My fourth season with Joshua Expeditions began with a new job as the Creative Director and the Arts Coordinator. I am to continue be their main European guide but half the amount of days as in the past.. meaning I'll only be guiding around 85 days this year ;) Yet as much as I've enjoyed my new role with JE, what I'm most passionate about has always been the guiding.. connecting with the kids. Sure I love to travel and wandering through the Roman Forum on a sunny November day beats being in an office in Dallas any day! But its the students that I enjoy so much and it is this that I look forward to the most.
The first tour of the season had me returning to my second home: Italy. Arriving in Rome the day before the group, I was so excited to be back. Yet this year than any year prior, I was so excited to share in all that God had worked on within me with these students. Before I even laid eyes on the group, something in my heart knew that it was going to be an amazing trip.
Spanish Steps. Roma
Waiting for the group to walk through Terminal C at Rome's FCO airport, I was greeted by Massimo, a coach driver I've been working with for years now. Rather than greeting me with the typical kisses on each cheek, he pulled me into a big embrace and a genuine smile, 'cara bella! come stai?!' I was back and so happy.
Spanish Steps. Roma
Waiting for the group to walk through Terminal C at Rome's FCO airport, I was greeted by Massimo, a coach driver I've been working with for years now. Rather than greeting me with the typical kisses on each cheek, he pulled me into a big embrace and a genuine smile, 'cara bella! come stai?!' I was back and so happy. 
San Giminagno (Tuscany)
The group arrived after an hour or more of waiting for them. Their excitement was infectious and we were off to Florence. Arriving at the hotel, once again I was greeted with warm embraces by the family who owns and runs the hotel eden. In a flurry of Italian, they made me feel so welcomed. I felt like I had come home. And later that night as we ate cingale (wild boar) the restaurant owners too welcomed me with open arms. As I gave them Kyle Tour of Florence by Night.. I couldn't be more happy to be back. Really God?! You allow this for my life..?!
The days that followed, we traveled from Florence to San Giminagno (or San Jimmy Jimmy as the kids called it) to Siena.. then to our final place, Rome. As one day led to the next, so each student became a precious heart, a personality, a struggle and a dream.. how honored I was to be apart of sharing in this with them. Not only were the students amazing, the teachers on the trip were just as wonderful. It was so evident how much they cared for each student. Not only did that invest in each student when it came to accademics but also they were investing in them spiritually. What a gift I pray these kids never take for granted! And what wonderful examples to be surrounded by. 
Caldwell Academy aka amazingness!!
This group of students left such a huge impression on this heart of mine. Not only were they sharp, intelligent kids but they had a servants heart. What came from their lips was genuine and authentic, a true reflection of the overflow of their hearts, God working in them. What great hope you have for each and every one of them. Getting to know each of them, some better than others, I was so excited for what God has ahead for them. This world has been changed by fewer people than these 31 students. Each night as we spoke, they shared, I found myself so humbled by how much I have to learn and how much God is continuing to reveal to me. To learn from what they had to share. As difficult as high school can be, these seniors came through it shining!! I thank God for continuing to allow me to share in this with these students. To lead, to teach, to share, to encourage, to challenge but most importantly, to love them. And this was only the first trip for the season! I can only imagine what God is going to do in the new season to come..
