Mission Accomplished! (. . . I Guess)

This will be my last blog from Naples (at least, for a few months). And, of course, in busy-Andrea fashion, within 36 hours of arriving on American soil this coming week, I'll be jetting off to Tucson with my mother for a bridal shower for my sister and, soon after, heading to D.C. to visit friends and take care of some business. Nevertheless, as I say my temporary farewells to Naples and my friends here, I am terribly excited about coming home!

The last few weeks have provided me a more relaxed schedule, which has fortunately given me time to do some very important things: (1) continue to search for work (opportunities for both summer and fall) and begin to try to figure out some of the bureaucracy and paperwork required to live here, (2) relax and focus on getting more acclimated to Naples, and (3) (last but certainly not least) spend time with my boyfriend and continue to nurture other friendships I have made here.

I must admit, even in my last days here, I am still very undecided on my next steps. As I mentioned in my last blog, I have decided that even though the past few months have been difficult, I believe I owe it to myself (and Naples and my boyfriend) to give it another try. Three months just aren't enough to really experience a place and sense whether you are meant to be there or not (unfortunately!). The current question in my mind, however, is when to come back to Naples. The answer lies in how much (and what kind of) work I can find in Naples for the summer (since the possibilities for teaching English will be more sparse) and, for paperwork, if it would be better for me to stay in the U.S. (not to mention financial concerns).

Regardless of the many questions and unknowns, I am trying to remain optimistic that whatever is supposed to happen will happen and that God will provide the right opportunities and signs for me to follow. :) It is not only a lesson in faith, it is also a lesson for me in patience and tranquility.