Peace that surpasses ALL understanding

So I am sure that you all have been waiting on a utter meltdown post.  Well, this is NOT it! In fact, it may or may not come and here is why: GOD IS SO GOOD!  I have been feeling a little bit stressed, and often I feel as though I am not stressed enough; I feel like something is missing because I am not crazy, neurotic, scared out of my mind, crying every day, over the top ME!  Now THAT is not normal, though I suppose I am not normal (but hey, who is?). 

So whyyyy do I not feel this way?  Well, it is because each time I begin to reach that point, God provides me with a peace that surpasses ALL understanding.  He washes His peace over me, and I get back on task.  Now, this is not to say that I am not nervous and that I am not dreading goodbyes (because I AM!!).  I am dreading leaving Tuscaloosa on Friday; I am dreading that last night in my house; I am dreading the drive to the airport; and mostly I am dreading that moment I go through security and I cannot see my momma and daddy anymore (not to mention the security people are going to think I am crazy because I'll probably be crying).  Despite those moments I am dreading, God is giving me peace.

The other night I emailed the teachers I will be working with regarding some concerns of mine.  One of them emailed me back the very next morning, and all I can say is that God has DEFINITELY gone before me and prepared a way.  He has placed me in a situation with supportive people who are already meeting my needs (through God's grace they are meeting them).  Here are some of the things that my new friend Virginia had to say:
1. I do understand all your anxiety about the new experience you're going to live,but be sure we're going to try and make you feel home!
2. Let us know the you get there,so we'll arrange to pick you up (this was in response to my concern over arriving in Cosenza alone)
3. as to your codice fiscale and the bank account Lilla and me will be available to be of assistance and take you around the city
4. feel free to contact me whenever you need information, Lilla says hello to you
5. Lilla,the other English teacher, is also available to cooperate and much more she's extremely sociable

These things make me feel comforted.  I knew God would make a way, and He is already showing me the things He has done in Cosenza to prepare for my time there. 

Prior to these emails, God has been working (duh).  The other night I needed some peace about things.  I opened my Bible that night and my daily devotional (Journey), and it was about a woman choosing to go on a mission trip for an extended amount of time.  She had dreamed of opportunities and finally found one.  The devotional addressed fear (hello...ME) and how we must stand on God's promises regarding our fears.

The next day's Journey was about using the gifts God has given us, how he made us unique, and how he gives us unique experiences in which we are to use these gifts!

Then on Sunday, our message at church was about fear; about turning to God when we fear.  The pastor said, "we fear that which we cannot control!"  HELLO...ME!!  The fears I have about Italy are about things which I cannot control.  These past 3 years (grad school and beyond) have been rich with experiences that I believe have been intended to teach me that I am NOT in control and that I must learn to let Go(d).  He spoke about God being our refuge, not people, not things, not books/tv shows/movies, NOTHING else but Him.

I found this in a blog written by a woman living in southern Italy: 
 I think the finer point on this is waiting for the "Italian you" to catch up to the English you - You're more funny/smarter/intelligent in your native language, and it takes time to get comfortable in the new one, and until then, you feel a bit unlike yourself.