Giving Thanks

In Italy, we have learned a lot about things that we once took for granted. Simple things feel more essential and mean so much more to us here in Italy. Recalling a few of them at this time of year feels like counting our blessings. Like...

Cousins who live close by and remind us that we are loved;
Receiving photos and emails, JibJabs and surprise packages sent by loved ones a far;

New teachers and classes, like Mabel and ballet; Costanza and Italian;

Ways to celebrate, like with the Italian circus troop who returned to our neighborhood this December;

Our faith community, and the large group that gathers with us on Sunday evenings and the small student groups that gather for special programs, like this Service Retreat with Joe to Rome.

For aunties who love us with small, important surprises,



and for art everywhere, that even walks down the streets of Florence..



...we give thanks.

We have so much, and, in Italy, we are growing to know more about what we have and how grateful we are for what we have. While living so far away from everything and everyone we know and love, we seem to be learning, more and more all of the time, about what we have and what we are grateful for.