An American girl in Paris

So I have really dropped the ball when it comes to my blogging. I am so behind! and I hate to say it but I am going to be putting it off just a bit longer. I have so to share with you about my latest adventures, however I am getting ready to leave for Paris at the moment! I have been looking forward to this trip for what feels like my entire life. I remember begging my aunt in 6th grade to take me Paris and now finally I am going to be able to see it. The girly girl in me is jumping out of my skin! I can't wait to sip on coffee, eat macaroons, and gaze at the effiel tower. So my darlings, I will be back on monday, ready to blog my little heart away. Have a blessed weekend! picture reblogged from design is mine.

currently missing

All these beautiful hearts. You all are my world and I can't wait to see you in a month. All my love.

Come thou fount

My entire life I have associated bodies of water with home.. Beaches, lakes, ponds, pools, you name it. Moving to Florence the theme of water has continued. Everyday I cross the Arno river to get to the other side of town. As I walk along the river, I am reminded that not only do these bodies of water serve as a sense of familiarity but they also serve as a sense of guidance. For those who know me well, understand that my sense of direction is well, less than par. As we explore this new city, getting lost comes naturally, so whenever I get lost I head for the water knowing that I am going to be ok. Thinking about this tool I am reminded about how the Lord is our living water. And when we are in the direction of the living water we are safe just like when I am headed towards the river.. As I stare at the beauty of this vase water, my heart overflows with knowing that the Lord will always be there serving as a place of rest, ease, and comfort knowing that I have made it home

photo by Stephanie Merryman

here comes the sun little darling

Last weekend was magical. The sun was out the entire weekend so we did our best soaking it in and enjoying spring in Florence. On Friday we were craving a little bit of home so a few of us headed to the Diner ( the american restaurant in florence) and we feasted on cheeseburgers, fries, and milkshakes..And maybe it was because I haven't had such a treat in awhile, but this cheeseburger was probably one of the best I've ever had. Then we spent the evening at Piazza Michaelaneglo to see our city with all it's lights and listen to some live music. On saturday, we packed up our backpacks filled with snacks, books, and blankets, and met the gang at this huge beautiful park on the other side of town. We laid in the grass for hours and hours, played soccer, and just enjoyed being with each other. And because that bit of sunshine wasn't enough, the girls and I woke up the next day to jump on a train to head to Laveno Italy, the nearest beach town. However it came as a bit of a shock when we stepped off the train and onto the water only to find there was no actual beach for us to lay on. And in true high sprits we laughed it off, got some gelato, and found a nice patch of grass for us to enjoy. Weekend you did us good, and we are very thankful for those three beautiful days in the sun and letting me live such a charmed life.

Spring Break

First off, I am extremely sorry for the delay. But ever since spring break I can't seem to catch my breath. Spring break was a whirl wind that consisted of two trips, 6 airplanes, 10 buses, 4 cabs, 1 town car, and 2 actual cars. We started the trip with traveling to Athens Greece, where we were graciously and warmly greeted by Lauren's family friends Aunt Manya, Uncle Paul, and their children. We feasted on the best greek food, had an amazing chocolate cake made by manya, and saw the sites. We were luckily enough to be able to stay at Manya's friends lovely apartment and have an enjoyable and relaxing time. After getting back to Florence and actually being in Florence for a total of 22 hours;Stephanie and I woke up at 3 in the morning to make our way to Pisa to eventually make our way to Dublin Ireland to visit my lovely cousins, Shaun, Lindsey, Phelim, and baby Luke. We had the most enjoyable three days in Dublin as one could possibly have. The sun was out and we were loving seeing all the green. We were able to meet up with Matt and Chris and explore down town, followed with the next day exploring the forest, and finally being able to go to the cutest little fisherman town before heading back to our beloved Florence. Overall I would have to say spring break was a 10 out of 10 and i wouldn't change it for the world.

two months and counting

Today is March 30, well actually it is past 12 so it is now the 31, which means we have been here in Italy for a little over two months. It is amazing at how fast times flies. I feel like just yesterday I was kissing my family goodbye and jumping on a plane. However at the same time, I feel like I have been here for years. We are finally adjusted to our lives here, and it is safe to say I am madly in love with it. I love our little family, our gelato shop, our neighborhood bar, tuesday traditions. I love walking, listening to the fast talking Italians, our apartment. I love getting fresh food from the stores, and how slow and enjoyable the Italians take their days. And although I am so excited to see my friends and family back home in the Sates in a month and a half, Italy has become apart of me and will always have my heart.

So in celebration of our two months and counting here are some random but enjoyable pictures of our time here thus far.

lend me your ears, and I'll sing you a song.

I would like to dedicated this post to two of my most favorite boys in the whole wide world... Kyle Kounter and Colin Olsen, who last night sang me a beautiful and personal John Mayer song via skype. (it took me going to Italy to finally get them to sing to me, but it was worth it) You boys are wonderful and I miss you more and more everyday.