"Those who look for the laws of Nature as a support for their new works collaborate with the creator." - Antoni Gaudi

The genius architect, Antoni Gaudi, gave his life to put as much of God's hand on the culture of Catalonia as possible. After living a self consumed life, he had an amazing encounter with God, that changed the course of his life, and the course of architecture as we know it. Gaudi sold all he had and gave it to the poor, lived a simple life and designed building that had "God's handprint" on them. Each building has images of nature, the cross, and God's handiwork as Gaudi demostrated God's love for mankind. Below are pictures of La Sagrada Familia, his masterpiece. that is still being completed in Barcelona, Spain, the way Gaudi envisioned it, 86 years ago.

One of the amazing things about Gaudi is that he started building La Sagrada Familia in the late 1800s, and it looks even modern for TODAY, 2011! He was so ahead of his time, as he wanted all he created to be seen as "God made" instead of "man made." You can see this in the architecture that looks like that of plants and water, things made by the God of the universe.

This is an up close of the doors of the crucifiction facade of LSF. The left door is Matthew's gospel account of the crucifiction and the right door is Luke's gospel account. Incredible'!

Seeing Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia was the most spiritual experience for me.

The way images of Jesus' death were depicted in stone was amazing for my heart. I could just feel the spirit of the God alive in this church. I have been to the Vatican City and felt more of God at LSF. Thank you Mr. Gaudi for invoking such a connection with the triune God. Need to Breathe has a song saying, "Cathedrals try in vain to show the image of your face, but we are by your design, signature of Divine." I do believe that we have the hand print of Jesus on us, however, God has used Gaudi through this church to show the image of Christ in stone. Thanks be to God!

Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy!

France and Spain 2010

Enjoying our last night in Madrid, Spain

La Sagrada Familia - Gaudi's Masterpiece in Barcelona

FC Barcelona Estadio - Mes Que un Club

Vamos Barca!

Barceloneta Port

Barcleona, Spain

Tour de France - Col de Tourmalet, Pyrenees Mountain Range

La Mongie, France

Tour de France - Finish Line, Stage 17 - Pau to Col de Tourmalet

back side of Notre Dame, Latin Quarter, Paris, FR

Casey and I got to take a trip of a lifetime this summer. After getting to take some of my high school students on a mission trip to London, England, Casey met me in Paris, France. We spent 4 days touring Paris, from Notre Dame and Sacre Couer to the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.

We then took the train to the south of France to a town called Toulouse. There we toured the Cathedral and old chapels. We tried the local fare, duck confit, before heading to La Mongie, France. There we camped out before hiking 2 miles in the height of the Pyrenees mountains to watch the 17th stage of the 2010 Tour de France. We got to see the final mountain stage from Pau to Col de Tourmalet, and see Lance Armstrong ride in his final Tour. Check out our awesome polka dot jersey rider hats!

We then took the train across the border to Barcelona, Spain, where we were able to embrace the Catalan culture there. Casey and I toured the FC Barcelona stadium, a highlight of the trip for Case, as well as travel the city to see the incredible architecture of Anton Gaudi, the highlight of the trip for me. Sagrada Familia - absolutely incredible.

Then we took the train for our final stop in Madrid. The city is very regal as we were able to tour the Royal Palace. What a beautiful city with incredible food, great tapas bars, and delicious vino. What an amazing time to travel with my wonderful husband! Thank you God for allowing us to take such an amazing trip like this! I will never forget it.