Wednesday, September 26, 2007

I am writing from Italy. Long story. I came out to consult with a cast on a ship out here in the Med. The jet lag is HORRIBLE! 7 hours forward is really rough when it's 8am and time to work but only 1am to my body.

Having said that, what can beat being in Venice? Last night I went with the cast into town and we went to the square. It was everything I imagined it to be. The pictures in my head were exactly the scenes I saw last night. We walked by the endless canals with gondolas everywhere, passing bookstores with cool leather-bound books, passing narrow alley ways that looked more like tunnels with crusted paint peeling off that looked like it dated back to the 1400's. We passed couples taking romantic strolls along the river (SHERYL, WHERE AAARRRRE YOU????!!!) We passed quaint cafes and coffee shops. It was like a dream.

Finally we got to the square. During the day there are vendors everywhere. But at night, it's filled with tables and chairs and waiters walking around in tuxes and tails. There were string quartets at different stages with grand pianos. There were very Italian looking people sitting and laughing. It was the coolest thing ever!

We ended up buying gelato and sitting on some steps. I was exhausted. But it was so worth it. This city and its history seem a world away from me. It's always good to step out of our reality sometimes and realize what a gigantic world God made and how we are woven into His story along with so many others who look and act very different from me.

More updates soon. God has been really speaking to me this week. I am reminded again and again how dependent I am on Him. Sometimes having to remember that is painful. But it's always amazing when we really see Him for who He is.

10 comments:

Stephen Bailey said...

He's so big. In fact, He can even forgive me for the tremendous jealousy I'm feeling toward you right now.

Unknown said...

Good for you. Time away can really allow things to become clearer and sometimes the unseen can be seen. I am glad you are having a good time. Next year is our 20th wedding anniversary, we were thinking about Italy, so you recommend it??

Peace

Tim Castle said...

Eight days until the ZOE conference starts, and you've already fled the country? Then you let everyone know where you went? You're supposed to wait until just before the conference, slip away quietly, STAY quiet, and let everyone else panic until it's all over!

I'll be praying for your travel, your work over there, and for your safe return in time to feel ready for the conference. I'm VERY ready for the recharge, the learning, and the healing God gives me every year.

And next time you escape to the Mediterranean, for pete's sake, take your wife with you!

Arlene Kasselman said...

Clearly that was not the opening line I was expecting from your blog today.
Have fun!

Brandon Scott Thomas said...

As my mom said...God was in the planning of this trip that came up at the last minute. The timing was really awful--I thought. But it's turned out to be a huge blessing.

Today I went back into Venice and got to tour the historic cathedral S. Marco--unreal. There was a choir singing chants. I wanted to lie down on a pew and just soak it in. But, the security guards didn't look like they'd be cool with that. :)

If I had had a choice, Sheryl would TOTALLY be here. She would be loving this. Now I know we HAVE to come here. I've always, ALWAYS wanted to come here. It's everything I always dreamed it would be.

Deb said...

LOL!

'There were very Italian looking people sitting and laughing.'

Ummmm...exactly how are those from Italy supposed to look? Is there a special formula the rest of us should be aware of?

Cute. ;) (wink, wink!)

Have you asked a waiter for Ranch dressing, yet?

If you have to fly through the UK on your way home, ring me! Enjoy the rest of your trip, sweet thang!

julie said...

Oh my gosh! You really are in Europe! I love it!!!

Anonymous said...

God bless you !

Kyler Erwin said...

Jealous...

Tiffany said...

When we were in Venice last fall, I cried at noon when all the bells chimed. It is an amazing, magical kind of place, and I hope it restores you the way it did for me.