Monday, September 28, 2009
Called to Rome
I think it's beautiful how God has gotten rid of pretty much every barrier I've put up as to why I shouldn't go to Rome. Though I've wanted to go for so long, I found that I was scared of being there for so long in a way, so when the opportunity came up, I still rationalized as to why I shouldn't go. But God has walked me through my fears and concerns in wonderful ways, and I am now more confident that He is truly calling me there.

For example, I was so afraid of being in a secular program without a Catholic community, and I couldn't find a non-school-specific program through a Catholic school. But thanks to Maria Colonna and lots of prayer, I found the University of St. Thomas Bernardi campus! :)

When I applied, they only had one slot left for the trip. I almost got discouraged--it was supposed to be for Catholic Studies majors, which I was not. It was supposed to be for St. Thomas students, which I was not. But I applied anyway, and prayed for God's Will. And that one slot opened up to me.

Then, I didn't think I'd have enough money to go. I was making plans to dip into my savings, to extend my working hours during the school year, to get another job next summer, to do whatever I needed to do in order to pay for it. But this co-op opportunity popped up almost literally at the last moment. Now, I've got the co-op, and I've got a way to pay for the trip, praise God! And I'll have a job when I get back, too, so I can replenish the savings account, if necessary.

God has been so good to me, opening the doors for me to get here. There's only one thing which I am still concerned about--missing my family and friends back home. But as my friends have often reminded me, sometimes God has to call us out of our comfort zones, call us away from what is familiar, to get us to draw closer to Him. He has taken me so far; therefore, I go forward trusting in Him, and even though I will miss my family and friends, they will be in my thoughts and prayers constantly throughout the semester, and I know God will be with them as well.

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posted by Kristin @ 9:52 PM   0 comments
Thursday, September 24, 2009
From the Three Rivers to the Tiber
From the Three Rivers to the Tiber.

That’s where I’m going to be traveling in a few months. I’m going to be going from my dear hometown of Pittsburgh to the Eternal City, Rome, the capital of my Faith here on earth, so that I may explore a city which has inspired me with awe for several years. Here I will go to learn more about Our Lord and His Church and to see those areas in which His followers have lived, died, visited, and proclaimed His Gospel for two thousand years. While I am there, I will learn about both ancient cultures and the Church alive today. I am going as a student, to enrich my mind with new information, but also as a pilgrim, eager to grow in mind, heart, and spirit. I thank God for this opportunity—He has opened this opportunity for me in such amazing ways, and I am confident that it is His Will for me to go because He has provided the means for me every step of the way.

This blog is for all of you, my friends and family, who want to follow my preparations to go abroad and my adventures while I am there. Since I want to keep in touch with so many of you and share my trip with you, this is one of the easiest ways to do so. Feel free to comment whenever you can—especially once I leave in February, I would love to hear from you!

God bless you now and always!

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posted by Kristin @ 8:45 AM   0 comments
About Me


Name: Kristin
Home: Pittsburgh, PA, United States
About Me: Seeking my true Fatherland as I travel this spiritual journey with Our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope, with the help of God, to follow in the example of the saints and strive for holiness.
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