Venezia.

Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 

John 12:27

I read this verse on the bus home from Venice. I think it is a beautiful description of Jesus' unconditional love for us. But I also think it can be applied to our lives as children of God. Our Father has a reason for every experience and challenge we face. Instead of trying to find a way to avoid the things that trouble our souls, we must face them with the assurance that God has a reason for the hour. 

Last weekend I went to Venice and Murano. Here are some of the pictures I took in the beautiful city of Venice. It was unlike anything I have ever seen. All transportation is by water: ambulances, fire-boats (?), taxis, busses, and police-boats. I was fascinated at this different way of life. I also loved smelling the salt air of the Adriatic coast. Such a cool place. 

 San Marco Square

 St. Mark's Basilica 

 inside St. Mark's Basilica 

Venice saying arrivederci. It was so hard to leave. But I am glad to be back in Firenze, my home for a short time, where I can walk anywhere rather than swim. 

Pictures of my outfit tomorrow! 

Giardino Di Boboli.

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"

John 14:6

A verse very relevant in my life lately. I've been pondering what it means to know something is true. This statement is truth to me. And I find that so comforting. Jesus is so incredible. I am so thankful for this experience and all that I have been learning. 

The gardens were so beautiful. I want to go back there every single day. And I can if I want to! The Palazzo Pitti is literally 5 minutes from our apartment if that. I also have a museum pass that gets me in for free. Life is good here in Firenze. 

Enjoy your Saturday! 

Roses and Horses in Boboli Gardens.

"'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.'"

Matthew 4:19

Follow Him. He is the way! I love the strength I find in Jesus. I may not have all the answers, but I know that my God loves me enough to send His son to die for me. And to find the satisfaction not found in this world all I have to do is follow Him! I am so thankful for Him. 

vest-- David Kahn; shirt and pants-- Zara; shoes-- Dr. Marten's 

Today Jackie (who took these pictures, thanks Jackie!) and I ventured to the Boboli Gardens. Before coming to Italy I posted about how I wanted to see this beautiful place. It is even more amazing in person, a common characteristic of most of Italy as I am learning. 

Yesterday I finally bought something from Zara, after weeks of dreaming. I fell in love with this horse-head printed shirt. So me. It makes me feel a little better about being so far away from my horse. And pastels are so huge this season I had to get me some light pink jeans. 

And the Dr. Marten's. I have wanted some for so long. A pain in my right foot pushed me to buy them. I guess walking a minimum of three miles around Florence every day in flat soled riding boots isn't the best idea. These have saved me. 

The weather was perfect, in the 60s. At times I even had to take my vest off! I am so glad this cold spell is over, (*knock on wood*) it was pretty rough. 

Tomorrow I go to Venice! This is not real. I don't believe any of it. I will be taking pictures like a typical tourist so prepare yourselves. I am also making a post of the photos not of me taken at the gardens to post tomorrow so check that out!