St. Peter's Rome EYC

Today, June 27th, I would say was the most impactful day for most. Although we didn’t do much, the meaning behind everything we saw left a greater impact. This church seemed to be not as significant as the others, just because Francis only spent a short amount of his time here. When we arrived at the Church in La Verna, the first thing to notice was the location: on top of a great mountain where the breeze almost cooled you off completely. Walking towards the church you didn’t except much, but around some turns and you were facing one of the most beautiful sights one could see. With the guided tour we got to experience and feel what Francis did thousands of years ago and that’s something most people do not get to experience.
Today was most impactful to me because of the way I connected to this church. It was surround by a national park and mountains that faded into light blue the further they got. I didn’t realize how much I loved being outside until I got to experience it without the worries of technology taking over. Many would say they found the guided tour most impactful, but I would say my hike with Callie was most impactful to me. Throughout the course of this trip I found that I feel most connected to God through nature, his initial artwork. Seeing every tiny rock to every huge tree with great detail puts it into perspective that the same God to create all those beautiful sights, created you. When we first went on the hike, we stopped at a tiny opened spot on the side of the mountain to journal. Journaling has became something important to me on this trip because I found it as a way to express my thoughts and feelings without having to act out of emotion, whether it’s good or bad. After we stopped for a little to journal, we continued our hike. The first stop was a small rock with small opening where Callie and I were amazed with just that view thinking we couldn’t find anything better. As we continued our hike, we made frequent stops, each better than the next. Finally we got to the top of the mountain almost after an hour of laughing, talking, rambling, and sharing our thoughts to one another. We stopped and admired the trees that were above us until we noticed a small trail that led to the side of the mountain. We decided to follow through and see where it led, we then came across the most beautiful view I have ever seen. Standing on a giant rock, with a wide opening, looking at the far blue mountain covered in bright green trees with sun glistening on them, and towns below them with such warmth. A sight I will never forget. This was so impactful for me because it made me realize there is so much of God out there, than people can see. First seeing that view it was almost like you could feel God’s presence standing right next to us. Sitting in silence with Callie while watching the views is something I’ll always cherish with her, both looking at the same beautiful view, filled with adrenaline, and thinking about what’s yet to come. The impact the view left for me is something I wish I could express more, but it’s only something you have to experience to understand. I’m so thankful to have experienced this and hope one day to see it again. I’m excited to see what else will be impactful to me in Florence and I can’t wait to spend these last couple days with some of the best people I’ve met!
-Molly Ledbetter