Home at Last

Chillin at the airport.

I did arrange a ride. I asked her and she said yes. The Relief Society President of Rome 1st ward said she would call me for better details. That was Sunday. Monday and Tuesday flew so outrageously fast that it was midnight before I realized that my ride hadn't called. I was out of credit on my phone (and I didn't have her phone number) but she had said she would try to be there at 8 a.m. to give me a ride to the airport, but she would call if the traffic was bad. I told her I could meet her at the metro stop. So I was waiting down there and tried to find the most apparent spot for me to stand. 8. 8:10. 8:15. 8:20. At 8:30 I knew I had to leave. So I took the metro (the thing I was trying to avoid by getting a ride). I made it up all the escalators, all 5 of them, with my bags. I managed to attract this sketchy man who helped me with my bags and gave me a ticket, and then kept a euro for "helping me with my bags" even though I told him no. Anyways, I got on the train and got to the airport right at the perfect time. I never received a phone call from the lady which means she completely forgot. I was mean for a moment and hoped that she showed up at my place a different day and got frustrated trying to find me.

Then I flew for 9 hours. Then I went through customs and re-entered the United States through New York. Then I bought a 5 dollar bottle of juice, and a book (Little Bee) and called my mom. Then I sat for 20 minutes and then got on another 6 hour flight. I met up with my amazing friend Cami (oddly enough she has spent time in Rupert, but I met her in Rome) and we went to the most welcoming place of American flavors: IN N OUT. Cheeseburger. Animal Style fries. CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKE.

Finally, after 30+ hours of being awake, I went to sleep and woke up 5 hours later. Then we went out and saw L.A. We ate amazing hotdogs wrapped in bacon with grilled veggies and avacado on top. .
I heard her speak Chinese. We saw a man roller blading and playing the guitar and singing and being homeless, simultaneously. We walked along Venice Beach (I know, Italy is everywhere) and checked out a cute vintage store. Then we went home and ate Chronic Taco and went to sleep to prepare for the long journeyThe next day we drove to SLC where I saw this lady:


The next day I went with Anna and Wow to temple square and saw a girl, who is now a missionary there, that I knew from Torino. She is so beautiful and friendly. She said my Italian sounded much less American, which thrilled me. I forgot to get a pic even though my camera was in my bag.

After spending the entire day trying to convince my niece to come out, I realized it wasn't meant to be so I left for Rupert. I got in around 10:30 last night and went to church this morning. Everyone says I lost weight! That is always nice to hear. So I had some wonderful moments of first encounters and have been spending a wonderful time with my family! I don't know what is next, but I am just going to take a little bit of time to get settled back. I hope with all of my heart to see Linsvor and maybe Shanna tomorrow and all of my local friends and cousins for my party tomorrow. I am so happy to be home at last!


Even the simplest sunsets in Idaho are better than the rest of the world.