Italy has been the greatest teacher in my life. Throughout all of my awe-inspiring moments on the HUF program, one thing remained at the heart of it all: the villa where we lived. During the summer of 20 ll, I watched myself change and grow through the experiences I journaled at this beloved building. 19 May 20 ll -We're at the villa and I'm out on the roof again. The view of the city is breathtaking at night with all the city lights. I know I've said this every day, but I am beyond blessed to have the chance to experience this. It's such an eye-opener and reminds of how little I know. I cannot wait to learn more about myself, the people I'm traveling with and God. I have so many doubts concerning my faith, but when I'm lying out under the stars, I can feel it. There is no way all this beauty could exist without him. 06June 20 ll - It's raining hard now as I sit on the swing, and it makes the outside of the villa smell so fresh. The rain sounds beautiful. I can feel God surrounding everything about this villa. I may not like everyone, and we aren't perfect in any way, but there is this purity and joy that come from us all being together in a place that is so old and holds so many memories, where I'm creating thousands of memories every second of every day. 16July 20 ll - Today was the perfect day at the villa. [We had] a big outdoor party. For the first time in the history of HUF, the villa had a slip-n-slide more than 20 feet long. In that moment, everyone was so happy to just be together. I honestly think this was the best day at the villa. I love this group so much and would not change a thing. 24July 20 ll - Leaving the villa was just so weird. I've never had to leave a place forever. It's just crazy that I spent over two months there. Now it's no longer mine. When I look at the villa, I don't see a building. I look at it and I see l 00% pure joy. It taught me how much I value relationships. I saw God's beauty, and I saw the potential he had for me. Half of the beauty now comes from the beauty I see in others. My view of Italy is just perfectly beautiful from every single angle. Nicole Sullenger +6uuF HUF Spring 2011 Row l:J. Brightwell, R. Capri, P. Davis, L. Shelburne, A. Roane, G.Jetton, A. Bryan, K. Morgan, C. Caldwell, B.Jordan, M. Russell, H. Thompson, L. Copeland, A. Anklam, B. Ramsey, E. Burns, C. Smith, K. Todd. Row 2: M. Davis, N. Doris, B. Rogers, D. Mosher,]. Aebi, C. Chicoine, R. Tomberlin,]. Harper, M. Clark, T. Overman. Row 3: K. Betts, R. Campbell, T. Tipton, A. Ragin,]. Savage, C. Lemmons,]. Smith, C. Weeks, S. Koch, A. Sheflield, K. Coble, S. Allen, N. Baker.
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