Settling in

After a slightly delayed flight, I landed at Ciampino Airport around 6:30 PM. As I was waiting for Fr John to pick me up, I decided to explore its small compounds. As I was walking past the shops, I could hear people speaking something that sounded at first like 'broken' Spanish. For five seconds I wondered why people were talking in such a funny way. Eventually, my mind processed the information and understood the locals were speaking in Italian.

To my great enjoyment, I found a café and I engaged in my first conversation in Italian with the attendant. So happy to be able to understand almost everything she was saying, though I couldn't say much more than 'ciao', 'prego', 'grazie' and 'per favore'. What can a 'Portoghese' order first thing he gets in Rome? You guessed: an espresso and a custard-filled doughnut. I had to admit that the coffee was ok; after all, I am in the land where supposedly the best coffee in the world is served. But the Portuguese pastries surpass the Italian ones by far. ;)

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Time now to get Fr John's lift and to head to the Beda College. As I step outside the airport, I am greeted by a multitude of birds noisily chirping as the evening settles in. Then the moderate heat that revives recent memories from Kigali and kindly requests that I take off my coat.

The journey to the college takes about 50 minutes. Fr John and I decide to chat away and to get to know each other. My driver immediately puts the cards on the table by displaying a wonderful sense of humour refined by a vast experience in ministry. We exchange anecdotes and funny stories, and we laugh away through the whole journey.

Eventually, we get to the college. I am greeted by an impressive building from the 60's just opposite one of the most magnificent Roman churches: St Paul's outside the walls. I can't wait for tomorrow (Saturday) to visit it! But first, it's time to unpack.

Fr John leads me to my room on the third floor. As he hands me over the keys and I try to open the door a plaque catches my eyes. I see the college's crest and the following printed on it: 'Marco Lopes - Church of England.' Suddenly I realise that this long expected experience is really happening. My heart is overflowed with thanksgiving, humbleness and the weight of responsibility. In the eyes of the Beda College, I am a representative of the Church of England. I am being fraternally welcomed into their fellowship, and I know I will be scrutinised. I pray to be able to be the best possible representative and to leave the door open to other Anglicans.

A moving welcome as I get to my room.