This is my first blog from not America! WOOOOOO!!!!
Because this is my first blog overseas, I’m getting experience with writing the blog when I’m supposed to and posting it when I have working wifi…you’re probably reading this several hours after it’s been written, instead of several minutes. And for that, I apologize.
You might be wondering if I launched early, or if not, what the heck I’m doing overseas when I launch for the Race in TWENTY-FOUR DAYS. I will tell you because it is at the top of my list for Gratituesday and requires some explanation: I am in Italy with my Dad’s family, obtaining dual citizenship.
The short version is this: because of how Italy recognizes citizens and because the Lord’s timing is perfect, my paternal grandparents and all descendants thereof are on a ‘citizenship vacation’. We are experiencing authentic, non-tourist Italy while claiming our right to be recognized as Italian citizens thanks to my Italian ancestors.
It’s nothing short of a miracle, so for that reason, Italy will have its own blog after I’m home.
But it’s Gratituesday, so I’m going to share here what I am SUPER thankful for in the last week.
Being in Italy with my whole family all at the same time
My Mama and Daddy for taking my brother and I to Italy
Aunt Laura for realizing it was possible
Grandma Jean for her blood which makes this possible
Lord of the Rings
My Kindle
movies on airplanes
(almost) stress-free packing
the exercise we did at training camp where we lost our luggage and had to live out of our carry-on
being the same size as my cousin, Mallory
fast and fun conversations
slow, meditative, thoughtful conversations
Anne Blackthorn’s latest novel
being able to hear God’s voice and wanting to obey
The Art of Listening Prayer
my first massage
the Adriatic Sea and all views and experiences associated with it
my darling fiance who still wants to marry me even though long distance is SO HARD
authentic experiences in beautiful countries
Italian food/wine/dessert
mobile hotspots
the desire to start living more simply
small towns with friendly people
COFFEE
Catarina’s – the new friend we made at the airport and the woman who rented us her beautiful home
P.S. I have a confession to make…I didn’t start ths list halfway through the week and finish it today like I said I wanted to start doing. If you’re reading this and want to send me a message of some sort on Friday reminding me to write down what I’m grateful for, I will add you to the list. 😉
P.P.S. I will start adding photos to these posts now that I’m around people who enjoy taking pictures. Obviously, I am not one of them…:)
