Sunday, February 7th, 2010

We're so excited to be here! the 1st week has begun beautifully and I'm meeting so many cool people and making great friends! There is no doubt that the ILS is an intense course, but we still can still enjoy Italian culture, with all its perks and thrills.

Classes have begun and I'm quickly finding my place. The Italian teacher is wonderful and makes the learning lively and ''hands free.'' Leadership classes are in their beginning stages and we began our Western Civilization studies today, with case studies on Julius Caesar. Leadership coaching sessions have also begun and we're all learning the integration of skills and character with the Leadership formational element of ILS.

We've had numerous opportunioties for touring. Interestingly, most of these have been encompassing spiritual experiences. Of them all, the ''Scavi'' tour has been the best. I really didnt know what it was until some other students were explaining the day prior. Its the tour of the catacombs, the deepest areas beneath St. Peter's Basilica. We were on fire as we encoutered all of this, especially as we approached the tomb of St. Peter himself.  ''Speechless'' is the only word I can use to describe it. We've had many city tours, some independently of tour guides. We're slowly learning the way of things: small cars, wrong buses, missing trains. There is just so much to see and do!

The spiritual experience has been just wonderful, with the opportunity for daily Mass and so much more. We're putting together, among the ILS students, a plan of pilgrimages and activities especially for lent. We'll be In Rome for Easter, which is such a great thing. In each church we visit there is such ''life'' and fulness. Its more than the paintings, stone, and relics. Christ speaks with us through his saints even today. Graces are so abundant!

Even after one week, Its been an experience to match all! Each day gets better with more opportunities and challenges!

-Nick Julien