tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21351113923389492802024-03-13T14:29:20.206-07:00Emily H in EuropeEmily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135111392338949280.post-25136101329820052512012-12-23T13:53:00.000-08:002012-12-23T13:53:13.297-08:00Home Bound<div>
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What can I say other than my experience studying abroad in Rome was truly the most rewarding and best experience of my life. I met some incredible people and made friendships I will cherish forever, I grew in my faith, and learned a tremendous amount about Italian culture and the history of Rome. Not only that but I experienced culture all over Europe. Even though this a cliche, words cannot describe or do justice to my experiences this semester. </div>
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After 27 hours of travel last Saturday, I finally made it back home to the United States. Although I will miss Rome, America is my home. I'm so blessed for the experiences I had and the lessons I've learned these past three months. Now ready to set the world on fire. </div>
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Peace and God Bless. </div>
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~Emily </div>
Emily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135111392338949280.post-63003168338427539092012-12-23T13:41:00.001-08:002012-12-23T13:41:47.575-08:00Blessed by the Pope<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiki6IIzphDikBumBRik_GS_x0rhW3u9ZsyvedtUXiSSnPK25Pv_Y894fjP0E8or6znuWWUbbWWeBCsbsXPT0huhJ7QDNeuu0Y-pWyHGzRIEr-VIhXIP8S34Ji4CdW4Vjw5xp7JW2grkiY/s1600/IMG_7478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiki6IIzphDikBumBRik_GS_x0rhW3u9ZsyvedtUXiSSnPK25Pv_Y894fjP0E8or6znuWWUbbWWeBCsbsXPT0huhJ7QDNeuu0Y-pWyHGzRIEr-VIhXIP8S34Ji4CdW4Vjw5xp7JW2grkiY/s200/IMG_7478.JPG" width="200" /></a>My last few weeks in Rome have been truly rewarding. One story in particular I would like to share with you all. My last Sunday in Rome was spent doing my last assignment for my internship with EWTN. All I knew was that I was going to be their photographer at a special mass at St. Peter's and the Pope would make an appearance at the end. Little did I know how special and intimate it was going to be.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jraH818issZhUi3EDMSOSS3v1KmUV59b_I-06l_Ey3Q9R00Bbw3J4zIlQRDk-gs-5RPMmkJ7j1NDUnLDB0tR9_HYmDbZS1nwHljs847-zsaqoccxBglCRXoe_5RS4x_OhRdVvRFIDnI/s1600/IMG_7238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jraH818issZhUi3EDMSOSS3v1KmUV59b_I-06l_Ey3Q9R00Bbw3J4zIlQRDk-gs-5RPMmkJ7j1NDUnLDB0tR9_HYmDbZS1nwHljs847-zsaqoccxBglCRXoe_5RS4x_OhRdVvRFIDnI/s200/IMG_7238.JPG" width="200" /></a>I was placed in the front row pew to take pictures of the Mass in celebration of North and South America coming together for the year of faith. At most there were about 200 people there. The beginning of Mass was very ceremonial with all the bishops and priests coming down the aisle and onto the altar. The cardinal gave mass, and it was even more special because it was said in English, as most of the time in Italy mass would be said in Italian or Latin. After the final blessing, the swiss guards and security people got ready for the Pope to come in. They brought up a new chair on the altar for him to sit on, and they lined up; the anticipation was building.<br />
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Then finally Pope Benedict XVI comes down the front aisle on his cart that the security guards pushed him on. He stood and raised his hands out onto the people, blessing everyone. He gave a special blessing in Spanish and English on the altar.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TdLIuUxh9kcjmek7CFCPxv4ippkICjl-x6SzOSuYU1WvKDbILqYffkO5GLFrvRKzU9fzbqD056pQsZnR9ayieISaa-aWrvHgBhmwXYqi8LH-FkxQEFKSwWIaJL9sowzL51TJ3TJ5_s4/s1600/IMG_7417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TdLIuUxh9kcjmek7CFCPxv4ippkICjl-x6SzOSuYU1WvKDbILqYffkO5GLFrvRKzU9fzbqD056pQsZnR9ayieISaa-aWrvHgBhmwXYqi8LH-FkxQEFKSwWIaJL9sowzL51TJ3TJ5_s4/s200/IMG_7417.JPG" width="200" /></a>Then when he came down, I walked over to the edge of the pew. When he came down the center aisle, exiting the Church, he was literally a foot away from me. I could have reached my hand out and touched his hand, but I didn't have to. He was right there. I was shaking-this was THE Pope right in front of me! A special moment I will remember for the rest of my life. Feeling very blessed to have this opportunity. I'm so thankful for the experiences I've had with my internship with EWTN, especially for my encounter with the Pope.<br />
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<br />Emily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135111392338949280.post-1007795843055221492012-12-05T13:08:00.000-08:002012-12-05T13:08:02.764-08:00God Save The QueenSome people are probably thinking I'm just on a big vacation right now in Europe. To clear that up, I am taking classes, 13 credits worth. I have papers to write, tests to take, and at the same time am fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to different countries, explore the world, and grow in my faith. <div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQX8CSR6br2-HVlSo5AEEIvEFgrU8YfCYa6v9pJz3zcD75J1SevVJdLUMzdDYMfgEQEvrmZimTryh88hqVJQFdeO-QJu4Sr5KqepX78zOniIkny8-7HN0g0uvRpP_cVro-gd4J8Wx40k/s1600/IMG_6385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQX8CSR6br2-HVlSo5AEEIvEFgrU8YfCYa6v9pJz3zcD75J1SevVJdLUMzdDYMfgEQEvrmZimTryh88hqVJQFdeO-QJu4Sr5KqepX78zOniIkny8-7HN0g0uvRpP_cVro-gd4J8Wx40k/s200/IMG_6385.JPG" width="200" /></a>This past weekend, Mary and I took a big leap of faith and traveled to London, England! Another amazing experience. The greatest part was that we had absolutely no plans whatsoever on what we were doing, yet somehow, God led us on a fantastic adventure. We didn't even know where we were staying until the day before we got on the plane, but again, the Good Lord provided. </div>
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The adventure began racing to the bus that took us to the airport, and as soon as we stepped on, it left. Once we landed in London, it was after midnight so we spent the night on the cold concrete floor of the Stansted airport in a corner behind a big sign and next to the bathroom. Felt like a homeless person. Rough night with no sleep, but I guess a humbling experience. At 4am a security guard woke us up telling us to move. So after two hours of zoning out, we tried to wake up and ate nutella pies. Then took a bus to downtown London. We had no idea how to get to our hostel, but luckily there was no language barrier and we were able to ask for directions easily. </div>
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Heard about there being a free walking tour around London. Turned out to be a great way to start our trip. Had an entertaining tour guide who showed us Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and other famous landmarks. Decided to go on another tour with him later that day, which turned out to be fantastic. Saw Gringots from Harry Potter, the Tower of London, the London Bridge, and Tower Bridge all lit up at night. Plus, got to hangout with English speaking people from all over the world-Australia, England, Canada, etc. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifd9n7s5VcqqdP5HIAGmHYN7LbgPLWF2LN6oDy4djZWMkg-FvKjJDGN2G4ItAVgpT0IHyOqWZn_hH8htu4ue2-KY_F1eNtMauImjPu0cyhMUOEoTi6Ew3QchNb4O1zVAbbHRMuC5XLFis/s1600/IMG_6662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifd9n7s5VcqqdP5HIAGmHYN7LbgPLWF2LN6oDy4djZWMkg-FvKjJDGN2G4ItAVgpT0IHyOqWZn_hH8htu4ue2-KY_F1eNtMauImjPu0cyhMUOEoTi6Ew3QchNb4O1zVAbbHRMuC5XLFis/s200/IMG_6662.JPG" width="200" /></a>The next day we toured the Tower of London and the British Museum. Afterwards we walked for over an hour trying to find the movie theater, but there are no street signs in London so it made getting around on foot a little difficult. Getting discouraged, we turned the corner and what do we see? M&M WORLD!!! Divine Providence. God definitely led us here and it was amazing. 4 floors of AMAZINGNESS. Chocolate everywhere, Christmas music playing, it had to be one of the happiest places around. The Christmas spirit was definitely in the air in London; with the lights hanging on all the buildings, trees lit up, just beautiful. </div>
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Saturday was our last full day in the city. Took our picture on the famous Abbey Road Crossing where the Beatles did. Went to Harrods, the most prestigious shopping center in London, probably even the world. Felt like Black Friday with the largest crowd I've ever seen in a store-Christmas World of course. Later saw the London Eye and attended an Advent Service at St. Paul's Cathedral. </div>
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So maybe this trip sounds like a vacation, but really, it was also a pilgrimage. Learned how to get our way around a city we've never been to before. Put our trust in God in everything we did and it turned out to be a lovely adventure. London is a place I could live in. English-speaking, clean streets, best public transportation system-the underground, it's a cool place. But one thing it made me excited for is coming home for Christmas. Thankful for this opportunity, and the opportunity to study abroad. It's so hard to believe there's only 10 days left. Living them to the fullest. </div>
Emily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135111392338949280.post-72843459024927801862012-12-05T12:00:00.002-08:002012-12-05T12:14:59.733-08:00Northern Italy PilgrimageThe pilgrimage our group took to Northern Italy was definitely one of my favorite weekends spent abroad, and one of the most memorable experiences of my life.<br />
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Took an overnight train to Venice. Arrived at 6am to the peace of the streets of water, got on a ferry boat to the main part of the city and watched the sunrise. This was one of the most beautiful sights I've seen in Italy. Spent Thanksgiving in Venice and had lasagna and bread for our feast. I will say I did miss the traditional turkey feast in America, but was thankful for the opportunity to be here having these experiences.<br />
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After a day spent in Venice, we traveled to Padua. Celebrated Mass in the Basilica of St. Anthony, Patron Saint of lost items, or lost souls. Prayed and touched the back of his tomb. There is something about being in the presence of the tomb of a Saint, like they are really there with you. Gave me the chills. It's wonderful to know there are Saints watching and praying for us on Earth.<br />
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Later on we traveled to the Apparition sight of the Rose Mystica. This is the place Our Lady appeared in 1947 in Montechitari, Italy. Now, pilgrims come here to be healed in the healing water, ask for forgiveness, and pray to Mary for vocations and gain a deeper relationship with Our Lady. It was an extremely holy, peaceful, and powerful place. Walking through the healing waters, and then kneeling on the same steps Our Lady walked down is a moment I will never forget. I felt she was right there with me, and I know our Mother is always looking out for us.<br />
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That same night, we made it to our destination in Bergamo. Here we met a group of Italians our age and shared our faith testimonies with them. It was interesting to hear how they face the same struggles living the faith as we do, even though we are from different parts of the world. Then we sang songs with them. They taught us Italian songs and we taught them our favorite English song, The Damper Song. Amazing how music is universal and even though we don't speak the same language, it was still fun to bond with people from another culture. Slept in a convent with the nicest, welcoming, and most fun nuns I've ever met. One of them taught us a Catholic rap song. Yes, sisters can rap, though they are very humble about it.<br />
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The next day we toured the home of Pope Blessed John XXIII. We even met the Archbishop, his secretary, who is now 97 years old! Amazing how much energy and enthusiasm this man has for the youth and the Catholic faith, what an inspiration, and blessing we got to meet him and listen to his pep talk for us and receive a blessing by him. Had mass in Pope Blessed John XXIII's Cathedral and once the mass ended, our group sang "Magnificat" in the Church and had Italians come up afterwords saying "Bravi!" This kind of thing just seemed natural to us, but really, when am I ever going to have that kind of opportunity again?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-BB4TNGkRxDtBa_6yd39P7vVbk-x3fsx9_t46LbRKdMe2mwCZ4TD6LaIOiG3Yo1WjVh1MvtySBZfnHRfRgiDq79aInxH_kbR0GVVzQz6LXdLbnoqCVU35JKrRVdejQ4nyHhWt_CFq4E/s1600/IMG_6197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-BB4TNGkRxDtBa_6yd39P7vVbk-x3fsx9_t46LbRKdMe2mwCZ4TD6LaIOiG3Yo1WjVh1MvtySBZfnHRfRgiDq79aInxH_kbR0GVVzQz6LXdLbnoqCVU35JKrRVdejQ4nyHhWt_CFq4E/s200/IMG_6197.JPG" width="200" /></a>Later that night we attended the Italian youth group down the street and played games with a large group of middle schoolers. So much fun to bond with these Italian kids.<br />
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Sunday was Italy's Thanksgiving. Again, had Mass but this time was extra special because we were invited to sing in the choir at the parish! Such a fun experience, being a part of their community and celebrating mass with them. Then we experienced how they celebrate Thanksgiving, with a tractor parade! They bless all the tractors and give thanks to the people working in the fields so the local farmers bring their tractors into the town and parade them around with the band leading. I even rode on one of the tractors, so much fun and great cultural experience.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYr_9o_p5LGp_sygaWMvRpZUd7oy6p8xBbyZltOU-L9SC9-Lw2GOi4P7duIDIU5ds9e2mA8Dl9GrBZ9_j0NeLsVTCf5d5fLfFkzyUtbU4WPNZ8Aykh0vMLTbDHX2ZuT5bb7GyZfbI9BY/s1600/IMG_6287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYr_9o_p5LGp_sygaWMvRpZUd7oy6p8xBbyZltOU-L9SC9-Lw2GOi4P7duIDIU5ds9e2mA8Dl9GrBZ9_j0NeLsVTCf5d5fLfFkzyUtbU4WPNZ8Aykh0vMLTbDHX2ZuT5bb7GyZfbI9BY/s200/IMG_6287.JPG" width="200" /></a>Journeyed to Milan and walked inside the Cathedral. Comparable in size to St. Peter's and saw the incorruptible bodies of martyrs and Saints. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Many graces received this weekend. </span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mostly peace,
reflection, and gratitude. Happy to be with these awesome people and being on
fire for God. </span></span></i><br />
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<br />Emily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135111392338949280.post-18800982809959878502012-12-05T11:19:00.001-08:002012-12-05T11:20:39.550-08:00Many Random Adventures<!--StartFragment-->
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8Ha2fCCShYrTy0AXYvwfEshC1bwOJHroNld0V8PxTYneISvTnxgdpEsPkN5IfnxkLt8yb5x0SXG-NSeYuIV7ZBgeqccvhjY6xZRB9ChJnXt-EZLyH4BiG_v9s9Nx6BJ7erA-xtthsSU/s1600/IMG_5579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8Ha2fCCShYrTy0AXYvwfEshC1bwOJHroNld0V8PxTYneISvTnxgdpEsPkN5IfnxkLt8yb5x0SXG-NSeYuIV7ZBgeqccvhjY6xZRB9ChJnXt-EZLyH4BiG_v9s9Nx6BJ7erA-xtthsSU/s320/IMG_5579.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are a bunch of things that I have done since returning from Poland:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Spent the best 5 euros of my life by climbing over 500 steps to the top of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. Saw the most amazing view of Rome and my life at the tip top. God is good. Almost passed out climbing to the top, but with a hundred Hail Mary's, I made it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Prayed by the remains of the EXACT cross Jesus died
on at the Basilica of Santa Croce in Jerusalem. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Attended a seminar at the Paul VI Audience Hall on
International Health Care and interviewed Priests and Nuns for EWTN<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Helped Mary teach English to Italian children at
the elementary school<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Met Catholics from all over the world by attending
different masses inside St. Peter's twice every week. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Journeyed to Florence, Italy. Saw the Statue of
David and other famous works of art. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VkQOr-1-0igoPQfBhDkgZD6MltH7Ttg2h4hyphenhyphenkr3VHpYNdoF0pNtgdKsP_nKvJOHXtmE9ZyGmA778APJGORLiSjTW9mPqEV_kwLI_h7B1UhPSApP7OcpCV8ZIgyk_z5FMR3PQiYYZ1gM/s1600/IMG_5795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VkQOr-1-0igoPQfBhDkgZD6MltH7Ttg2h4hyphenhyphenkr3VHpYNdoF0pNtgdKsP_nKvJOHXtmE9ZyGmA778APJGORLiSjTW9mPqEV_kwLI_h7B1UhPSApP7OcpCV8ZIgyk_z5FMR3PQiYYZ1gM/s200/IMG_5795.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Worked on a project for EWTN where I walked around
by myself at St. Peter's Square, asking random people questions on a new
Vatican story. Felt like a real journalist with my recorder, notepad, and
camera. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having some incredible experiences, cannot say what
a blessing this has been enough times. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Emily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135111392338949280.post-19169743646461819942012-11-20T08:20:00.002-08:002012-11-20T08:20:34.201-08:00Poland Pilgrimage<!--StartFragment-->
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So much has happened the past few weeks I don’t even know
where to begin. Sorry it has taken me awhile to update this, it’s been crazy
busy over here.</div>
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I’d like to share with you the amazing journey I had on a
six day pilgrimage to Poland last week. It was truly one of the most memorable
experiences of my life. I grew so much in my faith and was immersed in a
culture most people don’t get to have the opportunity to experience. I mean
really, who goes to Poland? I will say, if I was kicked out of America, I would
totally move to Poland, that is how amazing it was. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The first few nights we stayed with host families, which was
really fun getting to talk to real Pols and learn about their culture
firsthand. We visited the museums of St. Maximilian and stood inside his same
bedroom, where Pope Blessed John Paul II and Mother Teresa visited. Then we saw the museum and tomb
of Blessed Fr. Jerzy Popieleta, a modern day martyr. Later we journeyed to
Chestahova where we were given a series of tasks to accomplish, which involved
directly talking with the Pols. Luckily most of them spoke English pretty well.
It was so exciting when we asked a large group of Pols if they would sing us a
song in Polish, they did with no hesitation. I love their culture!! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Then we rode the bus to Krakow, my favorite city. Celebrated
Poland’s Independence Day with them in their country! Attended an extremely
crowded mass; but it was so cool to see how passionate they are about their
faith here and it was a blessing to be a part of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People overflowed the streets of Krakow on
Independence day, waving flags, the scouts marched in honor of their
country-basically an awesome day to be alive in Poland. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">During our stay we also had the privilege to have a private
meeting with </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Stanisław Cardinal Dziwisz </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">of Poland! What?! We sat in the same room that
JPII would peek his head out the window and talk to people along the street
when he visited Poland as Pope. The
Cardinal was actually JPII’s se</span>cretary so told us more about him and his experiences.
Then we had the opportunity to pray the rosary inside the same chapel JPII was
ordained a priest! This gave me the chills. Felt like I was in his presence.
Especially since a relic of his was up on the altar. Very holy place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Went to the salt mines later in the afternoon. Climbed down
135 meters below the earth’s surface-felt a little closterphobic. Interesting
how the miners built their own chapels underground. Just shows again how
faithful the Pols are. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The next day we toured the Bell Tower on top of the Wawel
Cathedral, the royal tombs where the kings and queens of Poland are buried,
along with the Prime minister who died two years ago in a plane crash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we went to a museum of royal treasures
and saw JPII’s actual robe and shoes he wore and other belongings of his. SO
COOL. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Later that day we went to Auschwitz. Very sad and depressing
place. Actually sickening. Prayers for the millions of innocent people who died
in this eerie place. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I was so sad to leave Poland. Wish I could’ve spent more
time there, but really, I can’t complain-I was coming back to Rome! Although I
did miss the peace Poland offered. There were no constantly honking horns, and
the streets were clean unlike Rome. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m blessed to have had that opportunity, to learn about their
culture, and more importantly grow in my faith. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Peace and blessings. </div>
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Emily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135111392338949280.post-39242592442236072062012-11-04T14:07:00.001-08:002012-11-04T14:07:58.818-08:00Living the LifeA lot has happened in the past two weeks. Here's an update.<br />
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<br />Last weekend I got to take pictures for EWTN of the papal mass inside St. Peters. Amazing being literally 5 feet away from the Pope. Couldn't see him very well because all the people in the basilica crammed as close to the center aisle as they could, standing on chairs, so they could also get a good picture of the Holy Father. Part of me thought it was cool to see Catholics from all over the world gather in one place, and so excited to see Pope Benedict, but then at the same time I wish people were more respectful of his presence, and of the mass itself.<br />
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This past weekend we took a trip to Nettuno, home of St. Maria Goretti. We had mass inside her house, and I sat 2 feet away from the exact spot where she was stabbed to death and essentially martyred for standing up for her beliefs and faith in God. The priest gave an amazing homily about the life of St. Maria Goretti, and placed so much emphasis on the Eucharist. It was a moment for me where I became closer to Christ.<br />
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After touring her house, we went to the Church dedicated to her and prayed by her tomb. It was right next to the Mediterranean, so we also went to the beach for a little bit. Gorgeous view and so much fun to run freely along the sandy beach and into the water!<br />
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Overall, have learned a lot about Italian culture these past few weeks. Some things to note:<br />
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1. Italian police officials are rarely, if ever helpful. Mary and I journeyed to the American Embassy to mail her absentee ballot (on the cold, dark, rainy day of Halloween) just to find out that it closed 10 minutes early. More ironically, the guards outside the US Embassy did not speak English, and so could not give us any direction of what to do besides come back a different day.<br />
2. Romanitas. If you act like a Roman, you will be treated like one. I've been asked many questions in Italian by Italians lately, and unfortunately all I can say back is "No parlo Italiano"<br />
3. Cappuccino is the best thing ever. So is gelato, nutella, pizza, and pasta.<br />
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Today I went for a 6 mile run from where I'm living to St. Peter's Square. Thought of what a blessing it is to be here.<br />
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Heading to Poland later this week. Also to Florence, Cinque Terre, Venice, Padua, and London later this month!<br />
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Thankful for every day here, for what I've done so far, and for the adventures to come.<br />
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<br />Emily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135111392338949280.post-44336363813745946392012-10-26T11:46:00.001-07:002012-10-26T11:46:11.350-07:00Standing On Top of St. Peter's...Unreal. <br />
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Had quite the adventure today at the Vatican, but really, what day isn't an adventure. Dressed up in my business suit and met the editor of the Catholic News Agency and headed over to St. Peter's Square that was already over flowing full of people from all over the world to celebrate the Canonization of 7 saints!<br />
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So here's what happened. I was supposed to be the photographer and take pictures for EWTN, up on the colonnade, but I didn't have a press pass, so I snuck past the first round of security by walking behind the editor. Then we saw the elevator on the backside of the columns, and decided instead of going up, we'd be closer taking pictures from below. So we got a seat up front on the ground.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjvqntSd2cBhwSH3ytWNMeirWkixrJNpIUtSEYfrPhBnuGHMSCfTQEz2gCi38_HmHZgTehT_OM_BjEKt-dE4_iZco8nZXnX5tlLAPVHZthXgf9zTF2M_yfmnlEVfVT349klGkBhmBkTg/s1600/IMG_4415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjvqntSd2cBhwSH3ytWNMeirWkixrJNpIUtSEYfrPhBnuGHMSCfTQEz2gCi38_HmHZgTehT_OM_BjEKt-dE4_iZco8nZXnX5tlLAPVHZthXgf9zTF2M_yfmnlEVfVT349klGkBhmBkTg/s320/IMG_4415.JPG" width="320" /></a>However, once mass started, we still couldn't see anything, so we decided to try to go back up. Once again, got past the first security guards, but once we got to the elevator, they saw that I didn't have a press pass, and forbid me to go up. The editor went up without me and tried to get me help, but I was out of luck waiting outside the square for 45 minutes...(I couldn't get back in without waiting in line with the thousands of other people, and I couldn't get up the elevator without a press pass.) I tried explaining to the Italian men guarding it that I worked for Catholic News Agency, but they didn't speak English, and I don't know enough Italian, so I was in a harsh state of language barrier, and it pretty much made me want to cry, but instead just prayed I would eventually make my way up there with all the other people from the press. Luckily, the press director finally came down, but that wasn't a pleasant experience either. He started yelling at me because I didn't have a press pass, (but really I had no way of getting one because I'm just interning)...still, thank God he let me up.<br />
Also thank God the elevator didn't break while I was on it, what a shaky ride that was high up to the top.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VxFISwpfB2ha_Pd_qKei5yzFtyMHllfgW5Mb4ZANgm6Wr-xfFUne1ZM05szwq9IihmlGwc_b1m-yB6-PefQSANt8yBe4y_u_0OHGxvXkVCKj8lRlCamY5YFd3uGdDp7xgrF9Kue3Dg8/s1600/IMG_2116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VxFISwpfB2ha_Pd_qKei5yzFtyMHllfgW5Mb4ZANgm6Wr-xfFUne1ZM05szwq9IihmlGwc_b1m-yB6-PefQSANt8yBe4y_u_0OHGxvXkVCKj8lRlCamY5YFd3uGdDp7xgrF9Kue3Dg8/s320/IMG_2116.JPG" width="320" /></a>Once I finally got up there, it was one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen. The perfect view of the Pope and all the Cardinals, Priests, and Deacons up on the altar outside, and then 80,000 people flooding the square to witness the canonization of these 7 remarkable people, now Saints! Took some great pictures, and felt so thankful for this opportunity. Even my boss at EWTN said he's never been on top of the colonnade, so I know I was very fortunate to do this!<br />
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Afterwards, had some time to talk with the editor about possible internships working for Catholic News Agency in the future. It's awesome making all these connections here!<br />
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Awesome day witnessing history, experiencing the bureaucratic system in Rome, and keeping my professionalism together. Learned 2 lessons: One, always have a press pass if you're a journalist, and two, always PERSEVERE to get what you want...and never give up.<br />
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<br />Emily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135111392338949280.post-14935639784744364092012-10-26T10:53:00.000-07:002012-10-26T10:53:47.858-07:00Epic Pilgrimage<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixi1woMAlUs11-T4j5uM9EKsrMMXAAVNQB90BOQKJB8kFm5N3cjRF6OBGsBxztu5HGQEQThlaa83FRqtrFlSrB-T9QkkTuKoeLbjeS8gwQHjQJCVkqGsjsP4YtD920Z344rGXpq5_1Pug/s1600/IMG_4119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixi1woMAlUs11-T4j5uM9EKsrMMXAAVNQB90BOQKJB8kFm5N3cjRF6OBGsBxztu5HGQEQThlaa83FRqtrFlSrB-T9QkkTuKoeLbjeS8gwQHjQJCVkqGsjsP4YtD920Z344rGXpq5_1Pug/s200/IMG_4119.jpg" width="150" /></a>Last Saturday was definitely the best one I've had yet here in Rome, and one of the most memorable days of my life. Our group of 25 students walked over 20 miles on a pilgrimage around the entire city of Rome, visiting all 7 major basilicas. It was the most humbling and faith enriching experience I've ever had. We began our journey by leaving at 6am in a silent hour walking to the Vatican. Carried the banner through St. Peter's Square, and prayed inside the basilica as our first stop of the day. Over the course of the day we also visited the Basilica of St. John Lateran, Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Santa Maria Maggiore, St. Sebastiano fuori le mura, St. Croce in Jerusalem, and St. Lorenzo fuori le mura.<br />
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Although I've been actively involved in my Church at home, I've never had the experience of publicly proclaiming our faith-and it was a wonderful experience to sing throughout the streets of Rome, pray the rosary out loud..(might I mention, we prayed 4 full rosaries today and sang a divine mercy chaplet), praise the Good Lord in all the Churches, and be surrounded by a fantastic group of people all doing the same thing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16btc_suRO_4m0AutZvU06gmmYFZwjdS0AVLhSqbUA_cKy9KEYovIWhSvl2sv7_tyIOMGu8iFQsW4wX_gzKLjiKF3MK1BUMlC6pMYfMy-nqb7wMOB_xIYl1vN3XMiB7TNZtkC-Fa8Xq0/s1600/IMG_4293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16btc_suRO_4m0AutZvU06gmmYFZwjdS0AVLhSqbUA_cKy9KEYovIWhSvl2sv7_tyIOMGu8iFQsW4wX_gzKLjiKF3MK1BUMlC6pMYfMy-nqb7wMOB_xIYl1vN3XMiB7TNZtkC-Fa8Xq0/s320/IMG_4293.JPG" width="320" /></a>We arrived back at 8pm, so 14 hours of walking today-almost a full marathon. It was great to spread joy to the world. Had a lot of people ask where we were from, and I won't forget this one old man who made the sign of the cross and pointed at our banners. Awesomeness.<br />
It also made me think, how so many people are martyred, even today, for proclaiming the word of God. And how fortunate we are here, to be able to do it freely. There is no way this would happen back home in Grand Rapids, but in Rome, people do this, and it's amazing.<br />
Blessed to have this opportunity.<br />
<br />Emily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135111392338949280.post-59946797819713862382012-10-18T14:20:00.001-07:002012-10-18T14:20:42.594-07:00Putting the Puzzle TogetherThis morning woke up early to get to the Vatican by 7am for Mass. It really is the best way to start off your day. Afterwards, got 30 cent pastries and cappuccino with the group. I love mornings like this in Rome. The city is quiet, you don't have Indian people coming up to you all the time trying to sell you cheap squishy balls or purses, and it's a great atmosphere to wake up to and thank God for where you are and your blessings.<br />
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At the Vatican this morning, I ran into my boss, Alan, from EWTN, along with David, who worked awhile for the office in Rome, but is now moving to Washington DC to produce a new nightly show for the station. Right away I thought, how cool would that be to work for them in DC someday! I wished him good luck with the show, and thanked him for helping me get settled with the internship here. He told me about future opportunities working for the Catholic News Agency in Denver, which would get me started and then could move up from there.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKfw34cCqjracgUDa1xInQ0ofcxzUCSYjsZPtHATGp_yOBoOkVZpB3-l7IqjRI8X6LeMcusryX1x0B-eL7_M7Upk856AL6kgYo7stqlFEhSL8Z3FxGMpyCY_EMEK1yIEoJj50eHgr-hM/s1600/IMG_3979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKfw34cCqjracgUDa1xInQ0ofcxzUCSYjsZPtHATGp_yOBoOkVZpB3-l7IqjRI8X6LeMcusryX1x0B-eL7_M7Upk856AL6kgYo7stqlFEhSL8Z3FxGMpyCY_EMEK1yIEoJj50eHgr-hM/s200/IMG_3979.JPG" width="200" /></a>The irony in this is that this afternoon, I happened to meet the director of the Catholic News Agency in Denver, because she happens to be in Rome for the next 10 days. It is so incredible how God is showing me these opportunities, hopefully helping me put the puzzle together. Sunday, I will be working with the director at the canonization mass at St. Peters. We will have VIP passes to take pictures of the ceremony..So excited!<br />
If I meet the Pope, I will definitely post a picture. haha.<br />
Also got to go to a press conference this afternoon and meet and interview the Archbishop Gomez of Las Angeles.<br />
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I know I still have a lot of time to figure out what I really want to do with the rest of my life, but something David said to me today really made me wonder. He said "when I wake up in the morning, I don't feel like I have to go to work...because I enjoy it so much." That's what I want to be able to say with whatever I end up doing.<br />
<br />Emily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135111392338949280.post-26866088719593855532012-10-14T10:36:00.001-07:002012-10-14T10:36:44.584-07:00Amalfi AdventureSaturday, Mary and I made a pack to put the entire day in God's Hands. All we planned was that we were getting on the 5:40 am train to the Amalfi Coast. Little did we know of what was to come.<br />
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Left the Villa at 4:30 am, took a night bus to Trastevere where basically we felt stranded. Had never seen this part of town before, it was dark, and had no idea how to get to the train station from here. Luckily there was a nice lady in the coffee shop that spoke English that told us what bus to take. Got on another bus to Termini Station. Arrived at 5:35am and still had not purchased our tickets. We sprinted off the bus to the ticket machine, printed our tickets, and raced to the train (not even knowing which one to get on-had to look at the signs and figure that out-all in 5 minutes of time!) Found the train and literally as we stepped on, it started to move. All we could think was that was God's Hands right there.<br />
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Rode the train for 2.5 hours. Both of us stayed awake because we didn't trust any of the sketchy people around. Got off the train at Napoli Centrale (Naples). Had no idea where to go next so we asked the information station. Good thing she spoke English too. We had to buy another train ticket to get to Vietri. We got on the train that said "Vietri" but still not sure where to get off because the signs on the train didn't correspond with our ticket. We must have looked really confused because a nice Italian guy helped explain to us where to get off.<br />
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So after an hour we got off at the sign that said Vietri. But that's all there was. Just the sign. We felt so stranded because there was absolutely nothing else around. We were at the top of a hill, so we looked out to see where to go. The view was breathtaking. Mountains surrounded us, colorful buildings over a few hills, and the ocean in the distance; a beautiful sight.<br />
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Decided it would be best to walk towards the civilization. Figured out that we had to take a bus to get to the actual Amalfi Coast. We got on the first bus we saw. A lady started speaking Italian to me but all I could say back was "No parlo Italiano" and she said "No speak English" haha. Then I said "Amalfi?" And she said, "No, Sorrento." So we found out we got on the wrong bus. Got off at the next stop. An old Italian man saw us looking at the sign and pointed to what bus number we had to get on. I tried to communicate by using my English-Italian phrase book and then found out we needed to buy a bus ticket. So we did that and finally got on the bus we needed to.<br />
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The bus ride was an hour long, of going around curves on the mountain. I felt like we were going to fall off the cliff at any moment. Every time we turned, the driver honked the obnoxious horn so no one would run into us. Besides feeling nauseous, the view was incredible.<br />
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Praise the good Lord when we arrived at Amalfi. 8 hours of travel and we finally made it. The entire bus ride I had to pee like Niagra Falls, so when we got there my first goal was to take care of that. I had to buy gelato in order to use the bathroom. They sure get you in Italy. <br />
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Unfortunately as soon as we sat down at the beach, it started raining. I only got to eat half of my peanut butter sandwich before we had to get up and find shelter. That was a hard task itself, because there was no place to go without having to pay for something. We walked around different shops, trying to stay dry, then just decided it would be best to eat lunch in a restaurant because there was no where else to go. Had some delicious pizza at a place that looked out onto the ocean; very nice.<br />
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Then the sun came out! Used this time to take some great pictures and enjoy the outdoors. It was gorgeous.<br />
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The sun didn't stay out long, but we made the most of it. After a few hours we made our journey back home. We had to do the same exact thing as we did on our way here. Bus back to Vietri, then bought another train ticket (harder to communicate with people this time because they spoke absolutely no English). It was pouring down rain, my socks felt like sponges, and our train wasn't coming for another hour. Still, we kept positive. This day was in God's Hands.<br />
The train came, but it wasn't the right one, so had to transfer to a different train later. That train took us to Napoli Centrale, where this time we had 8 minutes to buy our tickets and find the right train, so you can imagine, we did have to sprint again.<br />
But thank the good Lord we made it!<br />
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2.5 hours back to Roma. Took the metro and a bus to get back home.<br />
Overall, even though today didn't go how we pictured it, it was still an amazing day. God protected us and led us on our way. We put all our trust in Him, and he helped us on our journey!<br />
Grew so much, learned a ton. Conquered the train, bus, and metro system and feel empowered to go anywhere in the world.<br />
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<br />Emily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135111392338949280.post-1700699635167657442012-10-14T09:34:00.001-07:002012-10-14T09:34:57.472-07:00Meeting Cardinal Dolan!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Awesome things have happened since I got this internship with EWTN. Seriously I am so blessed to have this opportunity. Wednesday, I met Cardinal Timothy Dolan! Had dinner at the Sor Eva restaurant by the Vatican and sat at the table right next to where he recorded an episode for his radio show! A few students from our group got to ask questions directly to Cardinal Dolan and he answered on the air. After the show, I recorded my question to be put on a future episode, so stay tuned!<br />
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Overall, he is an outstanding representative of the Catholic Church. He has high energy and enthusiasm for our faith, the ability to defend it, and relates to people personally.<br />
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Friday, I had another wonderful opportunity to be a reporter for EWTN and interview a representative of the Human Life International Organization. Got to experience the kind of work a broadcast journalist would do. Felt like Katie Couric. Just a real awesome time to do something I can definitely see myself doing in the future. Who knows. After this interview, took a cab with the camera guy and other journalist to another interview at the Piazza Navona. This time, we interviewed a priest, who is also a famous chef and author. Another energetic man of faith. He even gave me gelato :)<br />
Life is good.<br />
<br />Emily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135111392338949280.post-30288061249946070312012-10-06T03:31:00.003-07:002012-10-06T03:31:58.442-07:00VIP access at the VaticanThursday was the Ordination of Deacons Mass at St. Peter's Basilica. I was fortunate enough to be the photographer for EWTN news, so I had special access throughout the mass to take pictures of the ordination. 29 seminarians became Deacons, and it was incredible to see the joy on their faces up close as they were ordained. They made a huge milestone in committing to a life for God. It gave me the chills and made me proud and excited to see the future of the Church in these young men right in front of me. I've never been to a more ceremonial mass before. The Holy Spirit was definitely present throughout the entire Basilica, that was filled with hundreds of people.<br />
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During the 3 hour mass, I was privileged to sit right in front of the first pew, directly in the center of the altar. Something I know most people do not even get to get close to in their life. Blessed to have that opportunity. Also attended a special reception afterwards at the Pontifical North American College, right outside the Vatican and met some of the ordained Deacons, other priests, and others from EWTN.<br />
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A day I will not forget. Glad my eye was able to survive a few hours so I could enjoy the mass and take quality pictures.Emily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135111392338949280.post-37921871522687977432012-10-06T03:18:00.001-07:002012-10-06T03:18:15.581-07:00Italian HealthcareTo start with the positives, this week I got to experience healthcare and the hospital system in a foreign country. Looking back I'll probably be glad I got to do this. As for now, I wish it was over.<br />
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A few days ago my left eye got really red and irritated. I went to the pharmacia to get some drops, which didn't help, so went and saw a "doctor." Walked up 5 flights of stairs into what looked like someone's apartment to have the doctor look at my eye. He was wearing jeans and a ragged t-shirt, did not wash his hands, and started stretching my eye out and poking at it. At the time, I just wanted to leave, I could not see hardly anything and it was painful to open my eye. So he told us to go to the hospital. 2 hours later using public transportation we get there, just to wait another 2 hours while my eye feels like a bonfire is at its peak inside. Found out people in front of me had been waiting 6 hours, so we knew I'd be there all night if we stayed just to get into see someone. Luckily, the nurse put a drop in my eye that numbed it for awhile so I was able to open it to walk down the street. Traveled back to the pharmacia again and got different drops this time that were supposed to heal my whole eye.<br />
Well, that didn't happen. Another day passed, still not able to see a doctor, and my eye was killing me.<br />
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Thankfully yesterday, I got into see a REAL eye doctor. Nothing like America that's for sure. His office was in his house, the phones rang every 10 seconds and there was no secretary to answer them. After an hour of waiting, he told me my eye was pretty tricky to fix, but was definitely possible. Apparently I have a corneal ulcer. Freaked out. But at least I got the right drops and medication I needed. Will be going back tomorrow to see if progress has been made.<br />
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So basically this whole experience has made me appreciate the quality care you can receive in America. Although there is a lot of controversy in how our healthcare system should be run, we are very fortunate to have the doctors and quality services to help our citizens.<br />
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Have been praying to St. Lucy, the patron Saint of eyesight. A little bummed I had to miss out on traveling this weekend, but I know it's better to get healthy first so I'll be able to experience more later.<br />
<br />Emily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135111392338949280.post-83253500966211267672012-10-02T09:42:00.000-07:002012-10-02T09:42:04.325-07:00Greetings from Rome <i>Looking out the window of the plane, I see land that spreads for what looks like millions of miles. And then I can barely picture the tiniest moving spec, that happens to be a car. I got to thinking, there is at least one person in that car, and the size of that person compared to the whole rest of the world did not even seem measurable. That one person could be me, but I was on that plane, in the air, flying to, (I can't even believe it,) Rome, Italy for an entire semester! The world is huge, and I am beyond blessed to have this opportunity. </i><br />
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Sorry it has taken me so long to finally write here! It's taken awhile to get adjusted to everything here in this amazing city, but I've got a schedule under control now so it'll be easier to keep you updated more often.<br />
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Here are the "cliff-notes" version of what my life here has been like so far.<br />
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The first day we went to the Vatican, and what an incredible way to start this journey. The next full day was my birthday and we traveled to Castel Gondolfo to see the Pope! THE best birthday present ever to stand literally 50 feet away from the Pope, and him wave and say a special blessing in all different languages. Amazing to see how many people around the world gathered and cheered for Pope Benedict. Felt a great sense of unity in the Catholic Church.<br />
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Other awesome things:<br />
1. Saw the Trevi Fountain at dark, all lit up-beautiful<br />
2. Have eaten gelato almost every day, and am determined to try as many flavors as possible<br />
3. Landed an internship with EWTN News Station at the Vatican! Best day ever. So excited for the opportunities to come with this!!<br />
4. Went for a run around the streets of Rome! Feel like I'm doing something outside the cultural norm but oh well.<br />
5. Mass inside St. Peter's Basilica, as well as many other famous and beautiful basilicas.<br />
6. Ate lunch at the Pope's favorite restaurant at the SAME table he always sat at! Most blessed meal of my life.<br />
7. Traveled to Assisi for the weekend and had quite a few adventures. Watch this video for your own entertainment. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs7VmGrSUtQ&feature=g-hist" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs7VmGrSUtQ&feature=g-hist</a><br />
8. Working on speaking Italian, but most of the time people just laugh-like this 9 year old boy I played foosball with, but he made my day.<br />
9. Of course, I'm taking classes as well which are going great.<br />
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So far, I could not have asked to a better start to this semester. At my first day working for EWTN, I transcribed a bunch of interviews by priests. This is one memorable quote that I hope to live this semester by.<br />
<i>"Coming to Rome broadens horizons. You meet Catholics from all over the world. You get in contact with the center of the Church, with the history of this extraordinary city. It changes you. It makes you a better human being, and it makes you a better Catholic." </i><br />
Well said.<br />
Ciao for now,<br />
Emily<br />
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<br />Emily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135111392338949280.post-5235261997621582322012-09-21T10:33:00.001-07:002012-09-21T10:33:27.698-07:00Italy Bound!! Today is the day! So exciting. Finally finished packing and said goodbye to everyone before I left for the airport. Ma and Pop dropped me off, and I began a new chapter of my life. Currently sitting in the Newark Airport, waiting to board the international flight to Rome! Will keep you posted soon!<br />
<br />Emily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135111392338949280.post-34489632871951784052012-09-03T20:11:00.000-07:002012-10-14T10:50:58.367-07:00Getting Excited to Study Abroad!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Getting so excited to study abroad in Italy!! Leave for Rome in just a few weeks! Will keep you updated every week letting you know things I am doing, what I am learning, and awesome experiences I will be encountering. Ciao!</span></div>
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Emily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135111392338949280.post-17229857523711191132009-07-21T10:10:00.000-07:002009-07-21T10:16:20.837-07:00Back in the USA!!!!!<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">To catch you up, the Vatican was absolutely AMAZING!!!!! I really hope I will be able to go back someday and spend more time there. It really is something you have to see for yourself to appreciate its absolute beauty...it amazed me so much...definite highlight of my trip. The last day we went to the Colusseum and the Catacombs-I learned a ton! Then yesterday I got on a plane from Rome to Frankfurt, then a 9hr flight back to Detroit. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I had an incredible experience the last 20 days and I am so thankful for all the people who supported me and had faith in me along the way. The trip meant so much to me and I had an outstanding time and learned so much. I can't wait to show you all my pictures and movie that I will make!!!! Thanks guys!!! :)</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Peaceout!</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Love, Emily</span>Emily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135111392338949280.post-46654611862116356612009-07-17T13:19:00.001-07:002009-07-17T13:19:22.730-07:00Italy!!!Florence was sweet yesterday! U really don't know how big and amazing the statue of David is until u r right up close to it yourself. Also yesterday I bargained a shirt from 8 euros down to 6!!! Pretty sweet. Today we were in Pisa ... Saw the leaning tower, had some incredible gelato... Best thing I've ever eaten. And now I'm in my hotel in Rome!!! Wow! Tomorrow I'm going to the Vatican!!!! I am so excited!<br />Emily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135111392338949280.post-45061656260039778502009-07-15T14:53:00.001-07:002009-07-15T14:53:04.355-07:00UpdatesSooooo a lot has happened since I last was on here. The survivor from the holocost was amazing... He spoke german and had a translator but he had some great things to say. Then Monday we toured the city of Vienna on bikes!!! Really fun. Then we went to prater amussement park... Unfortunately we only had a half hour to ride rides... But we had to pay for them so I only went on the ferris wheel. Then we drove a while to the town of Freisach... Where we enjoyed an entertaining dinner and mideivel games... And then what originally concerned me was that we had to sleep in tents!!!! That was definitely not on the itinerary... But it turned out to be fun. We had a bonfire and marshmallows and the next morning was beautiful. Then we drove to the small town of sirintz ...where a very nice lady made us apfel strudel... Which I'm not kidding ive eaten that everyday I have been in Austria. But it is sooooo good :). We got to see a typical Austrian farm and a water mill- you can drink any water in Austria because I guess it comes straight from the mountains so it is all fresh and it tastes really really good. Then everyone got to throw a wish down the river which was a real sentimental moment. Later we drove for 7 hrs on the cramped bus to Italy!!!! Yes I was so excited that I finaly made it here, but everyone was complaining because we kept getting stuck in traffic- not to mention we were in the middle of cornfields and there was traffic. People stayed pretty entertained on the bus though by putting makeup on the guys and playing charades and stuff. Last night we arrived at the hotel at 11:45pm. Wow long day. <br />Today was incredible though. Unfortunately had to wake up at 6:30am but we went to Venice so I was good!!! It was amazing. Beautiful place. The streets can be very narrow and crowded but it was so cool to cross the bridges to get from place to place and to ride in a gondola!!! So much fun. :)<br />Tomorrow were going to Florence to see the statue of David!<br />Talk to you all soon!!!<br />Emily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135111392338949280.post-70277936133789708152009-07-12T08:05:00.001-07:002009-07-12T08:05:11.441-07:00Concentration campsToday I said goodbye to my homestay family which was kindof sad because they are all so nice and I don't know if I will see them again. Hopefully I will be able to keep in touch with them though. Then we drove to the concentration camp... Mauthausen. Never seen anything like that in my life. I was sick just looking at the rooms and what had happened. So sad. Now I'm sitting iin a hotel waiting... For an hour and a half for the interview with the survivor from the holocost to begin. Should be interesting. Emily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135111392338949280.post-35073240981926337822009-07-11T15:20:00.000-07:002009-07-11T15:37:24.266-07:00Definite Cultural Experience Daymy mind is overflowing right now with all of the culture i have been exposed to today and my entire homestay experience. there is way too much to tell on just one blog. Today i woke up early and went to the supermarket with tina and Hans (homestay family) and they had never tried peanut butter before so they bought that and tried it like a sandwich-i think they liked it. lol. this morning for breakfast they gave me a hard boiled egg with the shell still on it...little did i know i wasnt supposed to peal the entire shell off, instead only the top and spoon out the rest...so they thought that was very funny. also they thought it was funny that i dont eat the yellow stuff (that was still liquid) inside the egg. they are learning a lot about Americans as we are learning a lot about them...so cool. then tina, elise, and i made weiner shnitzel for lunch and also apfel strudel...very good...wish i could bring some home to you all. :) then we went to watch some volleyball matches...but it wasnt professional or anything-just people who wanted to play for fun. OMG then we went speed gliding down a mountain...WOW definite highlight of my trip-you were in this bobsled thing and pulled up the mountain on this track, then you just slide down on the track-i think it goes up past 45 mph -wow that was SOOOO fun. Then Tinas parents picked us up and we went strawberry picking. Then Regina (mom) took me to church-ok that was a bigger highlight of my trip so far. it was amazing. of course i didnt understand anything because they spoke german but the mass was pretty much exactly the same Catholic mass that i attend at home...so it was cool i knew which prayers they were saying and stuff...so i said them in english. :) then i experienced more austrian culture later this evening and overall it was a super day-i am going to really miss Austria-if i could go back to one place it probably would be here. My homestay family is so nice and the people here seem nice too...and of course it is a beautiful place to live... the only thing that bothers me is that everyone smokes (luckily not my hostfamily)...but everyone else does. its part of their culture i guess. i am learning a ton!!!!!!<br />tomorrow though i am going to Mauthausen (sp?) ...the concentration camps. Then we have one more day in Austria, and then we are going to Italy!!!!<br />"Grews Goht"<br />(God greet/bless you) which you would normally say at the beginning of a conversation but oh well :)<br /><br />love EmilyEmily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135111392338949280.post-26888843212475784832009-07-10T12:14:00.000-07:002009-07-10T12:35:04.180-07:00Amazing Austria Adventurewow!!!! today was a super fun day in Austria. woke up at 5:45 am and got on the bus with Elise and Tina and rode for an hour to her school. we had to switch busses three times and met other Austrian students on the way. This is when i really began to notice the cultural differences between them and Americans. for example at the age of 16, they are allowed to smoke (and drink) so yeah there are a lot of cultural differences, including fashion, they hug and kiss each other quite a bit, etc...it was tina´s last day of school, so all they did was get certificates, but it was cool to hang around students from austria. then we took the bus (note: not a yellow school bus) to the city of Linz and went shopping!!!!!! we ate chinese food - all you can eat for lunch and then went to see the movie Bruno....please please i warn you not to go see that movie!!!!!! lol it was soooo fun though to hang out with everyone-kids from our delegation and kids from austria. then i ate an amazing dinner that Regina made for us...it was an omlet filled with ham and cheese...soooo good i will make that when i get home!!!!!<br />wow very fun day today. now i am SOOO tired but i am looking forward to tomorrow!!!!!!<br />peace<br /><br />love EmilyEmily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135111392338949280.post-69634496941864939992009-07-09T13:35:00.000-07:002009-07-09T13:45:52.013-07:00more from austriaalso something I forgot to mention that happened today... in Salzburg, I bought myself this amazing donut-pretzel...so yes grandpa I have eaten a donut in Europe...best thing i´ve eaten in my life!!!! wow that was so good!!!!! ok i just had to write that!<br />bye!!!Emily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135111392338949280.post-33559524561477193132009-07-09T13:14:00.000-07:002009-07-09T13:27:06.091-07:00AustriaWow what a day today. Started off in Salzburg where we got a guided tour of the city. It was awesome :) saw some really cool churches, amazing scenery, and then we rode the bus for 2 hours to Hagemberg where we met some students from Austria - which this was considered our service project. It was fun. :) Then we met our host families!!!! Tina, who is 16, and her mom, Regina, picked us up at the school and brought us to their house. It is BEAUTIFUL!!! They have an amazing view from their backyard- and all around is so gorgeous. Tomorrow is Tina´s last day of school so Elise (whos also staying with me) and I are going to school with her and then going shopping!!! yay!! <br />We also met Marco, (Tinas brother) and her Dad, and tonight we went out for icecream :) so fun!!!!! tina speaks the best english... and it is fun trying to communicate with the rest of the family :) having a great time!!!!!! <br />ttyl<br /><br />EmilyEmily Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16606487145218699301noreply@blogger.com0