I went to the woods….

I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately…

5 days in 1 paragraph

If the woods were graffiti covered and thousands of years old, then I am in the rainforest. I would love to go back and describe in detail: the single-serving day of a journey in the air, the lost luggage which turned out to be a huge blessing, the 12 hour nap, discovering a bidet in my apartment, haggling with an Italian speaking bengladeshi man over the price of boxers, Isaiah 40-53 and pages written in a journal, friends at the coffee shop downstairs, homemade gnocchi served in a room buzzing with locals and no open tables, deep fried mozzarella and proscuitto on a stick, 45 estimated kilometers walked, pistachio gelato, zabaglione gelato, nutella gelato, piles of cheese, proscuitto, and bread, reading II Timothy in front of the prison that Paul sat in to write it, 3…4…5..am conversations back to the USA through my best friend skype, finding my limitations and the power of communication, still nights looking over the city in prayer, moved beyond words, information overload, mental exhaustion and days of conversations just beyond my reach, anticipation for what God will do and being humbled by His perfectly firm and gentle touch. But I really don’t have time to rehash the past 5 days.

Today in 3 paragraphs

I awoke this morning to a warming roman sun against my sleepy eyes remembering the manner in which I fell fast asleep. It was Friday morning. Gabriele leaves for Milano and Orvieto and therefore I must stay in a hostel for the next two nights due to his agreement with his landlord. I showered and arranged everything in such a way that a choleric (such as Gabriele) would be proud. I now had the next three days items in my backpack and set of for “The Yellow” ranked as the fourth best hostel in the world last year by everyone who uses hostelworld.com (a very popular way to book hostels around the world.)

I began the 5km walk with a self made panino in hand and knowing the city well enough now I didn’t ask for directions. Arriving, I have discovered a new definition of the word “purgatory” this place is a hostel/bar that encourages every vice and addiction with very cheap prices and if you’re good at languages you can work here too. So, purgatory then, is a place that squeezes the sin out of every culture like a bruised lemon, swallows the seed and serves another shot in their famous Mr. Hyde shot glasses…while enjoying Jay-Z rapping “99 problems”. You work and live here and don’t need to leave, I mean really. They have thought of everything that any 20 something would absolutely love. Free WiFi, ability to rent laptops with first 30 minutes free, super “cool” interior, no limits except no sex in the mixed rooms, and cursing in their packet of rules. Pub crawls, skype headsets, cheap food, and even cheaper alcohol round out this metropolis. God, what am I doing HERE!!! (He’s always got a plan!)

So, all that said, I have set up my office here and am reading the Word and then going to find the university nearby to read history of WWI and learn some Italiano. There I expect to find some shade and beautiful old things to touch, think, and I hope some great conversations. Arriving here wondering at God why this is the hostel I am in, I was able to tell the receptionist Esther, the story of Esther. God’s word continues to be spoken and hopefully shouted with my life.

I am praying for you and can’t wait to download the REAL Church podcast on Sunday.