Almost Rome

Our family was planning to go visit Maddie while she was studying abroad in Rome. We were all going to go, including Sr. Jordan, our friends from Southern Idaho and our family friend who is a priest. But then the Coronavirus struck and Maddie was sent home from Italy.

Everything changed. All our plans, tickets, reservations, hand work and trust... only to find out we would not be going on our family pilgrimage.

Not only were we going to Rome but we were also going to go back to Lourdes, France. This would have been ten years since we made our pilgrimage. I was finally willing to trust and to go back.

But then the world turned upside down. I still can't believe it. I can't understand it. It seems like no one does. Thanks a lot, Coronavirus.

But the world doesn't just revolve around me. Everyone is suffering in some shape or form. Whether it be from the virus, because of the virus or because life isn't always fair.

We don't always understand it. We have to keep trusting. Even when it's hard. Even when we're angry or sad. And when that's too hard to do, surrender to God. Lord, I cannot but you can.

"God is speaking to us through our dissatisfaction." -Matthew Kelly, Best Lent Ever

"Suffering is a heavy burden if. in fear, you attempt to avoid it. Suffering is a sweet experience if you courageously accept it."-The Road of Hope a gospel from prison - Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan

"What a trial! But He whose Heart is ever watchful taught me that He works miracles even for those whose faith is like a tiny mustard seed to make it grow, while, as in the case of His Mother, He works miracles for His dearest friends only after He has tested their faith. He let Lazarus die, even though Martha and Mary had sent word that he was sick and when He was asked by Our Lady at the marriage feast of Cana to help the master of the home, He said His time had not yet come. But after the trial, what rewards! Lazarus rises from the dead, and water becomes wine." Story of a Soul