Guard Your Heart: Barcelona & History

with Ellen on The Ramblas (Boulevard)

It's been a wonderful two days - not quite over yet - getting to know new friends in David & Ellen, whom I met through Athletes in Action. They are church planters who do a lot of ministry through sports. Ellen's background in synchronized swimming connected us in the aquatics world. The primary purpose for coming here was to talk about aquatics ministry around the world and what we (along with our friend, Jacqueline in Switzerland, and others) can do to encourage Christian athletes and coaches as well as be open to conversations with others.

Jacqueline is a former world class diver, Ellen a former world class synchro swimmer and me - definitely not a former world class pool swimmer! I just tag along and open doors for these amazing ladies!

We've had some great conversations about next steps. Now to put them into action.

Last night I was up until 12:30 a.m. with these crazy people! WAY past my normal bedtime, but we saw some wonderful things after enjoying a great home-cooked meal.

The day began being reminded that love is something we all have in common around the world. We are far more alike than we are different. I discreetly captured this picture which quickly took my mind to my love at home, to our need for love in our lives and thankfulness for God's love that surrounds us.

That was Friday.

This morning, David was off to a prison to do some ministry through basketball, and I slept in! Later Ellen showed me the Medieval part of the city. Everything is decorated for Christmas and in one square we came upon row after row of booths selling Nativity scenes, complete with buildings for the whole countryside. There was a large Nativity in the government square with a wonderful interpretation for a seaside city. I was told that Barcelona is known for its Nativity's and if you're going to put up one thing for Christmas, that's what it should be.

From Roman columns unearthed within the past few decades to stunning cathedrals, it's a beautiful city. Tonight we are headed to the Olympic ('92) village and park areas and then I insisted on taking them out to eat. As young married missionaries, that's a luxury they don't often get.