Rome to Home

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.