After class I didn't do much, so I thought I would document earlier trips and activities! (I'm doing this to share with friends and family, but even more as a way to document my trip so that I don't forget this experience!)
As I said before, I have seen the Lord in so many ways here. Before going into this trip, I spent a lot of time specifically praying for friendships, and a nice homestay. I didn't want my time in Barcelona to rush by, but more importantly I wanted to focus on living in the moment. Being a planner, this does not come naturally to me. Making the effort to truly take each moment for what it is- thanking Him for his presence, His creation and the various situations and people surrounding me in the moments as they went by. Overall, such actions have been a mindful, daily reminder that our Hope and joy should be in the kingdom that awaits us in Heaven. It's amazing how such thoughts are immediately humbling, however give a great sense of contentment and happiness!
Anyway... to Him be the glory! On my way to Barcelona I had a layover in Newark. I lucked out and got a window seat, and spent my time journaling- specifically pondering the things mentioned above. My favorite thing in the world is when the Lord surprises you with the little things. I immediately had peace about my trip with the sight of this beautiful sunset. Overlooking New York City, the sky was the pinkest I had ever seen it in my life!
Even more, as we traveled over the Atlantic, I woke up to the most beautiful sunrise I had ever seen in my life. I don't know if it was the humming of the plane engine or what, but the video and pictures below capture one of the most surreal, calming scenes I had ever witnessed.
I feel like I have had to grow up so much here! Learning how to navigate public transportation, use a map and get around with a different language has given me so much confidence. After dealing with lost luggage, running in terminals to make flights, dealing with delays and canceled travel plans, I've also grown in patience. I've learned that the world keeps on turning and the worst thing that can happen is usually not that bad after all. I've given so many of my worries over to the Lord, and he has made these experiences better than anything I could have ever imagined! As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have felt the holy spirit's presence so much here. The ongoing lessons and experiences I continue to have are something I am truly thankful for!
My first day in Barcelona was great-- except for the lost luggage part. It really wasn't a big deal though, and one of the girls on my trip lent me some clothes. That afternoon we met as a class, did a quick tour of the city and then did some tourist things. A few girls and I ran into a wine and food festival. It was a great way to start out the trip!
The second day we were here we had school orientation and a guided tour of the harbor here in Barcelona. It's supposedly the fourth largest port in the world, and fishing use to be the foundation of their economy (now it's still a heavy part, but Barcelona is heavily dependent on the tourism and hospitality industry). It was pretty cool, we saw all the fishing boats, the nets, how they clean them out and even went up to the top of a lighthouse. We also had a mock seafood auction... which was interesting. Afterwards, we had fresh seafood at a local restaurant next to the fishery. It was a blast, and we all took turns taking a waterfall stream of a famous Barcelona drink made up of beer and lemonade.
We also walked by the Cathedral of Barcelona where a lot of the locals were dancing. They do this every Sunday afternoon, and its so fun to watch! People of all ages, but watching the older people is my favorite! The grandmas are all so joyful and cute.
We didn't have school on Monday so our first day of classes was Tuesday. LOL- There couldn't have been a better of being introduced into the spanish culture than finding out that school is cancelled for a celebration the next day! Wednesday the 24th was the celebration of San Juan. Its basically the longest day of the year, so everyone goes to the beach and pulls an all nighter. Schools and stores shut down because everyone just sleeps the next day. It was kind of like a mini fourth of July-- there were fireworks everywhere, bond fires on the beach. I had such a good time, and it was so fun to see our study abroad group have such a great time together.
Earlier that day my friend Mary Paige came and visited me! She is study abroad in Sevilla, and it was so great to see a familiar friend! We had a nice lunch and then went to the beach in between my classes!
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