It ain't over till it's over right? I've set myself to accomplish a sort of bucket-list sort of things to do before I go. Much of it includes restaurants and things to eat :), but also other places in Rome to explore where I haven't ventured or spent much time in. This past week we basically finished up classes, so I've had time to write my final papers and explore where I please. A lot of my explorations have been solo, just because the agenda I have doesn't always match up with my peers' schedules. Regardless, some of the places I've been have been really neat to experience and see other parts of Rome that are slightly off the beaten path. Check, Che-Check, Check, Check, Check it out:
We had a Potluck for our last film in Italian Cinema class :)
And I made a cake in honor of missing my baking time with my sisters. I've actually been baking a lot recently to get back in the swing of things and relearn my craft :)
We saw a demonstration of how the treasured "gelato" was made. It wasn't just cool, it was ice cold!
My man Ben Makin getting his inner artist on while drawing near Castel Sant'Angelo...or something like that, you have to ask him yourself :)
Bernini's slightly suggestive sculpture of the Ecstasy of St. Teresa...I'll let you decided what you think :)
Sitting in a bamboo work of art outside the MACRO (modern art museum) in Testaccio. Yes, I was allowed to climb this, and yes, it was free. It was like a little nest to relax in...
This witty line says something to the effect of, "I take three coffees at once so I can save two tips."
I've definitely gotten in touch with my lighter, witty side this semester...
Don't fear the Reaper! I'm still curious why this was in a church...
One of Michelangelo's personal favorite sculptures: Moses in the church of St. Peter in Chains, which allegedly has the chains from the prison that Peter was held in. Catholic Churches always have good stories behind their churches if nothing else...
Also, one of the best things that I got to do this past week was to play soccer with more Italians. Outside the MACRO is the Architecture School of Rome and in between classes, there were some guys about my age kicking it around. So I joined and we played 3v3 on the cement with goals painted on the walls, just like I used to do in my basement as a kid. Oh, sweet nostalgia....Then, on Saturday, Cindy, Karmyn and I went to a turf complex nearby for the "Agape Cup" hosted by CRU and Athletes in Action. Our friend Myrthe who works with AIA helped put this together, and we met some of her friends who live here and also do ministry with CRU. That was really cool. But even better was playing! There were two small fields, about the size of a futsal court, and the games were 30 minutes long. Cindy and I were on the same team with 3 other Italian men. Cindy was the only girl and did well and got mad respect from everyone! Our team was good, but there was a lack of chemistry and understanding... I mean the language barrier had a little something to do with that :-p Karmyn's team made it to the semifinals, so that was sweet to see them do work.
After the tournament, we were all pretty hungry and beat because we missed normal dinner time and weren't use to cutting and playing full speed. It sure was good to get back into soccer for sure...
Today I've taken it easy - went to Church did some shopping and walking around Campo di Fiori and Trestevere. I've started packing (shhh...I know) because I know this last week will be a flurry of emotions and last minute adventures. The thing I'm trying to keep in mind is that all the friendships that I've developed here can still continue back home, and the adventure doesn't have to stop. I've really seen God work on my heart, mainly by amplifying my emotions, and softening my heart to things that matter to him. What I need to think about is - how am I going to live my life after this great experience?
I don't know if I'll live in a city like Rome ever again, but the spirit of compassion and generosity that I've seen from the people I've met and what I tried to implement this semester are definitely two things that I want to carry back home with me, but things will never be the same. And that's okay I guess. Because while I may be near the end of my time in Rome, I have a feeling that God is not finished working in my life.
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