Arrival in Rome

Our arrival in Rome on Saturday was smoother and less dramatic, logistically, than our arrival in Athens. That was for the best as the emotional transition has been more difficult. It was good for me to remember a few days ago that we had warned the students of the usual emotional arc of a trip like this, and that we were now right around the projected low point of the semester. I guess I am not immune and should have paid more attention in orientation. 

Before we left, Rome was the city I was most looking forward to. Upon arrival it seemed hard and too-much. Part of this is probably due to some logistical issues with our apartment. Still, non-functioning appliances can't bear the full blame for how I have resisted the city and wished to return to Mahon or Athens. I feel a bit like Rome and I have mutual friends who told me we'd hit it off, but when we finally met we found we didn't have much to say to each other. 

Sunday night during Vespers different students shared how they had seen God at work either in their time in Athens or during their independent travel. I found their stories--and that they noticed them enough to mark and then share them--surprisingly encouraging. 

There  have also been moments of magic besides Vespers: watching Meggie hop from one pavement stone to another on the Roman road through the forum (same stones that were under Caesar Augustus' feet). Finally getting to N.T. Wright on pilgrimage in my class. Having 30 people in our apartment packing sack lunches for our trip to Pompeii tomorrow and playing a game together. Setting out on a walk with the kids to find the Colosseum and celebrating with a gelato for us all.

I am not the only one having difficulty transitioning; I've talked with others who share, to some extent, my experience. I think we are starting to pull out of it. What a gift it is to be here long enough to turn the corner! Today when I was walking home from the convent where our classroom is, I rounded a corner and felt, for the first time since arriving, that Rome and I may get to be good friends after all.