We have safely come back to Germany after our month long vacation filled with traveling, and what an experience it all was! Rome was our next stop after coming back from Poland. Our trip to Rome was filled with a sweet reunion, ancient sights, and plenty of gelato!
We arrived to the Rome airport mid-afternoon greeted by our mom. It was definitely the highlight of Rome for both Paige and I. The day we arrived happened to also be our 18th birthday. What a way to spend our 18th! We were so privileged to spend our birthday in Rome with our mother who for the past 18 years has input Godly wisdom into our lives while also setting an example for us.
She was kind enough to bring us cards, and gifts from our wonderful friends! We thank ALL of you who wished us the best, and those who were kind enough to send along cards.
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| The Spanish Steps |
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| Inside the Pantheon |
After research of what we wanted to specifically see in Rome we set out a small list of things to see. The week started with Piazza Navona, where mom reminded us of the times we swam in Italian fountains the summer we lived there. It goes without saying that along with Navona, shopping and walking were necessary everyday. Later, we moved to visit the Pantheon which was relatively close to the old convent we stayed at [a great find by mom!] The hostel was close walking distance to Vatican City which we did on Tuesday and took a detailed tour of. Not only did we go into the Vatican Museum, but we also saw the Sistine Chapel and St. Peters Basilica. It was a very enlightening tour. The spectacular detail and talent displayed on the walls, ceiling even floor was breath taking, there was so much to take in that sitting and staring for hours wouldn't have been enough! We found out a lot about Vatican City and how it is actually its own country! Containing its own currency, post office, and about 900 workers.
Over the next few days we had the immense blessing of being able to see in person the ancient ruins, monuments, and history of Rome. Including Roman Forum, the Spanish steps, the Colosseum, and one of our personal favorites the catacombs. The colosseum is a great reminder of how persecution is real and alive not only today but also throughout history. As we slowly strolled through the Roman Forum there was a palpable energy from the original happenings within those buildings. The idea of meetings, shops, and venders haggling with customers is so exciting to think about how that influences their current culture. At the very back of the marketplace behind one of the big meeting rooms is one of the more personally touching buildings. We had the chance to see the prison where Paul and Peter were taken after proclaiming the name of our Lord! What a surreal moment to see just how true Gods word is when you see the place where the bible has lived.
Our week was jammed with as much touring as possible, in between we made sure to leave time for refreshing stops of gelato :] By the end of the week we all had some sore feet, but even more present was the reality of leaving each other yet again. However this time it was a lot easier on both ends we agreed. Our stay in Germany is still being used in our lives, and both Paige and I felt like are not done making and impact in Germany yet. There is more to come yet!
Off to find adventure -xoxo
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| Clearly its hot, and we've been waiting for the Colosseum a while:] |
