My last days abroad were in Rome, but we did not have
internet there unless we paid for it. So
since I could not blog then, I will share some details now. Our first day we saw the Church of St. Paul
Outside the Walls. It was very
beautiful. The thing I noticed most
about this church was the contrast it had to the Eastern Orthodox churches we
had visited elsewhere. It was far more
lit with natural light and had fewer images and decorations. Although I understand why the Eastern
Orthodox churches include the icons, gold, lanterns, and incense, I found my
heart more restful and worshipful in the Church of St. Paul than in any other
church before.
The following day we spent at the Vatican. It was so full of tourists. I am glad I do not get claustrophobic, because
when I was standing looking at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, I was
shoulder to shoulder with strangers. I
was so excited about all I was able to see in Rome: the Sistine Chapel, the
painting, "The School of Athens," St. Peter's Basilica, the Pieta, Michelangelo’s
"Moses," the statue of "The Ecstasy of St Teresa," the Coliseum,
the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and so much more. However, Rome was so busy and full of people
that it was not the most enjoyable place to be.
Everything costs money. If you
want to sit at a table to eat your gelato--it costs money. If you want water at your meal--it costs
money. The only free places to sit in
Rome are the churches! However, it was
great because we had our last free day there to roam Rome with the great
friends we made on the trip. I have
enjoyed getting to know all forty-six of us.
I miss them already.
After traveling for a few days, I finally made it home to
New York last night. I am so glad to be
back with my family. I missed them a
lot.
Thank you all for your prayers. We had a great trip with no one getting sent
home. This is the first year in a while
nobody has had to go home because they were so sick, or so I'm told. We only had a few falls that lead to
abrasions on the trips, and only a couple people were ever so sick that they
had stay back from the day's activities.
Also, I do not think anyone ever had anything stolen. It is truly amazing that we were so well
protected over the course of the trip, and I am so thankful for God's hand of
protection. Thank you for "traveling"
with me on this pilgrimage. I have
learned so much; I do not know even where to begin. I look forward to sharing more with you when
I see you again in the future.
