Back to Work

It's been a very long week.  I'm still trying to process through everything I saw at Rome last week.  There's really nothing on my list that I didn't get to do.  I take that back.  I didn't see the inside of St Peter's.  We arrived to see it, and they'd closed it b/c the Pope had a public audience.  Instead, I saw the Pope.  I didn't stick around for the blessing he was giving out.  (Protestant kicked in I suppose)  Overall, I saw and learned far more than I would have with almost any other guide.  The picture is Chris Broddle and myself in front of the Spanish steps.  Chris organized and led this trip.  He's the British padre at SHAPE.  His knowledge of Rome was astounding.  I had to include a picture with him b/c he made such an issue of being in pictures.

On the more personal side, the week was a great opportunity to get a couple of hours alone each day.  It's been a while since I've had so many days in a row with that opportunity.  It's a huge opportunity to spiritually catch my breath.

Since I know my Mother really only checks this for stories and pictures of my children, I'll mention bringing Isaac's gift home.  I'd bought a horribly cheap and tacky Roman soldier outfit for him.  It had a breastplate (Neither of us could figure out how to get it on him for several days), sword, shield, and helmet.  He's currently trying to stab Emily with the sword.  He insisted we sword fight each day I've been back.  He uses the cheap sword and gives me the nice, carved, wooden sword I also brought him.

I should get a few picture posted in the next few days.  I'm still sorting through them.