Patch.

You know how sometimes you are so thankful that you remembered to do things?

That’s how I feel about my patch.

Many of you may know this very odd fact about me, but a good majority of you all do not. You see, I have this pair of jeans. I realize that they are no “magical sisterhood of the traveling pants” pair of jeans that fit every person, but they sure are wonderful for me. They fit me just right. Everything about them is comfortable to me.

Then, something terrible happened this past November.

A rip occurred in the top left portion of my beloved jeans. This hole was significantly noticeable. I hated having that hole in my jeans. Absolutely hated it.

But alas, I found a quick solution. Something that would hold these jeans over until I could find a replacement.

In an effort to ensure that my skin did not show underneath my new-found hole in my jeans, I patched it.

It was no conventional patch, however. Every day, I would stick a piece of toilet paper behind the hole, so only the paper would show- and not my leg.

I did this for nearly 3 months.

Not so temporary, right?

On the brighter side of things, if I ever needed a tissue or toilet paper for anything, all I had to do was reach into the hole and it suddenly became a tissue paper dispenser. Hilarious. I always laughed every morning when I wore those jeans. It constantly made me, or others around me laugh.

On a long list of things I had to do before I left, I included:

“Put an actual patch on the jeans.”

I finally did it. The day before I left for Italy.

Boy, am I thankful that I did.

It’s cold here- around 40-50 degrees every day with considerable amounts of wind gusts. Had I not put that patch on my jeans, that cold air would have attacked my bare leg or my toilet paper every single day. Neither my leg nor the toilet paper would have been able to handle it- but my sturdy patch could.

Just like the patch on my jeans: sturdy, unwavering, wonderful, delightful and humorous, I have realized that my “patch” here in Florence is the Lord.

Though many might say it sounds cliché, it’s hard to walk around this city and not see or think about His beauty, glory, and majesty that is so easily portrayed in everyday life here.

I saw one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen this afternoon. After a long, exhausting hike up what felt like hundreds of steps, we arrived at Piazzale di Michelangelo, home of one of Florence’s best views. I could have stayed there for hours-- just staring. It was absolutely stunning.

Also, seeing one of the hundreds of Asian groups of tourists throwing up peace signs left and right was one of the funnier things that I saw today. I’m so glad that I was able to get a good laugh in about that!

Before class, I received a phone call from my family at 7AM my time…I wasn’t awake just yet.

Nick informed me that he was accepted into Miami of Ohio yesterday! I couldn’t have been more proud of him! It was well worth the startling awake to hear such wonderful news. J

My classes here are marvelous. My Italian Language teachers, Enrico and Federica, will most likely be some of my favorite teachers in my college career. You see, Enrico is extremely full of life- and energy. Upon his arrival into our classroom, he began speaking Italian non-stop while bounding back and fourth in front of the class. He even learned all of our names within the first 30 minutes—impressive for a new teacher never meeting us before! Fete is elegant in her speaking and will be able to teach us more than just the language. She’s awesome.

I shopped at San Lorenzo Market yesterday and found some beautiful items there… I bought a ring, 2 scarves (to keep me warm) and a pair of slippers. In our tile-covered floors in our apartments, these slippers were truly a Godsend! I was so thankful for them.

Today, I was able to meander around a bit by myself after my class got out. As I walked up and down the streets, the art that fills the streets is marvelous. There are so many talented people surrounding us here. Not only the art is beautiful, but the architecture is amazing. I love it all.

Though there may be frustrating times when trying to read the labels in grocery stores, or having several blackouts in one morning- I have to snicker at it all at the same time. It’s all so different from what I am used to that it makes me laugh. I did learn today that I could re-heat my spaghetti on a stovetop, as long as there was butter or sauce in the pan. Hooray! Also, I did my first load of laundry tonight. The apartment smells of nice lavender detergent purchased at the one and only 99 euro-cent store. Wonderful.

In all the little things, I see our Lord. I see His love, His creativity, His beauty, and even His humor. It’s all so clear and evident here.

For that “patch,” I am thankful.