Week before Finals- Italian style

A brief update on my life:

I have reached my first "week before college finals" aka h-e-double-hockey-sticks week as the majority of the college population calls it. Except, I'm having quite the opposite experience, and I'm not quite sure if I should be extremely worried about it or not.... Those of you that know me and my study habits and my feelings towards school have seen the worst in me when it comes to achieving academically and how you can't expect much kindness from me when major projects, assignments, or tests are in the near future. Studying and preparing to do well has been so much of my life. Yet, I am now six days away from my first final and I haven't started studying....

I've been doing really well in my class. A's on everything, so I know I have some wiggle room, yet I still feel preparred enough to where I truly believe I can't "cram" for anything at this point. Yes, being abroad and this atmosphere has a lot to do with this newfound calmness, but I think I've finally found my niche in studying and how to keep up with my classes enough to where I don't have to cram in the end. Which is absolutely wonderful! The past few days have been perfect as my time here is coming to a close!

Sunday I went to the center and walked around and shopped with my friend Jessi and came back in the late afternoon and just got in bed and started reading a book. Monday I got to come home early because my Italian class was cancelled and I got into my PJs and got in bed again to finish reading the book I had started the day before. Tuesday I got to sleep in because my classes don't start til 11 anyways and after my workstudy job I came home and watched TV during my freetime. And today we didn't have school because it's a national holiday and I went to the Christmas Market in Piazza di Santa Croce with a couple of girls and walked around there for a bit. I've also been able to write extensively in my personal journals on my reflections of my experience here. I've been wanting to do that very much so for a while and it's nice as the final days are coming to be able to take the time and let it all out.

I'm sure my attitude will change a bit tomorrow and this weekend as I do actually do some studying and preparring, but these past few relaxing days have been much needed, and they've really shown me how much I've matured since I've been here. I've arrived at a rational mindset to approaching academics, and still setting high goals and expectations for myself. Part of it has come from my amazing relationship with God that has strengthened since I've been here and I've learned that I can only do my best and no matter what, it's all in His hands. I've really turned my whole life over to Him in every aspect that I could, and since I trust He has a plan for everything else, I know He has a plan and a reason behind the grades that I receive when I utilize the blessings that He has given me to the best of my abilities.

I've been reflecting on this a lot lately, but it is absolutely amazing what God can do when you put it ALL in His hands. I started praying about my college decision as soon as I started my applications, and when April 1st came and I found out from my last two colleges (one of which had been my number one choice) that I had been denied, I knew from the devotional that I read right before I read my letters that God was with me and He had a plan for me. I honestly never could have imagined this time last year that I would be in this city, in this country, in this place in my relationship with God. But there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that this is EXACTLY where I was meant to be. For so many reasons. One of which is the maturity level to which I have reached and how my life has become so much more peaceful because of how much I've turned over my life to God and the environment that He has provided me with here to learn from.

I cannot wait to get back to the homeland and share with everyone all of my stories, experiences, and guidance that I have received from God since I've been here!

It's crazy to think that I can now say, "I'll be home next week!"
9 more days!!