Saint Sebastian

We went to Mass at the Basilica of San Sebastiano where St. Sebastian is buried. His tomb is above a beautiful statue of his martyrdom. Across from this enclave is another with Bernini's last statue, Christ as Savior of the World. It is so beautiful. 

Being in that church was very moving to me. It is one of the oldest pilgrim destinations of Rome. Saints such as St. Catherine of Siena, St. Bridget of Sweden and countless others have gone to pray there. 

We named our youngest child "Sebastian" after St. Sebastian because he was martyred twice. After recovering from his near-death execution of being shot with arrows for being a Christian, he challenged the emperor directly and implored him to become a Christian. Surely Sebastian knew this would mean his death. I marvel at someone brave enough to face death knowingly twice--that second time is the courage that I fear I lack and would be so blessed to have. 

St. Sebastian, pray for us! 

Leigh is now at the Swiss School of Rome

 Look at who is starting high school--at the Swiss School of Rome! The primary language is German and the default language is Italian. She studied German all summer and is at the B1 level. And now she really starts learning! 

  She just went on an overnight excursion with her class to a place with Etruscan sites and an archaeological museum. She had 24 hours of hanging out with high schoolers that are from all over Europe. What an intense, exciting experience! 

Brings tears to my eyes to see friends and family support Mighty Is Her Call!

People I never imagined have given their support today. It is so moving to me! It makes me feel like the years of (unpaid) hard work mean something to someone. I am so touched! 

We really need the financial support: 1) to keep our nonprofit status, and 2) to invite low-income moms to our events at no cost, keep our blog ad-free, and expand our reach. 

Please share with anyone you think might donate today! 

https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/index.php?section=organizations&action=newDonation_org&fwID=6230

Thank you! 

 

Can You Believe Clare?

 Can you even find her in this sea of huge, bald, Italian men? 

This is Clare's jiu-jitsu class! In the U.S., she trained in the kids' class for many years. Getting back into it, she is now considered an adult at this school. So, she is learning to train with these burly guys! And she flips the heck of of them, too! She ROCKS. In the running for the coolest Rombs ever (but it is stiff competition). 

Missing Our Grandad

Today we celebrate the life of Kenneth Rombs. The great-grandfather of our six children, the grand-father of Ron, Kenneth was a truly great man. My favorite thing about him when we first met was visiting the cabin that he built with his own 2 hands, and him driving his boat and taking me for a twirl water-skiing at the lake at that cabin. I was actually sort of amazed I could still water ski--even slalom--as an adult! It was a great time during Ron's and my engagement. 

PawPaw, we will miss you! 

 

Travel Vlog: Pros and Cons of Vacationing in Crete

 https://youtu.be/R62-uTGfK7g