I cannot believe that I have been in Italy for two months now; time has flown by! There has been so much I have learned. I’ve learned how to adapt in a new culture, how to live with 12 other people and never have privacy, and even how to reschedule trains when you missed your last three. I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is seeing how God reveals himself everywhere.

I have always lived in Christian community and have surrounded myself with believers who live for the glory of God and chose Him daily. Having my specific community at home not around me constantly for the past two months has helped me have this realization. I have always been taught in church the importance of a community of Christ followers, but for the first time I have truly seen why this is important. A community pushes you in your walk with Christ and helps you know Him more. Even though I haven’t had this particular community while being in Italy, the Lord has still allowed me to know him better.

The Lord has truly shown me his beauty all around. We have walked in and out of different churches, each with so much history. To see that these buildings were made to glorify the Lord and they were built centuries ago leaves me in awe. This puts the term omnipresent in a whole new perspective for me. Yes, God is present everywhere, but his omnipresence also means that he has always been and will always be. When people built churches in the 3rd century it was to glorify the same God that I worship now. What a cool gift that the Lord has put this into perspective for me. 

One of my favorite things I have done in Italy was visit Favignana, which is a small island off the coast of Sicily. All 13 of us got to go as an optional field trip one weekend and we were able to have a beach day. I remember laying on the beach staring out at the most beautiful water I have ever seen listening to worship music, and having a tear stream down my face. This was a tear of joy and amazement. I was so amazed at the beauty that the Lord had created before me and that he made it for His glory and that he allowed me to enjoy his beauty. God truly is so loving that he allows us to see his wonderful works and appreciate them. I cannot help but sing praises to God for all that he has blessed this earth with.

I have one more month in Italy and I know the Lord has so much more to teach me. I have come to him with an open heart posture, ready and eager for him to continue transforming my life not only in this next month but for eternity.

Lindsey Galvan