And So, It Begins in the City of Milano
It’s morning in Milano and the streets start to fill no earlier than nine am. I sit outside my hostel located in the center of the city and watch as the locals pass by on their vespas heading out for their morning commute. The smell of cigarettes and sophisticated cologne consumes the warm morning air. I breathe it in and can’t help but smile. I have arrived. I am in Italia.
I arrived on Wednesday morning at 6 am and am here for two and half months. Even though I cannot see the full plan that lies ahead, I know the Lord has me here for such a time as this. When I landed in Milano, to say I was exhausted would be an understatement, but the thrill of adventure and the excitement of unknown possibilities consumed my spirit and stimulated my body. I quickly arrived to my hostel Ostello Bella, dropped off my backpack, and began to explore.
The city of Milano is full of fashion, culture, and beauty. The streets are filled with old architecture and people traveling from all of the world to experience its beauty and charm. I began by visiting the Duomo and can say the architecture is breathtaking. The cathedral sits tucked in the center of the piazza (center square), so learning to say NO to the folks who are trying to get you to “feed the pigeons” or wear one of their “hand crafted” African bracelets is only a money scam! Repeat after me..”DEFENSE!”
With it being a fashion conscious city, you will see people dressed in only the best. This applies not only to the ladies, but to the gents as well. I asked one of the young men working at Zara, as I stopped by to pick up an evening outfit, “what is it with men in royal blue suits.” I mean they ALL wore royal blue! He simply replied, “Bella, it is fashion of course.” Of course! I should have known. It is what is in style, and let me tell you…I am not mad about it! The men looked sharp driving their little vespas hustling off to work, so if you are a male and plan to travel to Italia any time soon, I recommend purchasing a royal blue suit and you will fit in nicely!
After freshening up at my hostel, I face-timed a familiar face and expressed to her how I wanted to make friends. When I had arrived, it was at an awkward time. I hadn’t had the chance to meet anyone and I desperately wanted to socialize after so much travel. After I hung up the phone, I said a quick prayer and went off on my walking tour of Milano. And you know what? I didn’t just make 1 friend, I made 8!
After our tour and much needed gelato, we scurried off towards the canals in the Navigli District to find a lovely spot for dinner with a scenic view. Pulling up chairs to fit along our narrow table, we squeezed in close and began to share stories. Who we are, what we do, and what brought us to Italia.
For the first time in my life, I am the minority and you know what? That is all right with me. I am a white, American girl who loves Jesus, and I have never been challenged yet adored like I am being while on this trip. Learning to embrace the individual I am instead of trying to “blend in” is what I was sent here to do. This experience has opened my eyes and stretched my faith in an entirely new way and it has only just begun. “Will you abandon me to fit in?” He spoke these words over me as I started my adventure. Being the people pleaser I am, I decided to cling to His truth each time I had the opportunity to share my story, “remain in me and I in you. Do not forsake your faith Olivia, yet embrace it and allow me to do the rest!” All I can do is embrace who I am and what God has done in and through me. My Father got me here in a beautiful, radical way and I am excited to see who He brings to join me along the way.
