Wow today was free day, and relaxation was not a part of it at all. It was a mad dash through Rome to see what we could see. We went to the Vatican and saw St. Peter's Basilica, which was amazing. We totally got yelled at for laying on the floor. We were told "Get up! This is a church, not a supermarket!" I didn't see the resmblence to a church, more like a shrine to man, but whatever.
We also got to go see the colloseum. It was amazing, and we also did some shopping... Well, not me, but the girls in thr group did. I ceased many opportunities to lead, and exhibitted leadership well. It was stressful and we probably walked about 10 miles today, but the discipline was wonderful. I feel called to lead and certainly enjoy holding myself to a certain standard to set an example for the rest of the group.
I have truly grown to lead in such a way that not only have I gained the respect of others, but I have learned to respect myself. By my own strength and my own will... I cannot wait to step up and lead at home. I'll talk more about stuff later.
-Ryan Jackson
(Afterthoughts)
Rome was Ok... It wasn't what I was expecting. I don't think anyone expects it to look like downtown detroit with ancient ruins scattered around it. There was grafiti, EVERYWHERE! Oh, and pick pockets too... Cars didn't stop, women wore see through dresses, and did I mention there were pick pockets?!
I love history, and to see things that predate anything I've ever seen before was awesome. However, my heart was still with the church in Giovanazzo. I didn't necessarily care to sightsee as much as the rest, as you can tell by the latter portion of the entry. I wanted to continue leading a ministry group. I stayed up front with Travis and helped him out as he was just coming down ill, (to which he totally passed on to me, 2 weeks later, and I'm still sick). Ministry was still my priority. I felt selfish for taking a day to sightsee, though we definitely earned it.
I do believe my favorite part of Rome though was the Vatican. I know, it's almost a sin to say that, but it was! I'm a sucker for church history. I know, the colloseum has plenty of early church heritage as well, I just didn't connect to it that way. I didn't get that dark feel. I just saw, tourist trap... As I did with the Vatican as well, however I stood within the Basilica that prompted the church to issue the indulgences which would pardon you from having sexual relations with the virgin mary!!! How cool is that?! I got hoverhands where monks would fulfill their lifes work by pilgrimage! I stood on the very same soil Martin Luther stood upon as he gazed shocked and appauled at what the church had become, as opposed to what it should have been... I think I did the same thing... Seriously, now that I look back, IT WAS AWESOME!
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| Caesar Edition. |
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| Hoverhand @ the Colloseum |
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Hoverhand within St. Peter's Basilica
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| Inside the Colloseum |
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| Justin Planking the Colloseum |
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