The Joy Journal | Vol. 15
Your monthly dose of joy | My First Taste of Italy
My First Taste of Italy
I always dreamed about visiting Italy, but somehow I knew my first experience had to be Tuscany. Not Rome. Not Venice. Tuscany felt slower, richer, more intentional — the kind of place you don’t just visit, you feel. And honestly? It was the perfect place to add to my 50th birthday trip.
This trip was a gift to myself. A reminder that life is meant to be experienced fully, beautifully, and surrounded by the people who make your soul feel at home. What made it even more special was having my sister and my tribe there with me — people who laugh loud with me, drink wine with me, hype me up in dressing rooms, and somehow make every memory even sweeter.
Tuscany Felt Like a Movie
From the moment we arrived, Tuscany wrapped us in magic. The rolling hills, the vineyards, the golden sunsets that didn’t even look real — every corner felt cinematic. We wandered through Siena, completely mesmerized by the history and charm. The city has this beautiful old-world energy where every tiny alley leads to another hidden treasure.
Pienza Was Pure Romance
Then there was Pienza — quiet, dreamy, and effortlessly beautiful. It felt like the Tuscany you imagine before you ever go to Italy. Winding streets, breathtaking countryside views, little shops tucked into stone buildings, and meals that somehow lasted for hours. Pienza slowed us down in the best way. No rushing. No schedules. Just enjoying the moment.
And honestly, traveling with your tribe hits differently at this stage in life. There’s gratitude in it. Gratitude that after everything life brings, you can still gather your people and create memories this meaningful together.
And then….Florence happened.
Florence gave us art, energy, shopping, cocktails, rooftop views, museums, and the kind of fashion that makes you suddenly rethink your entire wardrobe. We spent our days exploring museums, standing before masterpieces we’d only seen in books, soaking in centuries of art, culture, and beauty.
Oh, the shopping! We wandered through designer boutiques, laughed through shopping decisions, and fully embraced being fabulous in Italy. And YES… I bought the purse. The expensive designer purse. The one I would normally talk myself out of. But this time? Absolutely not. Because this wasn’t just a vacation. This was me celebrating 50 years of life, growth, resilience, joy, friendship, sisterhood, and becoming the woman I am today. The purse became part of the memory — a little piece of Florence I could bring home with me.
And honestly, every woman deserves that moment at least once.
Tuscany Changed Me
What I loved most about Tuscany wasn’t just the beauty — it made me feel.
No rushing. No pressure. Just good food, beautiful art, incredible wine, meaningful conversations, and unforgettable moments with my people.
Italy gave me permission to slow down and celebrate life properly. And if Tuscany was my introduction to Italy, I can already tell this love story is far from over.
With Joy,
Adele
Journey with a Purpose
Burned out? Running on Coffee and Prayers? Ready to Rest, Reconnect, Laugh, Breathe Again, and Restore Faith?
For years, I dreamed of creating women’s retreats—spaces where women could reconnect with themselves, feel inspired, and be poured into by other women with the gift of uplifting and motivating others. I explored partnerships and opportunities along the way, but for various reasons, things simply never aligned. Then one day, during a conversation with my dear cousin, she shared that she had been thinking about doing something similar. In that moment, it truly hit me: why was I waiting for others to bring this vision to life when I already could connect, inspire, and create meaningful experiences by simply sharing my own story? That realization sparked something powerful in both of us, and together, we decided to stop waiting and take the leap into hosting our very first retreat.
There comes a moment when you realize you can’t continue pouring into everyone else while running on empty yourself. After walking through our own seasons of physical and emotional burnout, we recognized how many women are quietly carrying the weight of family, friendships, work, responsibilities, and everyday life — often placing themselves last in the process.
This past weekend, we committed ourselves to rest, restore, reconnect, and create from a healthy and full place instead of exhaustion.
Out of that decision, a new vision was born.
In SPRING 2027, we hope to host our very first intimate retreat for 10 women — a space intentionally created for rest, healing, prayer, connection, and renewal. A space to pause, breathe deeply, and surrender fully to Jesus.
We’ve named this journey Pippy.
During the retreat, we’ll share the deeper story behind the name, but for us, Pippy represents:
✨ Purpose
✨ Intention
✨ Prayer
✨ Peace
✨ Yield to Jesus
If you’ve been in a season of burnout, constant grinding, or simply longing for space to rest and reconnect with yourself and God, we would love to know if this is something you’d be interested in.
Rwanda - August 22 - 29, 2026
Join me on a social Impact trip to Rwanda
Join this journey to experience Rwanda's beauty and resilience and witness firsthand how Flourish Rwanda is transforming communities through education, health, and economic empowerment. Connect personally with families and children whose lives are being changed, and see the impact of community-driven development up close. Along the way, you’ll explore Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes and wildlife—an unforgettable experience that will inspire you long after the trip ends.
What People are Saying….
“Adele, the trip to South Africa has been amazing! Your guide is the best! He is a teacher, historian, and conversationalist, and he makes history come alive. We have learned so much. Thank you for making our trip so special and seamless. We are going to come back again.”
Thank you!
Andrew and Havie
