Spain

 We went to Spain!  Josh had a week of FIC leadership meetings in Barcelona, Spain the end of May.  It was a huge blessing for Josh, and for our family, to be with FIC leaders.  We always walk away humbled to work with such wonderful people.  Josh was encouraged by the unity he saw and felt in the group.  He was commissioned for his new position as head of new discipleship resources.  It was a very special moment as Steve prayed over us.  Josh said he felt inadequate, but over the week people told Josh how much they appreciate him and are thankful he's on the team.  The kids and I loved joining them for supper and fun and fellowship in the evenings.  We got to know each other and laughed a lot.  It was sad to say goodbye again - can't wait till next year!

After the meetings, our family took a vacation on the Costa Brava (Spain's Northern Coast on the Mediterranean Sea).  Honestly, there is always some stress vacationing in a foreign country, in a different language, and figuring things out.  But we did well, all in all, and had a relaxing, beautiful and fun vacation.  The coastal walks we took were my favorite.  Beautiful aqua water and rocky cliffs!  We wouldn't choose the coast of Spain for a vacation again though.  Unfortunately there is a lot of topless sun bathers that we had to work around.  It was disappointing for sure.  Spain had a lot or immodesty and worldliness leading us to pray and hope we were the light of Jesus while we were there.   

Here is a look at our journey to Spain...

We flew MAF from Soroti to Entebbe partly because we don't trust our van and partly to pick up our new-to-us truck on the way back!  (Flying takes one hour instead of driving about 8 hours!)

We flew over our house and village!

Our kids love to travel!

Josh and I went on a date our first night in Barcelona .  I do love all the outdoor cafes!
Couldn't always read the menus though.  Between Josh, Luka and Grace's Spanish in school we made it.  Only to find out half of the stuff is in the Cantalon language!  We were surprised by the all day smoking and drinking at the cafes.  A different world for us.

I love seeing and exploring new places and cultures, especially anything old and beautiful!

         Grace enjoyed tapas and Makai loved all the playgrounds around town!

Christopher Columbus statue

Barcelona Mercat (Market)

The kids loved feeding all the pigeons in the city center!

Roof top of the monastery where they had the meetings.

Josh commissioned to lead.

Lots of new foods at our suppers in Spain.

The kids and I had the mornings to enjoy and explore Barcelona.  Our apartment (the monastery didn't have rooms for our family) had a pool and great stores and bakeries around the corner.  I found my favorite croissant filled with custard!  We saw buildings built by the famous Gaudi.  We found good coffee shops.  Managed to carry sleepy Makai around.  Walked miles and tried to figure out taxi rides in another language! Overall Barcelona is a big city with a lot of people.  Not exactly our thing.

The group took an afternoon sightseeing.  This is the famous La Sagrada Familia.  A HUGE church built by Gaudi.  Started in 1882 and I heard hopes to be done in 2026 or 2033 or maybe 2060!

Spend the day with our FIC friend who lives in Spain, Josue!

And met up with Kathryn!  Kathryn grew up in Soroti, Uganda with our kids.  We haven't seen her since she left ten years ago.  She is now teaching in Barcelona.  We had such a fun time together!

Our nightly treat walking back to our apartment.

FIC International Leadership Team

Our vacation home.

Sea Glass was everywhere on the coast.

Swimming in the Mediterranean Sea day and night.  Rocky, instantly deep and good waves.

Market!

Shopping

Tossa de Mar

Blanes (a town in NE Spain)

The last couple days we stayed at a waterpark hotel in Lloret de Mar.

Grace and I went to see an Iberian settlement from 300BC.
(The rock base was all original, the rest is to show us what it was like.)

Makai was determined that Luka was going to eat octopus in Spain.  He finally got it our last day - and didn't like it.  Makai even had the kids' helpers at the hotel paint "Luka eating octopus" on his leg.  What a funny boy!

Grateful for our trip to Spain!

See Grace's beautiful blog on Spain too at: https://graceshaardablog.blogspot.com/2024/06/spain.html