Italia

I first discovered Italy when I was 16 years old. I immeadiately fell in love wih the culture, people, and landscape. Life seemed so much simpler. Time slipped by lazily rather than in a blur as it does in the States. Life was to be experienced, tasted, savored. It was as if the Italians knew the secret that the rest of the world wanted to know, but didn't know how to slow down long enough to find it. They understand what it is to live. They work to live, not live to work; they eat to live; not live to eat; they value family, rest, and simplicity. I left that summer feeling full, content almost.
I didn't return until I was 30. I thought for sure that what I had experienced was teenage idealism. How wrong I was! My love affair with Italy was reawakened and was more intense than before. My heart feeels alive within its landscape and people. It's beat slows and takes its time. It finds its rhythm. My senses are awakened there. My eyes are overwhelmed by the beauty, color, history, and richness. My ears love the melody of the Italian language. It is such a lovely and warm song that floats around you. My skin loves the feel of the strong earth upon my hands, the warm sun upon my face. My nose is delighted by the aromas. Sweet, savory, salty air that smells at once inviting. It's almost like being enveloped in the strong embrace of an old friend.
Since my return to the States I have felt a yearning to go back; haunted by the memories that seem so far away. I crave to be there. I have to be there. I can't explain it. It feels like home.
I have been praying and asking the Lord to allow me to return. I had decided, God willing of course, that I would return two years from the last time I was there. That would put me back in Italy in 2009. Imagine my great suprise and delight when the perfect job opportunity opened up in Rome. It starts in 2009. As I write this I am putting the finishing touches on my application. Oh how I want this! I haven't let my heart desire something in so long. It's a strange and wonderful feeling. Terrifying at the same time as well. I want this. I have to get this. I wonder, though, what if this isn't what the Lord wants for me? Will I still be content with His plan? Will I be ok knowing that there was a possibility of my greatest dream coming true? Or, when all is said and done I will trust in the plan the real Dreamer has for me?