highs and lows and Italy so far! :)

I wrote this for class and while I am hoping it is what Dr.Webb wanted I also hope you enjoy. Thought I might as well share! Lots of grace, love and peace to all <3

The day before I left for Italy I had an uncountable number of feelings running through me, but excitement seemed to overwhelm them all. I took this as a blessing because I thought that it was a perfect feeling to have so that I wouldn’t get upset leaving everyone. I can’t count the number of times that I said to myself “am I really here” and I have been here less than two weeks. Since our arrival I have felt many highs and a few lows, mostly because of all the work we have!
I am choosing to make a large physical adjustment because not only do I not have a car, but I would love to lose some weight. This led me to my first big purchase which was my bike. I have been so happy that I bought it and after only having it a few weeks I already feel I got my money worth. Sunday when we rode through town on a perfect day I became overwhelmed with joy at how lucky I was to be in this place. Seeing people happy and walking around the town and just going out with a few girls from the house has allowed me simple joy. Choosing to run with Nicole and walk with John Rose so I can enjoy an extra serving of pasta is well worth the pain it puts my ankles and thighs in, because it makes me see this beautiful place and feel good about myself. It is hard to be away from all the people at home and while I could choose to make missing people a low I don’t. This is because I know that they are all in my heart and I can think of them constantly and just be happy they will be there when I return. I feel like that feeling comes with knowing you are in the right place and I can honestly say that I feel like I am in the right place. Although no one here speaks like I do or even knows who I am I feel so comfortable. I have been yelled at by an old Italian man at my first experience at the pool and while I could chose to be bitter about him I just tell myself he taught me you DO have to pay for those comfortable chairs you lay out in.
All in all I have so far made new friends, from Meredith and Sansepolcro, learned how much I really do love the people back home, and learned a whole lot about Italy and its history too! I hope I don’t reach a major low but if I keep a positive attitude about my classes and all the work they hold, and manage my work then this semester is going to be nothing short of the best experience of my life.