When I look back at my days spent in Assisi, I remember the stunning beauty that accompanied those few days. In my mind I see the vast Italian countryside, the old architecture, the colorful murals that were exposed at every turn. Every small street had unique shops with one of a kind inventory, each shopkeeper with their own story of how they came to be in Assisi. There were gelato shops every other block that were a welcomed treat. I still crave that sweet that was shared over laughs and deep conversations. 

As I walked through the streets, I was truly amazed at the history of this little town. Its old and holy roots revealed themselves at every turn. From the Basilica of Saint Francis, to the grave of St. Carlo Acutis, the beauty of the Church revealed itself. Some of the most holy people to walk the Earth had walked the very same streets I was. This place, Assisi, seemed to be a small piece of heaven, if I could dare to imagine it. Peace itself seemed to seep from the cobblestone roads and brick walls. 

It was undoubtedly beautiful, but more than the town, I found beauty in the people that I was with. 

It is a unique and blessed experience to have friends with whom you laugh, you cry, and walk through life with. Together, we ran through the streets of Assisi in attempts to catch the sunset over the basilica. As we sat and watched the orange and yellow hues come over the town, I felt a deep and punching sense that this was a moment I would hold on to forever. In that moment, I was surrounded by beauty. The beauty of my friends, that of nature, that of this little town that I had come to love. I believe there to be beauty in the every day and in the simple things. I also believe that every once in a while we are granted a moment that is not just us experiencing a beauty, but one that fills us with beauty, that in some way touches us in the deepest sense. Assisi gave me this moment for which I will forever be grateful for.