Journal Entry From Italy - May 24th, 2005

We needed an emotional and mental break. We needed to pray. Ms. Mickleson was taken home, with Alice insisting that she get her rest after a long day of walking, planning, and praying. Meanwhile, Mark suggested he take Pastor Scott, my dad, Scott C. and I back into Rome for dinner and to see everything at night. We took the metro into downtown Rome, where it put us near the Spanish Steps, where we walked up and then back down ... just to say we did.

We walked through the novel-like, busy streets to Piazza Navona where there were people admiring the fountains, listening to the lively Italian music performed by the gypsies, and "oohing" and "aahing" at the ancient art. We did much of the same, then ate pizza at an outdoor "ristorante"; it was so beautiful, like a fairytale. The waiter poured me a glass of white wine (because it's legal for me to drink here) and just for that, my dad let me have a sip. It wasn't really "good" but it wasn't bad either. I only wanted to try it because we're in Italy. "When in Rome..."

A gypsie came by then selling roses, and Mark asked if I would like one, but he got away too fast. I think they were starting to feel like they had to do something to make the trip into town worthwhile for me, being the only girl there and such. Just being here is more than enough.

Rome at night is brilliant ... magical, and romantic. Yes, romantic is the only word that comes remotely close to describing it. It was very sweet: Scott said, as the full orange moon was rising up over the lit Colosseum, "this makes me want to propose to Melany all over again." I can tell he misses her. I reached to touch the glowing moon- my fingertips, it seemed, nearly grazing its closeness
We couldn't believe we captured that image. God had a great idea. If I hadn't a romantic spirit, I don't think I could have appreciated that, or anything, as much as I did. I find myself eagerly waiting to share it with someone one day.

Getting back on the train to come home was a disappointment, since we were all so caught up in the wonder of everything. Oh but a sweet answser to a silly prayer came from the Lord, when I had prayed to see a storm while I was here. While we were standing and gazing on the moonlit Colosseum, a brilliant streak of white lightening pierced the sky, followed by a haunting roar of thunder and cool raindrops to offset the humid night air. I smiled and thanked the Creator. It was perfect.

We prayed on the sleepy train ride home, for Alice and her breaking heart, for the women in the church and the very little we know about the situation. Please handle it, Jesus. And do not let the evil one snatch these children from Your mighty hand. They belong to you. Give them forgiveness they need to forgive each other. Bind them together in love, and in peace, and in joy. Work a miracle, Jesus...