One More.

As I begin writing this, my eyes immediately start to tear up. I wish I could adequately put into words the incredible experiences I've had this semester and the overwhelming grip I've felt Jesus have on my heart every step of the way.

The past 4 months: moving, changing, growing, trying, seeking, learning, trusting, laughing, crying, loving, smiling, waiting, relaxing, hoping, dreaming, praying, encouraging, rejoicing, and doing my best to soak it all in.

This experience has exceeded every expectation I had and fulfilled all my hopes and dreams of living in Europe. [plus I had my best friends with me! What more could a girl want?]

ONE MORE.

A phrase that's quite appropriate for how I'm feeling right now...

One more final to take.

One more paper to write.

One more trip to Kirk & Charlotte's (for our send off barbecue).

One more meeting with Mario (our absolutely precious landlord).

One more Tuscan sunset of vibrant colors.

One more trip to Pam (our ever so faithful grochery store).

One more load of laundry that will have to hang dry.

One more time of withdrawaling money in euros.

One more caffè latte.

One more marmelata croissant from Lincoln bar.

One more traditional roommate dinner of tortellini & pesto.

One more week of rotating the same clothes I've been wearing all semester.

One more weekend vacation (Cinque Terre).

One more train ride to Roma.

One more plane ride left -- this time, to the United States of America.

Wow!! I am truly at a loss for words when it comes to the thought of returning back to my daily, normal life at home... Arezzo, Italy has captivated my heart & become my new home. I honestly didn't expect this place to feel like home, but it does. I'm nervous about going back to Texas and seeing how things have changed. In the end, I know basically it will be the same and I'll pick right back up where I left off- but I've got this erie feeling that it's just going to be a bit different this time... Mostly because I know I'm different.

Living as a completely independent (yet extremely co-dependent on Natalie, Toni, and Sarah) woman in a foreign country with a language barrier has forced me to grow up.. Which ultimately left me running to the foot of the cross. I've learned to look for goodness and His perfect plan in every situation. I've learned to take the good with the bad & laugh about it. I've learned life doesn't always have to be as my expectations have made it -- most of the time God proves His faithfulness & surpasses those expectations anyway. I've experienced the joys of sitting, waiting, wishing with an abundance of hope. I've been taught that the so called 'American dream' isn't necessarily right or wrong. I've embraced the slower pace of life. I've treasured eating and drinking deeply with some of my favorite people over 2-3 hour long dinners. I've been lucky enough to visit some of the most famous places in the world. I've witnessed the Lord's majesty in creating lovely, helpful, joyful European men & women. I've been welcomed & loved by a different country, culture, and people. I've grown to appreciate Tuscan wine. I've breathed in the european air full of history and art. I've fixed my eyes on many of the most incredible masterpieces ever created by well known artists. I've stood in awe of the biblical history throughout Europe. I've grown to absolutely love this place, the place I've called home for the last 4 months.

I will leave Europe with nothing but an extremely thankful heart.

Before moving here, I was a little more dependent on other people, a little more paranoid of strangers, a little less accommodating to foreigners in the states, quite a bit less cultured & open minded, a little more of a clean freak, a little more impatient, a bit more hi- strung & schedule oriented, a little more materialistic, and a little less reliant on my King Jesus.

Thank you Jesus for holding me in the palm of your hand throughout my time here. Your love for me, although undeserving, never ceases to amaze me. Spring 2010 is one for the books. Could not have asked for things to have played out more perfectly.

livin' a blessed life,

Callyn.