Where do I start?

The last entry to my blog was a paper I wrote back in...September? I don't even remember... But after the Greece trip that we took at the beginning of October, in which I traveled to Olympia, Delphi, Athens, Nafplion, Mycenae, and Corinth, the semester just exploded in all of our faces. From mid-terms to papers to fall break to Northern Italy, it has been a non-stop series of fortunate events. ...I honestly am just so confused as to how I am supposed to thank God for all that He has given me. So much has happened and so much thanksgiving is due. Even as I sit here in the Capp Bar, I find myself lucky and so very thankful to be in the presence of so many wonderful people around me.

Ever since that first paper turn-in, I have traveled to Greece, France, Germany and Northern Italy. I depart for Ireland on Wednesday to celebrate thanksgiving with, well, the Americans with whom I'm traveling because the Irish don't celebrate the American holiday.

I must admit. This semester has been far from just easy, enjoyable traveling. I suppose I make it seem like all I do is travel, but there's so much more to it. The curriculum is absolutely amazing. Day to day I find myself astonished at how amazing my education. Here we are, planted in the origins of western civilization studying the course and change of the art, history, philosophy, theology, and english of that civilization. I'm just so dumbfounded at how...cohesive it all is, how everything fits. So much synthesis... But at the same time, never has my brain been more used, never has my body been so exhausted. So many nights are spent sleepless as we study, study, study, and so many hours are spent reading and writing. It's enjoyable, but physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually exhausting. Every single aspect of my being has been worked to it's last bit and, needless to say, I am ready for break.

Alas, I have one more paper to write about the life and times of Constantine and five exams to take in a few weeks. In the middle, I have a trip to Ireland and a possible trip to Padua, and, of course, many more trips into Rome.

Until then, I must continue reading! I will send one of my recently-written papers your way soon enough...

Peace be with you.