Meet Kayla

To be honest, after the semester ended its been very hard dealing with everyone returning back to the States and the idea of having to make new friends and undergo the whole awkward introduction phase again overwhelmed me. I was beginning to feel very lonely. I picked up traveling on my own because I wanted to break out of my shell (and leave the house) but it didn't help because my loneliness was coming from my empty relationship with God. I was spiritually empty and my soul was craving for the word of God but rather than seeking the Lord, I tried to satisfy my emptiness with materialistic things--shopping, watching movies, traveling, etc. When I came back from my self-traveling, I finally decided to fully surrender to the Lord and I told him my needs. I was lonely and in need of a good friend, someone who could keep me accountable with my relationship with Him and also be my good travel buddy.

Then comes Kayla. Kayla, as my mom puts it, is an angel that God sent to me from heaven. Just to give you a little background on Kayla: she studied abroad in Florence a year ago and after her program ended, she returned back to the States, finished and graduate from university, and had found a job. Basically her life was set. But one day, God told her to return back to Italy and after much contemplation and seeking the Lord, Kayla decided to quit her job, sell her car, and buy a one-way ticket to Italy. Isn't she crazy? Crazy for the Lord! Luckily for me, Kayla was going to stay with the same missionary couple, Joyce and Guido, that I was staying with! Praise the Lord! I got an accountability buddy and a travel buddy all in one! 

Within just minutes of talking with Kayla, I knew that we were going to have a great time adventuring around Italy together! Our first day in Montecatini, we went on an impromptu hike to Montecatini Alto and got to know each other better and talk about our past relationships and just delve into God's goodness. Even though I have only known Kayla for just a little over one week, I feel as if I have known her forever! She really is my sweet sister in Christ <3 

Brothers and sisters in Christ -- presso Viareggio.

My new friend Kayla -- presso Lucca

From L to R: me, Sara, Steven, and Kayla after a hard Zumba workout :P -- presso Montecatini