Claire turned 11 this year and we decided to celebrate with taking her to Vatican City to experience the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter’s Basilica.

We stared out at the Cafe we first went to when we arrived here, as Claire wanted chocolate croissants and to walk along the lake. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect, warm, beautiful day! And thankfully for Gavins’s sake as he ended up slipping on the rocks and fell into the Lake, drenching an entire leg and half his back. Poor kid. We took him back home to change before heading into Rome for our scheduled tour.

With being an off season, the Vatican was still rather busy. Our experience walking through this time was different from when Phil and I came last summer though. Last time we had a guided tour and this time we decided to just walk through on our own. We found ourselves in parts that we must’ve skipped with the guided tour. It didn’t remember it taking so long to go through and I certainly didn’t remember the Egyptian corps or the aggressive animal statues. Either way, the kids seemed to be in awe of the elaborate and artistic facades on the walls and ceilings. It’s quite a place.

After the Vatican, we found some lunch then headed over to the St Peter’s Cathedral. We enjoyed seeing the fountains and overly large Christmas tree with color changing lights, as well as a large nativity. The nativity did not have baby Jesus as we learned that He isn’t placed in the nativity until Christmas day.

The St Peter’s Cathedral was breathtaking but also a bit disturbing. It’s not what you would expect to find in a church and was more focused on the life of the former and present Pope than it was on Christ. It is a beautiful place though. My favorite sculpture was the one of Mary holding her son, Jesus after His body was pulled down from the cross. It’s heart wrenching from a mother’s perspective and gives a depth of understanding of what that must’ve been like for Mary to witness. Also, inside were several spots for people to pray and to worship in various ways. Hallie had witnessed people who were kneeling down at benches and as she carefully watched what they were doing and how they did it, she decided to join in. She’s such a sensitive soul. It was really sweet to see her thoughtfully engage and show respect to other’s differences.

Our last Saturday in Italy, we went through the Rome Temple one more time. Phil and I were able to do sealings for five family couples then we took Gavin to do baptisms. I have to say, there’s something very unique and special about this particular Temple. I know the ordinances are the same, the wording is the same, and the ceremonies are the same in every Temple, but there is a distinct feeling here that is unique to the people in Italy and Gods special love for them. I can’t describe it, I can only feel it. And as I felt it sitting in the Celestial room, I found it very difficult to want to leave. This is the place where this whole adventure started for us and we have truly felt the promise I was told the year before, “you belong here”. I do belong here, and I look forward to the day I get to come back.

Arrivederci our Italian home, until next time!