Oltrarno.

 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4

These verses are commonly quoted when people are going through hard times. Especially the first two verses. At least, when I have been in times of trouble I have read the first two verses, never paying any attention to the last sentence. It wasn't until the beginning of last summer that I actually focused on the last part. And this came up again yesterday. James always seems to get me out of dreary moods. Not only does God let us go through times of trial to teach us and bring us closer to Him, but He also wants us to become mature and complete, not lacking anything. How wonderful would it be to not be lacking anything at all? That's what our Father wants for us! So rejoice in times of trouble. God loves you and if you stay with Him you are on your way to becoming complete. Beautiful. 

On Friday I participated in an Oltrarno walking tour. Oltrarno comes from two words: "oltra" meaning "other" in Italian and "arno" which is the name of the river on which Florence is built. So this tour was on the other side of the river. Not the main side with the Duomo and the Galleria Accademia and all the other famous buildings of which you may have heard. I actually live on the oltrarno side and I was excited to learn more about our side of the river. Our tour guide was so much fun. She took us to a cool cafe, showed us some more gelato places, and took us to this "lab" at which they make etched metal figures, boxes, jewelry, and such. The man did not speak any Italian but after translation I learned that he had been working there for over 40 years. He had sold designs to Christian Dior and had a picture of Bill Clinton in his workshop! 

Enjoy the photos! It is such a cool place. 

 (this was on one of the walls, so cute!)