The things we do...

 When we began planning for this study abroad, Jannette had an idea. She thought that it would be a significant experience for the students to experience a sunrise in Barcelona and then, once we had reached the end of our experience see the sunset over the Atlantic as part of our final excursion to Muxia. The students embraced the idea and early this morning we set out for the beach. Though it was unusually cold and a little rainy, the students and their enthusiasm did not wane. Many of the students went prepared for a "cold plung" and did not hesistate. It was joyful to see them interacting and making the most of the moment. Soon, the sun came up and peeked through the clouds. By this time a few lone surfers had also arrived. It was truly a beautiful morning.

As I watched the sun come up I could not help by relate this experience to the blessing have to start anew and refreshed, enthused by the opportunities and experiences that await. 

After returning to the hotel and resting up a bit, we set out for the Basílica de Santa María del Mar. Construction on the new Gothic church began in 1329, replacing a smaller Romanesque structure that occupied that lot. The new structure was to serve primarily the citizens of Vilanova del Mar who dedicated themselves to commerce, especially those who were dedicated to the fishing industry.The beautify of the building is that it maintains its Gothic integrity despite damage inflicted on it by earthquakes, fires, and bombings. The basilica was on track for completion until 1348 when the black plague broke out, beginning in Vilanova del Mar. Though incomplete, the Bishop of Barcelona consecrated the basilica in 1834. The structure was finished in 1389.

This brief overview reminds me of the importancwaer dee of persistence in the face of challenges. Those who contributed to the construction of the basilica gave their all despite the hardships brought on by the plague. They were determined to complete their task so that God could live among them.

 

In the afternoon we took them to the Catedral de Barcelona. A lovely example of Gothic architecture the structure has some hidden secrets. One of the opportunities that tourists can enjoy is a elevator ride to the cathedral's roof. High on the Gothic towers can be found a menagerie of sculpted beasts: birds, hawks, a snell, an angel with a drum, rabbits, etc. They are so high up that they are not visible from the ground. So why so much detail when it cannot be seen and appreciated? We got the answer many years ago from a dear nun. She told us that it is less important what we can perceive than what God can see. Think about it for a moment. We forget that the things we do are not to be seen of men, but to be a way of showing God that we love Him and are grateful for our blessings.