La Carolina

Back in April, our family was invited down to the State of Andalucia, to visit a church in the city of La Carolina. This church is a like-minded church down in the South of Spain. It was a very exciting trip for us for a few reasons...

We had heard many things about the South of Spain, and how different it was. I couldn't wait to see for myself this part of Spain! We also couldn't wait to spend time with the pastor of the church, Manolo and his wife Pepi.

Both boys were very excited for our little voyage. They are both VERY used to traveling long distances in the car and this trip was not too long, around 7 hours. The boys started out with new (And identical!) coloring books and crayons. I love that these boys are still excited by the simple things.

We even got to stop at Starbucks, about half way there. While I love Spanish coffee and its little cafes on every corner, it is also so fun to drink a white chocolate mocha out of a Starbucks to go cup!! I'm thankful for the Starbucks in Madrid.

Road trips are one of my favorite things. Both boys are strapped in. Occupied. And Gus and I are free to talk and have mostly uninterrupted conversations. Sigh. When are we going on another road trip?

After passing beautiful mountains and scenery, we arrived at Manolo and Pepi's house. They live in a beautiful house with quite a bit of land. And 2 dogs. My boys were in HEAVEN. Dirt. Open Space. And dogs!!

After a yummy lunch and a little siesta, we were off. Our purpose for this trip was so that Gus could speak at a youth outreach. We walked through the very cool city of La Carolina as the sun was setting. Something magical always happens as the sun sets.

After beautiful music led by the church's worship band, Gus spoke to the young men and women about the Rich Young Ruler. He preached the gospel to over 500 teenagers who came from all over the south of Spain. It was quite a special time and we pray for fruit from his clear and poignant message.

The next morning Gus also preached in the Sunday morning service. We had the wonderful privilege of meeting some very sweet and precious believers in this church. Immediately we felt loved and accepted by these people!

This very proud parenting moment did not last long enough. We are still working on taking notes and sitting through a sermon. Love my boys. Wish I could dress them in sweater vests 24x7.

Meet Fran and Marta. Precious couple from the church. We were privileged to eat lunch with them on Sunday. Fran made his renown paella for us. Definitely amazing. It lived up to what everyone said about it. So yum. The afternoon was such a treat as we sat and talked with this couple about ministry, life with children (They have a 3 year old boy), the Gospel and Spain. This couple has a special place in both Gus and my hearts and we are so thankful we got to meet them on this trip.

Then we were back at Manolo's house for a brief siesta before night church, where Gus once again preached. Manolo went to Shepherds Conference several years ago and met people from our church in León. He is a very dear believer in Christ that Gus and I enjoyed spending time with very much. His wife Pepi, whom unfortunately I did not take a picture of, was also a joy to get to know. She was so hospitable to us and was such a great encouragement and example to me. Plus she is an amazing cook!! I have her bizcocho (A Spanish dessert) recipe; leave a comment if you want it-it's in English and is so yummy.

Bright and early Monday morning, we set off to explore more of Andulacia, with Manolo as our guide. Let me warn you...Spain is a beautiful country and the South is just breathtaking! We stopped in a few small villages and I was so delighted with the buildings and streets that we saw.

After driving through some VERY narrow streets, we ended up along the coast and stopped at this castle. This castle was an old Arabic castle, which separated the Muslim world from the Christian world. Once again I was amazed at the history under our very fingertips!!

Our final destination was to have lunch with these people from the church, in a beautiful campground high up in the mountains, called Cazorla. After an amazing BBQ, we headed to this river and walked along it, stopping to enjoy God's creation.

The water was so green, blue and clear. We stopped at a waterfall to enjoy the sound of the rushing water. Definitely one of my favorite sounds in the world.

Even though Coen desperately wants down and Cael looks like he would rather not be taking a picture, we really enjoyed our time outside, walking along the river.

Since Monday's trip was quite long, they very skillfully persuaded us to stay until Tuesday. It didn't take much arm twisting to stay; we enjoyed our time with these people so much!! The boys were just happy to have some extra time with "their" two dogs and more chances to run around and explore!!

Oh and meet Leon. Lion, in Spanish. Very aptly named. And I've never met a more gentle dog, who would sleep in your lap if you let him. Coen still talks about him!!

Because of our delayed departure, an impromptu BBQ was arranged at Manolo and Pepi's house for Monday night, with several leaders from the church and their families. The food was incredible! And the company even more.

A little sad to leave, we packed up and headed home Tuesday morning. Our hearts were bursting after such an amazing weekend with our new friends in this beautiful town. It is so unbelievable to me how being with other Christians, regardless of location, nationality, or language, is such a privilege and blessing. We can't wait to go back and are so thankful for this weekend that we won't soon forget!!