learning to expect the unexpected

I'm still trying to wrap my brain around everything that has happened in my life the last four months... really in the last year... or maybe I'm just trying to comprehend my life in general as so many wonderful unexpected adventures keep manifesting. On October 25th, Kyle Thompson asked me to marry him. I said, "yes" and our plans and the wedding have pretty much consumed my thinking since. The adventure of living in Italy and growing in this relationship as doors opened and as Kyle pursued me has been fun and challenging. Kyle has surprised me with unexpected adventures, like our hike in the mountains at Abetone and our scooter ride through Chianti, and we have both enjoyed unexpected encounters (like making connections that have opened up new possibilities and opportunities). 

Life is full of the unexpected, I don't know why I keep trying to figure it out. This time last year I did not imagine that I would be engaged and about to marry a man who is not what I expected for my lifelong partner, but he is just exactly what I need and desire in my life! We are so excited to begin journeying together and making the most of each unexpected adventure as it comes.

Before leaving Italy, Kyle surprised me with yet another, unanticipated adventure – a steam engine train ride to a small medieval town where there was a quaint Christmas market being held (isn't he wonderful and the perfect man for me!). The day started with an early morning drive through a beautiful part of Tuscany to Siena. Our traveling group arrived at the station to find a lovely vintage train pulled by a tremendous steam engine. There was excitement all over the platform as passengers snapped photos and hurried to find their seats. For a moment I felt like I was in one of the opening scenes of the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe where the children are in the train station trying to stay together amidst the crowds as they board their train to evacuate London. All of our party was aboard, except for Kyle who had to drive a distance to park the van. If he hadn't run, he may not have made it, but slightly out of breath and ready to try a new experience, he boarded our car just in time. Most of us had never been on a steam engine train before, and non of us in Italy, so we were giddy with excitement. Just behind our group there was a nice looking young man dressed to match the era and style of the train. The thought of going to a Christmas market and being on a train much like that depicted in the Polar Express easily settled us all into a joyful holiday spirit. Breathtaking scenes of the Tuscan countryside painted with fall colors whizzed passed our window as we caught glimpses of antiquated hamlets and villas nestled on hillsides. The destination was a tiny town not unlike those that we passed. We hiked up the road leading to the town's piazza to find a simple, but festive market. Men with accordions and instruments I'd never seen before meandered through the crowds sharing their hearty tunes. The smell of chestnuts roasting over the fire filled the air. We explored all the tiny town had to offer with their beautiful doors and windows and narrow streets. Shops and restaurants were open with signs and smells to bring you in. A hidden staircase took us down to an old olive oil press where I learned about how olive oil is harvested. We sampled chestnut polenta and locally produced fresh ricotta cheese. After several hours of soaking in the festivities, we made our way back down the hill to meet the remainder of our group. Our train home was full of content explorers, ready for a rest after the day's adventures. 

I am so excited to discover the new experiences and adventures that God has in store for Kyle and I as our lives merge and we sojourn together. Some of the unexpected curves we encounter may be unwelcome, but we are eager and ready to follow God's leading and serve Him whatever mundane and fantastic places that takes us!

After all, He’s famous for great and unexpected acts;
    there’s no end to His surprises.

Job 5:9

the dream called life

[This post was started on 20.10.2012 in Scandicci, Italy.]

I was hanging out my laundry when the thought first hit me. It was the start of a warm fall day. The mid morning sun was peeking over rooftops just enough to give a welcoming warm glow to the trees above me and a few blossoms in the window boxes. As I carefully spread my damp laundry out on the line, a feeling came to me - that surreal feeling of "Is this real life or am I in a dream?" (Hanging out the laundry below window boxes in Italy is the sort of thing you see in movies, not do in real life) - Yet in the midst of my ponder, I smiled. "This is a dream and I'm living it!" God loves to give good gifts to His children. We see this truth in all the beautiful and good things God put in the Garden of Eden (Gen 2:9) and all throughout the stories of the Bible and of course in the best gift of all, His Son. He doesn't just give mediocre gifts, He gives good gifts (Matt. 7:11, James 1:17).  

...give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.                 ~Psalm 107:9

Why then, when He gives so abundantly do we question??? My dream has taken me to places, experiences and relationships with people I may never have expected, but the joy of living out this dream called life, is ABUNDANT. 

For those who don't know, for some time now, I have been in a long distance relationship with Kyle Thompson. In following my heart and going through Providentially opened doors, I find myself serving as a teacher of English and Bible in Florence, Italy while also being as involved as possible with Kyle's work with the Harding University study abroad program in Florence. This is where I often stop in awe and marvel at the path God has placed me on. As if working as a traveling speech therapist wasn't enough!?! 

I am daily blessed by learning to love and be loved by a man whose heart seeks to be used by the Spirit. I am challenged weekly by conversations with individuals who come for an hour a week to sit and talk about the stories and teachings of the Bible, many for the first time. I have the joy of getting to learn a new language and culture! I get to be in a place and with people where explorations and adventures abound. The conveniences that we covet in American life seem so unimportant and I am refreshed by appreciation for the simple joys of enjoying a breath of fresh air while taking time to hang the laundry out to dry. 

Please don't get me wrong, my life is no where near perfect, and there have been and will continue to be many challenges in this journey. But what if it were all just a matter of perspective? What if we approached each day with expectation for the ways that God fulfills His promises and pours out His love in our lives? What if we lived each day as if we were living out the dream we've always wanted, not in dread of what might happen, but with joyful contentment for what He is doing.