do.

The group that came in this past week is from Texas. I haven’t gotten to spend a lot of time with them but they were really interested in why Mission of Hope is against giving handouts. I have struggled with this some too. When you have a granola bar in your bag and someone is asking for food shouldn’t I easily hand it over? Mission of Hope believes in trying to help end the cycle of poverty through their food programs, education, etc. and does not believe that short term teams should give handouts, but rather give their donations to MOH for them to distribute to the people in a way that they see fit. Most people just kinda go along with this thought, but this team wanted to know why. I appreciate that. It made me really think through the answer and in the process I better understood the values behind Mission of Hope’s guidelines. Reading When Helping Hurts has also helped me understand this answer. I still think that you have the listen to Holy Spirit and that in some cases it is necessary to give direct handouts, but overall I believe that Mission of Hope handles donations in the exact right way. When I look at the problems of Haiti, I look through North American eyes. I have grown up in North Carolina and am used to how things are done in America. This can be a HUGE problem. Haiti is not like America, nor do they need to be. They need help, change for sure, but they don’t need to become what I’m used to. Their culture is different and so is their lifestyle. I was reading today on one of my favorite families blogs who live in Haiti and she had posted this quote:

"Often charity to help the poor attracts more people into poverty. One example I have noticed takes place when North Americans try to care for the needs of orphans in cultures different from our own. If you build really nice orphanages and provide good food and a great education, lots more children in those places become orphans. I see this happen all over. When we attempt to eradicate poverty through charity, we often attract more people into “needing” charity. It is possible to create need where it did not exist by projecting our standards, values and perception of need onto others. "
-- Steve Saint

This quote is what the Apparent Project ( http://www.apparentproject.org/ ) addresses. A lot of times Haitians want to be parents they just don’t have the means to do so. I’m learning more about empowerment and trying my best to understand the VERY complex issues that plague Haiti. I feel blessed to be at Mission of Hope.

On a funny/ interesting note at church this week there was a skit. You never know what to expect in Haiti. I had noticed that there was a large group of people dressed in uniforms but it wasn’t until the end of service that I realized they were going to do a drama. It started with a couple of men carrying out a white sheet with a “dead” person inside it. Stacy and I are looking at each other like what in the world is going on. The kids around us are freaking out. We are trying to get them to tell us what’s going on. They are all getting in trouble for standing up and trying to get a better look. It was out of control. Haitians are dramatic anyway, so you can imagine the skit. Lots of screaming and jumping around. The gist I got from the madness is that no one can heal and help but Jesus. It defiantly got everyone’s attention. I think I’ll suggest that The Summit have a skit one Sunday. Stacy has already volunteered to be the fake dead person.
This weekend I’m in Port au Prince with a group of Convoy of Hope interns. They stay at a house in PAP for the weekends and invited us to go! It has been extremely nice to have great internet and time to hang out! It’s odd because while Port au Prince is one of the most impoverished areas of Haiti it also has one of the wealthiest areas: Peationville. I’m thankful for a weekend to relax. Since I have good internet I’m going to try and post some pictures!

Love y’all!
Becca

A really GREAT week!

It has been such a great week! James came to visit this past week and I LOVED getting to show him MOH and serve together. Saturday was sad but I’m thankful that he got to see what my day to day life is like here.

We got to do a couple of really cool things this week. First, on Tuesday we went to a waterfall that was about 2 hours away. When large groups are here we rarely do anything that is too far off campus, but since we only had about 8 people last week, it was more flexible. The waterfall was AMAZING!! The power of the waterfall was astounding and it was one of those times all you could do was look up and thing “wow God you are awesome”. James and I climbed to the top and got some great pictures. I can’t properly describe the waterfall with words but it reminded me that Haiti has a lot of beauty. Even the drive up to the waterfall was beautiful. At the waterfall there were obvious signs of voodoo. At MOH we rarely see this, and it was very strange to see it at such a stunning area that was clearly made my God. Sad. On Tuesday we also got to visit one of my favorite orphanages and dance for the kids. Justin Bieber is always the music of choice. Baby, baby, baby, olllll’!
On Wednesday James and I helped at 3 Cords. We made a new hanger for the purses and fixed the sign. Brianna informed me on Friday that we get to go next week and talk to Shelley (the founder of The Apparent Project), and ask her questions. This is an answered prayer. Not only am I SOOOOO excited to meet Shelley, but I’m super pumped to get her input about 3 Cords! Please pray that this meeting will go well!

Thursday we painted. We have painted a lot this week, well this whole month really, and I think that when I get home I may be a professional. Friday was our restful beach day and we went snorkeling. Haiti has beautiful reefs! Who knew? I’m learning more about Haiti everyday and trying my best with Creole. Learning language is a challenge for me, but I do think Creole is easier than most. I have a couple tutors, my friends Victor and Clara, but it’s a slow process.

Saturday James left, but more NC people arrived! I don’t think I realized how much I miss NC until people show up from Greensboro of all places. It is just one family and there friend from church. It is so great to talk with them about Greensboro, UNC, State, anything NC really. I have friends from all over the country now, but this was the first group from NC! I’m very happy about this not only because I get a little taste of home this week, but because I want people in NC to know about Mission of Hope! It is such a great place and we need more NC people to come! This week there are around 50 people here. There is ALWAYS something to do, someone to talk to, etc.

When James came he brought me letters that all my girlfriends had written me (fyi I get made fun of for saying girlfriends here). They were beyond encouraging! God has blessed me with the best friends. Thanks girls (if you read my blog haha) I love y’all! It has been a wonderful week. Thanks for the prayers.

O' and half century Happy Birthday this week to my beautiful mother and congratulations to my amazing housemate Kelsey and her fiancé Jon on their engagement! Great week all around!

Bec

PAP/Apparent Project

It’s been a busy week. I had the weekend off so that was a huge blessing. Friday was THE BEST DAY EVER! We had an intern day and we got to visit The Apparent Project. I love the Apparent Project! It has been so cool to watch them grow over the past year and getting to visit their project in Port au Prince was so encouraging. It was neat to actually see the process of how the beads were made and to shop in the store that had every necklace, earring, and bracelet imaginable. Shelley, the founder was in NYC with Donna Karen at the Clinton initiative so we didn’t get to meet her but we did get to meet her intern Sophie. Sophie is starting a line that makes jewelry out of Haitian sea glass. BEAUTIFUL. Don’t worry I got a pair of her earrings. Brianna, the girl who is over 3 Cords (the headband and bag making project at Mission of Hope) came with us. The Apparent Project model is very similar to 3 Cords and I think they will be a great contact! God is the best networker. I explained to Brianna how I hosted a jewelry party for the Apparent Project and my passion for social entrepreneurship, and now I get to work with 3 Cords and help set up house parties in the States! I’m SOO excited. I get to work on a project that I love and am passionate about. Watch out America here comes 3 Cords. Funny enough the verse that 3 Cords is modeled after (Ecclesiastes 4:) is the verse that Al, Manda, and I always loved growing up, and it is one of the reasons I felt called to MOH!

Since I had this weekend off I had some time to do what I wanted and rest. A group from Florida had come in for a couple of days to tour MOH because they are starting a non-profit restaurant (DUO 58 Catering and Events) and want to partner with the Mission! Most of the group was involved with Campus Crusade at the University of Central Florida. It was cool to hear them talk about CRU at their school and hear about their vision for the restaurant. Stacy and I went with them on Saturday back into Port au Prince. At MOH I am pretty sheltered. We see the villages around MOH but we rarely venture into PAP. Jeremy, a guy who has worked in Haiti and with MOH for years and now works with Lespwa means hope was here with the Florida group so he was our guide. We went through one of the poorest areas, Citie Soliel. We were looking out the windows of the four-runner and it’s impossible to take everything in. I’ve been around Port au Prince but Citie Soliel was a new level of poverty. Jeremy took us to a Catholic Church that had been demolished during the earthquake. It was hard for me to see. One of the girls that was with us is a wonderful photographer, so check out her website to see the pictures: http://alyssamarieart.com/blog/?p=51 . Saturday was a good day, but a hard one. It’s easy to be happy and content at MOH. I have friends, the food is great, I get to play with the kids, etc. Then I go out into the poverty of Haiti and I remember the need to pray and beg for these people. Psalm 140:12, was on my mind while we were at the dilapidated Church: “I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.” I had read that verse earlier in the day and thought about it continuously.

My fun story for the week is that a man told me I looked like a Haitian women on Thursday. As I was trying to think about how I "looked Haitian", he told me I was tall and had strong skinny legs. Thanks Haitian man, I feel accepted now!

PS…Today was my first day working with Brianna at 3 Cords and I’m SO excited. Gosh, it’s exactly what I love to do! The Lord is cool how He uses your passions.

Love and miss you guys. Pray for the growth of 3 Cords and the poor in Haiti.

Simon and Philip

It’s been a good week in Haiti. Our teams left on Friday and Saturday so those were sad days. It’s funny how in a week you can grow to love people so much. As an intern I’m with the teams most of the time. We normally have two or 3 ministry days and then painting days. Through all of this time you get to hear the team’s story and learn how the Lord has brought them to where they are today. I’ve always love hearing how people became who they are, so being an intern is a pretty sweet deal for me. Meal times are also crucial. We have three great meals at MOH and meal times are relaxing and typically pretty long. I love getting to sit and talk, play mafia or nertz, and not rush off to something like I would normally in the States. Days are pretty random around here. Some day’s you work all day in the sun and then others (like today) I get to rest and write on my blog. I enjoy both of them. There is no “typical” week in Haiti.

Now that I have been here almost two weeks I’m starting to feel a little different then I normally do on a weeklong mission trip to Haiti. I’m gonna be here for a while so I better try to understand the Haitian people a little more/ get used to Haiti. In reading When Helping Hurts this week I was convicted of a couple of things. In Chapter two the author poses some questions: “why do you want to help the poor? Really thing about it. What truly motivates you? Do you really love poor people and want to serve them? Or do you have other motives? I confess to you that part of what motivates me to help the poor is my felt need to accomplish something worthwhile in my life, to be a person of significance, to feel like I have pursued a noble cause…to be a bit like God… It is a very ugly truth, and it pains me to admit it, but “when I want to do good, evil is right there with me” (Rom. 7:21).” These words hit home. Do I really love the Haitians? What do I really have to offer them? Is my heart pure towards them? As I asked these questions I was reading Acts 8. In Acts 8 Simon is a sorcer who does many magical works and has a large following. When Philip comes to town and preaches the gospel, Simon believes that Jesus is the son of God. Simon believes in Jesus but yet after he sees the power that John and Peter have in verse 18 because they can give the “Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands”, he offers to pay them in order to have this ability. I’m Simon. I want the glory. I can see where Simon was coming from. He had been powerful for so long, people had looked up to him, and now following Jesus, Peter and John were the ones who could do cool “magic”. After he offers to pay for this ability Peter responds to him that “his heart is not right before God” and he should pray to the Lord for forgiveness. Simon may have shown his ugly, selfish, glory wanting heart, but God is a forgiving God and He wants Simon’s heart (and my heart) to be right with His. I have nothing to offer Haiti but through the Lord I can offer everything. Further along in Acts 8 Philip is led by the Holy Spirit to preach the Gospel and then literally zapped away to another town to share the Gospel. Philip isn’t zapping himself. It’s ALL through the Lord. Philip didn’t know to go to the road where he would meet the eunuch to share the gospel, but the HOLY SPIRIT led him. I’m a Simon but through daily surrender to the Lord I can be a Philip!!! If that’s not exciting then I don’t know what is!

So that’s just a bit of what I’ve been learning. I’m starting to understand the saying “for the glory of God” more each week. I miss the teams but I now have a lot of new friends from Texas and Oklahoma! Hook em’ Horns and Boomer Sooner!

Love y’all lots and lots,
Bec

The first arrival of teams!

I have been in Haiti for almost a week now. Time has flown by. Our first two team came in on Sunday. They were supposed to come in on Saturday but missed their flights. I have LOVED having teams to help host. As an intern my job is basically to help with the teams in anyway needed. I announce meals, go with them on all there ministry and construction projects, and hang out with them. The two teams this week are from Texas and Oklahoma. Because now is school time most of the teams are made up of older people. Businessmen, doctors, partners with Mission of Hope, etc. Having wise men and women here has been amazing. They love to talk to us interns and I have loved hearing their stories and heart for God. I have met two men in particular who have really encouraged me.

Gary came in with the Texas team but only could stay one night because he is a speaker and has conferences back in the States. He was raised Hindu and came to know the Lord in college. He was coming to look at how the Mission ran because he had a similar Mission in Kurdistan. On Sunday we toured the Mission and the Bercy property and I learned how Gary got to the place where he is today. Hearing his story of how he was raised in a wealthy Hindu family, played soccer for a college in the States, met his wife and started going to church, accepted the Lord, got exiled from his Hindu family, started a successful company (Panera Bread), and then sold everything to start his mission in Kurdistan, really encouraged me. He was one of those men who I could have listened to speak all day. After he left and I thought about all he had taught me and the way he spoke about the Lord I was reminded of Moses. Like Moses in Exodus 34 Gary glowed for the Lord. He quoted scripture when he talked. He spent time with the Lord and it was obvious. His purpose was to glorify the Lord. Yes he had been hugely successfully in the words standards, starting Panera bread etc., but he was not living for the world. Even just a week in Haiti reminds me not to live for this world. One thing Gary really reminded me is that it’s not about me. Yes I want to love on the Haitians and try to help Haiti in any way I can, but honestly I can’t help. The only thing I can offer is Christ love.

During our internship we are reading a book called When Helping Hurts. It is about the importance of indigenous mobilization and not accidently hurting those we are trying to help in poorer areas. I’m only on chapter one but this is a concept that is huge at MOH and to all the people I talk to. Another friend I have met is Matthew, a business man from Texas. He is starting a concrete company in Haiti. The basis of his company is business as mission. Before I left for Haiti my boss this summer at Church World Service talked to me about business as mission. The idea is that by starting businesses in poorer areas and hiring local individuals, the gospel will be shared through relationships and daily living. Talking to Matthew about his heart for his business and the way the Lord has brought him to this idea was amazing. The Lord was so faithful and clear in leading me to Haiti for this semester and He is so faithful in Matthew’s life with his business. God loves all his children and wants to guide us. I love talking about social entrepreneurship. It’s almost like I’m in a class for my minor with all these great businessmen telling me their stories! It has been remarkable to see people from all walks of life serving the Lord. Here are a few things that I have happened this week/I’ve been reminded of:

1. The food is great! Last night we had apple crisp (just like the dessert Hil and I love to make back at the Glendie)! I almost feel spoiled because the food is so good. Thank you Lord!
2. It’s HOTTTT! Somedays are better than others but overall it is pretty sweaty.
3. There are BIG spiders. I’m avoiding them at all cost.
4. We normally go do ministry 2 times a week and construction 2 times a week with the teams. Yesterday we went to an orphanage and a village to talk with people. I really enjoyed the orphanage.
5. God’s word is living and active. I always know this but I often forget it. It’s the way He speaks to us, so if I want to hear from Him then I better read it.
6. We play games at night a lot. Y’all know I love this. I haven’t brought out Picture Down the Lane yet but the time will come. We have been playing Mafia and Nertz. It’s a great past time.
7. The internet is good. Surprisingly good. I’m thankful for that.
8. I can see the ocean from MOH!
9. Haitians really praise Jesus at church! I love the worship!

My friend Gary wrote this to me and it summed up what I have been learning and the way he lived in the short day I met him:

The Apostle Paul lived a life worthy of his calling and he let the following principle guide him--"For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain" (PHIL 1:21). My deepest desire is to live for Christ in this life in a way that the lost and dying generation all around me will fall at His feet and cry out in repentance. Each day I cry out to my Lord asking Him to help me be poured out as a drink offering to the people that He has asked me to serve. Each time of prayer I ask Him to impress upon me my deep dependance on His mercy and grace to live another day in this world.

What a great prayer. Love y’all and miss you lots! Love from Haiti!
<3 Bec

I'm Here! I'm Here!

I made it! Back in good ol’ Haiti. Traveling went great and it feels good to finally be here at Mission of Hope. Everything at MOH is NICE for Haiti. I have been so pleasantly surprised with the food, property, and living conditions. God is good. I’ll give you a brief synopsis of our days so far.

On Wednesday we got in and basically rested and got to meet the long-term staff. There are about 14 North American staff members and around 200+ Haitian. One of the main things MOH believes in is indigenous mobilization. The people here love Haiti and the goal is for local Haitians to run as much of the organization as possible. My job will be to help organize and host the teams that come down for a week. I’m excited and ready for our first team to get here Saturday.

Thursday we got a tour of the property in Titanyen and the new Bercy property which is in the process of having plans drawn. MOH has great plans for the property which include and old folks home, school, guest house, medical clinic, etc. The Bercy property is ocean front! On the property there is a "clinic in a can". The school will be functioning this fall and there are ongoing plans for this 65 acre plot including an elderly/disability care home and a seaside hotel for North Americans to stay at as a means for revenue towards the care center, orphanage, school etc.When Joe was telling us about how MOH got started and all they have been blessed with, I was amazed. God has really provided for MOH in big ways. On the site where I live there is an orphanage which houses about 55 kids, a medical clinic, a prosthetics lab, school, church, and a headband/textiles making ministry for amputees called a Cord of Three Strands. Lots to do! MOH has so many projects that I feel like I am learning about new things every hour. After our tour we had free time to play with the kids and hang out. It’s super hot in our room when the power is off because the fans don’t work. We had a crazy rain last night and left some of our windows open. A flooded bed and floor taught us a lesson (it wasn’t my bed that flooded, but still)! The rain cooled it down though and I slept better last night!
Haiti is always shocking to me. Maybe after 3 months it won’t be, but I kinda doubt it. Riding though the streets the van is always quiet because we just look around. We drove through a market and it was like nothing I had ever seen. People EVERYWHERE!! We ate at a Haitian restaurant yesterday. It was good: rice, bean sauce, chicken and sauce. I enjoyed it. I like the other interns a lot. The 4 other girls are from Canada, Colorado, Minnesota, and Texas. The one boy is from Michigan. No southerners but really great people that I can tell will be great friends in the coming months. I still really miss y’all though. Friday night is movie night with the Mission of Hope kids! I'm excited :)

Love from Haiti,
Becca

Prayer Letter

Here is a letter (I meant to mail it to everyone but...) that explains my heart behind working with Mission of Hope. It has some prayer request at the bottom. Wednesday is the big day. I fly out from RDU to Miami, meet up with the other interns, and then on to Port au Prince. I'm excited and nervous. Thanks for the prayers.
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I wanted to write and tell you about my upcoming plans for fall of 2011. I know that I’m friends with all of you in different capacities, but you are receiving this letter because I’m confident in your love the Lord and belief in the power of prayer.

I have traveled to Haiti twice on weeklong mission trips with Young Life International. I went in 2008 and then this past spring. Each trip was unique and challenging in its own way. No words can describe Haiti. I was shocked at the level of poverty in 2008 and returning in 2011 after the earthquake was just as stunning. It’s hard to believe that the island of Hispaniola is only 1 and a half hours from Miami. This past year Haiti has been laid in my path many ways. First, I ran across The Apparent Project on a blog. The Apparent Project is based in Port-au-Prince Haiti, and its goal is to create jobs for Haitians in order that they might be good parents and citizens. The project makes beautiful jewelry out of recycled cereal boxes (http://www.apparentproject.org). After having huge success in hosting a jewelry party for them, I did a semester long project on how micro-business could be expanded. The spring semester of my Jr. year I also took a class on Caribbean women, where I did a research project solely on religion on the island of Hispaniola. In March of the spring semester I returned to Haiti with Raleigh Young Life to serve. It was a different experience than my trip in 2008 because I was older and had studied the country. I knew the history of corrupt political leaders and deforestation. I questioned more about how the Haitian’s felt about American missionaries and aid workers. I struggled with thoughts and questions that I still haven’t answered, but was reminded by each child that I played with that we are all made in the image of our living God. Once back from Haiti I continued my classes and work with the Apparent Project and prayed for my Haitian friends, often hoping that maybe next spring break I would get to visit again.

I met Laura Kirchofer in my social entrepreneurship class. She knew of my interest in Haiti because of my project and travels. She is active in UNC Greek Life which is a branch of Campus Crusade for Christ in which I participate. Laura asked me to go to lunch one day to talk about Haiti. She told me she felt called to take the following fall semester off and serve there. I was impressed by her clear discernment of God’s will and evident desire to follow His leading. I told her all I knew about Haiti, organizations, etc. I told her I would pray for her and give her all the help I could. Laura and I continued to meet over the next few weeks, talking about Haiti and becoming quick friends. Laura is very gifted in business and is fluent in French. She is passionate, faithful and intelligent. I can easily see how she will be an asset in Haiti.

After school ended Laura and I still kept in touch and she asked me if I would ever consider going to Haiti next semester. I responded “if the Lord showed me” (aka I don’t really want to leave Chapel Hill my senior year, so if I see a burning bush… maybe). I told her I would pray about it. I prayed and God started the process of changing my heart through Psalm 84. In Haiti when asked my name and responding “Becca”, everyone laughs. “Baca” “Baca”, they would chant and giggle. I didn’t get it until an older kid said your name means pig. They loved to tattoo me with the word Baca. Psalm 84 states “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage, As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they will make it a place of springs;”.The whole Psalm spoke to my heart and the “Baca” caught my attention. If “better is one day in His courts than a thousand elsewhere”, then why would I worry about leaving for a semester? After many prayers and continual confirmation that I am supposed to serve in Haiti next semester I am ready to move forward. The Lord has worked everything so perfectly that I only need one more semester to graduate college, and I will graduate with my class in May of 2012! This summer I have so clearly seen the Lord’s faithfulness and provision. He is GOOD!

It has been a busy summer. I will be leaving September 7th to intern at Mission of Hope (mohhaiti.org). I’m excited. My main duties will be helping host and lead mission teams that come down for weeks at a time. The Lord has so graciously provided a subletter for my room and many other blessings along the way. As September 7th quickly approaches please pray for Haiti and the upcoming semester.

Here are a couple of things that you can pray for:
-pray for the people and poverty of Haiti. Pray that they would know the Lord and His glory would shine throughout the land.
-pray for the weather and political leadership of Haiti.
-Pray for the programs at Mission of Hope (Orphanage, Medical Clinic, School, Cord of 3 Strands Ministry, and the week long mission teams.)
-Pray for the leaders of Mission of Hope and Young Life in Haiti.
-Pray for both Laura and my heart, that we would love the Haitians with Christ love and have servant attitudes.
-Pray for safety and travel and against worry.

Thank you guys so much for your prayers. I have seen its power over the months.

In Our Fathers Love,
Becca Troxler

It's almost August 8th

It’s been awhile. Honestly, between the garden, the Loft, and being MOH, blogging has not crossed my mind. I came across a blog tonight and decided that I should write just for old time sake. There is not much to tell. Summer ’10 has been pretty much what I thought it would be. Lots of wedding talk, a little work, and sweet time with my crazy family. All in all, a wonderful summer. Here is a quick photo recap of all the main events from May-July.

-Hanging out with the family. Whether at the lake, dance recitals, or in the garden, family time has brought many laughs and fun memories.





-Taking Al and Steven’s engagement pictures at the lake. I love taking pictures and it was fun to have a photo shoot. What a pretty pair they make!





-Charleston for Al’s Bachelorette weekend getaway. Gotta love girl trips!



-More wedding craziness. Showers. Bachelorette parties. Who knew what being MOH entailed?




-4th of July at SML! Always one of my favorite holidays. We had the best time at the lake and we couldn’t have had a more fun group!




Although much more has happened since returning from Firenze, these photos seem to capture most of the excitement of the past 2 months. I’ve learned a lot being home. Some of the main things I have learned come through being MOH (maid of honor). For all of you (the two people who probably still read my blog) who do not know what being MOH requires, I’ll give you a brief synopsis of the requirements:
1.Fix the brides dress and hold her flowers when she says her vows. Hold the ring until she puts it on the groom’s finger.
2.Stay calm and reassure bride at all times. Try to keep drama to a minimum
3.Go cake testing. Eat lots of yummy cake  (my favorite part so far)
4.Give a toast (a little worried about this one)
5.Plan bachelorette party/ events

I’ve enjoyed being MOH. My favorite part about this whole wedding deal is the things you hear people say. I’ve been keeping a word document of my favorite quotes. Here’s a few for your enjoyment:

-(Alex and FiFi talking about wedding bands in Panera. Al trying to explain to Steven why he can’t get his wedding band from Walmart. Steven responds that he can always just get another one because all that happens anyway is…) “A human being is going to bless a piece of metal and call it special”. O’ males.

-(after I had been reading mom the His needs, Her needs book that describes how men and women need different things in marriage/a mate. The author says that one important thing to males is an attractive mate, while he suggests that women need is love, regardless of attractiveness. At this my mother scoffs and responds…) “Why do we have to suffer with the bald fat man…did a man write that book (after I laugh and try to explain)… and you think I’m kidding Becca.”

-And my personal favorite dad’s response to most situations that arise in the planning…. “Gosh girls, it ain’t that hard.” The funny thing is that most of the time he is hitting the nail on the head.

Aside from all the wedding laughs and fun, I have seen again how changing environments affect my heart and thoughts. Being home, reading books, having some time alone to read and reflect has once again shown me that despite my circumstances God is always the same. My days are not my own. If Christ is not the center, my everything, then my life is in vain. Despite knowing these truths, there is no use in worrying or working effortlessly for the kingdom if my work is for myself or with a heart that is not listening to Christ. Faith. Patience. Humility. Trust. Just a few very tough but cool lessons I’ve been learning this summer. It’s been quite the ride. I’ll leave you with a few quotes and passages that have marked my heart this summer:

17. Keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.
–Ephesians 1:17-20

10. “Be still, and know, that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10

“There comes the baffling call of God in our lives also. The call of God can never be stated explicitly, it is implicit. The call of God is like the call of the sea, no one hears it but the one who has the nature of the sea in him. It cannot be stated definitely what the call of God is to, because his call is to be in comradeship with himself for his own purpose, and the test is to believe that God knows what he is after.” (My Utmost for His Highest- Oswald Chambers)

“Obey God in the thing he shows you, and instantly the next thing is opened up. God will never reveal more truth about himself until you have obeyed what you know already…This chapter brings out the delight of real friendship with God.” –Oswald Chambers

I’m always being molded and shaped into the woman God has called me to be, and knowing that I have great HOPE and excitement! “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you” – Romans 8:11

2 weeks till the big day. I gain a brother and Al loses the last name Troxler. Weird!

Wing Wing. Meow Meow. Love Love.
Bec

Ciao Firenze. Ciao Brown Summit.

The blog is dead. Now it is alive again. For the time being anyway.
I’M HOME! In sweet little Browns Summit, with the garden across the road, Huey barking, and where the wedding planning has reached a new level! It’s been awesome to be home. All the fun little things I have missed like grocery shopping with mom and talking in the yard with Sue, seem extra pleasant after being gone for four months. I would be lying to say that I haven’t missed Bella Rosa though. Bella Rosa, Chicken Man, the Arno runs, Hil’s dancing, family dinners, sorority 24: miss them all.

I was thinking about how I could sum up my time in Italy and I decided that I’m not quite ready. I’m still learning things through my four months abroad, and I think that it will be quite some time before I can process all I saw and learned in Italy. While there are so many things I learned and could write about, I think Hil and my list of things we love about our time abroad is most fitting for my last Italian post. This list was composed while sitting on an airplane returning to the US of A.

Here it goes…

ITALY LOVES:
<3. Snell Up soda- 30 cent well spent
<3. Coffee yogurt with cheap brand flakes
<3. The Dante walking tour: talking Dante
<3. My busted bed with a mind of its own
<3. Iceland Volcano (this is a love/hate relationship)
<3. My little black Italian cell phone
<3. Acting like I know what Italians are saying, when really I’m as lost as can be!
<3. Family dinners. Brie cheese.
<3. Arno Runs
<3. Hearing Venice and Melis through the wall
<3. Hang drying clothes/ the sketchy basement and live in man
<3. The code: no keys!
<3. Sorority 24
<3. Free hostel breakfast
<3. Tutto .99
<3. Florence Gospel Fellowship. Tula.
<3. The many Panini shops: Veggie at Antiquo and walnut sauce at Oil shoppe
<3. “This is why I’m hot”. “OMG”- market men
<3. Walking by the wedding shop on the way to Italian every morning
<3. The 1000 stairs up to Italian at 8am (love/hate)
<3. 30 cent cappuccino machine
<3. Beds pushed together/ nightly prayers
<3. Wearing dresses to the Ital. DR’s office…O’ the lessons I learned!
<3. Piazza della Signoria singing guitar man: U2, Coldplay, and Robbie Williams.
<3. Little writing spot at Piazzale Michelangelo
<3. The cage/ skyping
<3. Coffee packets in the morning
<3. Exploring
<3. Rach and Venice’s artwork
<3. Cooking class girls
<3. Piazza Santa Croce in the spring: all the people and the puppet shows!
<3. Chicken man: “ciao Rebecca”
<3. Andrea’s Cinquecentro (car)
<3. FB stalking/ status updates
<3. Trying to speak Italian
<3. Playing songs on repeat
<3. Bus2Alps trips: Interlaken, Austria, Almalfi Coast.
<3. Stationary stores
<3. The Arno at night
<3. The illegal love lock on Ponte Vecchio…one day
<3. The nightlife around Santa Croce/ REX of course!
<3. Getting chased by Panini man
<3. YouTube with Chiara and Andrea

The list could go on and on! Overall, these past four months have been incredible! I thank God for allowing me to have this experience in Italy and helping me meet Chiara and Andrea. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them”- Romans 8:28. Thanks for reading the blog and all the many prayers. Ciao Florence and study abroad. Ciao Brown Summit and summer ’10.

“When a traveler returneth home, let him not leave the countries where he hath traveled altogether behind him.” – Francis Bacon
I’ll never leave Italy behind. It will always hold a special place in my heart, and I WILL visit often! Promise ;)

Giorni Felice

Update that has taken a while. Sorry.

Spring Break was great. I’m pretty sure I will NEVER again have a Spring Break trip to Greece, so I loved every minute of it. We flew into Athens, ferried to Santorini and Paros. Here’s a few favorite things from Greece:

-The Plaka in Athens. The Plaka was the main area in Athens where many shops, restaurants and street vendors congregated. I can’t say I have ever experienced anything quite like the Plaka before. It was very “Greek” but there were also little men selling fake bags and throw down tomatoes everywhere. The Plaka had a weird feel, but I enjoyed it. We could have sat there for hours and just watched all the people walk around. I also enjoyed the yummy Greek food. Best Baklava found in the Plaka, hands down.

-Paul’s rock in the Acropolis. I enjoyed all of the Acropolis really, but Paul’s rock was the coolest. I would not have known that Paul preached on the rock unless I had read the little plaque. Thank goodness we did! It was pretty neat to think that thousands of years ago the apostle Paul stood and preached, converting many, on the very rock which I was standing. We stayed on the rock for a while and had a great time just wondering around the Acropolis.






-The Greek people. Well most of them. Almost everyone we met in Greece was extremely friendly and nice. Everywhere we went we seemed to get free food, useful information and smiles! I’m a Greece girl! The only Greek who I do not like, is the person that stole Melis’s wallet on the metro. Luckily it was on one of the last days, and her passport was in her bag. God protected us once again.

-ATVs. When we went to Santorini we were advised by George (the owner of the Villas we stayed at, whom we loved) to rent ATVS and explore the island for the day! We didn’t know what to expect, but they were cheap and it seemed like the best option. Having the ATVs was basically like renting a car. They just drive them on the road, and since it was off season, our two little ATVs were the only vehicles on the road. We explored the whole island! It was great fun. Only about died once. We didn’t see a car coming…ATVs don’t have get up like cars…went on 2 wheels…but hey we are still alive and have a story to tell! Thanks for all the prayers, I could really feel them!

- Naousa. Naousa is the restaurant that we ate at twice for dinner in Santorini! It not only had AMAZING food but the owner loved us, probably because it was off season and we were paying customers, and he always gave us free stuff. Note -> if you give people free stuff they will come back. I’m gonna remember that for Wing Wings.

-Betty Apartments in Paros. We stayed in Drios Village in Paros. Drios village: population 80 on a good day. Betty, who owned the apartments, reminded me of a sweet grandma. Her restaurant, which was right in front of the apartments, just happened to open the night we got there! She cooked us a fabulous Greek dinner of chicken sufloki and yummy humus dip. We got free dessert once again. Since there was absolutely nothing to do in Drios village, we ended up just talking to Betty’s son about growing up in Greece and going to the university. It was quite an entertaining night. He told us about dressing up as the “Jesus baby” and going to psychedelic parties on the beach. Before we left Italy, Emily had a Rick Steve’s video on Greece and in the video Rick says “make sure you get to know some of the locals”. We definitely got to know some of the locals, and it was quite a funny experience.

-Greek animals. Dogs. Cats. Donkeys. Random animals seem to be everywhere in Greece. We always had a dog following us, or a cat poking around near us. I enjoyed all the funny animals.

-Greek sandals and pottery. We loved the sandal shops and brightly painted handmade pottery!

-The food. No more pizza and pasta but Greek salads, sufloki, and pita! Yum yum. I really enjoyed the Greek food and the way no one ever rushed in Greece. We would sit at dinner or lunch for two or more hours. I rarely take time just to sit and enjoy meals and company. It was great spring break!

We got home on Saturday and Mom, Al and Gram got into Florence on Sunday. If I wrote about everything we did, all me laughed at, and ate, then I might write a novel. We had the best time! We went to Cinque Terre on Wednesday. We had fun on the trains. Got on the wrong one, bout missed one, got caught in the automatic doors. Good times and great memories. The week they were here seemed like the fastest week I have had in Florence. I was very sad to see them leave on Saturday but there visit just reminded me of all that I love back at home. May 15th will be a sweet day.







-I was in Florence for Easter. There is this weird tradition called Scoppio del Carro. Basically there are 1000000 people standing outside of the Duomo, a mechanical dove flies into this cart full of fireworks, and then it all explodes. It was like the 4th of July but a lot better. The fire cart was legit, but we couldn’t quite figure out how it pertained to Easter/ why it is a Florentine tradition. If you would like to better understand the exploding cart please refer to http://www.ultimateitaly.com/festival-events/scoppio-del-carro.html. One more reason to love Firenze!



-While I greatly missed the annual Easter egg hunt, yummy food, and church with the family, we went to a wonderful Easter service at the English church near Bella Rosa! There are many funny things about the church service. From watching Michel W. Smith YouTube videos for worship, random testimonies, and the biscuits after the service; it’s not your traditional American church. Every time we have gone though, I have been reminded of what the Body of Christ looks like. Tula (the little missionary lady from Finland) starts out the service by saying “We come in the name of Jesus”. Everything about the church to me points to Jesus. The music might be YouTube videos, the speakers may be random people, and the English might not be perfect, but like Tula says: it’s all about Jesus. This week the speaker was a young woman from Kenya who had come to Italy to study design. Before she started she said “I don’t know what to say but the Spirit will lead me”. Her testimony was very encouraging and her story was permeated with the Spirit guiding her. She was dependent on Him, and He led her. Not your typical Easter Sunday message, but so clearly what the audience (I) needed to hear! He has risen!

-Yesterday Melis and I went to dinner with Chiara and her boyfriend, Andrea! We had the best time. They picked us up and drove us outside the city to a pizza place (Pizza Man). Pizza Man had some great pizza! It was so fun to be outside the heart of Florence and at a more local restaurant. We tried to speak Italian to the best of our abilities, but Chiara served as translator for us most of the time! After pizza we got gelato! It was probably one of my favorite nights in Florence! Next Wednesday we are cooking them typical American food. I'm exicted! If you have any suggestions that don’t involve an oven send them my way.

Well I have 2 very long papers due next week that I am procrastinating on terribly! It’s going to be a work weekend. Florence is beautiful in the spring. I love it more every day. Time is flying.

Love and miss you all.

PS….My philosophy paper prompt is: “Does God exist?” That should be a fun one.

“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” – St. Augustine Confessions

Wing.Meow.Love.
Becca

Life in Firenze

This past week has flown by. Having my girlfriends here, midterms, and the promise of Spring Break, have all caused this week to seem like a blur. A good blur. I absolutely loved having Het and Kristen here. It was such a treat. There is nothing like good times with old friends. We had quite a few entertaining stories from their time in Firenze. Most of them seem to involve Italian men trying to sell us things, talking to us, or chasing us. Gotta love Italians. I was bummed to see them go, but really I couldn’t have asked for a better time with them! Studying was also a nice distraction from missing them too badly.






This week can be summed up with one word: midterms. Honestly, I don’t do much studying around here. Compared to the hours of studying I do at Chapel Hill, my time in Florence has been more about “the experience”, than actual studying. This week changed things. I had three midterms on one day, so needless to say that wasn’t fun. Melis and went to the Florence library on Monday. We tried to sit outside but ended up making our way into the children’s section. It was nice to be around/distracted by little kids. It’s always funny to hear little kids speak another language. You know it’s bad when you can’t understand on a 4 year olds level. Maybe I should study in the children section more often. Leaving the library I have to admit I was feeling slightly stressed and complaining to Melis about our test. I had been studying Italian Renaissance with its many artist and their creations. Walking out of the library, I looked up to the most incredible view of the Duomo. I had just studied the structure that Brunelleschi used to build the dome. It was one of those times I was disgusted with my complaining. How in the world could I complain about a couple hours of studying art and architecture that I get to walk past and see every day? You would think I would learn to not take for granted the beauty of Florence. Every day I have to remind myself to love and appreciate where I’m at. I think I’ll probably have to do that for the rest of my life, whether in Florence, taking summer school, or wherever God leads.

On another note I love my language partner. I’m really bad. I don’t think y’all can understand how horrible I am. Italian language classes at UNC are not a joke. I studied more for Italian than most of my other subjects (many of my dear friends can attest to this). In Italy you would think Italian class would be challenging. Not the case. Our teacher basically laughs at Hilary and I, and while this is nice, I am learning NO Italian. When I meet with Chiara I realize how truly horrible my speaking skills are. It takes me a good minute to think about how to conjugate the verb, and by that point I look/feel so lost the rest of the sentence makes no sense. It’s painful but hey, no pain…no gain. Thank goodness Chiara is as sweet as they come and is GREAT at English. When I have children they will go to immersion school. I love the simplicity of our meetings. We can laugh at me learning to say “ugly little bird”, or discuss the love triangle in Dawson’s Creek. I’ve learned a lot about Italian culture from Chiara, and hopefully I’m a good representation of an American girl (even though I can’t speak Italian). It’s been fun, and I’m excited for for her to meet Mom, Al, and Gram!

Ok well I’m writing as if I’m done with midterms, but lo’ I still have Literature tomorrow! We leave for spring break in Greece tomorrow (still haven’t packed) and then soon after I return Mom, Al, and Grammy will be here! So excited! I guess I won’t be able to write for a while but all my love from Italia. Miss y’all.

Wing.Meow.Love.
Bec



I added this photo for everyones viewing pleasure. Another highlight of the week was when Hil made black beans (not out of a can), and she thought she has messed them up. Note: you wash black beans off after you cook them to make them look normal. This photo was taken when she thought they were a lost cause. Never a dull moment in ol' Bella Rosa!

Hi. Ciao. Bonjour.

There is never enough time to do all I want around here! This weekend was an amazing whirl wind that culminated in coming back to Firenze to Het and Kristen (2 of my best buddies from high school) waiting outside my apartment! It has been an awesome couple of days.

We left for Monte Carlo, on the French Rivera, around 4.30 on Saturday morning. We didn’t get chased by Panini man this time-bummer. I love going with the school on trips because not only do they take you everywhere, but they explain all the history. Monte Carlo was the first stop. I signed up for this trip not knowing much, or anything really, about the French Riviera. Monte Carlo, in the princedom on Monaco, was unbelievably beautiful. Like something off the Princess Diaries. We went on a walking tour led by a French tour guide with a Canadian accent. It was pretty funny and entertaining. We learned a lot about Grace Kelly (famous American actress who married prince of Monaco and became the princess, also famous for the YouTube skit “can I have your number”). I loved learning about the history, but more than anything I loved the flower gardens and the view looking out over the Mediterranean Sea. After lunch in Monaco we drove to Nice. I know I always write about the views on the bus but really some of the prettiest views I have seen have been from the comfort of a bus seat. The roads were super curvy and narrow. No wonder Grace Kelly died in a car accident (I bet her driver was Italian). When we made it to “nice” Nice we checked into our hotel and opted out of the going with the French Canadian tour guide to explore on our own!

Nice was amazing. It was the Myrtle Beach of the French Riviera, except about 1000 times nicer! Both Elton John and Tina Turner have houses in the hills around Nice. My favorite part about Nice was the promenade or boardwalk on the sea. We spent a couple hours just walking, taking pictures, and admiring all the yachts! We explored on some rocks and got splashed by the waves. It was great fun. We had group dinner at 7.30 and I was very happy to eat French food aka NOT pizza or pasta! We walked around Nice at night and even went into the casino. It was no Vegas, but it was still fun to see. I was exhausted by the time we got back to the hotel.

The next day consisted of visiting three towns near Nice: St. Paul Vence, Cannes, and Eze. I loved St. Paul and Eze! I would live in St. Paul. The streets were all made of cobblestone flowers. The word quaint was created to describe St. Paul. I was very sad to leave, but it was one of those towns I will make a point to come back too! Cannes was neat, but rainy. It is home of the international film festival. The highlight of Cannes was putting my hand into Chuck Norris Hollywoodwish handprint, and discussing the impacts of globalization after going into yet another jammed packed McDonalds. In Eze we toured a perfume/soap factory. We left smelling like flowers and two hours later I had a legit headache. We climbed to the top of town and saw one of the most beautiful views overlooking the French Riviera. Such a fun day. I read and tried to rest on the way back, but I was too excited to see Kristen and Het!



We got back at the perfect time because Kristen and Het were trying to figure out how to work the pass code to our apartment! I was soooo happy to see them. It almost didn’t feel real. I’m so used to the little group of girls I see all the time, and here were two of my best friends from High School! It was a great night of catching up in Bella Rosa and the next day we explored Firenze. I loved getting to show them around. We climbed to the top of Duomo, ate gelato and hot chocolate, looked around the Ponte Vecchio, sat in a Piazza. It was such a great day. They left for Rome and Naples this morning, and will return to Florence on Thursday evening! I can’t explain how thankful I am for such good friends. My whole time in Florence I have continually been reminded of how blessed I am to have such genuine and sweet friends. Whether it’s been letters, Skype, FB, sharing an apartment, or even coming to visit; I am beyond blessed with friends. I thank God for all of you (esp. those of you that read my blog ;) ). Overall this week couldn’t get much better. Midterms are next week, so I better start studying…

Fun things…

*This week’s photo assignment were portraits. I liked this assignment. Here are a couple of my faves. I had great models, so I think all of my pictures looked good. My teacher was more critical but hey, to each her own!










*Monday was Festa di Donne (party of women). Basically it was women’s day in Italia. The day is known for little yellow mimosa flowers and women going out with their friends. It fell on the perfect day because Het and Kristen were here! We went to apretivo at this neat little place and took some funny pictures. Sadly, no one bought us mimosas, but we had a great time celebrating “Festa di Donne”!

*Last week I was pretty sure we had hit the homestretch for warm spring weather….WRONG. It snowed today. I’m ready for spring!

Time is flying by. I miss and love you all.
Wing. Meow. Love.
Bec

"For none of us lives to himself alone, and non of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord."
Romans 14:7-8

"What's an edelweiss?"

The hills are alive with the sound of music! It has been a full week. Hil and I ventured to Austria this weekend. I really hoped we would get to see Austria, and while many of the girls went to Paris, Hil and I toured Vienna and Salzburg. We left Thursday and got to Vienna early Friday morning. We went with the bus tour group again. Vienna was a beautiful city. We did the ring tour on a tram to all the main palaces and museums, ate a famous piece of chocolate apricot cake (Sacher Torte…yum yum), and explored around St. Stephens church. It was kinda rainy, and I don’t have luck with umbrellas, but we had a wonderful time and enjoyed walking into all the shops. Our tour guide told us about the famous Opera House in Vienna and that they offered discounted tickets to students. On Friday night there was a ballet playing (Die Fledermaus), so obviously we had to go! I haven’t been to many ballets but I LOVED it! They sell the tickets that aren’t taken when the show starts to the students, so we figured we would have pretty bad seats. Boy were we wrong! We were about 6 rows back from the stage, in the most beautiful Opera House I have ever been in (not that I’ve been in many). It was such a fun night. Hil and I like to refer to this weekend as our “cultural weekend”. We toured the Habsburg Palace on Saturday morning and learned a lot about Empress Maria Theresa and the Austrian Empire. The gardens were beautiful and we enjoyed our sandwiches and fruit that we packed from hostel free breakfast (we’ve gotten smart with free food). We left for Salzburg around 2.




On the way to Salzburg we watched The Sound of Music! I had watched it with Mom the week before I left, but it’s one of those movies you can watch many times (right Blair?). The main reason Hil and I went to Austria was to go on the Sound of Music tour in Salzburg, and because of the Billy Joel song “Vienna waits for you”. We were very excited for Sunday. We got to Salzburg pretty late, and it was dark by the time we explored. From what I saw of the quaint little streets, churches, and mountains, I can say Salzburg is one of my favorite cities. We went with the group to the famous Salzburg beer hall. I didn’t know what to expect, but from what I had been told I would be missing out if I didn’t go. The beer hall reminded me of my father and Harry Potter (for different reasons of course). I actually really enjoyed it. It was huge and full of these long tables packed with stone mugs and men. We got stared at because we were literally the only girls in the place. We sat beside an Air Force couple stationed in Germany, and they informed us that the beer hall was named by the History Channel as the “world’s best beer hall with the world’s best beer”. It was quite the experience, even if I couldn’t finish my half liter, and Hil was pouring hers into mine so she could say she finished “the world’s best beer”. The food was all vinegar based and very Austrian. I tried Wienerschnitzel. We walked around Salzburg a little more and called it a night! Sunday was the long awaited Sound of Music Tour! The tour was great but I have to admit, if Blair would have been there it would have been better. Blair, one of my best friends, LOVES the Sound of Music more than anyone I know. We took a picture of her with us on the whole tour. Blair, you were there in spirit. My favorite part was the hill town of Mondsee, where they get married in the movie! It was about a 30 minute drive up in the hills from Salzburg, around the lake region. It was BEAUTIFUL! Kinda reminded me of the beauty of the Interlaken area. We had the best apple strudel and ice cream. It was a great afternoon! We left Salzburg about 2 and headed towards Firenze. I tried to do my school reading on the bus but couldn’t because of the view. The drive was beyond amazing. I stared out the window for 4 hours. It was unreal. We were driving through valleys, so we were surrounded by the Alps on both sides. Because of all the traveling we have been doing lately, we’ve been missing church on Sunday night. It’s been a bummer, but looking out the window and sitting for 4 hours was a wonderful time to think and pray. How could someone look at the Alps and beautiful countryside and not praise the Artist who made them! Another highlight of the drive was when we stopped at a McDonalds with a panoramic view of the Alps. If the beer hall gets a world famous award, then this McDonalds should too! No kidding, it was that beautiful. We got back to Florence around 10.





Other fun facts:

-While in Austria I discovered a new painter: Gustav Klimt. His work was all around Austria and I LOVED IT! I normally don’t notice artist, but I really liked his paintings. I got a couple of his post cards.

-This week’s photo class assignment was “self-portraits”. My teacher is very broad when she gives us the assignments. She likes creativity. My self-portraits were creative to say the least. Hil got her laugh for the week. It’s not easy to take pictures of yourself. You either look like the middle school MySpace mirror kid, or really weird and conceited. I think I may even prefer being a creeper with my “feel the world” assignment. I managed to get 10 self-portraits but my professor wasn’t as positive this week. I’m learning a lot about Photoshop. Here is a self-portrait for your viewing and laughing pleasure!


-On Monday I went to a “cultural dance class”. It was girls only and taught by my cooking instructor. The more I’m around my cooking teacher, the more I like her! I had to go to her dance workshop! It was the funniest two hours. It was mainly Egyptian style and middle eastern dancing (basically belly dancing). She kept saying “feel the music”, but 35 American girls aren’t used to “feeling the music”. I loved every minute. It reminded me of when Al and I dance on Christmas Eve for Grandma Johnson. We just did whatever we felt. At one point we danced with scarves around our heads and I felt like I was in Slum Dog Millionaire. After dance class and the ballet, I’ve decided I have missed my calling: I was meant to be a dancer.

-Last week we went to a Fiorentina vs. Milan soccer match! I’ve never been to anything like it- not even a UNC vs. Duke basketball game. It was intense! We looked like the dumb American girls when we tried to find our proper seats. Some Italian man informed us that we should just find a free seat…good luck with that! We had on purple so we were fine as long as we stayed with the Fiorentina fans. Florence lost sadly, and we never spotted David Beckham! It was a great night and I will def. be going back to another soccer match!

-I really enjoy hanging out with my language partner! She is so nice and I look forward to seeing her every week! We normally meet on Wednesday.

I love y’all very much. I think and pray for y’all (the faithful few that actually read my blog) daily!
Love.Meow.Wing.
Bec

“The present of things past is memory, the present of things present is sight; and the present of things future is expectation.” –St. Augustine (talking about the concept of time in Philosophy class)

When in Rome...

Rome. Rome. Rome. This weekend we went on a fieldtrip to Rome with the school. It was quite a fun weekend. Rome is very much a modern city with lots of old ruins and history at its center. It’s one of those places you always hear about and then you visit it and think: I don’t know if this is exactly what I imagined but it’s REALLY cool (I guess a lot of things in life are like that huh). We left super early on Saturday morning (4.30 ekkk) and met the tour bus at Piazza Independeza. We had a little excitement bright and early when we got chased by a drunk/drugged up man with a panini in his hand. There was really no reason to be scared (It was 8 against 1) but when a sketchy drugged up man chases you screaming with a sandwich in his hand, you will run! I was in the back of the group of course but after a minute he left us alone! The bus ride was also an adventure. Italians are not the best drivers and there were a couple of times I about fell out of my seat. We got to Rome early and immediately went and saw the Colosseum. It was so nice to be given a tour of the area and not have to worry about transportation to and from sights. After the Colosseum we had a lunch break and then went on a three hour tour of the Vatican. The tour was long and our tour guide was quite the character. I learned a fair amount, but more than anything I just loved the unbelievable paintings in every room we entered! Our whole tour was leading up to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peters. The Sistine Chapel was pretty amazing. There were tons of tourists but I tried to imagine what it would be like in the Chapel when a new Pope was selected and the white smoke was released. I stared at the ceiling for a while. It was the feeling again of “I’ve heard about this place 1000000 times and now I’m here!” I tried to take a picture and about got in trouble with a security guard. We went to St. Peters Basilica next. I have NO idea how people could ever create a church as grand as St. Peters. I added one more unbelievable church to the list of many that I have seen in the last couple of weeks. Although the tour was long and crammed full of random information, I did learn some interesting things about Catholicism. We walked past the crypts of the dead Popes on the way to the Basilica and I was intrigued with the crowds and emotions. Made me want to know more. By the end of tour we were all drained. While waiting for the group we saw a couple get engaged! I was literally standing RIGHT beside them, but it wasn’t until people started clapping and I looked down, that I saw them kneeled on the ground. It was precious. I tried to capture the moment for my photo project but lo’ wasn’t quite fast enough to capture a worthwhile shot. We left Vatican City and headed towards our hotel!


I love hotels. I no longer take for granted rooms where you have your own key and can comfortably leave your stuff in the room. It was super nice and Hil, Melis, and I couldn’t have been happier! We rested, explored, had a snack and McDonalds, and went to dinner with the UNC group! I loved getting to spend time with all the kids on our program! They’re awesome! I’m excited for the Nice and French Rivera trip with the group. We went to bed early and woke up to a HUGE FREE BREAKFAST!!! Sunday was a wonderful day. The sun was shining as we visited the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and the Forum. The dome in the Pantheon was breathtaking and I made a couple wishes at the Trevi Fountain! I enjoyed listening to our teachers/ tour guides and getting to know a little bit more about their lives. A four course typical Roman lunch was included with our program. Lots and lots of pasta and wine. Before heading back to Florence we visited the Catacombs. I didn’t really know much about the Catacombs before our visit, but I thoroughly enjoyed the tour through the tombs. We felt like we were on a ride in Disney World. When our slightly freaky tour guide whispered “come closer”, Hil and I were cracking up/ somewhat scared. It was a great end to our busy day! I slept most of way to Florence and thankfully we didn’t get chased by panini man on our walk back to the apartment. I’m very thankful I choose Rome as one of my school trips. I now feel like I know a lot more about the Vatican and ancient Rome!





Other things from the week.

*Last week I got an e-mail about my language partner. Before I left NC I signed up for a language partner {they pair you with an Italian student who you can talk with}. It sounded like a neat opportunity but once I got here and realized how HORRIBLE I am at speaking Italian, I’m pretty sure I would never have signed up. Anyway, I got the e-mail and I met my partner for first time last Thursday! Her name is Chiara, she’s 23, and one of the first things she asked me was if I watched Dawson’s Creek. We were meant to be friends. I really enjoy hanging out with her, even if my Italian is horrific. She is basically fluent in English. She has taken English since elementary school but rarely speaks it. We are supposed to speak half the time in Italian and half in English. She is super nice and is very patient with me! I’m very thankful that I signed up before I left!

*I’m getting surprisingly good at being creepy while taking pictures. Practice makes perfect. I normally go out on Monday afternoon and sit in a piazza and click away. This week I brought out my telephoto lens {super zoom} and got some really funny shots. It’s always awkward when you can see people looking back at you through your lens. My new motto is “I’m never going to see these people again what do I have to lose (besides my perfect photo)”. If nothing else, my photo assignments make me think of day to day scenes as pictures. I’m continually looking for something worth capturing. This week was “focus your vision”. Very open ended. I decided that I would follow a common theme through all my pictures. I choose companionship. My teacher was more positive this week. Here are a few shots from the week.




*My friends in my cooking class told me about a bakery with normal coffee, muffins and cake. I found it on Monday {and my friends just happened to be in there}. It was great fun and a super cute bakery! We also found a Mexican restaurant close to our apartment. A break from pasta is nice every once in a while! Went to Beatles cover band last week. I enjoyed it. Cool atmosphere.

*It’s getting warmer. Makes me excited for spring! I’m trying to jog more.

The weeks continue to fly by. I think is partly because we have been traveling so much and my days are always slammed packed. My favorite day is always Thursday because not only is it the beginning of the weekend but cooking class day! My teacher plays Michael Buble when we cook. She’s so cool and intense.

I miss and love y’all very much. Wing wing. Meow meow.
Prayers and hugs,
Bec

Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring. – James 3:11-12

Holy Smokes

I LOVE SWITZERLAND! I believe the areas around Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen Valley and Grindelwald are some of the most beautiful in the world! One of my favorite quotes from the weekend came from Melis when she was looking up in the Lauterbrunnen Valley and exclaimed “Holy smokes Lord you are incredible.” I could’t have said it better myself. I thought that a lot this weekend.

We left on Thursday night and rode a tour bus to Interlaken. We ended up going with “Bus 2 Alps”, a tour service catered to study abroad students. After our learning weekend in Venice, I was very thankful for our transportation and hostel to be taken care of. The drive took about 9 hours but I managed to sleep and listen to my ipod for most of it. I really enjoyed the drive and it snowed on the way there! We got stopped at the Swiss border for about an hour and our bus got checked. We arrived to Balmers around 3AM and snuggled into our little room. We woke up pretty early on Friday to reserve our paragliding/skiing spots, ate free hostel breakfast, and headed to Lauterbrunnen Valley for the day.

Lauterbrunnen was incredible! I felt like I was in a movie. We walked down a little road through the town and the country side for almost 3 hours. Just walking, taking pictures, ice skating, and falling down. I would move there. Open a little bakery, live in a log cabin, and have a couple cows and chickens. No kidding, it’s unreal. One of those places I will always long to go back to, and will forever remember as a magical town. In Lauterbrunnen we ate lunch at a little café called Airtime. The lady who owned it was super nice and managed to sell us tomato soup and brownies. We hung out there for a while, eating and looking out the windows. It was a great day in a winter wonderland! Friday night we hung out around Interlaken and went to bed pretty early so we would be ready for paragliding! Note about paragliding: I HAD NO IDEA WHAT I WAS GETTING MYSELF INTO. I decided I didn’t want to ski because I’m not a very good skier and I wanted to have time to explore Grindelwald, so paragliding seemed like a logical option. While walking in Lauterbrunnen I happen to spot a paraglide just coming off the mountain. Hil was cracking up, but honestly I didn’t have a clue I would be up that high. I was legitimately nervous. All that said, going to bed Friday night I was quite apprehensive about our paragliding adventure in the morning!



We got picked up for paragliding around 10. Melis and Em went skiing, while Rach, Hil, and I went paragliding. Obviously I didn’t really know what paragliding was at this point but I was praying that I wouldn’t have to run off a mountain (my other friend Haley who came with us went skydiving…I’m not that crazy) . We went to the paragliding office and picked up our guides. The guides were really funny and cute! That made everything better of course. We drove up to the top of a mountain and hiked up a bit to some random cottages back yard. Thankfully I didn’t have to run off a mountain, just run down it with a guide strapped to my back! Paragliding is just like flying a kite except you are attached to the kite. I LOVED IT! I was not scared once. It was unbelievable and the view was awesome. I didn’t even have time to be scared because I was constantly looking around and gawking at the alps and town below. It was quite chilly and I was thankful for the boots and pants the paragliding guides had provided. If you go to Interlaken pleaseee paraglide (and request Dominick as your guide). After paragliding we went to went to the grocery store and got some soup. Our hostel was so homey and nice. It even had a kitchen which was useful for preparing some cheap meals. Another great part of the weekend was the Swiss Franc. The euro is stronger than the franc so everything seemed a lot cheaper in Switzerland. We stocked up on chocolate, oatmeal, and the some of the best bread I have ever had! So many reasons to love Switzerland.

After lunch on Saturday I went to explore Grindelwald. Jerm had told me that’s where Pop’s tree was located and I wanted to find it! It was about a 45 minute train ride through the alps, and then I arrived in the town of Grindelwald. Everyone in Grindelwald was either on skis or riding a sled! It was the quaintest little ski town. I explored for a bit and then asked a lady where Terrassenweg road was located. She told me to keep walking straight. I walked straight for quite some time. Straight and uphill, but the view was impeccable. I just kept following Terrassenweg and prayed that I would see the tree! When I got to the ski school I knew I was close. The tree wasn’t hard to spot. There were skiers everywhere, but I trekked in my rain boots to take a picture and stand under it like Pops had many years before (too bad I didn’t have on skis like he did)! It was a really cool experience, one of my favorite from the weekend. I wandered around the ski school for a while, set on a bench, admired the 3 year old pro skiers, and God’s unbelievable creation. I love Grindelwald and I now think every Troxler should go take a picture under the “Troxler Tree” :)! I got slightly lost on the train ride home, but obviously I made in back to Balmers in one piece! We had a fun night eating Swiss fondue and hanging out at the hostel!












Sunday we explored Interlaken a little more and then had an eight hour drive back to Florence. It was Valentine ’s Day so we all ate A LOT of chocolate! Fun times! This week has been the first week of quizzes. It’s hard to make myself study, but I still enjoy the material for each class. I finally went inside the church of Santa Croce with my Renaissance class this week. After walking by it about 1000 times, it is nice to know what it looks like inside! Hopefully we will go to the Duomo in the next few days! The weather has been really nice lately.

Other random things from my week:

-I went jogging on the Arno today wearing my UNC shirt and some old man yelled “Go Tarheels”. It was pleasant surprise! There are Tarheels all over the world!

-Our beloved dog Chip died this weekend. I got an e-mail from Al when I came home from Switzerland. Her words summed Chips life up best: “The lady up the road doesn't know yet, she cried just telling Mom he needed to go to the vet...she said that Chip was the best dog she ever loved..that he was a "pure bred"..that he loved everyone :) Chip was good dog. Dad and I sat around and laughed at him tonight. About him running on the basketball court and softball fields. About him running/swimming after the boat at the lake. We laughed at him trying to jump on the truck and never being about to handle fireworks....It was fun thinking about how he had been there through all these funny moments. Made me smile and think about how blessed I am.” I know Chip was just a dog but I loved that dog. He grew up with us. Makes me realize how fast time moves, but also how blessed I am with family, memories, and friends! There will never be another Chipper.

-my “feel the world around you” photo assignment turned out ok. It was A LOT harder than I thought it was going to be. I’m a pretty good creeper but people get freaked out when you are taking random pictures of them. I posted two of my favorites. My teacher gave me a lot of helpful feedback so my next assignment “focus your vision” will be better!



















-I managed to capture a picture of one of the little produce trucks Dad. It’s not a great one, but maybe you can get the feel of what they look like.It only has 3 wheels. You need one!

Headed to Rome with school on Saturday! I'm excited!

I love and miss you all very much. Some days I feel a little homesick but I quickly remind myself I’m in Florence and I have to love everyday where I’m at! BS still has a huge part of my heart (and Raleigh and CH too)!
Love. Wing. Meow.
Bec