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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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!