Allegrezza

I am happy.

So. So. Happy.

Want to know why?

1.  I have been able to renew my permit for another year and within three months I am supposed to have dual citizenship (this depends on how much time they take to process things and get me registered). 

2.  My appointment for residency is this Friday!  Then I am only required to wait to become una cittadina italiana (an italian citizen).

3.  The path is looking bright to teach English as a foreign language.  I have connections with a few schools and I see the need for madre lingua (mother-tongue) educators is increasing.  

4.  I have been asked to proofread the draft of book in English!  I am meeting the writer tomorrow evening and we will go over details of the agreement.  I'm excited!

5.  My host family is planning some awesome upcoming trips!!  I will give you the itinerary:  The Shroud of Turin, the mountains, Rome and Sicily.  

Yeah.  I have a couple things keeping a smile on my face.

....

On a different note, there had been something bothering me lately.  

I feel like I am too selfish in this period of my life.  I do not try to only talk about myself and I have been purposely focusing on avoiding it.  But it is sure is hard!  No one around me is doing the same thing as me or has nearly the same goals.  I constantly feel as if I must explain myself. 

A good friend of mine really helps me whenever I feel this way.  She reminds me that I arrived here alone and am trying to create a life for myself.  However I was rightly taught to never feel bad for myself.  I chose to do this and I am absolutely happy I followed through with it!  Just look how beautifully things are falling into place!  That is what happens when you follow His Will.

I must remember that I am not alone.  God is with me.  I have a family that loves me and supports me, friends that understand me, and wonderful Italians by my side who help me to every extent they are able.

How blessed am I??  I have never been a very affectionate person but I am trying harder.  Every one of you in my life is incredible.  I need to let you know how positively you have influenced me and important you are to me.  I need to try harder to reconnect with you.  How are you?  How do you feel today?  These are basic questions that have great meaning.  They mean "I love and care about you, and have been thinking about you."  And I truly do. I want you to know I think about you.

I will do my best to stay in touch and then let God take care of the rest.  He always has my back.  When I would get overwhelmed by all the running around I had to do for citizenship, I would go find a church and hide.  I would say a simple prayer and walk out totally refreshed.  I dare you to try it on your next giorno pesante (heavy day).  Then let me know after it works, and tell me why you had a bad day.  I promise I will try to just listen.  :)