La Settimana Bianco

Growing up in the Southern part of North Carolina snow rarely made its appearance and, if it did, we were lucky to have even 2 inches of it. That, coupled with the fact that my family took our vacations to the beach meant that snow wasn't (and still really isn't) something I'm familiar with. So, when I found out that for most of winter my host family went to the mountains to ski every weekend and that I'd have the opportunity to go with them I was pretty excited.

The place we went is called Cortina d'Ampezzo which is located in the Dolomites. The town was quaint and the mountains magnificent. I obviously took a few pictures but when you're in places like that pictures just don't do it justice. I've found in those instances its best to just stop, look and soak in the moment. Most days I spent exploring the town and walking on one of the many walking trails. One day, though, I got to ski. I mean - how could I be in one of the most beautiful ski towns in the world and not at least attempt!? So, one day Amy, two new friends of ours from Norway and I went skiing. While I was not very good (skiing will not be my sport, that's for sure) I had a great time! Actually, one of my favorite moments of ever being in Cortina was the day we went skiing. After a few runs on the slopes we took a chairlift to the very top of one of the mountains where there was a pizzeria. There we ate, we talked and just enjoyed the absolutely stunning view. It was definitely one of those "I can't believe I'm here doing this" moments.

Being in Cortina was such a privileged and I'm so thankful I got the experience that I did. But, in light of always being honest - the first few times I went were tough. I first went when I had just gotten back in Italy and I wasn't feeling all that settled yet. I was feeling pretty lonely and kind of purposeless. I had a lot of alone time and not many things to do. So, I read a bunch and took walks and attempted to water color (a new hobby I'm trying to learn since I have the down time). But, the majority of my days were spent alone thinking, alone walking, alone painting. Which, for an extrovert like myself, wasn't ideal. I can remember waking up Saturday morning with a feeling of panic thinking - What am I going to do today? How in the world am I going to fill my time?

Looking back, honestly, that alone time was pivotal. You see, my focus for this year has been prayer. I've been trying to figure it out - it's meaning, the importance, how to do it, etc. It may sound crazy for a believer of 20+ years to be just starting to dig into but I realized how little I truly know about it. So, wouldn't you know that as I started that journey the Lord decided to give me lotssss of time alone to figure it out. I had no excuses. There, in the mountains, the Lord gave me the time I desperately needed to meet Him in prayer and learn.

Of course in the moment I didn't like being forced into the quite and stillness, but looking back it was actually the most perfect timing. Funny how the Lord works it that way, huh? ;) This is just another instance where I am thankful His plans work out and mine don't.

The view from the very top of the mountain.

Below are some pictures I took during my time in Cortina. Luckily for me, Amy (another au pair in Vicenza and one of my closest friends in Italy) was there with her host family at the same time as I was so we were able to do things together. So thankful for that!!