As we walked home after seeing the precious relics, we sat at a cafe and talked about what we wanted to do the next day. I told Brian that I was truly happy with everything we had seen. Every place that was on our 'must see' list, we had made it to! I told him we...
Rome
Rome – Day 5
Our Sunday in Rome. By now, I was beginning to get used to walking miles each day. We decided on Saint Mary Major Basilica for an early Mass to avoid walking in the heat. Before I go any further in our story, I have to tell you about Mountain Butorac. He owns the...
Rome – Day 4
Saint Paul Outside the Walls Seeing St. Paul Outside the Walls was something I'd been looking forward to for years. When my father returned from Rome with Julia, Brian, and Nate, this was the place he spoke of over and over. Seeing the chains of St. Paul in person...
Rome – Day 3
I kept a journal while we were in Rome. My intention was to write in the journal every night. I wanted to capture the little details of each day. When I looked at Day 3, I just laughed. There was no details, just three lines of text: Vatican Museum Sistine Chapel...
Rome – Day 2
We walked to St. Peter's Basilica. In 2015, Julia and Nate were invited to sing for Pope Francis on New Year's Day as a member of Pueri Cantores at St. Bernard's of Clairvaux in Scottsdale. Brian, Julia, Nate, his parents, my father, and my brother traveled to Rome....
Rome – Day 1
I wasn't able to sleep on the plane. I've always been able to sleep on flights. Years ago, I traveled from Phoenix to Baltimore very often. I'd read a book for two hours and sleep for three hours. I'd arrive refreshed and ready to see everyone! This time, I'm not sure...
Rome Vacation – the beginning
It can be awkward to talk about vacations. You don't want to be the annoying girl at the 7th grade table who shares another story, but at the same time, you want to share the joy and the process and the gratefulness that came from those moments. So, at the risk of...