Enjoying God's Goodness: A Jewel

Before I comment on our day, I thought of two things that I meant to mention. We came across several living statutes around Barcelona yesterday. They are quite amazing and surprising. The first one caught me off guard. I walked toward a statue of Columbus...all bronze. I lifted my camera to take a picture and Andy said, "Be prepared to pay him for the picture." I said, "What?" And then realized what it was. Quite amazing. So still and so real looking, yet it comes to life and draws you in without saying a word. Interesting experience...

I also wanted to comment on three young adults I encountered in INFO booths, inquiring about bus/train connections around the city. Each one was so polite, so helpful, so patient, so kind....and so young. I know it is their job, but as an American who knows little Spanish, they went above and beyond for me and I was grateful.

This morning we were on the road about 8:30 and made our way with our Google Maps directions to Montserrat, a well known and popular pilgrimage site. Was a fairly easy one hour drive. The last 12 to 15 KM were on narrow mountain roads, high above the valley that stretched for miles. Seems to be hazy most of the time so it is difficult to get pictures that do it justice, but absolutely beautiful in every direction.

Dozens of cars were already there, lining the road in narrow parking lots for blocks. There was also a cable car from the town below that brought visitors in and a cogwheel train that brought more up the mountain. A beautiful sight. We decided to take the funicular to the top of the mountain, straight up. It was a little unnerving, but a great ride with expansive views. How did they build it? Why did they choose such difficult places to reach? When was the last time there was a safety inspection?

These unusual mountains are among the best rock climbing in the country - some claim among the best in the world. We talked with 4-5 climbers headed up and they were excited for the challenge. We spent about half an hour up there enjoying the views. There were all kinds of hikes available...one to an little old chapel and one to a cross on the end of a ridge...very tempting but we didn't have the time for it today. Maybe another time. Reminded me once again how very creative God is...different looking formations than I have seen anywhere else.

We discovered that an old Camino trail goes right through the monastery grounds on its way from the east coast to eventually join up with the path we will take soon.

At noon we made our way to the incredible Basilica to hear a boys choir sing along with a few hundred of our new Spanish friends. The place was packed - would never have happened in the US...aisles were full to the brim....would have been a panic if fire broke out. Beautiful sounds...great acoustics...wonderful words...tho most in languages I do not know.

A collection of the most unusual old lanterns were hung around edge of the entire sanctuary - each one uniquely made. Was very dramatic. We sort of wondered if maybe at one time the monks made them to raise money,

We ate lunch on some park benches in the shade overlooking the courtyard in front of the Basilica, watching families, young people, and old people streaming in and out of the church. We spend the next couple of hours in the museum of art on the grounds. What we found was so very unexpected....had to be worth millions of dollars. An amazing collection of paintings, sculptures, icons, pottery...from ancient Mesopotamia to modern art. Truly a wonder.

We could have spent the rest of the day there, but we needed to make our way to Zaragoza to the home of Jon and Meta Nelson. We had such a wonderful time catching up with our children, talking about the Camino, sharing the ups and downs of ministry life. We had a wonderful dinner out on their back patio...no bugs but a few bats flying overhead. We finally cleared the table at 11:00 - not unusual in Spain! They opened their home and their hearts to us. It was a great evening and we are grateful for the connection.

Wonderful views at the top of the mountain above the monastery. Well worth the funicular ride straight up the mountain! And the view of the monastery down below. An amazing feat to have built this place in a niche on the side of the mountain.