Spring Term Blog

Day One

by Coach Ryan Moore

Buongiorno from Rome! Our spring term adventure officially began today—and what a way to start!

We left Atlanta yesterday, flew overnight, and landed in Rome right at 8:00 a.m. After navigating customs and collecting our luggage, we hit the ground running. Bags dropped at the hotel, we headed straight out to fuel up after a long travel day.

Lunch was at Satiro, where the students jumped right in to embrace Italian cuisine. Smiles were everywhere as plates of incredible pasta and other classic dishes arrived—an excellent first taste of Rome and a perfect energy boost for the afternoon.

Next, we visited one of the most iconic landmarks in the world: the Colosseum. Our 2:30 p.m. tour came with a few minor speed bumps finding the correct entrance, but the timing couldn’t have been better. The views inside were breathtaking, and we even spotted Paul Rudd enjoying the sights with his family. We admired from afar and did our best not to bug him.

The tour itself was unforgettable. Standing inside such a historic structure, walking through its layers, and looking out over Rome gave everyone a powerful sense of just how deep the city’s history runs.

After the Colosseum, we returned to the hotel to officially check in, unwind, and slow the pace a bit. Dinner was local and casual at the pizzeria across the street, La Leggera, which whipped up 26 pizzas in about 30 minutes. The pizza makers were kind, efficient, and clearly entertained by our group. It was the perfect way to cap off a long, fantastic first day.

Everyone is settling in, getting some much-needed rest, and gearing up for what’s next. We’re off to a great start here in Rome!

 

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Day Two 

by Lila Isaac, 10th grade

Day 2 in Italy was nothing short of amazing! We started with a wonderful breakfast at the hotel, complete with a beautiful view of Rome—a perfect way to begin the day. After breakfast, we took a scenic walk through the city on our way to church service at Rome Baptist, where we worshiped alongside Christians from around the world. Being able to worship in Rome was meaningful and unforgettable.

After the service, we spent the day with our incredible missions partner and tour guide, Justin. He took us to an amazing lunch spot where we enjoyed authentic Italian cuisine—delicious and memorable. With full stomachs and happy hearts, we spent the afternoon exploring Rome’s beauty and history.

We visited so many iconic landmarks: the Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, the Spanish Steps, Castel Sant’Angelo, and even the prison where the Apostle Paul was possibly held, along with many other historical sites. Walking through places we’ve studied in history and Bible classes felt surreal.

After soaking in the history, we indulged in gelato and other Italian treats like crepes, cannolis, and maritozzis. Later, we returned to the hotel to rest before heading out to another dinner spot to enjoy more incredible food and culture.

We ended the day with a devotional led by senior Reagan Tibbitts—a perfect way to close a day filled with fun, amazing food, God’s glory, and the rich history of Rome.

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Day Three

by Anhalise Hendrix, 11th grade

This morning began with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a trip to Vatican City. Thankfully, we had grabbed umbrellas to avoid the downpour, and we made it to the bus in time for our guided tour.

Our guide at the Vatican Museum was phenomenal, sharing stories about church history, art, and how God’s glory is reflected through His creation. The Sistine Chapel was larger than life—a powerful reminder of how great our God is. The art, though sometimes theologically questionable, was breathtaking in person.

Lunch was at Spaghetti, where we enjoyed more delicious Italian cuisine. The rest of the afternoon was spent exploring shops, and by the end of the day, we were all seasoned professional bus riders!

Our devotional was led by senior Sophia Dale, who gave a remarkable message about how salvation changes us. She emphasized that we cannot remain in sin and that everything we do should be for or through God, keeping Him at the center of our lives. It was a timely reminder that our actions, whether in mission work or daily life, are meant to glorify God.

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Day Four

by Soren Kim, 11th grade

Today in Italy we woke up to enjoy some amazing breakfast pastries and got a slow start to the day. After breakfast, we headed to Rome Baptist Church, where we spent a few hours cleaning, stamping Bibles to hand out, and taking down Christmas decorations.

Next, we enjoyed some incredible local Italian food at Na Machia Ristorante. After lunch, we braved the rain and hopped on a few buses to say goodbye to our amazing ministry partner, Justin, who gave us a fantastic tour earlier in the week and taught us how God can speak in unexpected ways.

To wrap up the day, we spent time bonding—some played “Spicy Uno,” directed by Senior Coker Ormsby, while others explored the local Carnival at Plaza Novena and did a little shopping. Senior Anna Kathryn led our evening devotion from Romans 12, reminding us that “Honor is commanded, not conditional.”

Thanks for keeping up with our adventures! Ciao!

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Day Five

by Reagan Tibbitts, 12th & Sophia Dale, 12th

Today we had an early morning. We ate some delicious breakfast and headed out to serve at International Christian Church Rome. We walked a 15-minute walk and hopped on the bus to make it there. We arrived early and spent some time talking and drinking a quick coffee to get the day started. We met the people we served with, and they welcomed us into their church. While we waited for instructions on how we could best serve, we played Heads Up, Seven Up, which was a great bonding experience.

Once they were ready for us, we all divided and conquered. One group helped take out boxes of food and drinks from the storage room to prepare for their upcoming food distribution. ICCRome provides food for about 1,000 locals each month, so preparing for the distribution is no small feat. We are grateful to have been able to help them get ready for the upcoming event. The second team cleaned kids’ rooms, washed toys, scrubbed the kitchen, and swept and mopped floors. We worked efficiently together and made the church look almost brand new.

After putting in some hard work cleaning and serving, we came together and ate some delicious pasta, accompanied by a sweet dessert made for us by some kind people from the church. Shortly after, the Holy Spirit moved strongly through the room as the group came together to magnify the name of the Lord and dedicate our service and lives to Him through worship and the sharing of personal testimonies.

After a long and great day at the church, we wrapped up by going scarf shopping, followed by an amazing dinner in the city of Rome. We ended the night by heading back to the hotel for a heart-moving devotional spoken by seniors JT Herr and Coker Ormsby, followed by a share time about how we saw the Lord at work today. This day was nothing short of a blessing, as the Lord’s name was truly put on display.

“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
John 15:12–13

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Final Day

by Coker Ormsby, 12th

Greetings from our final day in Italy! We began our morning by enjoying an amazing hotel breakfast, featuring wonderful Italian classics, before heading off to Florence for the day. The group piled into a bullet train that whisked us from Rome to Florence in a little over an hour. Along the way, the team savored the beautiful views and admired the incredible scenery flying past our windows.

Upon arriving in Florence, we met up with our tour guide, Daniela, who led us through the city’s historic streets. For lunch, we enjoyed local Florentine cuisine at a city market. Both students and chaperones stood in awe of the old architecture, monuments, and sculptures that Florence has to offer.

After our time in Florence, we once again boarded a bullet train for the journey back to Rome. Unlike the first ride, this trip was filled with much-needed sleep. We ended the day with a time of devotion, fellowship, and pizza, reflecting on the impact of the trip and cherishing our final moments together as a group.

It is safe to say that this Italy trip has left a lasting impact on everyone’s hearts and on their relationship with Christ. A group that, just seven days ago, was made up of strangers is now a family of 27 best friends.