As I reflect on this summer, I can only sit here and marvel at everything we have seen and done. I think everyone here has experienced life through this program and can agree that we have already seen more than any of us could have ever imagined; and I am grateful for it all. Despite these seemingly satisfying visions and awe-inspiring moments, I have come to realize something that makes me view these captivating scenes drastically different. This monumental truth is wrapped up in God’s glory. Without seeing the earth’s beauty as God’s creation, these sights and experiences are void. As I give up my agenda and selfish heart’s desires for this summer, my Father continues to open my eyes to things unseen- things more beautiful. 

This realization and answered prayer reminds me of a book I read two years ago. From Stasi Eldridge, “Every song you love, every memory you cherish, every moment that has moved you to holy tears has been given to you from the One who has been pursing you from your first breath in order to win your heart. God’s version of flowers and chocolates and candlelight dinners come in the form of sunsets and falling stars, moonlight on lakes and cricket symphonies; warm wind, swaying trees, lush gardens, and fierce devotions.” Is this not in accordance of our reality here? This romancing is immensely personal… as if it had been exactly scripted for your heart. 

I feel known and satisfied in Ariccia, Rome, Budapest, Barcelona, Sorrento, and Paris. This is because I know my God is whispering love through the visions He gives me as I travel from place to place. Through the nature He has designed for me, He speaks, “You are known. You are loved. And all this is for you.” Through the little moments where I doubt Him or entertain a negative thought, He shows me an intriguing color or pattern in nature and I laugh at my wayward heart and thank Him for anchoring my soul to His goodness. I know that He alone satisfies the world. This is why I am drawn to experiencing this summer’s adventure with Him within me. He coddles me in His glory. I never want to leave. And I never have to. 

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” Psalm 8:1, 3-4

In His love, Virginia Ramsey

On May 7^th, 2019, I hopped off a bus in front of a giant, white palace in the town of Ariccia. I had no idea what I was doing halfway across the world, away from friends and family, or what I was about to get myself into. I was too jet-lagged to see the numerous cars barreling down the road almost running me over, too tired to realize how astonishing the view was from the bridge, and too out of place to take in where I was standing. Grabbing my suitcases (yes I brought 3) I headed down the steep cobblestone driveway to the front door of Auburn’s international campus, took a deep breath, and walked inside. Ever since taking those steps, I’ve had constant cheek aches from smiling so much.

I never knew how much happiness living abroad would bring me. As a nutrition major at Auburn, I am challenged solely through academics. Here, I am challenged not only with academics but also socially, physically, and mentally. Many classes and field experience activities have forced me to step out of my comfort zone. For instance, navigating through Rome with solely a map and teammates, public speaking in our leadership class, and ordering dinner at a restaurant where no one speaks English. I should also mention getting used to living with twenty-one other students. Everything I have been forced to do while abroad, either in Ariccia, Rome, or on a weekday trip to a spontaneous Italian city, pushes me to be a better version of myself. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the summer holds, and I am anxious to seek the adventures that remain undiscovered. 

Here’s to continuing to be challenged, facing my fears, laughing until I cry, and smiling until my cheeks ache!

From Ariccia with love,

 Chapman Giles

It’s a little crazy to me that we have been in Italy for just over a week now! It just doesn’t seem real because things are already off to such a great start, it feels like we are in a movie!  I was definitely scared coming here, because I don’t like not knowing what to expect. But this has been a breeze! I already feel connected to all of the other students and even our first week has been amazing. I spent my first weekend here with four fellow new Chigi Babies in Rome, and we had the time of our lives exploring, eating, and simply taking it all in.

           One of my favorites experiences so far was today. Lacey told us we were going to be doing a four hour “leadership workshop” and I could tell by everyone’s faces that we didn’t know what to expect. Little did we know that we were about to have the best day. Carmen Westbrook came to talk to us about leadership and led us through group exercises. The mood instantly changed when the activities began and we realized it wasn’t what we expected at all. We took turns talking about where we see ourselves in five years, and then decided how we were going to accomplish it. She placed us into groups and we brainstormed how each of us could accomplish our dreams. Everyone was glowing and you could feel the excitement from talking about our futures. I am so excited to take back this exercise to my Interior Design cohort because I know that it is something everyone can truly grow from.

           The four hours went by like it had been thirty minutes, and because of those four hours all of our attitudes have completely transformed. Everyone was already so supportive and kind, but now we are fully ready to conquer these next ten weeks and help each other become the best versions of ourselves!

It was empowering.

Allison Elrod

Where to start? Ariccia, I just adore you. So far, this trip has been one-in-a-million. It is absolutely unbelievable to think that we are only on the second week of our three-month journey abroad. Ariccia has already fit into the category of my home away from home, due to the simple kindness that every local exudes to their new American neighbors. Our random group of 22 strangers has been accepted into this sweet town for the summer to create life long relationships and memories.

I believe that this group (the 50th JBP group EVER!!) is going to be one of the most relational groups to come through the program yet. Everyone is truly fantastic. After our leadership class today and hearing everyone’s five-year plans, I will never forget the amount of encouragement that flowed through each individual after sharing. The support and desire of each person to see their friends succeed is something that I hope we can only continue to pursue these next few months. Everyone is so talented and able to conquer their dreams, today just set the tone for how this program will equip us for more than just a good adventure. We learned how confidence and self-esteem are vital for conquering our future. I believe we can push each other to become the best version of ourselves. From living in such a close vicinity all summer, we get to see each other at our highs and our lows, and because of this, we can create unique and meaningful friendships with our experiences at JSB. Two weeks in and I already see how the Lord brought together each indivdual to Italy for His greater purpose in refining, strenghtening, and growing ourselfves. Looking forweard to all the joyfilled moemnts and travel stories to come!

xx, maggie leigh