We're not in Iowa anymore...

We're in Rome!!!

I arrived safely after a 3am wake-up call, a 6 hour drive to Minneapolis, a 7 hour flight to Amsterdam, a 4 hour layover, and another 3 hour flight to Rome. There are 11 of us, and we settled into our hotel and hit the ground running.

Today has been wonderful and I'm excited to see more tomorrow. We started touring Rome this afternoon, it's been beautiful. I've learned that lines to not apply, cars do not yield, and that it's going to be a great semester. Today we walked around the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, both were awesome. Tomorrow we're headed to many churches and Monday we'll hit the Vatican, then fly to Malta.




I hope all is well. It is spring in Italy, today was sunny and 60 degrees. :) If I don't find internet tomorrow, Happy Birthday Grandma Seitz!!! Hope you have a great day!! I love and miss you all! Take care!

Love, Audrey

Leaving on a jet plane...

We made it, we got through January. I can't believe it's here. Our house has been in packing mode, many rooms occupied with some sort of bag or suitcase, lists upon lists, and itineraries. I've been running errands, finishing last minute details, and stopping for the occasional coffee on the way.

I took today to calm down a little bit, take a little break, stop in the Snowy Woods. I remember hearing Grandpa T. recite that poem when I was younger, and today it seemed to make sense. It has been chaos, and it was time for a little break. The adventure starts tomorrow!! I am going to put on many miles!! I've been talking with friends and family the last few days, they are all wonderful. I may be biased, but I have some of the best family and friends in the world. A huge thank you to all of them for the kind words, the listening, and the laughter over the last few weeks...and a thank you to my parents for putting up with my packing mess that has taken over the house. And, Mom and Dad, about me letting Champ on the couch, feeding him lots of treats, and letting him sleep on the bed...he may need to be retrained. :)

I've been excited, nervous, and everything inbetween. But, mostly excited. I can't wait. Time for adventure, as of tomorrow afternoon I'll be headed to Rome.

And, I have two grandpas that will be with me wherever I go. I'll carry their light with me. They always did like to travel.

Love,
Audrey

it's the little things...

It's the little things I'll miss. Conversations with loved ones, playing my violin, running roads that I know like the back of my hand, feeling connected to those around me, the list goes on. But, these are all things that can be continued in Malta. While part of my heart will remain at home, I bring to Malta a sense of adventure and wonder. I want to find new 'little things' to appreciate.

Yes, I hate flying.
Yes, I love being with my family and friends.
Yes, I am going to Malta 'til June.
Yes, I am scared and excited all at the same time.
Why did I sign up for this?

Some little inkling told me to go. It will be an adventure. Just hang on. Enjoy the ride.

blessing

This is all I have for today...

May the light of your soul guide you.
May the light of your soul bless the work you do with the secret love and warmth of your heart.
May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul.
May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light, and renewal to those who work with you and to those who see and receive your work.
May your work never weary you.
May it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration, and excitement.
May you be present in what you do.
May you never become lost in the bland absences.
May the day never burden.
May dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities, and promises.
May evening find you gracious and fulfilled.
May you go into the night blessed, sheltered, and protected.
May your soul calm, console, and renew you.

---John O'Donohue

2009

be present.
love reality.
remain calm.
have faith.
enjoy the ride.

These are my goals. They're in theory very simple. All they take is a little thought, an ounce of intention, and a gesture of the heart.

Life's short. Enjoy each and every moment. That's what it's all about.

Have a wonderful 2009 everyone, seize the opportunities.