Well folks, I made it!

I am here!  In Italia!
It is as beautiful as I remember too!  After a longggg day and three connecting flights, I made it to Pisa Airport (with both of my bags...thank you Lord!!) where the Mascia family was there to greet me.  The flights were pretty uneventful, with the exception of almost colliding into another plane AND sitting next to a Richard Dreyfuss look alike!  Other than that though,I just tried to sleep as much as I could.

When I arrived in Pisa, the family took me home to unload my stuff and then we were off again to a lunch with Mr. Mascia's family to celebrate his niece's confirmation to Catholicism.  (I believe that is right, not 100% though)  Anyway, it was a very cool and exhausting experience.  The length of my traveling had, at this point, surpassed 24 hours and I was completely exhausted.  Plus none of them spoke english, so it made it a tad bit scary too.  The funny thing was that I knew they talked about me, I just have no idea what they were saying.  Rosy (Mrs. Mascia) was trying to translate, but there were like 20 people there and they were all talking at once it felt like...so I really just have no idea what went on at all.  I was so tired and emotional after a long day of thinking about not seeing my family for 2 1/2 months, that I was so close to bursting into tears throughout the whole dinner.  Plus I was nauseous from the crazy driving skills of Mr. Mascia, gross airplane food, and because of lack of sleep.  So I missed out on an awesome 5 course lunch.  Dang it.
So there I was, about ready to burst into tears and throw up all at once....and then I was saved!
Little Elia came and tapped on my shoulder, asking me to come play outside with him.  I immediately saw my chance to get some fresh air and escape how overwhelmed I was by it all.  So I went outside and talked with Elia and Gioele.  They are absolutely the sweetest and cutest little italian boys on this planet!  They made me feel so much better and so welcome, I immediately felt more at ease. 

I really think I am just tired and emotional from saying goodbye to my family for the entire summer, otherwise that experience would have been very different.  Thankfully I will have another chance at enjoying that part of the italian culture - the boisterous family meals.  Today though, I'm okay with being a little sad. 
Yes, I will miss my family dearly.  And yes, I may feel lonely sometimes or like an outsider because of the language barrier.  But, even with all of that, I am determined to make this experience the best that it can be!  I know it will be a great summer and I know that the Lord has so much He wants to teach me.  I am so excited to see how it all unfolds!  His plan is perfect, and I have to trust that. 

I ask that you all pray for me...pray that I don't let the homesickness take over.  That I learn to take it one day at a time and enjoy these precious little boys and enjoy the BEAUTIFUL creation that surrounds us.  And please pray that I get rest tonight!  I definitely need it!  It's going to be a great day tomorrow!  And hopefully I'll have some italian words to share with you all...the boys have been trying to help me, but end up laughing at my accent..  :) Until next time, may the Lord fill you all up with joy!

CIAO!
Maddy