My second day in Venice is completed. It is getting rather late and I really should get some sleep because tomorrow we venture from Venice to Montebelluna to arrive at my final destination + my home for the next three months: Calvary Chapel Bible College Italy.
To give you an update since my first post: we landed in Madrid after a restless red-eye just before the sun rose. This sunrise, however, wasn't within view and this airport wasn't very friendly. The abbreviation for the Madrid airport is "MAD" (rightfully so). Perhaps the workers were all just grumpy because it was early or annoyed that we didn't speak any Spanish, but I have honestly never felt more disdained as I did during my time there. After running around trying to follow the signs, not knowing what the workers were attempting to communicate, and passing through an unexpected and hectic security check, we made it to the gate in a frenzy just as the final guests were boarding. The Lord is so good in providing just what I need, when I need it -- I am very thankful that we made it to our flight in time.
Yesterday I was tired from more than twenty-four hours of travel and less than five hours of sleep, so I was not able to enjoy this great city as much as it deserves. But after some well-needed rest (which adjusted my mood from grumpy to eagerly excited), I am pleased to announce that Venice has captured me. The antiquated buildings, the gondola-filled canals, the brisk winter air, the narrow streets, the mouth-water food, the extravagant sculptures -- all have taken my heart. Yet none of these things have caught me so much as the people. Oh, the people!
The walkways are filled with individuals of various nationalities and backgrounds. I quickly adjusted to being surrounded by masses of languages foreign to me. Usually I would think nothing of it, but my mother and I both noticed pointedly when a few Americans passed. It was strange to hear our own language spoken, being so rare in Venice.
As interesting as the tourists are, they cannot begin to compare with the waiters. They are so perfectly charming! Every waiter we've had can speak English decently well (I love the way native Italians speak English; they are not usually incredibly good at it, but in its brokenness there is an endearing cuteness all its own). In order to be polite, I have been using my few Italian words such as "ciao" "grazie" & "buona serata" quite frequently and with good reception. This evening my mother and I ate at a fresh and modern restaurant that we found while wandering around San Marco. We had two guys that came by to serve us during our meal; they were pleasant and generous, giving us a basket of small, crunchy, slightly sweet rosemary bread bits & "S" shaped lemon shortbread cookies, both on the house! When we left I got my first "ciao bella" which I found amusing.
I would like to send a 'thank you' to all of you who have been so lovingly supportive of me in this time and throughout my entire life. I do not understand how one person could be surrounded by so many incredible people -- you are truly cherished in my heart. No matter how far away I am and no matter where I roam, I want you to know that. You are loved. By me and by the Lord.
How I wish all of you could be here with me to see what I can see and feel what I can feel. This is the greatest experience of my seventeen years on this earth thus far & I know that words cannot give justice! With that, I will close.
Time to get some rest + it's off to Montebelluna!
Buonnotte, Em
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