I really like when things take you by surprise, and it seems to be happening a lot in Rome.  That may be because I tried to limit the number of expectations I brought with me, which I'm finding is essential in traveling and all things involving a big group.

Today I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly someone's attitude can change when they have a minute to stop and appreciate things in the way that is most meaningful to them, like we did for a while after our tour of St. Peter's.  And I was surprised by the way a breeze could reach a cafe down an alley of an alley, in a place you could only find by accident.  I was surprised by how much I loved the Spanish Steps, because from the ground you think the view is going to be little more than an street.  When you get to the top you see Rome's rooftops and the great expanse of the city center and in the distance you see the mountains.  And if you're careful about how you buy your souvenirs you just might find that the story of  HOW you got them is much more of a treasure than the item itself.    

I asked God to be present everywhere all the time, and today I saw him in the most unsuspecting places.

Amy Sund