Tea Time!

This afternoon, I had the absolute pleasure of dining with SPU President Emeritus Eaton and his beautiful wife, Sharon while they are here in Roma. A good mutual friend put us in contact and we had a delicious lunch and tea at Babington's Tea Room, next to the Spanish Steps. President and Mrs. Eaton are both so sincere, intelligent, kind, gracious and wonderful. I felt like a sponge, soaking up all they had to say, not only on the topic of higher education, but that of faith, Italy, the Church, Phoenix and life in general. They were very interested in my work at the convent and it was so fun to tell them about my Roman experiences thus far. I was honored they would take time out of their schedule to lunch with me and it was truly one of the highlights of my time here in Roma. Unfortunately, I was too enthralled in our conversation to ask for a photo! Thank you, Dr. and Mrs. Eaton for your support, encouragement, generosity and a fantastic few hours of friendship! I look forward to seeing you both again soon! 

The Weekend Update

We celebrated beautiful Ninetta's birthday at the convent on Friday! She brought in a cake for those who were there (four of us, in total) and we spent time singing, dancing, eating and laughing. It was such a few moments of joy- I could not have been happier to honor this amazing woman of Christ who I continue to love. And boy do we love to express our LOVE for each other ; ) Highly annoying to others, I am sure!! I had already given her the present from Kath and I- a rosary bracelet from the Vatican which I had purchased for myself five and a half years ago when I was there with Lisa and Jess. I wanted her to have the same bracelet as me and now we can wear them and work together. 

I was giggling though, as Ninetta sometimes forgets my name and has to ask the Seester what it is...and while I don't speak Italian I can figure out what "como te llamas??" means followed by Seester saying "Sayah" ; ) Below are party photos and a few things which have inspired me this week. Time is flying by....almost November and my adventure is half over :( By the way....UW plays ASU at Husky Stadium tonight. Old school vs. the new school....GO DAWGS! 

Beautiful cake to celebrate such a special woman. It was delicious- I had two pieces...

The honored guest with her cake 

I tried to teach Seester how to use an iPhone and she cut me out of the photo!! : ) I do love this picture because you can see how short Ninetta is- 4 feet 9 inches tops, I would say! Finally someone shorter then me....

Spanish Steps at night

I love running along the Tiber!! The air is finally crisp and cool

San Pietro from the Castel Sant' Angelo market where I go to read and drink wine kale smoothies ; ) 

Week in Review

 The Seeesssters are getting a little feisty! (I was warned this would happen). Last week I was banished to the chapel to pray for the last 20 minutes of my shift (I am still confused about the meaning of this, not sure if I was in trouble or they just thought I needed to pray) and this morning one of them said to me "Sayah, you are looking really sloppy and sleepy today!" Hahaha why yes I was, thank you for pointing this out, Seeester! (The Italians call them Seeesssteers, so that is what I call them now too-I went running once my shift was up today, so I was dressed in my Lulu gear and tennis shoes, not the normal jeans and a tee). They also told me I drink too much coffee and have cut me off several times...Oh the Seesters!! God bless them. 

Below is a photo recap of my week, including a five mile run along the Tiber (my first real run since the marathon, it felt so good! I will do a 13.1 mile Roman run before I leave in December, so I can say I have done a half in Italy!) and a trip to St. Peters Basilica and the Dome. There is a HUGE AS Roma/Bayern Munich Champions League game tonight, so I will go and watch it at a bar somewhere with all the crazy Roma fans....and I definitely won't be looking sleepy and sloppy ; ) LOL

Mosaic

Papa giving his weekly address from his room

For Keith! Rowers along my Tiber run

San Pietro from above 

Up close 

San Pietro 

San Pietro

San Pietro artwork 

Bernini's work is so incredible

The never ending stair climb to the dome- being highly competitive, I passed just about everyone in front of me...cause it's a race, ya know!?! Sometimes I forget I work at a convent : /

View from the top of the dome

Dome rules

Vatican Gardens 

Swiss Guard- they do their laundry right next to my apartment and I always see their uniforms being ironed ;  )

Left my mark on a Roman tree! 

Italian Cuisine

Because I have been talking about cooking so much lately, I thought I would share a few of my favorite Italian recipes: 

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Stew (serves 4, prep time: 20 mins, cook time: 4-6 hours) 

6-8 chicken thighs, fat and skin removed, cut into pieces 

2 carrots, peeled and sliced 

2 stalks celery, sliced 

1 medium onion (EEWWWW) diced 

2 cloves minced garlic (I just mined like 19 cloves of garlic at the convent yesterday, my hands still stink!)

2 medium tomatoes, diced 

12 baby potatoes, cut in half 

1 and 3/4 cup chicken broth

1 tbsp tomato paste 

2 tbsp white wine

Just before serving add: 

1/4 cup of water

1 and 1/2 tbsp cornstarch 

3 tsp balsamic vinegar

a twig of fresh rosemary, chopped

salt to taste

Place ingredients in slow cooker for 4-6 hours on lowest setting. Add water, cornstarch, balsamic vinegar and rosemary just before serving and stir until no lumps remain. Add additional salt if necessary and serve hot and fresh! 

Limoncello (takes one month to prepare) 

Infuse bottle of 100 percent-proof vodka with rinds of 15 lemons for 30 days

Heat 2 cups of sugar and 5 cups of water to make the syrup

Combine syrup with the lemon vodka then add a second bottle of vodka 

Wait another 30 days then bottle and serve from the freezer 

Spaghetti Carbonara (makes 4 servings, prep time: 5 mins, cook time: 15 mins) 

8oz. spaghetti

2 large eggs

3/4 cup grated parmesan

4 slices bacon, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

salt and pepper, to taste

2 tbsp parsley leaves, chopped

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta, reserve 1/2 cup of water and drain well

In a bowl, whisk together eggs and parmesan and set aside

Heat a large skillet over medium to high heat. Add the bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes while reserving the excess fat

Stir in garlic for one minute, then add the pasta, egg mixture, gently toss and combine while seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Add the reserved pasta water, combing one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached

Serve immediately, with wine ; ) 

Pumpkin Cannoli's (serves 12 mini cannoli's)

1/2 cup ricotta cheese

2 tbsp powdered sugar 

1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

2 tbsp heavy whipping cream

12 mini cannoli shells (y'all can make yours from scratch, but I prefer to purchase these, much easier!)

Semisweet mini chocolate chips, for decor 

In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg

In a small mixing bowl, beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold the cream into the ricotta mixture and chill for one hour

Once chilled, pipe the mixture into each individual cannoli shell and add the chocolate chips 

The Sisters of Charity: A brief overview

For those interested, below is a little more information on the Sisters I work with:  

Foundation:

Mother Teresa began work with the poor in 1948 adopting Indian citizenship. She went to Patna for basic medical training in the Holy Family Hospital and then ventured out into the slums. She started a school in Motijhil (Calcutta) where shortly after she started tending to the needs of the destitute and starving. In the beginning of 1949 she was joined in her effort by a group of young women and laid the foundations to create a new religious community helping the "poorest among the poor" aka The Sisters (also called the Missionaries of Charity). Today it has over 4,500 Sisters running orphanages, AIDS hospices and charity centers worldwide. The Sisters are caring for refugees, the blind, disabled, the elderly,  the mentally and physically ill, alcoholics and drug addicts, the poor, homeless and victims of floods, epidemics and famine. The convent I work at mainly works with homeless women who have been taken in from the streets and have no place else to go. They receive food, medical care and medication and a place to live and sleep. Men are allowed to come to the convent in the evenings for dinner and eat in a separate area from the women. 

How does someone become a Sister? 

It takes nine years to become a full-fledged Missionary of Charity. At the beginning, anyone interested in this life can come for a short term "come-and-see" experience. (NO- this is most certainly not what I am doing!!) If young women still wish to join and are still considered possible candidates by the Congregation (they would have kicked me out by now, LOL) they enter Aspirancy, where they focus on learning English (which is the community language) for those who are not from English speaking countries and deepening of their Christian life. It is followed by Postulancy (introduction into the study of the Sacred Scripture, the Constitutions of the Society, Church history, and Theology). If found suitable, they enter the Novitiate, which is the true beginning of the religious life. Novices wear a white cotton habit with a girdle and white saris without the three blue stripes. In the first year (called canonical), they deepen their life of prayer and relationship with God along with their knowledge of life as a Missionary of Charity, the second year is focused on the practical training for the mission life. After two years, they take temporary vows for one year, which are renewed annually (five years in total). They also receive the blue striped sari of the Congregation and a metal crucifix as a sign of their spousal love for Christ. In the sixth year, they travel to Rome, Calcutta or Washington D.C. for "Tertianship", a year of deep spiritual growth, at the end of which they make their final profession.

What sort of possessions do the Sisters have? 

Ummmmmmmmmmm....NOT MUCH. A Sister's possessions include: three saris (one to wear, one to wash, one to mend); two or three cotton habits; a girdle; a pair of sandals (I have only seen the Sisters wear sandals); a crucifix; and a rosary. They also have a plate, a set of cutlery, a cloth napkin, a canvas bag, and a prayer book. In cold countries, nuns may own a cardigan and other articles suited to the local climate such as a coat, scarf, and closed shoes. 

The daily life of a Sister in Roma:

I had a conversation with Sister Claire recently where she explained to me the Sisters all wake up at 4:30am. They spend a few minutes cleaning their beds (they all sleep in a common room), they pray for an hour, have some quiet time, attend mass and then start work in their respective areas at 7am. They work until the evening and are in bed around 10pm each night. 

Now a personal sob story which has nothing to do with anything I just posted above: I had to run back to the convent this afternoon to ask Sister Lutiza a question. While I was waiting for the Sisters to finish praying (they do this every afternoon), I encountered a man who started to talk to me when he discovered I was speaking english to another volunteer. We chatted for a few brief minutes and he told me he had just moved to Roma from Milan and he was doing a story on the Vatican, as he is a photographer for National Geographic (he is American and from Indiana). Now, I doubt this man is my soulmate, but we spent a few minutes talking and I really wanted him to ask me out- he was nice, very smart and well educated, handsome, older than me, he has a good job and is living in Roma- all qualities I love!!! Well- our conversation was cut drastically short by Sister Lutiza coming down the stairs and whisking me away to said patient's room (a stroke victim the Sisters take care of) who needed medical assistance (and by medical assistance I mean I had to help change her diaper). So- instead of being offered dinner by this dashing American photographer, I was stuck doing some dirty work (for real). Karma for something I have done, I am sure! I didn't even get his name and he was gone by the time I left : ( Once again, the Sisters are plotting to ruin my love life! 

Lacy comes to visit!

My friend Lacy from Enumclaw is visiting this week. This is her first trip to Europe, so it has been special to show her around the city and explore all it has to offer. We never fail to get ourselves into some crazy adventures when we are together and naturally, Roma has been no different! 

A blonde and a brunette take on Roma 

Roman Forum

Rockin the aviators while touring Piazza Novana 

Via dei Coronari- one of my favorite streets 

Six course dinner in the Trastevere District 

Scala Santa 

Tea at Babington's next to the Spanish Steps 

Bike Tour (survivors)! We almost died about nine times....but safer than a scooter- my original idea ; ) 

Joanna and I made pasta for the women at the convent this morning: peas, tomatoes, ham, red sauce from scratch and olive oil- I had a large plate and it was delicious if I do say so myself ; ) 

These are a few of my favorite (Roman) things!

I have been in Roma one month now! Time really has flown by- it does seem like just yesterday I had arrived and was first meeting the Sisters and getting set up in my apartment. Each day truly does keep getting better and better. To say that I feel blessed to be living this new, exciting, adventurous, fulfilling life is quite the understatement. I feel more than blessed....I guess I cannot really describe the feeling because I have never experienced it before, but I am just so happy and fulfilled and excited about EVERYTHING. I am excited to be here, I am excited about my experiences here, I am excited about the future- going back to Arizona in January and attending ASU for grad school....I am also thankful for the past and the things which have shaped me into the woman I am today. 

Thank you to everyone who has loved and supported me, both here in Roma (Kath and Anita most especially- they are my Roman angels!!) and back at home. I have so many people who have expressed how thrilled they are for me and it makes my heart very happy to have such wonderful, loving and valued friends. 

Roma is a very unique and fun city. I have explored so much already and have acquired some favorites: 

Favorite Cafe: Cafe Mox- right next to my apartment, I go here in the morning to read and drink a latte- I sometimes return for dinner as it is cheap, the food is great and the staff is very friendly. 

Favorite Restaurant: LoveEat! This place is adorable with delicious food and a very young and fun atmosphere. The salads are to die for and I took of picture of the menu so I could try to recreate them back at home ; ) 

Favorite Sister: They aren't reading this so it's ok to share ; ) Sister Lutzia, for sure. I love them all, but Sister Lutzia is very loving, intelligent and always takes time to spend a few moments chatting with me about my day and my life in Roma. 

Favorite Activity: I really only do a few things....work with the Sisters, explore around town, eat good food and drink good wine ; ) and read...so if I had to choose, I say exploring. Tough life, I know! I am currently reading an excellent book I can't put down, The Pillars of the Earth- love it! 

Favorite Store: SEPHORA. Some things will never change ; ) As I mentioned, I have been to all three in Roma (multiple times). 

Favorite Italian store: This isn't really a store, but I spent hours in the Vatican Museum gift shop. Like more hours in the gift shop then looking at the art ; / In my defense, I have been to the Museum numerous times, so it was really fun to look for things for my friends and family. I am going again on Monday and will be picking up an extra special present for Nanita as it is her 70th birthday on October 13th. We sang several renditions of "Happy Birthday to You" this morning and presented her with treats. And by "we" I mean me and Kath : ) Everyone else just stared at us! Ha. She loved it. I love her. 

Favorite Gelato Flavor: Kinder Bueno! I also had peach and it was excellent, but Kinder Bueno (a mix of chocolate & hazelnut) is the best, in my opinion. 

Favorite Item to Cook: Pasta, of course!! I really love Spaghetti alla Carbonara. 

I am headed to Florence on Saturday and the Isle of Ponza on Thursday, it will be great to explore more of Italy! 

A visit to the land of World Cup Champs!!

I took a few days off from the convent and spent a long weekend in Kaiserslautern, Germany with my cousin Ryan, his beautiful wife and their three adorable and very fun kiddos. We had an absolute blast at an authentic Oktoberfest in Stuttgart, an awesome lunch and play afternoon at Gartenschau park (with a fall harvest theme!) mass (in english!!) a visit to the famous Heidelberg Castle, a 110 MPH ride in a BMW on the autobahn : ) and the most incredible food and drinks I have ever tasted. I especially loved spending quality time with Ryan, as I had not seen him in years and have many great memories of our Montana adventures from my childhood. A huge thank you to the Perusich family for welcoming me into their loving home and treating me like a queen- I can't wait to show you the same kindness here in Roma soon!  

Mia, Chaz, Ryan, Avery and Hayden 

Ryan and I were crazy enough to ride this thing....

Girl time with our traditional Oktoberfest cookie necklaces :) 

Carnival from the Ferris Wheel- PACKED! 

Mimosa lunch! (I had actual food, too) 

The girls with the winning pumpkin

Cutest cousin award goes to these girls!

Pumpkin Alphorn

Heidi House! 

Hayden (11) Mia (9) Avery (6)

Sarah (29) still actin like a kid at the park ; ) 

Edelweiss 

Park loungin- waiting for Jessie to fly over and serve me a drink (that was her job this summer ; ) 

So much fall!! Loved every minute 

Mastered these slides....

Delicious Pumpkin Wine

My first (and most likely only) Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season in Heidelberg! Chaz is witness to just how excited I was upon seeing this Starbucks 

Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Store 

Heidelberg Bridge 

Castle 

Heidelberg view from the Castle 

Delicious German lunch at Vetter 

Poppin (authentic French) bottles upon learning I had been accepted to grad school at Arizona State University this January. Thank you Chaz and Ryan, for making this moment special for me!