Thus far...

Since coming here to La Rocca, my life has been greatly affected. I have only been here for a few weeks, but this has already been by far the most amazing part of my abroad experience. Granted, I still have several months to go. At any rate, I am overwhelmingly blessed and still cannot believe all the wonderful things that have been poured out on me. From going to the beach every week, to visiting Florence, reading amazing books, working the vineyard and hearing God speak through the vines, reveling in the majesty of the Piemonte region, meeting amazing people from all over the world and maybe more than anything else, finding true peace and Joy- actual JOY! Im happy, all I do is think about what God has done for me, how he sees me, who he IS, I cant help but...smile. There is much to be said about everything really.
Each day, I rise to something new, a day never seen before, brand new. And each day I have a choice; I can either embrace it as a gift, or I can waste it. Now Im not saying I always make the right decision. I don't. But I am learning that I always regret the latter. In living here in Vignale, I am learning to treasure each moment. I believe that God has brought me into a season of rest, and a season of spiritual growth. I am surrounded by lovers of God and lovers of others. I awaken each morning surrounded by beauty, not afraid to embrace the day, not holding myself back from those nearest to me. I guess I can say one thing Im really experiencing is: truly being delighted in. Everyday Tracey- the one who owns La Rocca welcomes me with a big smile and an open heart, calling me "Princess" and throwing her arms around me. She confides in me and I in her. We go window shopping and she tells me how every bright, beautiful dress she sees reminds her of me and she tells me how gorgeous I would look in them. Her son, Nico tells me what a blessing it is that I have come and how God must really have something big for me. They take me in and simply...love me. And not only me; La Rocca is like...well its like an eagle's nest. You come here for refuge and nourishment for body and spirit. And when your time is done, in a manner of speaking, you're booted out of the nest and made to spread your wings and fly. For now this is my resting place- the place where God has sent me to be nourished and cared for. For now, I will simply drink it in. I don't think I've ever felt such embracing love like this before. I must say, I do believe I'm learning to fly.