Recovery and What's Next

I just read through my last blog post that I shared right after surgery. Little did I know at the time how quickly everything would change! About two weeks after the surgery my roommate and I were watching a movie and something didn't feel right. Well, something wasn't. To try and put a long story short, I came back to America a couple days after I discovered that I had a pretty bad incision infection. I didn't know how long recovery would take or if I would return to Italy this year.

I definitely didn't expect all of the setbacks that would take place over the following months. Surgery, infection, and some other physical issues placed me in the ER several times, caused some painful days, and evidently placed a lot on hold. For a couple of weeks I was hardly able to eat or hold any food down. Dumb. I like eating! So here we are well in to May and for the past two weeks I have been feeling myself again! Friends, don't take your health for granted.

This brings me to the FAQ that I have received from friends and family: When are you heading back to Italy? My answer is I'm not 100% sure. With all of the twists and turns I am going to take my time easing back in to a more normal pace of life. What I can tell you is I want to go back! It will probably be a short trip for a month to stay connected with Gallery 4 Italia and what's taking place there. 

For now, I am staying in my hometown, starting some part time work, and continuing photography. I'll tell you a little more about these changes next time, but to close I want to say GRAZIE MILLE (THANK YOU SO MUCH) to you all. I am blessed to have such amazing support from friends and family! 

Update from Italy

Over the past few weeks my health has been up and down and I've been very blessed with the help and support from my community at Mosaico Church here in Italy! As most of you know my sister came to visit me for the holidays, but unfortunately she got the flu which she kindly shared (as sisters do). One night after we both were over the flu I started having really bad pain near my right hip and her initial thought was appendicitis.

Over the time of three more weeks I visited 2 more doctors and eventually went to the emergency room. They sent me home with antibiotics however the pain didn't subside after a week and I could hardly walk so I went to another doctor. He sent me to the emergency room suggesting it was appendicitis - at this point they said it was and I went in to surgery early the next morning.

After being at the hospital for around 3 days I am back home and on my way to getting better! Life isn't always pain free and easy, but through those difficult times the Lord takes care of us. He provided a way for me to have the right medical treatment, a wonderful new friend through sharing a recovery room at the hospital, and many many people here to help me out. I even got to practice my Italian language skills- big time! If you are learning a different language there are other ways to practice though!

It's nice to be back in my apartment and on the right path to recovery. I truly have been overwhelmed by all of the people praying for me through everything and I appreciate you all!

Here are a few ways you can pray...

It's going to be a few weeks of recovery and very little physical activity. Pray for me to take it slowly even when I am starting to feel better...this is a challenge for me (:

Over the next couple weeks I have a couple more checkups so please pray these appointments go well. 

Buon Anno!

It's been a while since my last update due to the holidays, flu, and all! I hope you all had a happy Christmas and New Year and are getting back into the swing of things. Going in to 2016, I had to pause and look back at all that took place in 2015. Moving to Italy for the year involved a LOT of preparation and transition. I have grown and continue to learn how to be present and enjoy the simpler things each day here in Italy. Lately, I have really been missing my friends and family back home, however the Lord has provided some incredible places where I can rest in His peace. 

Here are some more recent pictures from the past few months that capture some of my favorite moments so far.

This is from our trip up north.

Sydnee is willing to take early trains with me. She's great.

With Jenny on top of the terrace.  

Bri and her little guitar. Loves Jesus, loves
people, and one who I will miss having in Florence.

My artist friend who is always excited about life!  

In Fiesole to take a break from the city.

Looking over Florence in Fiesole.

At La Menagere. One of my favorite places
to study Italian and put it into practice
with the people who work there.

Enjoying the taste of all things
 Christmas-y with Sydnee.

I love this terrace overflowing with green. 

Rachel and her cappuccino at News Cafe.