I went home to the states for a week to be in David and Amanda's wedding, it was so beautiful and fun and perfect for them. I was also able to visit with family and friends. It was so wonderful! And my nephew, Camden is so stinking adorable I can't even handle it. After getting to be social and surrounded by people I loved (not to mention a very self-sufficient child, 4 years younger than the ones I nanny) for a week straight it was a little difficult to come back here. But I've been back a week and a half and glad to be settled into my routine. It helped to remind myself even if I was living in the states I wouldn't be living with all my friends anymore anyway. But I did compile a quick list of things I missed/miss about America and enjoyed while I was home:
-walking fast
-free water
-eavesdropping
-pedestrian right of way
-Bobby's (turned Maddie's Cafe in Searcy)
I got back and went directly to Cesano. When I bought my return ticket I thought it'd be fine to get back at 8:30AM since I wouldn't have the kids until later that afternoon. Too bad I bought it before I knew they'd be out of school for ten days due to Easter. They'd been in Cesano all week but I joined them for Thursday-Tuesday. God bless her, Alessia let me sleep the first two mornings I was back. Easter wasn't as big a deal as I thought it would be with them. No going to mass or anything. They got the traditional giant chocolate eggs (with a toy inside) at breakfast that morning. Leo's was broken before he opened it so there was big drama there. Never mind that Jesus is risen, the poor kid's chocolate was broken. Don't worry, he got a whole new one later.
I did get to drive finally! Just to the market and back and I haven't driven actually in Rome yet. I drove one of the smart cars which was weird because it can be automatic or standard but there is no clutch so I drove it in automatic but it kept feeling like it was about to die like a standard if you don't push the gas enough as you let off the clutch. And since Alessia comes with us (and drives) everywhere I don't know why she wanted me to be able to drive. I know what you're thinking, but no, they already have a chauffeur, remember?
Today I got to spend the day with Brook Kimrey while she was in town on free travel at the end of her HUF semester. It was fun and we had great conversation about reflecting on your past and looking to your future and always trusting God. It's always crazy to me to think about where I was and what I was doing a year ago and how I had no idea where I'd be or what I'd be doing today. Basically, God is faithful in all things. Incase you didn't know.
Lastly, Alessia told me she had a good photo of me with the children at the park. This is what she sent me:
I guess we just have different standards for good photos.
ps. mine are the 3 that match and the one in the blue sweater. plus the dog.
