Hello Kitty, Easter, & Thoughts On Being Old

I was just talking to a friend [Seth, consider this a shout out. You’re welcome.] about Easter baskets and saying that I wouldn’t be getting one this year because I was in Italy. Never mind the fact that I’m a twenty-three-year-old and way past the age range for Easter gifts. But if I were going to be getting one, I would want it to be Hello Kitty themed. Because basically I am obsessed with all things Hello Kitty. Once again, yes, I do realize how old I am.

Well, when I returned from a few days in Vienna this past week there was a little present waiting for me. A GIANT CHOCOLATE HELLO KITTY EASTER EGG! Now you people in Naples will say that it is not gigantic, but small. But compared to chocolate Easter eggs in the States, this thing is a monster. Some of the ESL moms gave us an Easter gift. It was very unexpected and sweet of them to include us in an Italian tradition. And then there is the whole thing about it being Hello Kitty themed, which is like the icing on the cake.

look at this thing! it's like a chocolate football!

Yesterday the team here in Naples went up into the mountains for a time of worship and fellowship. It was a great day hanging out in beautiful scenery and with the sun shining down on us. I have to say that it is the first Easter I’ve spent in my blue jeans and not in a flowery, pastel Easter dress. And it sure gave me some perspective on what Easter really is. It is not American tradition. It is not going to church to listen to an hour of choral music. Of course, Easter is not about Hello Kitty presents and chocolate. It is the most important day of the year for Christians. It is the reason why we have hope, because Christ is victorious over death. He has risen!

Now back to the age thing, my birthday is coming up later this month and I’m gonna be the big two four. Haha. Some of you are rolling your eyes right now and wanting to tell me to shut my mouth and say that you wish you were turning twenty-four. But alas, this is my blog and I can say what I want.

Anyway, I’ve been asking myself the question, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” a lot lately. As most normal people do. I’ve discovered a lot about myself while I’ve been living in Naples and I feel that I’ve found more clarity on the question. However, I still don’t have an answer. I have non-answers. And I think I just made up a word.

Non-answers: things that I do not want to be when I grow up

So while it is fantastic that I’ve figured some things out, I’m still not sure where I am headed. And I think that is actually an okay thing. I mean, I do have an idea. I’m going to keep taking classes in seminary and just be available to whatever sort of ministry God would have me be part of. I’ve made comments in the past along the lines of,

“Golly, I wish God would just write me a little note on an index card and dangle it from a cloud for me to see and tell me where I’m supposed to work, where I’m supposed to live, and who I’m supposed to marry. And I’d promise not to ever tell anyone about the whole card thing and be content in knowing what the future held for me.”

If my whole future were revealed to me today I probably wouldn’t be content. I’d be worried about how exactly these things were going to happen and when. And what fun is there in knowing everything that is to happen. I sorta like surprises.

So my conclusion is that I am okay with not knowing exactly where I’m going to be parking my car/bicycle/mobile home in ten years. I’m okay with trusting God with one step at a time because I have no doubt that He will be faithful as He always has been.

One step at a time. Next step: Figuring out all the secrets of the Island (think LOST).

P.S. I’m a little out of touch these days when it comes to new music and such. But I’ve been listening to some new (to me, anyway) stuff and it is super good. So I thought I would share some people/bands to check out.

-Lovelite
-Brighten’s new ep ‘Be Human’
-Jovanotti (he’s Italian)
-Tiziano Ferro (also Italian)

If you would like to name-drop some new music/bands/people for me to check out, do it. Grazie!