HERE I AM!

Ahh - words can't describe the last week and a half, but I'll spend just a few minutes trying.

Let's work backwards. At the moment, I am just outside of Milan, Italy. I can't say too much about it yet because it was dark when I landed and has been raining so we've been inside. But! I am excited to be here and also to spend time with Giada, the Italian girl I met at the hostel in Belfast, at whose house I am currently living... (deep breath)

...These past few days have been kind of a whirlwind. I left the monastery on Sunday (more on that in a moment) by taking a bus and a train into Paris. I spent the afternoon on the Eiffel Tower, which was absolutely fantastic, and then spent the night a few blocks down from the Sacre Coeur (yeah, I hadnt heard of it either but it's great) and the Moulin Rouge. Monday... yesterday!... I explored the city a little more, happened to pass MATT DAMON on his way out of the train station, freaked out like a girl but still managed to make it to the airport on time. Then I took a plane from Paris back to Belfast, where I was greeted by a bunch of friends and my roommates at our house and we had a grand old time until I decided I needed to pack. Went to bed at 2am and got up not too early to say a heartwrenching goodbye to my roommates and take a bus to Dublin, the airport at which I took the flight to Italy, where I am right now...

The monastery. Shoot, I really can't... hmm. Can I use adjectives? Peaceful. Quiet. Beautiful. I went there to spend time with God, thinking that in silence and prayer I would find him... but actually was most touched by his love through the people there. Never have been so impacted by the vulnerability and openness of other peoples' hearts. Still absolutely reeling from the experience and not quite sure what to make of it all, just that... it was mystery, and worship, and heart-centered instead of mind-centered. I don't know....

Anyway, I am as confused as you. But it's okay. I think I'll go to bed now because my heart has just worn me out. However, before I leave you.....Thank you for all your prayers! There have been so many small blessings and huge ones these past few weeks and a lot of the financial issues have worked themselves out and everything is okay. I am desperately eager to see you all. I feel like it's been such a long time...

If I don't post again soon, let me echo Charlie's sentiments - Happy Thanksgiving!!!