How Italy Changed Me

I’m sitting outside a small café in the middle of a village in Italy sipping my Americano. Some days I drink espresso like the Italians do but usually I prefer an Americano. You can’t get regular coffee in Italy unless you make it yourself, therefore Americano is my drink. This quaint little village has a population of roughly 2,000, and as I sit I can see the only church in this area. It’s beautiful with bricks leading to a huge bell which rings for important events like funerals and church services. This Catholic church has an adorable priest who loves his congregation well with many of the residents attending services on Sunday morning. Oddly, more women than men attend, it seems the husbands feel “covered” by their wives’ attendance.

Italy has been on my bucket list since I was a little girl. I remember family members talking of their trips to Italy (I come from a big Italian family) and listened with envy hoping I’d be able to go myself at some point. Finally, the stars aligned and one glorious day a phone call from my brother (who has an apartment in Italy) invited me to join him on a trip. I could hardly believe I was getting to go on this trip of a lifetime. Hubby had no interest in going and encouraged me to stay as long as possible. My choice was to travel alone (meeting my brother at the Rome airport) or not go at all. My choice was easy.

I decided to immerse myself in the culture. Which wasn’t hard since my brother practically lives there, and enthusiastically guided me through my Italy adventure. I decided I’d say yes to all the opportunities I’d get to submerge myself in from going to Catholic Mass, eating a cornetto for breakfast, attending the village birthday party of a lady who turned 100, walking steep hills, walking through the cemetery, frequenting the little stores in the village, kissing others on both cheeks, using public bathrooms where searching for the “flush” and turning on water and lights could prove embarrassing, eating stuff like fish with fins and a head and skin and pulling out the bones with each bite (actually this turned out to be one of my favorite meals- go figure!), attended the village festival, and learning to say,  Buongiorno (good morning), Buonasera (good afternoon/evening), and my favorite Ciao (hello and goodbye).

My favorite thing about the word, Ciao is that you can say, Ciao and walk away, and that’s not rude! Could you imagine talking to someone and abruptly saying, Bye and walking away? It would be considered rude and unkind. Personally, I’d like to bring, Ciao to the United States.

I also did something very brave… I went to the dentist. My brother had an appointment and since I’d be there I thought, Why not? and made an appointment for an overdue cleaning. Although my mouth was quite sore after, it was rather nice, sitting in the dentist chair while two Italian women talked incessantly while cleaning my teeth. It was quite an experience! The cost was less than half (or more!) of what it usually costs me. Overall, I’d give it a thumbs up.

I found the Italian people to be warm and embracing, being left with a feeling of joy having come from such an inviting culture. Now I fully understand my need to feed others and offer more when they’ve indicated they’ve had enough. Isn’t food an expression of love?

As I returned home I had an overwhelming feeling of gratefulness. Gratefulness for a life to return home to, and gratefulness for a bucket list trip that was beyond the word amazing.

At this point I’d also like to give a shout out to the best brother in the world who made this trip a reality for me. Bernie, my dear brother, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will cherish this trip deep within my being forever.

The morning after my return home I was drawn to the book of Ecclesiastes. Italy had afforded me a luxury and an experience and a perspective I’m not sure I could have fully realized had I not gone.

“Fear God and keep his commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). I’d read it many times before but somehow it came alive for me and jumped from the pages of my Bible. Could this be the meaning of life? 

“Fear God.”

“Keep his commandments.”

If one can do this wherever they may find themselves I do believe this is the key to love, joy, peace, and contentment.

Ciao!

For more from Lucille Williams check out her books The Impossible Kid: Parenting a Strong-Willed Child with Love and Grace, and for your marriage, From Me to We, and The Intimacy You Crave. And Turtle Finds His Talent for ages 2-6. We invite you to subscribe to LuSays today for regular encouragement.