Maria- Well I finally got to school. The first thing that hit me was the nativity scene in the school foyer and the christmas trees in all the classrooms - what a difference a country makes! All that aside, it was fun to finally meet the teachers. They are quite the international bunch (England, Canada, South Africa, Ireland, Austraila, American and of course Italians too - there is even one nun). It felt good to be at work. It was the first time in a while that I felt a sense of something familiar... a sense of purpose. It's hard when everything is new! There have been some times when a feeling of loneliness creeps up on me and hits me right between the eyes! When it happens, it is overwhelming and makes me want to pack my bags and go running home. The good news is that each time that occurs something happens...a beautiful church, a kind teacher, a sunny, mild day (when at home it's cold and snowing) and the feeling passes. I then know I can face another day. Someone here told me that one day I will just wake up and it will feel like home - I look forward to that day! For now I continue to look at each day as a gift and find the little surprise that awaits Michael and me.

A perfect example of a gift was spending my birthday walking around the center of Rome, with Michael, a couple of new friends from school. The most important thing I learned is that while walking around Rome (maybe everywhere), you cannot just look straight ahead or down - you MUST be looking up and side to side at all times or you might miss one of the many wonders of Rome...an ancient tower or cupola, a beautiful private garden on the cobblestoned streets of Trastevere, an old chiesa (church) that houses an orginal Rapheal, the unbelievable Borchese family entrata that is protected by guards with guns, an old italian women sitting in a window looking over the piazza...all breathtaking! It was a wonderful way to spend a birthday-just opening my eyes to a whole new world of beauty! It reminded me of why Michael and I are here!

Speaking of Michael and me, we are starting to behave like an old married couple...we bicker about little things, we read in bed together (we still have no t.v. and only intermitent internet) and finish each other's sentences - I think we are spending a little too much time together - it will be good for Michael to start school next week and hang with kids his own age! However, I could have never done this without him. He keeps me laughing and moving forward! I am thankful for his sometimes annoying 14 year old presence at all times!

Michael- (will post after he begins school on Monday - stay tuned)