Where in the World is....Audra

Guess it’s time to touch base again in large scale format.  I have begun to really enjoy writing these blogs, as they serve as a refection of what I am actually experiencing…it’s easy to get caught up in everything, but when trying to describe even the simplest of things, you realize how surreal it all is.   
Life here in Velletri at the Chez Raz residence has been wonderful.  I continue to help out where I can, and even though Paola says that she thinks I work too much, it is easy to continue helping out here and there as they have been so good to me.  Duncan, 7, is adorable and has a great imagination…as he was able to entertain himself for hours sitting in a tree with his lego figures (see photo).  Kitty, 9, is ALL personality…she is witty and charismatic…a sheer drama queen, yet she is quick to be affectionate and is always willing to help me on my Italian.  Olivia, 11, what to say about her…she took the longest to warm up to me, but now, it is by her side I sit at dinner, on the couch, etc.  We have spent time braiding hair, creating music and merely chatting…in her words, I am “like the big sister”.  Nothing has changed in the kitchen…I love it!  I have been able to list a handful of my “Paola favorites”, including Carrot soup, homemade pasta with porcini and pesto and pasta with shredded zucchini and smoked salmon.  I’ve eaten eggs (in a pasta omlet) for the first time in YEARS, I’ve tried anchovies and fried zucchini flowers both separately and together and I’ve WATCHED a pigeon cooked (it was killed by the neighbor and given as a “gift”).  
I have been to the market and bought clothes for 3 euro from a beautiful man named Salvatore.  I have watched both Shrek 3 (Shrek Terso) and Hairspray in the Italian cinema (in Italian of course).  I have picked grapes and helped begin the process of wine making with the family and another helpx family, Claudio, Tiziana and Filipo.  (Claudio…and Paul (who was translating for us when needed) were patient enough to answer my many questions about the grapes, the process and the wine).  Afterwards we had a HUGE lunch of which everything was homegrown.  DELICIOUS!!!
Just as I was beginning to stress out about the idea of money (I had been talking about this with Paola over coffee), Paola received an email from a listserv asking for an English speaking woman to watch a 17 year old girl for 2 weeks.  I immediately emailed, I was asked to come to Rome and I got the job (and a cell phone, an apartment (with the 17 year old) in the center of Rome, 750 euros, food money, a scooter to drive if I would like and FINALLY a brand new car to drive her to school and to get around town; that would be there by the time I was there!  All that after a mere mention of needing a job!  The “job” begins October 24 and goes through Nov 5th.
Next, though not as exciting, I was out to dinner with the family and an Australian couple staying at the B & B, when as we were paying, the owner asked Paola if she new anyone who could speak English with her sons (grown sons mind you), I met all of them, said yes, Paola’s number was given out.  Unfortunately, though it has only been about a week, there has been no call and I am leaving town…but it was another example of doors opening when they are needed.
As Paola stated, I am “SO lucky” (Rachael…it reminded me of you), because she was at the gym a few days after we went together as a first-timers get in free sort of thing (I don’t have the $$ or the time commitment to afford a membership) and the instructor asked where I was.  As Paola was explaining that I wouldn’t be here long and couldn’t afford it, a man who Paola knows overheard and offered to give me his remaining 10 sessions as he was unable to use them.  So, to the gym I’ve been!  (though not enough to work off this stinkin irresistible pasta!)
Finally, I lined up another helpx home for the week of Oct 15th to the 24th (if it works out, I may go back after working in Rome).  It is on a gigantic farm 200km from the ocean.  It is an olive farm (250 trees) and a horse breeding farm that is owned by a vet.  He and his 2 children live there along with the golden retrievers that they breed.  There is pretty much no internet connection, yet there are bikes to ride the 20km into nearest “larger” town (Dave…I’ll make you proud).  
So…there ya have it…my past few weeks and the upcoming month!
Regarding future opportunities: I have applied to (and been accepted) to volunteer at a palestinian refugee camp in Aida for an organization that uses photography to reach youth and document their lives/experiences.  I have also applied to volunteer at a therapeutic horse preservation ranch in Greece on the island of Corfu (I am hoping to hear back soon).  It has been difficult at times to merely have faith and know that the right doors will present themselves when the time is right, but I will continue to remind myself that they will, as they have been all along.
As I have written in the previous two blogs, my journey of self is in full-force and I have had quite a few personal (both shared and private) revolutions in regards to my thinking, my gratitude and my faith.  I can say nothing more than, although I miss my “home”, I love the challenges, the experiences and the lessons that I am facing…I am blessed.