tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51329244554273234832024-03-13T19:31:57.898-07:00Turkey NuggetsSarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132924455427323483.post-49435365639730053862016-08-14T15:08:00.000-07:002016-08-14T15:08:00.408-07:00European Adventure 2012: Back Home--St. Germain, Chocolat, and German CleanlinessAfter visiting Omaha Beach, we were let out of the cemetery parking lot and drove back to our hotel in Lisieux. We came across a bit of a predicament upon arriving back...most of the restaurants in town were bars! Eventually, we found a pizza parlor and had some pizza...yup...French pizza! It was actually pretty good!<br />
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The next morning, we drug our feet as we checked out of our hotel and made our way back to our car parked in the town's ancient town square. Dan thought of what this town square must have looked like in medieval times...probably a lot different, but a lot alike at the same time. I'm sure they must have had medieval festivals here!<br />
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We began our drive back to Paris to return our car and meet up with our friend Tom one last time before boarding our train for Kaiserslautern, Germany.<br />
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When we arrived in Paris, we went to the district of St-Germain-des-Prés to meet Tom. While we were there, we stepped into the ancient church of St-Germain-des-Prés. This part of Paris was once located outside of the medieval city removed from the main city due to frequent flooding of the River Seine. For this reason, the Benedictine Abbey and its buildings were built in the fields away from the city...fields/meadows in French is "prés," hence the name. The abbey was founded in the 6th Century by Childebert I, the son of Clovis I (King "Louis" I of France). The church was originally dedicated to the Holy Cross and St. Vincent, but, after St. Germain, a bishop of Paris was canonized as a Saint, Germain's relics were moved from the church's vestibule to its main body in a ceremony witnessed by Pepin and his seven-year-old son, Charles--one day to be known as "Charles the Great" or "Charlemagne." The Church was then known as St-Germain-des-Prés. The church was frequently plundered and set on fire by the Normans in the 9th Century. Due to this, it was eventually rebuilt, and rededicated by Pope Alexander III.<br />
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For nine centuries after his death in 576, his remains were carried in procession through the streets of Paris in times of plague and crisis. The bishop's remains are still in the church today and may still be kept <i>retro altare</i> ("behind the main altar") in the main church. The Tomb of the French philosopher, Rene Decartes is also in this church.<br />
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After visiting this historic church, we looked for Tom and couldn't find him. So, we decided to try to see if we could use someone's cell phone to call him. And...what better place to find someone who would let us use their cell phone than in a French Chocolate shop???? :)<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">While Sarah and Peter shopped for some gifts for family and for some "souvenirs" for us, I asked an employee if I could use their store's phone. He told me that they couldn't do that. I started to get a bit nervous...how were we going to get a hold of Tom? I decided to join S</span><span style="text-align: start;">arah and Peter and look at all the amazing chocolate sculptures the shop had on display. Then, the young employee who I had just spoken to came over to me and gave me his cell phone. He said "Use my phone! Just don't tell my boss, I could get in trouble!" I thanked him profusely and was able to get in contact with Tom to make arrangements for meeting him. Whoever said the French/Parisians are rude must have been dealing with the wrong crowd...this guy stuck his neck out for us and we'll always remember him for his kindness!</span></div>
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After this episode, we met up with Tom and walked around with him a bit. We had to get going to the train station to catch our train, so Tom accompanied us to the train station. To pass the time before our train left, we all went to a restaurant across the street from the train station to get one last taste of French food. It was delicious as expected. To this day, the jury is still out in our family as to what country has the best food: France or Italy (Dan's vote is for France!).<br />
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We bid a fond farewell to Tom and thanked him for taking such good care of us and for showing us around the incredible city he called his home. It was great to have him with us!<br />
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We traveled by train back to Kaiserslautern (the city outside of Ramstein Air Base). We picked up a taxi and had a great conversation with our cabbie. She was half American, half German...her father was an American GI and her mother was a German. As she drove us through Kaiserslautern, we noticed that there were a lot of kids dressed up in costumes walking around with their parents. We asked her what this was all about and she told us that it was Rosenmontag or "Rose Monday." This festival is held mostly in the Rhineland region of Germany on the Monday before Ash Wednesday each year. It is accompanied by parades and costumes. Candy and flowers are thrown to the crowds during these parades.<br />
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Our taxi driver took us outside of Ramstein and unfortunately couldn't take us on base. We processed through the front gate and began walking to the KMCC--the base's giant shopping center with a huge BX and many other stores and restaurants. Luckily, a military mom with a van saw us walking with Peter and our suitcases and was kind enough to give us a lift. We went to the KMCC and did some long-awaited shopping. The BX alone could have fit three of Incirlik's BX's...literally. After Dan got a new iPod, we went down to the food court to have some Subway...it had been nearly a year! </div>
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After filling ourselves on the delicious sandwiches, we got a cab to take us to our hotel off base. Our hotel was privately owned and very nice. It was run by a local German woman who--in typical German fashion--was very adamant on keeping a clean, impeccable establishment. In fact, she had an entire binder of rules and regulations for visitors: "Make sure you wipe down the shower" and "Pick up after yourself" were some of the directions from our hostess. Despite being under the microscope, it was a nice stay with a delicious traditional breakfast with homemade fruit jams.</div>
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After our stay, we caught a cab back to Ramstein, hopped on the rotator and were off for home in Turkey. It had been a whirlwind trip (4 countries!) but one of the most holy and memorable we had been on.</div>
Sarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132924455427323483.post-9018901319620858152015-06-07T21:03:00.001-07:002015-06-07T21:03:07.725-07:00European Adventure 2012: Omaha Beach<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After going to Mass in Lisieux, we hopped in our rental car
and made our way through Normandy to the coast of the English Channel so we
could visit Omaha Beach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Normandy is named after the "Normans" who were a
group of Vikings who took control over this northern part of France around the
turn of the first millennium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the
places we drove by on our way to Omaha Beach was the town of Bayeux where the
famous Bayeux Tapestry is kept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This tapestry
was created to depict the legendary Battle of Hastings in 1066 where the Normans
defeated the English--the last time anyone has successfully invaded and
conquered England.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5laOSXKkJU/VXSznlAOtgI/AAAAAAAABd4/tdhz1y9pTBs/s1600/BayeuxTapestry_2398754b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5laOSXKkJU/VXSznlAOtgI/AAAAAAAABd4/tdhz1y9pTBs/s320/BayeuxTapestry_2398754b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>A segment of the Bayeux Tapestry</em> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On our drive we eventually saw a road sign for Omaha
Beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was pretty amazing to see a
road sign for such an important landmark in our Nation's history--even if it
was in another country!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This wasn't a
road sign for a local state park like Mahoney State Park back home in Nebraska…this
was for THE Omaha Beach!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we got closer to Omaha Beach, we recognized that Normandy
is very beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was very green and
the homes we drove by were very charming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Eventually we arrived at the Normandy American Cemetery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We processed through security there and
walked through the visitors' center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They had many interesting displays and artifacts from the invasion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had some actual paratrooper jump boots
on display there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was neat to see the
"real" things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout my
military career, I've seen that style of boot worn by numerous people, but had
never seen a pair of them that were from a real paratrooper--let alone one from
WWII!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also had an Army canteen and
some Bangalore torpedoes which were used to blow up German obstacles.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After walking through the visitor center, we stepped outside
onto a paved trail which led to the cemetery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From there, we could see Omaha Beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ironically, it was gorgeous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everything was so green on that crisp, sunny, late winter
afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could feel the wind off of
the channel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was surreal to be
standing where our servicemen had fought, conquered, and died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We kept walking till we saw the impressive American
Normandy monument and the rows of thousands of crosses marking the final
resting places of so many of my Nation's heroes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The view was staggering…so much sacrifice for
our freedoms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two American flags flew
proudly high above them all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We began to
walk among the crosses and read some of the names:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clifford Stafford from Kansas, Henry Tinker
from New York, etc., etc….The cross of PFC Richard Atwood had a Rosary around
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We even saw a cross dedicated to
"A Comrade in Arms Known but to God."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t-06S29LUFs/VXS1XZlflvI/AAAAAAAABeQ/nAoJXmEK9gw/s1600/IMG_7285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t-06S29LUFs/VXS1XZlflvI/AAAAAAAABeQ/nAoJXmEK9gw/s400/IMG_7285.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After looking at the crosses, we decided to walk down to the
beach itself.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A trail from the cemetary
led down onto the beach.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we walked
down the small trail through foliage and trees, I thought about the brave
soldiers who had scaled this deadly hillside in 1941.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I could see two empty German turrets on my
left that must have rained devastation upon our troops upon their landing and
advance.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We kept walking down the trail
and eventually the soil under our feet had turned to sand…we had set foot on
Omaha Beach.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once we had walked through a small, sandy forest at the base
of the hillside, we stepped out onto the open beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was much bigger and more wide-open than I
had ever imagined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was probably about
a quarter of a mile from the hillside to the water!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a stark contrast to how it's portrayed
in Saving Private Ryan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I imagined how deadly
this beach must have been…It was painful to imagine wave after wave of American
soldiers getting chewed up by German machine gun fire and landmines as they
steadily made the long trek to the hillside and to direct contact with the enemy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the beach, I could see the ghastly, hollow
remains of German turrets lodged in the hillside still eerily guarding the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we walked along, we even saw the remains
of German landing obstacles still stuck in the sand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-53kwl6QhZ58/VXS27WjhedI/AAAAAAAABeo/2teNZUV_XCU/s1600/IMG_7317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-53kwl6QhZ58/VXS27WjhedI/AAAAAAAABeo/2teNZUV_XCU/s320/IMG_7317.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View of the hillside at Omaha Beach from the sea. American soldiers had to go a long way through open beach where they were easy targets for German gunners.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AlQ2lkxoux4/VXS3rH17frI/AAAAAAAABfA/lqXkH9if5PU/s1600/IMG_7332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AlQ2lkxoux4/VXS3rH17frI/AAAAAAAABfA/lqXkH9if5PU/s320/IMG_7332.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>German turrets overlooking Omaha Beach</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AwezzVBm9Gs/VXS3Kt3FILI/AAAAAAAABew/YfPYT9DrGgU/s1600/IMG_7337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AwezzVBm9Gs/VXS3Kt3FILI/AAAAAAAABew/YfPYT9DrGgU/s320/IMG_7337.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Peter sitting on a German landing obstacle on Omaha Beach</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The wind from the sea blew across clear puddles on the beach
and kept reminding us that it was still winter there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sarah, still experiencing the effects of
pregnancy morning sickness, wasn't feeling very well from all the walking and
so we decided to start making our way back up the hillside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter ran around on the beach to stretch his
little legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was sobering to think of
the thousands of men who had fallen where my little son was now running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This beach was much different on June 6,
1944.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We made our way back up the hillside on a separate trail
than the one we had come down on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the
trail back up we stopped at two of the empty German cannon turrets to look
inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Nazis used to be…right…here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The view of the beach was impeccable…these turrets
were well-placed to stop an amphibious assault from the beach below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>In the back of one of the German turrets</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View of Omaha Beach from one of the German turrets</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On our way back up the hill, we walked by a monument to the
Fifth Engineer Special Brigade and another to the U.S.'s 1st Infantry Division (nicknamed
the "Big Red One").<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next to
the latter, we saw the entrance to subterranean German barracks…a spider hole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fitting to have a monument to our fighting
men standing over the remains of the enemy's living quarters!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Visiting Normandy was an incredible experience that I will
never forget.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanks be to God for the
sacrifices of thousands of American, British, and Canadian troops who broke
into Hitler's "Fortress Europe" on that fateful day in Jun 1944, and
in a little over a year ended the most destructive conflict in human history.</span>Sarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132924455427323483.post-3887926505131343682015-06-07T21:02:00.001-07:002015-06-07T21:03:40.200-07:00European Adventure 2012: St. Therese Basilica<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We were blessed to be able to attend Sunday Mass at the Basilica of Saint Therese in Lisieux! To say it was impressive is an understatement!</div>
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After soaking in the grandiosity of the outer architecture, we entered the basilica and found the inside to be equally awe-inspiring! The main floor of the basilica was vibrant with colors and details. </div>
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the inside of the dome</div>
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the nave and the apse</div>
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Sunday Mass was celebrated by the Bishop of the area in the downstairs crypt of the basilica. The crypt was just as gorgeous with detail and color, but this dimly lit cozy space possessed a quiet unique peace. It was the perfect place to attend Sunday Mass and wrap up our pilgrimage to Lisieux. Mass sounded so beautiful in French and it was celebrated by the local bishop! The church was packed!<br />
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After the beautiful Mass, we visited the back of the crypt where the relics of Saint Therese's parents are held. Saint Therese's holy parents, Blessed Louis Martin and Blessed Zelie Martin, are just one step away from being canonized Saints. Their relics are held in a beautiful gold reliquary with scenes carved out from their inspiring lives. Sweet Peter visited the reliquary with me and helped me leave a note with our special intentions for Blessed Louis and Blessed Zelie to intercede for us. </div>
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Peter also helped me light a candle for our intentions; one of his favorite pilgrimage activities!</div>
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Our visit to the Basilica of Saint Therese was a truly special way </div>
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to spend our last morning in Lisieux! </div>
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Pictures of Blessed Martin and Blessed Zelie: inspiring examples for us as parents!</div>
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Before we left Lisieux, we just<em> had </em>to visit Saint Therese's tomb one last time! </div>
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Saint Therese, please pray for us!</div>
Sarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132924455427323483.post-59968660363974832402015-06-07T21:01:00.003-07:002015-06-07T21:01:53.661-07:00European Adventure 2012: St Therese's childhood parish churchWhen we booked our Lisieux hotel on-line months before our trip, we had no idea how special the location would be. After we arrived and began exploring, we were thrilled to discover that our hotel was right across the street from Saint Therese's childhood parish church! We could see the magnificent Cathedrale Saint-Pierre right from our hotel room window! It was incredible to be next to the church that little Therese attended Mass every Sunday with her family, where she often attended daily Mass, and where she went to confession. How beautiful to visit the sacred place where the graces of the Sacraments were first planted in her soul!<br />
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Do you see little Sarah and even littler Peter beneath the massive cathedral?</div>
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And the inside of the cathedral was just as impressive with its grand pillars and archways!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tucked near the left entrance of the cathedral was the confessional used by Saint Therese!</span> </td></tr>
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The magnificent high altar</div>
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This chapel behind the main altar contains the tomb of Bishop Pierre Cauchon who financed the chapel's construction. Cauchon was an English-sympathizing bishop who oversaw the trial of St. Joan of Arc which led to her death.<br />
Ironically, another great Saint of France spent time with Cauchon (and could have interceded for his soul) as well: St. Therese would come to this chapel to attend daily Mass!<br />
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Below is the chapel where Saint Therese attended Sunday Mass with her family</div>
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Saint Therese's father would rent out this side chapel for his family for Sunday Mass. </div>
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It was amazing to visit this spot on a Sunday and think of all of the Sundays Saint Therese </div>
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and her family spent here in prayer! </div>
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One last glimpse of the incredible architecture in this amazing cathedral--made in the Middle Ages without any machines! </div>
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It was a truly unforgettable stop on our pilgrimage!</div>
Sarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132924455427323483.post-5469396513841275542014-08-10T16:35:00.000-07:002014-08-10T16:35:07.621-07:00European Adventure 2012: Lisieux Day 1 (Part 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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After visiting St. Therese's childhood home, we went to the convent where she spent the last 9 years of her life (before dying of tuberculosis at age 24). It is here that she wrote her famous spiritual writings and spent countless hours in prayer and sacrifice. This is also the site of her tomb.</div>
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<em>Saint Therese's personal crucifix and the crown she wore at her profession of vows</em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">"Holiness consists simply in doing God's will, and being just what God wants us to be."</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">-Saint Therese</span><o:p></o:p></em></div>
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<em>Saint Therese's habit and shoes</em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">"I know now that true charity consists in bearing all our neighbors' defects--not being surprised at their weakness, but edified at their smallest virtues."</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">-Saint Therese</span><o:p></o:p></em></div>
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<em>Art supplies used by Saint Therese</em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">"Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love."</span><o:p></o:p></em></div>
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<em>-Saint Therese </em></div>
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<em>Holy cards of Saint Therese</em></div>
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<em>The tomb of Saint Therese of Lisieux</em></div>
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The most memorable part of our visit to Carmel was spending time in prayer before Saint Therese's tomb. The light was dimmed in the quiet, serene little chapel. At that intimate, silent moment, we were the only visitors at the tomb of this great Saint; our dear friend. We prayed on our knees for her intercession for our little family and all of our loved ones.</div>
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We finished up our evening by paying a quick visit to the empty, cold, dark St. Peter's Church not far from our hotel. Inside this ancient medieval church was the confessional St. Therese used before she entered the convent at Carmel.</div>
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After a quick visit to St. Peter's (we would return first thing in the morning to explore it completely), we tried to find some food. To our surprise, many of the restaurants in town that we stopped at were serving as a bar that night and weren't serving food, so we ended up walking to a small supermarket not far from our hotel and purchasing some pre-made sandwiches, fruit, and yogurt. We took our food back to our hotel room and had a picnic. We looked down from our room at the town square below and watched ice skaters skating on the square's ice rink, enjoying the brisk evening.</div>
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It had been a day to treasure.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><em>"Everything is a grace, everything is the direct effect of our father's love — </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><em>difficulties, contradictions, humiliations, all the soul's miseries, her burdens, her needs — everything, because through them, she learns humility, realizes her weakness — Everything is a grace because everything is God's gift. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><em>Whatever be the character of life or its unexpected events —</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><em> to the heart that loves, all is well." </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><em>-Saint Therese</em></span></div>
<br />Sarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132924455427323483.post-50451263839167411442014-08-10T15:51:00.000-07:002015-06-07T14:52:36.438-07:00European Adventure 2012: Lisieux Day 1 (Part 1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next stop on our trip was a life-long dream come true. Saint Therese of Lisieux has been one of my favorite Saints since third grade. Saint Therese was the patron Saint of my elementary school and childhood church. I spent many years of my life learning about this holy young woman and her spirituality. I love her simplicity and her heroic love.</div>
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When I was in college, visiting convents and discerning God's Will for my life, I prayed many novenas to Saint Therese asking her to pray for God's plan in my life. I later discovered that my future husband (who also loves Saint Therese) also prayed many novenas during his college years asking Saint Therese to help him find his future wife! Our heavenly friend did intercede for us, and we were married just a week and a half before her feast day in <em>Saint Theresa's Church</em> in Lincoln, NE. </div>
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My sweet husband made sure that Lisieux, France was on our itinerary! To visit the home of one of my heroines since childhood was absolutely unforgettable!</div>
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Saint Therese was born in 1873 and lived only 24 years, much of which was spent in a cloistered convent in Lisieux, France. Her spirituality is called the Little Way: doing small things with great love. Her spiritual writings were so profound and applicable for every Christian that they are still very popular today. She was declared a "Doctor of the Church" by Pope John Paul II in 1997.</div>
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The drive to Lisieux was breathtaking: French countryside with rolling green hills. We found Lisieux to be a small, quiet, ordinary town. A humble home for a humble Saint.</div>
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Our hotel was right across the street from Saint Therese's childhood church, St. Peter's! Saint Therese went to Mass here with her family every week when she was a little girl. We loved this view from our hotel window!</div>
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Les Buissonnets was the childhood home of Saint Therese in Lisieux. This is the setting of countless stories I've heard and read about little Therese and her family. To be here was like a dream. <br />
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We entered Saint Therese's childhood home and we were greeted by a sweet French nun who spoke zero English. She smiled graciously and pushed the "play" button on a recorded audio tour of the home. Peter snoozed serenely in his stroller as we listened to the tour and walked through her home. </div>
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Saint Therese's entryway and fireplace</div>
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Saint Therese became very ill when she was young. Her miraculous healing was attributed to the intercession of Our Lady. Therese stayed in this room during her illness.</div>
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The Dining Room</div>
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One of Saint Therese's Dresses</div>
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Saint Therese's First Communion Dress</div>
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This picture was taken in the bedroom which Saint Therese spent the majority of her childhood. It is now filled with many objects from her childhood.</div>
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Another picture of her childhood bedroom</div>
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This floor was the original floor in their home! </div>
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The backyard gardens</div>
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We were the <em>only people </em>(other than two sweet nuns) at Saint Therese's house during the majority of our visit! It made us feel like we were<em> her</em> special guests. It didn't feel like a tourist stop at all, it felt like a home. It was incredibly peaceful and absolutely unforgettable.</div>
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Praise God for such an incredible gift.</div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">"When I die, I will send down a shower of roses from the heavens, I will spend my heaven by doing good on earth." </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Saint Therese of Lisieux</span></em></div>
Sarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132924455427323483.post-25510056955460527782014-01-05T11:03:00.001-08:002014-03-22T11:48:34.831-07:00European Adventure 2012: St. Joan of Arc in Rouen, France<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We started our next day's adventure with breakfast at our hotel. The fresh strawberries and apple juice were Peter's favorites. Cheers!<br>
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Next, we picked up our rental car and traveled to the little city of Rouen, France. Rouen is the location of St. Joan of Arc's martyrdom. A church was built near the site of her martyrdom. The church was locked up, but we explored the gardens outside and asked for the intercession of this heroic young woman.</div>
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The sign below marks the location where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake on May 30, 1431.</div>
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Rouen was a charming, picture perfect little town! We enjoyed doing a bit of exploring and souvenir shopping before grabbing a bite to eat at a local café. We ate delicious sandwiches on French bread (of course!) filled with lunchmeat, cheeses, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and butter! Yum! And instead of chips or fries for a side, our sandwich was accompanied by a flaky, sweet pastry. Double yum!</div>
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Peter posed for a photo with St. Joan of Arc to wrap up our visit to Rouen! He was so happy to have a break from his car seat during this stop! As you can see from the red marker drawn on his pants, he had gotten a little bored earlier during our morning drive. God bless our sweet little pilgrim and all of the miles he's patiently traveled! <br>
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Sarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132924455427323483.post-23618611742388348122014-01-05T10:58:00.000-08:002014-01-05T10:58:57.440-08:00European Adventure 2012: Paris Day 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Waking up in Paris...</div>
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When you start off your day with pastries like these little beauties, you know it's going to be an extra special kind of day.</div>
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We walked from our teeny little hotel room (we have found that hotel rooms in Paris and London are teeny tiny but uber expensive) and strolled to a charming, busy pastry shop that our local expert Tom recommended. </div>
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Oh my. </div>
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No words can describe the amazing deliciousness of these buttery, melt-in-your-mouth croissants and the sugary sweet almond pastries. </div>
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Powered by pastries, we hit the ground running...and we're off! Dan, our super travel guide, typed up a full itinerary/research packet to plan our day. We were ready to tackle it. </div>
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First we stopped at the Place de la Concorde in Paris. This is where the guillotine named the "Black Widow" stood during the French Revolution. Over 1,300 people were beheaded here--among them were King Louis XVI and his wife Marie-Antoinette. Now, it's just a little plaza area surrounded by bustling traffic coming from all directions. A plaque near the obelisk in the center of the plaza marks the place: "<span class="hps">This</span> <span class="hps">plaza,</span> opened <span class="hps">in 1763, </span><span class="hps">was</span> <span class="hps">originally</span> called <span class="hps">the Plaza of Louis</span> <span class="hps">XV</span><span>. From </span><span class="hps">November</span> <span class="hps">1792</span> to <span class="hps">May 1795</span> it was <span class="hps">then</span> <span class="hps atn">referred to as the </span><span>Plaza of the</span> <span class="hps">Revolution</span><span>.</span> <span class="hps">It was the</span> <span class="hps">main venue for</span> <span class="hps">public</span> <span class="hps">executions</span><span>, including that of</span> <span class="hps">Louis</span> <span class="hps">XVI</span> on <span class="hps">21 January 1793</span> <span class="hps">and</span> <span class="hps">Marie-</span><span class="hps">Antoinette</span> on 16 <span class="hps">October 1793</span><span>."</span></div>
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Next, we walked right down the street to La Madeleine Church in Paris. This church is dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene.</div>
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The interior of the church was majestic and beautifully adorned with breathtaking sculptures. It was a peaceful retreat from the busy streets outside.<br />
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We then took a walk through the Tuileries Gardens. We let Peter out of the stroller to stretch his legs and run through the grass. Soon, we spotted a charming, old fashioned carousel! <br />
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Our little traveler deserved a break from sightseeing. He was absolutely thrilled!</div>
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After a very sad and tearful goodbye to the carousel, Peter and mommy had a little pep talk in the beautiful gardens (with the Louvre in the background) and I convinced our sweet boy that there would be more fun to come. </div>
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We continued our relaxing walk through the Tuileries and arrived at our next destination....</div>
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...The Louvre Art Museum!</div>
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The museum was massive. We cruised through the halls and maze-like corridors (because when you're at an art museum with a two year old, you don't have time to actually look at the art) on a mission to find the one and only Mona Lisa!</div>
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As you can see, she's quite popular...</div>
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After the Louvre, we went back to the metro to hit our next stop. Good thing we have such a skilled navigator with us!</div>
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We took the metro to the Place de la Bastille.<br />
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This is where the infamous Bastille Prison was located. The "flash point" of the French Revolution occurred at this prison in 1789 when French Revolutionaries stormed the Bastille and defeated the Royal troops inside...the prison was destroyed shortly afterwards. </div>
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The French Revolution had begun!</div>
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After a very full morning of sightseeing, we met Tom at a little café for a mid-afternoon snack while Peter snoozed in his stroller. </div>
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The meat and cheese plate reenergized us for the next adventure on our list: </div>
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the Cathedral of Notre Dame. </div>
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We took our time and soaked it all in. There were countless side altars and statues, one could easily spend the entire day exploring and meditating. <br />
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This red reliquary contains the Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus! It was purchased from the Byzantine Emperor in Constantinople (modern Istanbul, Turkey) by the French King St. Louis IX in the Middle Ages.<span class="fbPhotoTagList hidden_elem" id="fbPhotoSnowliftTagList"></span><br />
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The next item on the itinerary was the Basilica of St. Denis. This Basilica was located on the far northern edge of Paris. Dan was very motivated to see it, so we traveled on a jam-packed metro during rush hour through endless stops. It was a memorable experience to say the least! I entertained myself by people watching (and at one point, dog watching...as someone brought a scary looking dog onto the metro) and reassuring Peter not to worry as more and more people smooshed in close to us. Claustrophobic? Yes. As our metro stop approached, I began to feel nervous. We were pinned in the back with a <em>stroller, </em>how would we ever make it to the metro door?! Several locals noticed our dilemma and generously yelled and kindly pushed us through to the door. Phew! We finally arrived at the Basilica of St. Denis where he (the first bishop of Paris who was beheaded for his work converting the populace to Christianity around A.D. 258) and the monarchs of France are buried.</div>
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It was beautiful on the outside, but had unfortunately closed early for the day and we were unable to go inside. (Humph!) We said a prayer at the doorstep and then hopped back on the metro which, to our delight, was much less crowded. </div>
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Our last stop before dinner was the Sacre Coeur Basilica, dedicated to Christ's Sacred Heart.<br />
It was built over the site where martyrs were slain in Roman times (to include St. Denis)! It was built high atop a steep hill. We took a cable car lift to the top and went inside to find a beautiful church filled with prayerful souls at an evening Mass. It was an inspiring sight to see. After our visit, we enjoyed the breathtaking view of Paris (including the Eifel Tower lit up at night) before descending down the hill again.<br />
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We walked with Tom to an artsy district of Paris for dinner. Two of the highlights of the dinner were crepes and French onion soup. Yum!<br />
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We are so grateful to our friend, Tom, for being our expert guide! We had so much fun!<br />
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After dinner, we walked through the charming cobblestone streets, peeked in the artsy little shops, and bought a painting of the Eifel Tower. <br />
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Our metro stop was right next to Moulin Rouge, a dance hall famous for its can can dancing, so we stopped for a photo op. "Moulin Rouge" means "Red Windmill" in English. </div>
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Then we hopped back on the metro for our final ride of the night. And we slept very soundly in our little Parisian hotel room. </div>
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Sarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132924455427323483.post-75990169411210515982013-03-17T14:04:00.002-07:002013-03-17T14:04:38.362-07:00European Adventure 2012: Paris Day 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ah, Paris! It was just as beautiful, unique, and stylish as I had expected! </div>
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We hopped off our train and were greeted by Dan's high school friend, Tom. Tom is fluent in French and was living in Paris studying French law. He was the perfect tour guide! He helped us buy our metro tickets and took us to a little cafe for lunch. I had a duck pate sandwich on<em> French</em> bread (of course)! This began my love affair with French food!<br />
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Peter instantly bonded with his new best friend, Tom. Tom was good enough to read a story to him while we waited for our food. (Because French cafes, though adorable, are a little cramped and not very kid friendly. So Peter had to stay very, very still.)</div>
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After lunch, Tom headed to class and we set out to explore Paris! </div>
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First stop: the Arc de Triomphe! We snapped photos of this massive structure over the Champs Elysses--a busy, noisy street. </div>
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We walked a bit further to catch our first glimpse of THE one-and-only...Eiffel Tower! It was much bigger than we had pictured and just as lovely as we'd imagined. So, of course, we had to take a zillion pictures!</div>
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Our visit was just a few days after Valentine's Day! Well played, Dan Beaudoin.</div>
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Aw, my sweethearts!</div>
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We continued our stroll through Paris with all of its sights! We walked by the building where Napoleon is buried and peeked through a fence to catch a glimpse of the famous "The Thinker" sculpture in an outdoor garden (we were too cheap and too short on time to go inside). </div>
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Next, we visited the Church of Saint Vincent de Paul. Saint Vincent de Paul's incorrupt body is entombed there! What a beautiful, powerful place for silent prayer before Christ and His faithful servant.</div>
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Then, we walked to the Church of the Miraculous Medal. Here, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Catherine Laboure three times and showed her the image to use in the design of the Miraculous Medal. It was a beautiful church filled with quiet, prayerful pilgrims.</div>
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After spending time in prayer, we continued our walk through the streets of Paris. The sun had set and everything seemed even more impressive at night. </div>
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Isn't this an incredible sculpture of Saint Michael the Archangel?</div>
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Oooooh la la! Paris came alive at night. The lights, cafes, shop windows, art and architecture all possessed a magical glow. We caught a glimpse of the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Incredible!</div>
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After ordering, the waitress brought us our drinks and some intriguing looking tools. Soon, a sizzling dish of escargot was placed before us. Tom taught us how to use our "tools" and we slurped down the Parisian delicacy. </div>
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My first taste of escargot...</div>
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(Peter stuck with the bread...)</div>
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Dan's first adventurous gulp...</div>
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The verdict: snails, when covered in butter and garlic and eaten somewhere trendy like Paris, are actually quite deee-lish. </div>
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Dan...eating French fries in France. Life is good. </div>
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We waited hungrily for a long time for our main course. Finally, we discovered that in Paris, they cannot bring your main course until all of your appetizer is finished! Once we made that important discovery, we slurped the last of the escargot and our next course arrived soon after that.</div>
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For dinner, I had an absolutely heavenly duck with plum sauce and Dan tried a tasty traditional stew. </div>
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But wait. There's more.</div>
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Dessert!</div>
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Mmmmm...I can still taste it.</div>
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The Grand Finale:</div>
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Creme Brulee</div>
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and "Stuffed" Ice Cream </div>
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(stuffed with almonds, creme puffs, chocolate sauce, and pure happiness)</div>
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Our dinner was the perfect ending to a wonderful first day in Paris. </div>
Sarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132924455427323483.post-7558259128026557032013-03-17T12:26:00.000-07:002013-03-17T13:55:37.158-07:00European Adventure 2012: Belgium and the Netherlands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I look back on our last European Adventure trip with deep gratitude...it was one of my favorites. This trip was packed full of amazing "bucket list" moments, incredible spiritual experiences, and oh-so-delicious food! Additionally, I was about 11 weeks pregnant and just at the end of an overwhelming bout of 1st trimester morning sickness. I was still a bit queasy, but the worst was over and I was thrilled to be functioning again! </div>
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We took a "Space A" flight (a free flight on the extra seats on a military plane that "hops" from base to base) to Germany. After a stressful rental car mix-up at the base in Germany (long, annoying story), we took a cab and rushed to an off-base car rental company that was just about to close. We luckily grabbed an overpriced car and hopped in; grateful, tired, and hungry. To our great happiness, we spotted a McDonald's down the road (McDonald's is so comforting during stressful foreign travel) and grabbed a late dinner to go. (After two months of non-stop nausea and a diet of bagels and malt-o-meal, those french fries tasted pretty magical.)</div>
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Though it was late, our night was not done. We drove through Germany and crossed into Belgium, where we encountered a crazy snowstorm. We pushed through the storm and finally arrived at our adorable, cozy bed & breakfast a little before midnight. (Lesson learned: our b&b host was quite surprised to see us so late. After all of our travel delays, we forgot to contact the b&b. He was very forgiving!) After a long day of travel, that Belgian b&b looked heavenly. </div>
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After a restful night's sleep, we welcomed the new, chilly morning in Belgium with a delicious breakfast. The B&B owners served an array of scrambled eggs, cheeses, meats, breads, yogurt, and fruit. We feasted in their quaint little kitchen with two other guests, a student and a businessman. </div>
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We drove down the road to Gheel, Belgium to visit the tomb of Saint Dymphna. According to John J. Delaney's <em>Dictionary of the Saints</em>, St. Dymphna lived in the mid-600s A.D. and was the daughter of a pagan Celtic chieftain. She fled from home on the death of her mother to escape her cruel father and went to Antwerp accompanied by her confessor, St. Gerebernus, and two companions. They then built an oratory at Gheel where they lived as hermits. Tracked down by Dymphna's father, the two companions and the priest were murdered by his men, and Dymphna was beheaded by her father when she refused to return with him Her feast day is May 15th. We were excited to visit the resting place of this courageous Saint!</div>
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It was a coooold February day with the kind of wind that just cuts right through you. And yet, all throughout the adorable teeny European town of Gheel were elderly people riding their bikes seemingly oblivious to the arctic chill. As we approached the magnificent church that held St. Dymphna's relics, we discovered that dozens of those bikes were parked right next to the church. Their elderly riders, all dressed in black, were entering the church. Then, a hearse pulled up. A funeral was going on in the church...</div>
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So, unfortunately, we did not make it inside of the church to see St. Dymphna's tomb. But we prayed on the church doorstep and felt that Saint Dymphna was smiling on her little pilgrims. </div>
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After snapping some photos, we hopped back in the car to defrost our fingers and toes. Next stop: the Netherlands! </div>
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Dan's Aunt Ettie and Uncle Jim live in Den Haag, the Netherlands, which made this colorful Dutch city the perfect next stop on our dash across Europe. We dropped off the rental car at an airport in Den Haag and waited for Dan's uncle to pick us up. The weather was even more extreme in Den Haag. Icy cold <em>sideways</em> rain slapped our faces as we trudged to the rental car station, stroller and luggage in tow. We were absolutely thrilled to see Dan's uncle's warm smile. We spent the afternoon and evening in their cozy, European downtown flat drinking tea and chatting as the rain poured outside. Aunt Ettie served us a delicious dinner and a dessert of chocolate mousse. After dinner, we were ready for a nice warm bed. Peter and I slept in Jim and Ettie's daughter's old room, complete with enormous stuffed animals. Peter loved it! </div>
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We had a wonderful visit with Uncle Jim and Aunt Ettie!<br />
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The next morning, Uncle Jim drove us to the train station where we bought our tickets for the fast train to Paris! <br />
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Paris, here we come!</div>
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Sarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132924455427323483.post-85260778366615018662012-08-09T20:52:00.000-07:002012-08-09T20:52:17.005-07:00In America Again!It's time. We are way overdue for a blog update on our family's latest adventures. We are no longer climbing over ancient ruins in Turkey or eating gelati in Italy, but life still seems to be going at a non-stop, eventful pace. So here, in our Holiday Inn Express room in South Dakota, I update you on our life. <br />
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Dan, Peter, and I landed on American soil on June 1st. We were exhausted. The overseas flight went pretty smoothly, considering I was very pregnant, Peter is two years old, and no overseas flights are ever very comfortable or easy. I wore my compression socks and visited the bathroom every hour like a good pregnant gal should. Peter threw up all over after gagging on German pasta salad during our in-flight dinner. And we were all able to catch a few zzzz's (just a <em>few</em>...<em>very light</em> zzzz's) during the 8 hour flight. When we landed in Baltimore and the USO welcomed everyone with "Welcome Home" signs and bagpipes, I cried like a baby...our first time back in the United States since August 22, 2010.<br />
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The next morning, Peter and I flew to Chicago, then Omaha. We said goodbye to Dan (I cried again) and Dan headed to Alabama for some training, then back to Turkey for a month and a half or so.<br />
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Our arrival in Omaha was INCREDIBLE (yep, I cried). It was so good to see our family and friends in person. It was so good to be home. In a weird way, it felt so comfortable and familiar, almost like we'd never left America and Turkey was just a dream. <br />
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Peter and I spent the next 2 months with my family in Lincoln while Dan finished up in Turkey. <br />
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Here are just a few nuggets from our first 2 months in America:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">House Hunting:</span> <br />
The keys to a "memorable" real estate experience:<br />
a) buying your first home<br />
b)...during your hormonal and emotionally unstable third trimester<br />
c)....with a jet-lagged toddler in tow<br />
d)...while your husband is in a different country<br />
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Yes, there were tears involved. But I am so blessed with amazing parents that drove the 4.5 hour trip with me over and over again to view countless houses until we found "the one". When I finally found a house, I called Dan in Turkey and said "Are you ready to trust me on this one? I think we should go for it." And my wonderful, trusting husband said yes. He still has not seen the inside of our future home. <br />
We're currently on day 14 of hotel livin' while we wait for our house purchase to close. <br />
*I told Dan that it was possible that we could "close" on our new house this Friday. Peter looked concerned and said "Not close! I want our new house to 'open'!") : ) We are all eager to move in! (We have been living out of suitcases since mid-May.)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hotel Livin':</span><br />
Long term hotel living is similar to college. I'm always on the lookout for quarters to do laundry. Our dinner staples are Chef Boyardee, hot dogs, and Easy Mac. And thank goodness for paper plates and plastic silverware!<br />
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On the plus side: the maids clean our bathroom and make our bed, continental breakfast is waiting for us every morning, the Olympics keep us entertained every evening, and we've potty trained Peter during our extra free time. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Consumerism and Culture Shock:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of my biggest adjustments to America has been the surplus of choices. When living on a small, Turkish base, we had a teeny tiny Commisary (grocery store) and BX ("everything else store"). There were very few options. We did a lot of on-line shopping and dreamed of Target.</span></span><br />
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My first several trips to Target were overwhelming. Literally, the amount of options made me feel dizzy and tired. The lights were so bright. There were so many people. Instead of 5 options for mascara, there were 35. I stood in the make-up aisle with eyes glazed over. Overwhelmed, I almost left empty handed, I just had to make a run for it. Then, last minute, I just despertately grabbed one and quickly left. <em>When did shopping at Target become so stressful?!</em><br />
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I've also felt that way at Hy-Vee, our local grocery store. I froze in front of the massive wall of coffee creamers. America must've invented 75 new creamer flavors while I was overseas! I commented to the woman next to me "There are too many choices! It's stressful!" <br />
She stared blankly at me, laughed politely, grabbed her creamer and left quickly. I thought about explaining "Wait...it's because I lived in Turkey..." but then decided to just let her go.<br />
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After a couple of months of American living, the surplus of options has become less overwhelming and more fun.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Good Eatin':</span><br />
Mmmm...Runza, a Nebraska favorite, was my most missed food while in Turkey. And Subway, Jimmy John's, Dairy Queen...Yum! It's good to be home! The South Dakota State University Dairy Store makes some tasty homemade ice cream too! In fact, cookies and cream ice cream was invented at SDSU! I think I'm going to love living here. : )<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Baby Beaudoin:</span> <br />
I'm 35 weeks pregnant now! We've been blessed with a healthy pregnancy and are so excited to meet our new little one! He or she is quite the kicker and tumbler. And from the size of my belly, I'm guessing will be another healthy 9.5 pounder....we'll see! Our prayer requests for our little one:<br />
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1. A healthy, safe delivery for Baby B and Mama...we're prayerfully discerning and researching VBAC vs. another C-Section. <br />
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2. That our Household Goods Shipment (aka: all of our earthly belongings, including a carseat, crib, baby clothes, etc.) will arrive <em>before</em> our baby arrives.<br />
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What an abundant time of blessings and challenges! We are so happy to be back home in the USA and feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to live overseas for two years. Once life quiets down a little, we plan to finish our blog posts on our travels throughout Turkey and Europe! <br />
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<br />Sarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132924455427323483.post-15897679568332145892012-05-31T11:59:00.000-07:002012-05-31T12:00:30.855-07:00TransitionThe movers came last week. And after two and a half days of craziness, our house was empty. We moved into TLF (temporary living facility), which is the hotel on base (also known as the Hodja Inn). (We stayed in this hotel during our first couple of days in Turkey almost two years ago.) We are now merely days away from leaving this place that has become our home and returning to <em>home-sweet-home, America</em>. <br />
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I've been wanting to blog about this time of transition, but have not found the words to describe how this feels. Moving to a small base in the Middle East is such an intense adjustment that in order to truly adjust to it you have to just dive in completely. Embrace the craziness. So we tried our best to dive in. And in the process, we've had some incredible experiences. We've felt the healthy stretch- and at times, pains- of personal growth and life lessons. And we've met the most unbelievably wonderful friends who now feel like family. <br />
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It is surreal to say goodbye to our life and our friends here. Many of my friends I see almost every day, so it feels impossible to imagine them <em>not</em> nearby. Our friends here have been such an incredible blessing from God and I just can't begin to think about leaving them. <br />
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It is so hard to think of Peter leaving his very first friends. They are such sweet boys. Peter loves them and talks about them constantly.<br />
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And yet, there is great joy and anticipation in this week too. We are <em>finally returning home</em>. I can't describe the joy that it is to see friends I have not seen in two years, to give my family a BIG hug, to be back in the country I call home. I can barely wait. <br />
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As we say all of the goodbyes and do everything "for the last time", we embrace the exhaustion and mental blurriness. And look to the future...and the new experiences and friendships to come.<br />
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Several of my very closest friends are also experiencing this time of transition right now. It is such a blessing to experience it together. My dear friend, Wendi, recently wrote a blog post about their family's time of transition. Wendi is preparing to move to the Azores with her husband, three children, and their dog, Scrubs. I'm sharing her blog post with you, because it captures the emotions and craziness so very well.<br />
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<a href="http://flakymn.blogspot.com/2012/05/no-matter-which-way-you-slice-it.html">http://flakymn.blogspot.com/2012/05/no-matter-which-way-you-slice-it.html</a></h3>
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No matter which way you slice it ... </h3>
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... moving = exhaustion. <br />
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You try to plan ahead. You try to not leave too much for the last day. You try to make concessions. Adjust readily. Stay flexible. Think positively. Limit expectations. <br />
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Moving across the street would be one thing. Across the state another. Across the country yet another. But across the world? For the second time in two years?<br />
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Huge.<br />
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Here we are, <em>mostly</em> moved into the Hodja. And we are just ... plain ... exhausted. We still have odds and ends at our <em>real</em> house. We are still making trips back and forth. It's only a few blocks, but without our van, we have to recruit friends (thank you Tina and Bri) or walk pulling a wagon (again, thank you to Bri) full of stuff.<br />
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We could rent a vehicle but there really aren't any to rent that would fit our whole family. So what's the point?<br />
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Believe it or not lodging put us in the exact same room we stayed in when we moved onto Base. Seriously. Talk about everything coming full circle. It's nearly eerie. I feel the same fog. The same dichotomy of emotions. The same fatigue. <br />
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The only differences? This time there are three children. And this time (game-time decision) there is no dog. <br />
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We were planning on having Scrubs with us. But it was actually Stebbs today who said to me, "You are a better woman than me. I'd just put Scrubs at Pati Pet instead of adding to your responsibilities."<br />
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Picture a big light bulb popping on above my blonde head. <em>Pati Pet</em>? Why hadn't we thought of that? It's a wonderful facility off-Base. A non-traditional kennel run by Americans. Of course! Taking Scrubs out on leash every time he needs to use the bathroom while chaperoning three tiny children is a lot. Add to that the fact that this little two bedroom is already quite tiny <em>without</em> an eighty pound dog, and <em>Pati Pet</em> it is! <br />
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In the meantime, we are settling in for about a week. The exhaustion is so thick. But thick is good because thick doesn't allow other emotions room for visitation. Early this morning I sat in Tina's van. My gardener told me how sad this all was. "You say hi. Then you say bye. Again. And again," he said. I nodded. I started crying. <br />
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But that was this morning. Before I was so tired. Now I am too tired to cry.<br />
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The kids are very out of sorts. Scrubs is <em>really</em> out of sorts. He has no idea what is going on. Just knows the house is getting emptier. And his people are getting crabbier. And he has no idea where he fits in. Everyone who stopped by the house was met with Scrubs jumping into their vehicle. Four different people. I kid you not. Each time, you could tell, he was wondering <em>is this who is going to take us to our next place? If so, make sure I'm going with you!</em><br />
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Home stretch. But still a ways to go before we settle into a normal life again. Your prayers for stamina. Stength. Peace. Appreciated</div>
</div>Sarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132924455427323483.post-45730962559297736902012-05-30T10:57:00.000-07:002014-03-21T19:44:59.942-07:00The Market<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">We live in a very agricultural region of Turkey. It is common to see women picking potatoes, horse-drawn plows in the fields, and truckfulls of watermelon on the highway. On base, we have orange, lemon, and banana trees in our yards. Fresh, delicious fruits and vegetables are abundant in this region.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">One can find fresh produce markets (similar to American farmers' markets) almost every day of the week all across town. Truckloads of lettuce, tomatoes, and strawberries are lined up, glistening in the Turkish sun, just waiting to be purchased. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br>
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I fell in love with the Turkish markets during my second year in Turkey. My friend, Katrina, and I walked to the local neighborhood market off base almost every Sunday afternoon. Oftentimes, our sons, Peter and Zack, rode along in their strollers; they were very entertained by all of the sights and sounds of the market. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br>
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The walk to the market was just as entertaining and cultural as the market itself. During our 10 minute walk, we took in the sights of the little Turkish neighborhood: old men sitting in the sun drinking their tea, children chasing a soccer ball in the street, women hanging clothes on the line. <br>
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Upon arriving at the market, your senses are immeadiately stimulated. (Remember the market scene in the movie <em>Aladdin</em>? That's it!) The truckfulls and tables of colorful produce, the yelling of the vendors ("buy my eggplant!" in Turkish), the hustle and bustle of shoppers weaving through the crowds, the aroma of Turkish spices and fish; it's a unique experience every time. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br>
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">And the best part? This beautiful, scrumptious produce doesn't cost an arm and a leg. It actually barely costs anything at all. Right now, 1 Turkish Lira equals 54 US cents. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br>
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> For example: 1 kilo (about 2.2 lbs) of oranges costs 1 Turkish Lira (54 cents)! We devoured these oranges this winter. They were the most scrumptiously sweet oranges I've ever tasted. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br>
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">And a kilo of these tasty, fresh strawberries costs 3.50 Turkish Lira ($1.91).</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br>
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Katrina and I filled our strollers full of fresh fruits and veggies each week, then proudly walked back home with our treasures. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WfTuNEHHdc4/T6lWJSXwStI/AAAAAAAAA8E/zKWELBjzU2k/s1600/IMG_7448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dba="true" height="213px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WfTuNEHHdc4/T6lWJSXwStI/AAAAAAAAA8E/zKWELBjzU2k/s320/IMG_7448.JPG" width="320px"></a></div><br>
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Yummm...Turkey, I will miss you!Sarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132924455427323483.post-9092535347838175912012-05-30T10:47:00.000-07:002012-05-30T10:47:30.483-07:00Behind on Blogging...To our dear friends and family that semi-regularly follow our blog: hold on tight, it's going to be a bumpy ride! We have countless experiences and travels that we want to share with you and record for our own memories. We plan on wrapping up all of those memories into blog posts...it just may take awhile. I'm a little (okay...maybe more than a little) behind on blog posts after I took a two month break from blogging during my pregnancy morning sickness. Throw in a super-toddler who never needs naps and preparations for an overseas move (we leave for America on Friday!) and I've been a little short on time lately. : )<br />
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Dan and I promise to share all of our memories from our February trip to Europe by the time Peter graduates from college. : )<br />
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Thank you for sharing this two year journey with us. We are truly humbled and grateful that you've taken the time to be a part of our blog. It is such a comfort to know that our dear friends and family have stayed connected to us during our time in Turkey.Sarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132924455427323483.post-86498752547413112772012-05-27T10:57:00.000-07:002012-05-27T11:00:38.505-07:00A New Addition to our Family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are beginning to wrap up our two year adventure in Turkey (only ONE week until we're back in the USA)! And as one adventure comes to an end, we look to the many new adventures ahead of us. The most exciting new blessing for our little family will be a brand new addition...</div>
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We're pregnant with Baby Beaudoin # 2! We're due September 8th (just about one week before Peter's birthday...we just love September babies)! : ) </div>
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Our dear friend, Linda, took our family pictures. This girl is so talented! In addition to being our wonderful friend during our two years in Turkey, she's also been Peter's pediatrician! Linda and her husband, Shane, will be moving to Germany soon. We will miss them so much! </div>
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Linda took our photos in the little village right near the base. </div>
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Peter is so excited for our new baby to come! He insists that we are having a boy (we don't know...we've decided to wait until September to find out!) and thinks that his new little brother will be ready to play football with him right when we bring him home from the hospital. : ) </div>
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Peter will often kiss my belly and then announce proudly "good big brover (brother)". </div>
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<br /></div>Sarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132924455427323483.post-21994854545559154142012-05-13T13:27:00.000-07:002012-05-13T13:27:17.073-07:00Christmas in Italy: Our Last Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Our last day in Rome! Luckily, our flight to Istanbul (and then to Adana) didn't leave until 4 PM, so we could explore more of Rome until around 1:30 PM! </div>
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Dan was prepared to make the most of our time.</div>
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Our first stop was the Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli (The Basilica of St. Mary of the Altar of Heaven). This church was built over a Roman Temple to Juno on Capitoline Hill (site of the ancient acropolis of Rome). Capitoline Hill is huge and very steep. There were MANY stairs to the church...Dan picked Peter up and in Rocky Balboa fashion ran up the stairs to the top!</div>
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The interior of the church was beautiful...</div>
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One of the very special parts of this church was that it held the relics of St. Helena (mother of the Roman Emperor, Constantine). St. Helena is another special Saint for us. For an All Saints Day parish event in 2011, Sarah dressed as St. Helena. To visit the final resting place of this holy empress of Rome, who was key to the Church's success in toppling paganism and cementing its primacy as the religion of the Roman Empire, was very amazing. (The night before we had visited the Basilica of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem which was built over her personal chapel and palace.)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah at the Tomb of St. Helena</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Another one of the parts of this church that we really thought was amazing was the Latin words "Providentia Dei," meaning (God's Providence) over the altar. We felt that "God's Providence" was a theme for our Trip to Italy. We were very blessed to go on this trip...we almost had to cancel our whole Italy trip the day before we left because Dan was needed last minute at work. We put the situation in God's hands and trusted in His Providence and graciously, He allowed everything to work out and we were able to go...it truly was a miracle.</span></div>
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We climbed down the Capitoline Hill and walked over to the Il Gesu Church. This is the mother church of the Jesuit Order. In this beautiful church is the right arm of St. Francis Xavier which it is said baptized 300,000 people in his lifetime. Also inside the church was the tomb of the founder of the Jesuit Order, St. Ignatius Loyola.</div>
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Not far from the Il Gesu Church is the Largo di Torre Argentina, an open area in the middle of Rome where ruins of 4 ancient temples were found. In addition to these ruins, remains of the curia of the Theater of Pompey was found. This chamber was where Brutus assassinated Julius Caesar by stabbing him in the back! Dan kept on quoting "Et tu, Brute?" as we walked around this famous spot. As we looked at the quiet ruins, we tried to take ourselves back in time and imagine the shock, noise, and commotion of the Romans as they ran from this spot announcing the death of the great conqueror and dictator!</div>
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From this spot, we crossed the Tiber River and tried once again to visit the Basilica of San Bartolomeo di Isola (St. Bartholomew of the Island). This time it was open and we got to pay our respects to another one of Christ's Apostles: St. Bartholomew!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Bartholomew's bones are in the sarcophagus under the main altar</td></tr>
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After visiting St. Bartholomew we jetted over to see the Basilica of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere (a neighborhood of Rome). Here we visited the beautiful basilica containing the tomb of the famous St. Cecilia, patroness of musicians.<br />
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St. Cecilia was a beautiful young Christian woman of ancient Rome who was arrested for her beliefs. Roman authorities tried to smother her in the steam room of her house. She sang beautiful songs of praise to God as her captors awaited her death. When she would not die, a soldier attempted to behead her. He tried three times and was unable to behead her. Cecilia would survive another three days before expiring on 16 September.<br />
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The Basilica of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere is built over the ruins of her house.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front gate to St. Cecilia's Basilica</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The courtyard of St. Cecilia's</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A statue of St. Cecilia as her incorrupt body appeared when it was disinterred in the 1500s. She still had 3 chop marks on her neck.</td></tr>
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After visiting St. Cecilia quickly, we had ONE LAST STOP on our quest through Italy: the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. This church is an Eastern Catholic church--followers of this type of Catholic Christianity are still in communion with the Roman/Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, but have different traditions. We walked inside the ancient church and saw an impressive sight: relics of THE St. Valentine!</div>
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Another famous sight at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin is the "Mouth of Truth." A legend states that this ancient drain cover will bite the hand of a liar who puts their hand in its mouth! The line to go up to it was extremely long and we had to be at the metro stop in 10 minutes to get to our hotel and take our taxi to the airport, so we had to pass!--at least we got a picture...just another reason to come back to Rome!</div>
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We made it to the metro and walked down the streets of the Eternal City one last time before hopping in our taxi to the airport. Our pilgrimage to Italy had been an amazing journey. </div>
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We were very blessed to have been given such a gift from our Lord!</div>
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<br /></div>Sarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132924455427323483.post-41562319076945322662012-05-05T11:46:00.002-07:002012-05-05T22:14:46.660-07:00Christmas in Italy: Saint Stephen's Day in Rome<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The day after Christmas is Saint Stephen's feast day. In Italy, this feast is widely celebrated. As an Italian Friar explained to us, "On Christmas day, Italians stay at home with their families, relaxing and eating all day. The next day, Saint Stephen's Day, it is tradition for everyone to go out with their families and visit the beautiful nativity scenes inside of the churches". </div>
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We soon discovered that this was very accurate. It seemed that almost every Italian had the day off from work and was out visiting the churches of Rome with their families. The streets and churches were alive with people! It was inspiring to see the churches full of families in this day-after-Christmas tradition.</div>
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We decided to follow in the Italians' footsteps and do a little "church hopping" ourselves. <em>When in Rome!</em> </div>
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There are four major basilicas in Rome. On Saint Stephen's Day, we were able to visit all four (Saint Mary Major, Saint Peter's Basilica, Saint Paul's Outside the Walls, and Saint John Lateran)! The first major basilica we visited on this day was Saint Mary Major. </div>
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Saint Mary Major's Basilica contains wood from Baby Jesus' crib! It is kept inside of an ornate gold and glass reliquary. What a beautiful experience to kneel before Jesus' crib on the day after Christmas!</div>
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The church also has the relics of St. Jerome, St. Matthias, and St. Matthew.</div>
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Next, we visited the Basilica of St. Peter in Chains. This church contains the chains that were used to bind St. Peter in Jerusalem and Rome. Legend has it that when the two pieces of chain were touched together, they miraculously attached!</div>
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From this Basilica, we headed to the Circus Maximus! It was very incredible to walk along the greatest chariot racing stadium in Rome. Imagining the chariots thundering down the track was quite a thrill. Now, the Circus Maximus is a quiet, open park where runners go to do some laps!</div>
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After the Circus Maximus, we took the metro back to Saint Paul's Basilica. Since we were unable to visit Saint Paul's tomb the previous day, we were on a mission to visit our dear patron's tomb on this second visit! <br />
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As I mentioned earlier, Peter is a big fan of Saint Paul. It's only logical that he would have this heavenly connection, since little Peter has visited St. Paul's hometown three times and has played where young Saint Paul grew up. Peter can pick out Saint Paul icons in any church. When we pray our Litany of Saints, Peter never forgets to add "Saint Paul, pah-pah-us (pray for us)". They are buddies. </div>
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We bought an icon of Saint Paul and gave Peter the honor of holding it as we approached the great Apostle's tomb. </div>
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We touched the icon to Saint Paul's tomb (behind the grate in the photo below). Above his tomb, in a small gold reliquary, are the chains the bound Saint Paul when he was arrested in Rome. <br />
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After visiting Saint Paul's Basilica, we just couldn't resist returning to Saint Peter's Basilica once more! We stopped at a famous sculpture of Saint Peter, whose foot has been worn smooth after eight centuries of pilgrims touching it and asking for his intercession. We touched his foot as well and asked Saint Peter, our little boy's patron Saint and the first Pope, for his intercession for our family and friends.</div>
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I love every detail of Saint Peter's Basilica, but the stained glass window of the Holy Spirit is one of my absolute favorite parts. Throughout Christmas Midnight Mass, the illuminated Holy Spirit surrounded by bold ornate gold carvings, kept catching my eye and drawing me in. It is breathtaking. It lifts your soul to almighty God and helps you meditate on His majesty.<br />
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Another one of my favorite parts of Saint Peter's Basilica are the twisty, massive pillars near the main altar. </div>
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They are gorgeous!</div>
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Our last trip to St. Peter's Basilica was also an opportunity for Dan to pay his respects to one of the Saints he's closest to: St. Jude the Apostle. Dan has been asking for St. Jude to pray for him and his intentions since he was in high school. In our previous visits to St. Peter's Basilica, the area containing the altar above St. Jude's remains was blocked off. Now that the major Christmas festivities were over, the area opened up again. Although the basilica staff would not allow us to pray at the altar for long, it was amazing to personally thank one of our most loved Saints for his intercession. </div>
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Also in the same area of the basicilca as St. Jude was the remains of the apostle St. Simon. The same area also contained an altar built over the traditional spot where St. Peter was crucified upside down and died.</div>
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In front of Saint Peter's Basilica is a beautiful, larger-than-life sculpture of Saint Peter! As you can guess, Saint Peter is another favorite of the Beaudoin's! : )<br />
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One last glimpse of Saint Peter's Square, decorated with a Christmas tree and life-sized manger scene. Picture perfect. We love this place.<br />
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Next we moved on to the last of Rome's four major basilicas: St. John Lateran. St. John Lateran is the oldest basilica in Rome and it was commissioned by the Emperor Constantine to be built over the site of a Roman Cavalry Barracks (the cavalry members of this barracks were loyal to one of Constantine's enemies before Constantine became sole emperor). The powerful Laterani Family of Rome owned the estate and the basilica was dedicated to St. John the Baptist and St. John the Apostle--so that's were you get the name "St. John Lateran"!</div>
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Because this basilica is the oldest in Rome, it is the Pope's home basilica and cathedral (a cathedral is a church used by a bishop...cathedrals hold each bishop's "cathedra" which is his throne). Along with the Pope's cathedra, this basilica holds many other important items: the heads of St. Peter and Paul, pieces of the Last Supper table, the doors of the ancient Roman Senate House, and pillars from the Roman Capital's Temple to Jupiter!</div>
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The cathedra--throne--of the Pope!</div>
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After seeing St. John Lateran, we tried in vain to visit the Catacombs of St. Sebastian. We got there at 4:35 and the man letting people in said that people couldn't enter anymore after 4:30...shoot! Well, another reason to come back to Rome one day!</div>
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Moving on, we visited a Basilica not far from St. John Lateran's called the Basilica of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem. This basilica was built by St. Helena, the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine. At this chapel, she deposited many holy relics she brought back to Rome from the Holy Land. Among these are: a nail from Christ's crucifixion, fragments of the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified, St. Thomas's incorrupt finger that he put into Jesus's side, a large piece of the cross of St. Dismas (the good thief who was crucified with Jesus), and a fragment of the "Title of the Cross," the sign hung above Jesus's head during the crucifixion. The Title of the Cross was incredible...you can still see the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin letters!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Basilica of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relics in the Basilica of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A piece of the Title of the Cross! This portion shows the word "Nazarene" written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. One of the reasons researchers think this is authentic is that the Greek and Latin letters are mistakenly written right to left. Hebrews writers are accustomed to writing right to left for their language, so it makes sense that this was written in Israel.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what the whole sign above the crucified Jesus (the Title of the Cross) actually looked like. The shaded portion of the sign shows the part actually on display in the Basilica of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem (see the previous picture).</td></tr>
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Across the street from Saint John Lateran is a small, humble church called The Church of the Holy Stairs. This church contains the stairs on which Christ was condemned to death in Pilate's Praetorium. One can only ascend these holy stairs on their knees. I visited this church as a high schooler and it left a profound, lasting memory on me. I knew then that I had to return to this powerful, prayerful place. It is so humbling to clumsily crawl, step-by-step, silently, slowly, prayerfully to the top--all the while fixated on the image of our humble, holy Savior on the cross. It is such a powerful reflection.<br />
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<br /></div>Sarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132924455427323483.post-22552334601759781872012-04-23T11:45:00.000-07:002012-04-23T11:45:33.485-07:00Christmas in Italy: Christmas Day in Rome<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After a full and eventful Christmas Eve, we slept in a little and had a leisurely start to our day on Christmas morning. But alas, we <em>were</em> in <em>Rome</em>, so that was the end of our leisure. After breakfast it was full speed ahead again. There are just too many wonderful sights to see in Rome. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first of our many wonderful sights to see: The Basilica of Saint Paul! After living down the road from Saint Paul's hometown, Tarsus, we have a great love for him. It's possible that Saint Paul crossed right through our backyard during one of his missionary journeys! I've also noticed that Peter has a special connection with Saint Paul, who has become his favorite Saint.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Basilica of Saint Paul is the most unique of the four major basilicas in Rome. His basilica is outside of the city boundaries, and is hence sometimes referred to as "Saint Paul's Outside the Walls". There are tall palm trees surrounding the basilica, which looks a little out of place in Rome. When I visited Saint Paul's in high school, I thought this basilica surrounded by palm trees looked a little funny. But now, after visiting Saint Paul's palm tree-lined hometown in Turkey, it feels just right. It is a gorgeous basilica and it reflects the uniqueness of Saint Paul.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>St. Paul holds a sword because this was the instrument of his death by beheading</em>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The inside of Saint Paul's Basilica was spectacular as well. We entered quietly, as there was Christmas Day Mass taking place. Because of the Mass, we were unable to visit Saint Paul's tomb, which was in front of the main altar. Fortunately, we had the opportunity to return the next day! <br />
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Midnight Mass with Pope Benedict left a big impression on Peter. Since we weren't able to take any gifts on the plane with us, we told Peter he could pick out a gift to celebrate Christmas. When asked what he wanted to buy in Rome, he responded "Pope Ne'nict book". We found a little Pope Benedict calendar and holy card for Peter, which he treasured.<br />
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Next, we stopped at the Colosseum! What an incredible place with so much history. It was so powerful to think of the blood of martyrs being spilled for the Faith in this very spot. <br />
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After the Colosseum, we walked through the streets of Rome, taking in all of its sights and sounds. The streets were alive with street vendors, music, and entertainers.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FIcdRDyLVrs/T4VpenhKq7I/AAAAAAAAA1g/nU-LCpNdV1M/s1600/IMG_5565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" qda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FIcdRDyLVrs/T4VpenhKq7I/AAAAAAAAA1g/nU-LCpNdV1M/s320/IMG_5565.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>The Roman Forum</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The Tiber River</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>The Basilica of Saint Bartholomew which was closed! We would visit again in a couple days...</em></td></tr>
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Our last stop of the day was very special to us, especially Dan. We visited the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian, adjacent to the Roman Forum. After living in Turkey for awhile, Dan became interested in researching the Saints and martyrs from this country. After endless research and late nights on the computer, Dan discovered a treasure trove of Saints and martyrs that lived in the region of Turkey where we live. One of the most incredible discoveries was that Saints Cosmas and Damian (famous Saints mentioned in the Litany of the Saints and Eucharistic Prayer 1 at Mass) were from a little coastal town just an hour down the road from us! We had visited this town several times and had swam in the sea there. We felt a bond with these heroic Saints.<br />
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Saints Cosmas and Damian were twins born in Syria who later moved to the bustling coastal port city, Aegea (now the present day town of Yumurtalik, Turkey). The twins were strong Christians who practiced the art of healing in the name of Christ and healed many people. Upon being arrested by Roman authorities, the two men were exposed to tortures of fire and water, crucifixion, and finally beheading. Their fame grew over centuries and they became two of the most famous Saints in the Eastern and Western Worlds.<br />
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Tragically, nothing remains in their hometown to commemorate these great martyrs...no churches, no statues, no plaques...nothing. Their memory, however, continues to live on and whenever we visit Yumurtalik, we think of them fondly and are proud to be some of the select few people in the world that travel to their hometown where they were martyred to honor them.<br />
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Now, in Rome, we were at last able to see where our close spiritual friends from Turkey finally came to rest!<br />
The Basilica of Sts. Cosmas and Damian is a beautiful, small basilica with stunning art. The mosaic over the main altar shows Sts. Peter and Paul presenting the two martyrs to Christ.<br />
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We were very excited to be inside the church, but...where were the Saints' remains? Where was their tomb? We couldn't find anything in the main church that looked like a reliquary holding the Saints' bones. We walked around for awhile and met one of the staff members at the church--she was a beautiful Filipino woman who spoke Italian and English. I told her that we had come from the region where Sts. Cosmas and Damian lived and that we were interested in seeing their tomb if she could point it out to us. She was excited to show us, however, their tomb was located in the crypt in the basement. She told us that in order to go down into the crypt, we had to make an appointment with the priest in charge of the church. At that time, the priest was away. She gave us the phone number to the basilica and asked us to call back tomorrow to set up an appointment. We thanked her and she asked us if we had seen the inside of the basilica yet...we told her that we had, but she insisted on showing us around more in depth. She took us back into the church and gave us a short tour about the highlights of the basilica and its history. After talking with her for awhile, we became very good friends with her and we were inspired by her pure spirituality and Catholic faith. She LOVED Peter... :-)<br />
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After about 20 minutes of talking with her, she said that she wanted to check to see if the priest in charge was back yet. She went to check...and he was! He was a kind, elderly priest...our guide spoke to him in Italian and told him where we had come from and that we wanted to visit Sts. Cosmas and Damian in the crypt below. The priest smiled and said something in Italian. Our guide told us that she would give us a <em>personal</em> tour of the crypt and take our family down to see Sts. Cosmas and Damian!<br />
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We went down into the crypt and walked into a small chapel. Under the altar of the chapel was the tomb of the famous martyrs, Sts. Cosmas and Damian! What a Christmas gift from our God to receive a personal visitation with such distinguished Saints who we had such closeness to! We said some prayers and touched some Sts. Cosmas and Damian medals we had brought with us to their tomb. We gave one to our guide as a token of our deep appreciation...she treasured it greatly.<br />
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It's hard to describe in words how miraculous and beautiful it was to have the honor of seeing the final resting place of these holy men...it was one of the greatest Christmas gifts we have ever received!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After profusely thanking our friend and the religious at the Basilica of Sts. Cosmas and Damian for their generosity, we left the basilica and set out on a new mission: FIND CHRISTMAS DINNER IN ROME! This was actually much more difficult than you would anticipate. Most of the restaurants in Rome were CLOSED for Christmas! After walking around for awhile we found a quaint restaurant with some charming old waiters who had fun making Peter laugh. We sat down after another busy day and had a delicious Italian dinner.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After dinner, we went back outside and enjoyed views of the Roman Forum majestically lit up at night...it was beautiful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We took the metro back to our hotel and settled in for a long winter's nap...it had been a Christmas we would never forget...</div>Sarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132924455427323483.post-36517306160486576342012-04-19T13:21:00.000-07:002012-04-19T13:21:09.983-07:00Christmas in Italy: Christmas Eve in Rome (& Midnight Mass with the Pope!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Christmas Eve! It was <em>finally</em> here! We munched on our hotel's breakfast while listening to classic Christmas songs and anticipating our big day. First stop on the agenda: the Vatican Museum! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After having a little trouble finding the entrance <em>(it's actually around the corner and down the street from Saint Peter's Basilica...who knew? Well...I guess I should have known since I had been there before...but my teenage mind must've been more focused on boys and gelato...) </em>we finally stumbled upon it, along with a loooong line. We were able to cut ahead a little since we bought our tickets in advance on-line, but still had to mill through crowds and crowds of people and endless security checks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once inside, we quickly breezed through the museum, as is custom for the toddler-toting Beaudoin's. We stopped only when necessary and continually tried to convince Peter that this was a <em>reeeaaally</em> fun activity. He didn't buy it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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We walked under the ornate, golden ceilings and past the beautiful paintings until we reached the Sistine Chapel. So beautiful! No pictures allowed inside the chapel though!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em>The Beaudoin's at the Vatican Museum with St. Peter's Basilica in the background</em></span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the Vatican Museum, we grabbed some lunch and stopped inside of Saint Peter's Basilica again (we couldn't resist!). <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">It would soon be closing for the afternoon to prepare for Midnight Mass. We took a shot of the Papal altar where Mass would be celebrated that night.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a3WQ8UQ5NxQ/T3iUQCnMNSI/AAAAAAAAAzw/ub1WoEKBLqc/s1600/IMG_5105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="212px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a3WQ8UQ5NxQ/T3iUQCnMNSI/AAAAAAAAAzw/ub1WoEKBLqc/s320/IMG_5105.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Since the line for Midnight Mass had not started to form yet, we decided to spend a few hours exploring Rome before returning to Saint Peter's Basilica. When we got off of the metro, it began to rain! Before long, the little sprinkles turned into a downpour. We stopped by a street vendor and reluctantly bought two unbrellas (ours were at the hotel). We continued on our journey to the Trevi Fountain. The rain let up enough for us to take some pictures and toss a coin into the fountain. </span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIjDqDaqg8M/T3iUuYbjPAI/AAAAAAAAAz4/a6-zrRsg-_s/s1600/IMG_5165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="213px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIjDqDaqg8M/T3iUuYbjPAI/AAAAAAAAAz4/a6-zrRsg-_s/s320/IMG_5165.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">It is said that if you toss a coin into the fountain, you'll be able to return to Rome one day. It worked the first time I was there as a 16 year-old, so it was worth a shot to try it again! </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EjK-izTcgyo/T3iVL_fXrUI/AAAAAAAAA0A/r4fDscGrkC0/s1600/IMG_5169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="320px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EjK-izTcgyo/T3iVL_fXrUI/AAAAAAAAA0A/r4fDscGrkC0/s320/IMG_5169.JPG" width="213px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do we get bonus points for doing it with style and flair? : )</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X-w2gycvVt0/T3iW-N8JGjI/AAAAAAAAA0I/cySP2ptnfw0/s1600/IMG_5171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="320px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X-w2gycvVt0/T3iW-N8JGjI/AAAAAAAAA0I/cySP2ptnfw0/s320/IMG_5171.JPG" width="213px" /></a></div><br />
Next, we had a decision to make. Dan had a few more stops he wanted to hit on his itinerary, but it was starting to sprinkle again and Peter was getting hungry. We decided to divide and conquer. Dan would conquer his list of stops. Meanwhile, I found a warm, dry cafe with Peter and helped him conquer a cheeseburger and hot chocolate. (The hot chocolates in Italy are intensely thick and rich, by the way. It tasted like a warm, oozing river of melted chocolate. I didn't complain.) <br />
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While Peter and I were snacking on Italy's delicious indulgences, Dan explored more of Rome. First he stopped at the Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, which is built over an old temple of Minerva. Saint Catherine of Siena is buried here. Next, he visited the Pantheon, which was the largest concrete structure in the world until the 20th Century. It was built by the Romans as a temple to all of the gods, then later converted into a church. <br />
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Soon, Dan picked us up from the cafe and we made one more little stop before arriving at Saint Peter's Basilica. We stopped at the Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles. The tomb of the Apostles St. Philip and St. James the Less is located inside of the basilica! We arrived to find that the basilica was closed and would not open for another 30 minutes. We stood at the gate, a little deflated, when it suddenly started raining again and Peter began holding his stomach and crying. Dan and I looked at the "closed" sign and then at our seemingly sick child and both felt a little defeated and overwhelmed. <br />
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As always, God was taking care of us. A friar who worked at the basilica unlocked the gate and hurried us inside to a parlor room. He gestured for us to sit on the soft couches with our crying boy. He disappeared for a moment, then returned with some delicious chocolates. He smiled, and with his limited English, he pointed to us and said "like the Holy Family...on Christmas Eve". My eyes filled up with tears and I wanted to hug this kind stranger. Though we are far from being comparable to the Holy Family, I felt like I could relate a little more to Joseph and Mary's suffering as they searched in the night, far from home, for shelter on the first Christmas Eve. My exhaustion and overwhelmed feelings soon lessened thanks to the generosity of this kind soul and a soft couch to rest on. Peter soon stopped crying as well, and seemed to not be sick after all. Praise God! Soon, the doors of the Basilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles were opened and we had the chance to visit the tomb of Sts. Philip and James and ask for their prayers. <br />
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It was very exciting to visit the final resting place of St. Philip, specifically. In December of 2010 we traveled to Pamukkale, Turkey (the ancient city of Hieropolis) and saw the remains of a great basilica built on top of the hill where St. Philip was crucified. It was amazing to finally visit the Apostle and see the place where his remains came to rest.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X3zKTXXnVcU/T3iXqPI7FEI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/N2-3AbbESwg/s1600/IMG_5231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="213px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X3zKTXXnVcU/T3iXqPI7FEI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/N2-3AbbESwg/s320/IMG_5231.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The tomb of Saints Phillip and James the Less</div><br />
Next, feeling revived and reenergized, we took off for our great adventure: Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at the Vatican! We wanted to arrive extra early. Though we did already have tickets, which ensured we could join the Holy Father for Mass, those tickets did not guarantee <em>where </em>we would be. The hearty pilgrims that braved the long wait in line had a chance at being <em>inside</em> of Saint Peter's Basilica for Mass. Once the basilica filled up, the remaining ticket-holders had to stand <em>outside </em>in Saint Peter's Square and watch the Mass on large screens. We eagerly rushed to Saint Peter's to grab a spot in line and begin our long wait, hoping for a chance to be inside of the basilica!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Upon arriving at Saint Peter's Square, we immediately felt a rush of adrenaline. It was already filled with people and a long line had formed--approximately 2000 people were already in line! In the center of the square was a life-sized Nativity Scene with a children's choir singing Christmas songs. The square was alive with excitement and Christmas spirit! We grabbed our spot in line and were happy to discover that we were right behind four other young Americans. It's always reassuring to find other Americans when in a foreign country, and we quickly bonded with our fellow pilgrims. We eagerly debated whether or not we would have a chance at getting inside the basilica for Mass. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was around 5:00 pm. The doors to the basilica would open around 8:30 pm. "Midnight Mass" actually began at 10:00 pm, rather than midnight, which was so very nice considering we'd be attending with our two year old! Our waiting time in line had begun. Dan saved our spot in line while I let Peter walk around the square, exploring the manger scene, the choir, and the fountains. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Suddenly, I heard some commotion. I looked up to see movement and light in the window of the Pope's apartment! Pope Benedict appeared and the crowd errupted into cheering. He gave the crowd his blessing and placed a lit candle in the window sill, a symbol that he was with us in spirit as we waited outside on that chilly December Christmas Eve. I held Peter and excitedly pointed up to the Pope. I was overcome with a rush of unexpected emotion. I felt a lump in my throat and tears welled up in my eyes. I felt a great love for our Holy Father. I felt a great gratitude for the unceasing prayers he has offered for the Church and his unwavering courage to stand by our Church's counter-cultural and often times unpopular teachings. Undoubtedly, there is much suffering and sacrifice that is required of our Pope. I could just feel the love he has for his flock, the Church. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UsqCWmBBiZw/T3iZqA9uuJI/AAAAAAAAA0g/cCtsUBKiCso/s1600/IMG_5244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="426px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UsqCWmBBiZw/T3iZqA9uuJI/AAAAAAAAA0g/cCtsUBKiCso/s640/IMG_5244.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div><br />
After seeing the Pope, I rushed back to see Dan in line. The Pope's appearance had fueled our excitement even more! I saved our spot in line while Dan took Peter to find some panini's at a nearby cafe. Our time in line went fairly quickly, and before long it was 7:45 pm. We decided to stay in line together and stake out our spot, just in case the doors opened early. Peter had been a happy camper (Praise God!) and we prayed that God would continue to give Him extra graces to continue his excellent behavior. It began to sprinkle again, so we put Peter back in his stroller, propped up the umbrella, and popped an Elmo DVD into our portable DVD player. He was waiting in style!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hHYYPRULGVg/T3iaPSTJ7NI/AAAAAAAAA0o/B9KvxuXAuxc/s1600/IMG_5247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="213px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hHYYPRULGVg/T3iaPSTJ7NI/AAAAAAAAA0o/B9KvxuXAuxc/s320/IMG_5247.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Around 8:30 pm, we began to see commotion at the front of the line. We all eagerly scooched closer to the person in front of us and peered eagerly to the front. They let the first large group in, our line scooted up a bit, then we waited. This repeated several more times. The suspense and excitement were building. <em>Would we make it inside of Saint Peter's Basilica for Christmas Eve Mass?! </em>We would soon find out!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Finally, we were getting close to the front. We clutched our bags close to us, ready to move forward when we were given the signal. We had heard that it gets a little chaotic trying to get in (think Black Friday at Walmart times one thousand), so we held Peter tightly as our hearts pounded with excitement and adrenaline. Suddenly, the security guards let the next section start to move through the security stations. <em>This is it!</em> "Let's go! Stay close!" announced our American "line buddies" and together we moved forward as quickly as we could, as others tried to push and cut in line. We pushed through security, then, almost in triumphant slow motion, handed our tickets to the security guard. He checked our tickets and motioned for us to go ahead. <em>We did it! </em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We rushed ahead to check the stroller at the baggage check and then ran up the stairs to the front doors of the basilica to claim our seats. We were giddy with excitement as we raced into the basilica past the Swiss Guards and found three seats right in the middle. It was completely unreal to sit inside of Saint Peter's Basilica, anticipating Midnight Mass.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y-B1HMgTRKE/T3ia7RItGfI/AAAAAAAAA0w/hmSO33fvm98/s1600/IMG_5253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="320px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y-B1HMgTRKE/T3ia7RItGfI/AAAAAAAAA0w/hmSO33fvm98/s320/IMG_5253.JPG" width="213px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">BIG smiles as we waited for Midnight Mass to begin!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Midnight Mass was incredible! It felt like Heaven on earth. We eagerly watched the grand procession of seminarians, priests, bishops, and cardinals enter with the grand music echoing through the church, announcing the birth of our Savior. Peter excitedly pointed "Look! Fathers! Bishops!" Finally, we saw Pope Benedict enter. Our Holy Father smiled serenely as he blessed the crowd. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Christmas Mass was absolutely beautiful. The prayers and readings were spoken in Latin, Italian, English, Korean, and French; a beautiful reminder of our Universal Church. Peter slept through most of the Mass, another wonderful blessing from God! Peter awoke just in time to see the Pope process out at the closing of the Mass. The Pope placed the Baby Jesus in the manger scene in the basilica and exited. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-clLeApyBBnM/T4778i46N_I/AAAAAAAAA3w/OObEnAfCG3g/s1600/IMG_5363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" qda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-clLeApyBBnM/T4778i46N_I/AAAAAAAAA3w/OObEnAfCG3g/s400/IMG_5363.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Pope Benedict among the crowd of pilgrims</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9EdiDuDbCXo/T478jOe1MLI/AAAAAAAAA34/28braULd6Og/s1600/IMG_5390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" qda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9EdiDuDbCXo/T478jOe1MLI/AAAAAAAAA34/28braULd6Og/s320/IMG_5390.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The back of the basilica as Pope Benedict left. There were so many people!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Peter excitedly repeated "Baby Jesus Born!" and "More Pope Ne'nict!" over and over as we left the basilica. It was a little after midnight and we had one more challenge for the day. The metro system was now closed for Christmas, and we had heard that it was nearly impossible to find a taxi since there were thousands of others that were also looking for a ride. It would take over an hour to walk to our hotel. We placed it in God's hands and asked Him to help us. </div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">"What should we do?" I asked Dan, a little nervously. </div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">"Let's just start walking, it'll be okay" he replied confidently.</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So we walked. And prayed. And trusted (or at least tried <em>really hard</em> to trust and not worry!). And within 10 minutes, a taxi appeared! Almost in shock, we waved it down. <em>Did God really send us a taxi? </em>As we walked to the taxi, a pushy Italian woman jumped ahead of us and tried to get into our cab. My heart sank. The taxi driver, suddenly animated, yelled "Occupado! Occupado! Bambino!" (Referring to the cab belonging to us and our little bambino, Peter.) God is good! God, in His immense love, provides for us even in the smallest details.</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">We were soon driving back to our hotel. What another beautiful example of God's providential care for us! As we drove back to the hotel, I reflected on the incredible day. This was a Christmas I will never forget. </div>Sarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132924455427323483.post-65675133750226144102012-04-01T07:54:00.003-07:002012-04-01T08:37:19.999-07:00Christmas in Italy: Arriving in RomeWe started dreaming about spending Christmas in Italy last summer. After doing a little research and discovering that it was possible to request tickets for Christmas Eve Midnight Mass with the Holy Father, we were hooked on the idea. It remained a fun dream until October, when everything fell into place for Dan to take leave. We went on the Vatican website and downloaded our application form for Christmas Eve Midnight Mass. Then, we said some prayers, went to the community center, and faxed the completed form to the Vatican! <br />
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Then, we waited. About a month later, as I shuffled through our stack of mail, I came across a letter from Vatican City! We had three tickets reserved in our name! It was absolutely thrilling! <br />
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So, a month later when we arrived in Rome, our first order of business was to walk to Saint Peter's Basilica and pick up those tickets! It was so exciting walking through the busy streets of Rome. We arrived in the evening, and the whole city seemed alive and lit up with people and activity. We felt the excitement welling up inside of us; Rome truly was the climax of our trip. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RievWigHuik/T2groRsnskI/AAAAAAAAAzA/Cc_36pO2pHI/s1600/IMG_4964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RievWigHuik/T2groRsnskI/AAAAAAAAAzA/Cc_36pO2pHI/s320/IMG_4964.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">We walked as quickly as we could to reach our destination. I had been to Rome in high school, and was eager to see the magnificent Saint Peter's Basilica again. Dan had never been, so I was eager to join him as he experienced it for the first time. </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">When we reached the Basilica, emotion welled up inside of me. As a Catholic, it feels like coming home. The grandeur of Saint Peter's Basilica is absolutely breathtaking, lifting your spirit up to Almighty God. <em> We're here.</em> I just wanted to soak it all in for as long as possible. Our dream was being realized. Dan got the chills when he looked upon St. Peter's for the first time.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">After waiting in line and going through security, we made it to the side bronze doors. Here, the Swiss Guards stood at attention. We showed our letter from the Vatican to the security guards, who then allowed Dan to go up the stairs and show it to the Swiss Guards, who then let him disappear into the long hall as Peter and I waited anxiously. In a few minutes, he reemerged, with a big smile on his face and an envelope in his hand. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CbxKRpEfjvc/T2gtVOIKB7I/AAAAAAAAAzY/v6NnXVd1BKE/s1600/IMG_4980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="400px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CbxKRpEfjvc/T2gtVOIKB7I/AAAAAAAAAzY/v6NnXVd1BKE/s400/IMG_4980.JPG" width="266px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Inside of the envelope was our three tickets for Christmas Eve Mass. We peered at our little treasures in disbelief and excitement. We were one step closer!</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After picking up our tickets, we explored the inside of the Basilica. The interior is just as incredible and grand as the exterior. One feels so small inside of its massive walls and beneath its grand beauty. It is truly an unforgettable feeling. </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is something magical about Saint Peter's Basilica at night. It is my favorite time to visit. It is so peaceful and still, yet so awe-inspiring. </div>Sarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132924455427323483.post-60069195835715612512012-03-18T12:00:00.002-07:002012-03-18T12:04:36.624-07:00Christmas in Italy: Assisi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-paGgW5ZRXQM/T2A0Bp-PDcI/AAAAAAAAAv0/Ad_n6e5fbjk/s1600/IMG_4750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="200px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-paGgW5ZRXQM/T2A0Bp-PDcI/AAAAAAAAAv0/Ad_n6e5fbjk/s200/IMG_4750.JPG" width="133px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2OVp36TSgUU/T2A0kg_EhfI/AAAAAAAAAv8/49Ckvpa2fFw/s1600/IMG_4769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="200px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2OVp36TSgUU/T2A0kg_EhfI/AAAAAAAAAv8/49Ckvpa2fFw/s200/IMG_4769.JPG" width="133px" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YvuPuCrwyVo/T2A1EmaCQBI/AAAAAAAAAwE/Rd5zqZ07xBU/s1600/IMG_4771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="200px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YvuPuCrwyVo/T2A1EmaCQBI/AAAAAAAAAwE/Rd5zqZ07xBU/s200/IMG_4771.JPG" width="133px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If I could choose to live in any foreign town in the world, I'd choose Assisi. This quiet little Italian town nestled on a mountain is the hometown of the famous Saints, Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi. It is said that the peace of Christ that reigned in these Saints' hearts still rests in this city. It's true, the entire little charming town feels like a peaceful monastery. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Above photo captions: (left) The mountain that Assisi rests on...do you see little Assisi nestled on the mountainside? (middle) The charming, narrow cobblestone streets of Assisi, many of which are pedestrian traffic only (right) The spirit of Saint Francis is still in the city, found in paintings on the sides of buildings and houses. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After checking in to our hotel, we set off on foot to explore Assisi. As we walked through the little streets, I asked Dan to guess when the last time any crime occured in this city. It seemed so safe, so quiet and peaceful, that it was hard to imagine anything bad ever happening. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our first stop was the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. Inside, we prayed at his tomb. We asked this great Saint to pray for us and our loved ones. Inside of the basilica was also displayed several relics, including a letter written by Saint Francis and one of his tattered robes. Incredible. Seeing these relics brought this legendary Saint to life. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7kMJCz6MWbA/T2A1-zFvkPI/AAAAAAAAAwM/Fy0yLzik0j8/s1600/IMG_4774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7kMJCz6MWbA/T2A1-zFvkPI/AAAAAAAAAwM/Fy0yLzik0j8/s320/IMG_4774.JPG" width="213px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In front of the Basilica of Saint Francis was a life-sized Nativity Scene. Saint Francis was the "inventor" of the Nativity Scene! </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4l7Zsz2jK5A/T2A3geWRRhI/AAAAAAAAAwc/fcBYQFJiVX0/s1600/IMG_4795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="212px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4l7Zsz2jK5A/T2A3geWRRhI/AAAAAAAAAwc/fcBYQFJiVX0/s320/IMG_4795.JPG" width="320px" /></a>The "Way of Saint Francis"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After visiting the Basilica of Saint Francis, we walked to the city center (near our hotel) and visited the Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva (St. Mary over Minerva). This church used to be a temple to the Roman goddess Minerva (in Greece, "Athena"), the goddess of Wisdom and Warfare. However, it was turned into a church dedicated to Mary. The facade and columns are from the original temple.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FefbZ7TqN08/T2A5sH1iK-I/AAAAAAAAAwk/dkWN5F0wuDU/s1600/IMG_4808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FefbZ7TqN08/T2A5sH1iK-I/AAAAAAAAAwk/dkWN5F0wuDU/s320/IMG_4808.JPG" width="213px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christianity Victorious!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Next, we walked to the Basilica of St. Clare, the founder of the Franciscan Order of "Poor Clares." St. Clare was a contemporary of St. Francis who lived in Assisi. Saint Clare was a beautiful example of holiness and love in the heart of the Church. <br />
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Inside of her Basilica, is the miraculous crucifix that spoke to St. Francis in the Church of San Damiano. Jesus on the crucifix said to him, "Francis, Francis, repair my house which, as you can see, is falling into ruins." This was Saint Francis' calling to give his life to serve the Church. What an unbelievable experience to pray before that same crucifix!<br />
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In the crypt of the Basilica of Saint Clare was the chapel of relics, including tattered and torn tunics and shoes worn by Saints Francis and Clare and other objects used by the Saints. As I mentioned earlier, seeing these relics brought these Saints to life for me and inspired my heart to greater conversion and service of the Lord following their examples. <br />
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Our visit to this inspirational chapel of relics was unforgettable in another way too. It had been a long day of traveling, and our patient Peter had run out of patience. He began making every loud, distracting sound he could muster to express his unhappiness. As we stood in the suddenly not-so-silent Basilica in the "City of Peace", I felt my peace start to run low as my blood pressure climbed. <em>Peter! This is supposed to be a peaceful experience and you're ruining it! </em>I suddenly realized how ridiculous I was, expecting my two year old to be as quiet as a mouse when he was tired and hungry. My vocation is to be a mother, which means my service to God doesn't currently mean hours of reflection in beautiful basilicas. Rather, right now I can serve God best by offering up the most heartfelt 5 seconds of prayer I can muster, and then quickly exiting the church with my distracting toddler. <br />
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I stopped for several seconds by the tomb of Saint Clare and smiled at my sister in Christ. Our vocations are very different- she was called to a life of silence and prayer- while my prayer is often quick and distracted, in between diaper changes and playtime. But we are both called to the same mission, to serve Christ in our daily circumstances, trials, and joys. I felt she understood, and asked lots of prayers for my tired, frusterated soul. I felt a little of my peace returning as I knew she was listening and interceding for us to God. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bpYej8cdlQ0/T2A-phaLZ5I/AAAAAAAAAw8/KjAkrELYkbM/s1600/IMG_4823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="425px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bpYej8cdlQ0/T2A-phaLZ5I/AAAAAAAAAw8/KjAkrELYkbM/s640/IMG_4823.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We left the Basilica of Saint Clare and stopped to soak in the breathtaking view as the sun set on the town of Assisi. We had one more stop for the evening, the Basilica of Saint Rufinus. To reach this basilica, we climbed up narrow mazes of stairs and cobblestone roads.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ahjv9q_DvMo/T2A_Ps7Jk0I/AAAAAAAAAxE/yLCiKrO0HiI/s1600/IMG_4839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="400px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ahjv9q_DvMo/T2A_Ps7Jk0I/AAAAAAAAAxE/yLCiKrO0HiI/s400/IMG_4839.JPG" width="266px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>We reached St. Rufinus' Basilica as the sun set. Saint Rufinus is honored as the man who brought Christianity to Assisi. His tomb is located in this beautiful basilica. The remains of St. Rufinus are in a marble container under the altar.<br />
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Remains of many martyrs are kept under altars...this is to symbolize their sacrifice. In Old Testament times when animals were slaughtered on altars to appease God, the blood flowed under the altar. In New Testament times, the remains of martyrs who offered themselves to God (as Christ did) are found under altars as well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_nlIERU0WjI/T2A_2QErGmI/AAAAAAAAAxM/O4kfwIIJHGM/s1600/IMG_4848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_nlIERU0WjI/T2A_2QErGmI/AAAAAAAAAxM/O4kfwIIJHGM/s320/IMG_4848.JPG" width="213px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since Peter had already expressed his desire to wrap up the day, our visit to Saint Rufinus' Basilica was very quick. As we left the basilica, we saw a group of religious sisters. Assisi is filled with young priests and religious sisters on pilgrimage. It was so encouraging and inspiring to see "God's Special Forces" (as Dan calls them) everywhere we turned! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5DsYWeWPDRg/T2CCOQ-MDLI/AAAAAAAAAxU/REpVgXVZEFQ/s1600/IMG_4860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5DsYWeWPDRg/T2CCOQ-MDLI/AAAAAAAAAxU/REpVgXVZEFQ/s320/IMG_4860.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
Our last mission of the day: finding dinner! As I mentioned in previous blogs, this can be challenging in Italy as most of their restaurants do not open for dinner until 7 pm. It was not yet 7 pm, but we were starving and had a tired two-year-old on our hands. We desperately peeked into several restaurants, all of which the waiters said, "Not open yet"! We finally found a little bar that served panini. After dinner, we found an amazing little bakery on our way back to the hotel. We were drawn inside by the tempting smells of chocolate and pasteries. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8VKEPoNT4wA/T2CDOmA-1UI/AAAAAAAAAxk/_9X6hIKI-Co/s1600/IMG_4873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8VKEPoNT4wA/T2CDOmA-1UI/AAAAAAAAAxk/_9X6hIKI-Co/s320/IMG_4873.JPG" width="213px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Mmmmm....cannoli! It tastes like a fried, frosting-filled taco. : )</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--PntNFd2DsI/T2CPSveS4aI/AAAAAAAAAxw/K-mKwTDbqK4/s1600/IMG_4875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="133px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--PntNFd2DsI/T2CPSveS4aI/AAAAAAAAAxw/K-mKwTDbqK4/s200/IMG_4875.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IG599aAicng/T2CP1jJS7VI/AAAAAAAAAx4/D_G5msQI83c/s1600/IMG_4876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IG599aAicng/T2CP1jJS7VI/AAAAAAAAAx4/D_G5msQI83c/s320/IMG_4876.JPG" width="212px" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Goodies galore!</span> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Saint Francis of Assisi Bread...and even chocolate salami!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What a perfect way to finish up the day! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next morning, I awoke to the heavenly smell of freshly baked croissants. <em>Am I in Heaven? Close, Assisi.</em> Soon, these delicious croissants were delivered to our room with an assortment of other goodies. Oh, I loved that hotel! : ) </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we arrived at our hotel the day before, we made the most amazing and exciting discovery.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our hotel was literally right across the street from St. Francis's paternal home (where he grew up)! The white stone corner on the right is Assisi's "New Church" built over the remains of St. Francis's old house. Our hotel is above the small pizzeria.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Amazing to think that our son ran around and played in the same place little St. Francis did!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2weJRQ_Ivo8/T2CSjxnlkmI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/BrN3L1dT_-g/s1600/IMG_4889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="400px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2weJRQ_Ivo8/T2CSjxnlkmI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/BrN3L1dT_-g/s400/IMG_4889.JPG" width="266px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The sign for our hotel (on the left) and the church built over Saint Fracis' boyhood home (on the right). It was so fun to think that we were staying right next to St Francis' house! : )</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The church built over St. Francis' childhood home</td></tr>
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Inside the church was a tiny cell. This was the cell that St. Francis's angry father threw him in after Francis told him he wanted to be a friar.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Taking a side door out of the main chapel, we found the remains of St. Francis's paternal home. This was his original front door!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SvRnN9xJKSE/T2XhGL5tVnI/AAAAAAAAAyg/enYdb1tKkzA/s1600/IMG_4905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="400px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SvRnN9xJKSE/T2XhGL5tVnI/AAAAAAAAAyg/enYdb1tKkzA/s400/IMG_4905.JPG" width="266px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> This chapel is in the basement/store room of the house!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SvQyzemYadc/T2Xhv513LII/AAAAAAAAAyo/8NMzSIdcIiA/s1600/IMG_4912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SvQyzemYadc/T2Xhv513LII/AAAAAAAAAyo/8NMzSIdcIiA/s320/IMG_4912.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Saint Francis' childhood home was an incredible experience! After this visit, we walked through the lovely Italian countryside on the outskirts of town down to the Church of St. Damian (San Damiano), the parish church of St. Francis and where St. Clare and her nuns lived.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Inside of the Church of San Damiano, we visited the spot where Jesus spoke to St. Francis in a vision and gave him his mission in life, to "rebuild My Church". The Church of Saint Damian is also the location where St. Clare of Assisi died on August 11, 1253.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lslhtLo8MR4/T2XiU2u9ddI/AAAAAAAAAyw/A9VYdnaRFCI/s1600/IMG_4952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lslhtLo8MR4/T2XiU2u9ddI/AAAAAAAAAyw/A9VYdnaRFCI/s320/IMG_4952.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The Church of Saint Damian</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">Soon, it was time to wrap up our wonderful stay in Assisi and head to the train station. We grabbed a quick lunch at the station (more panini!) and soaked up the sunshine in this beautiful, tranquil town. Soon, we would trade the quiet, small town of Assisi for exciting, unforgettable experiences in the last city of our trip: ROME! Roma, here we come!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="fbPhotoTagList hidden_elem" id="fbPhotoSnowliftTagList"></div><div class="fbPhotoPagesTagList" id="fbPhotoSnowliftPagesTagList"></div><div class="pts fbPhotoLegacyTagList" id="fbPhotoSnowliftLegacyTagList"><div></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RrO38Z1FdVQ/T2Xi6O5_XcI/AAAAAAAAAy4/dJr9Je85Zto/s1600/IMG_4958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="213px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RrO38Z1FdVQ/T2Xi6O5_XcI/AAAAAAAAAy4/dJr9Je85Zto/s320/IMG_4958.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hzkwwi0Rhss/T2CSCC70CBI/AAAAAAAAAyI/OA6iS3Yzrfw/s1600/IMG_4883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Sarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132924455427323483.post-11133667824330575102012-03-17T13:34:00.000-07:002012-03-17T13:34:30.905-07:00Christmas in Italy: PisaWhen planning out our Italian adventure, we could not find frequent trains traveling from Florence to Pisa, so we had to rent a car for this leg of the trip. After picking up our car, we soon realized that it did not have a cigarette lighter to plug in our GPS! Yikes! Challenge #1 of the day: finding our way the good old fashioned way, without technology. <br />
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With a little help from the car rental employee, we found Pisa fairly easily. The famous Leaning Tower was a different story. I expected to drive into town and bump right into it. How hard could it be to find a legendary tower in a little Italian city? Well, Pisa was bigger than I remembered, and we drove in circles trying to find the leaning tower. Finally, Dan just parked, thinking we might have better luck on foot. <br />
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Soon, Dan approached an Italian man outside of a cafe and asked for directions. The man did not speak a word of English, but eagerly gestured that he was willing to help. He smiled and motioned "Let's walk, follow me" with his hands. Usually, at this point, we've learned from our Turkey travels to say "no thanks" rather than follow a stranger through a maze of uncharted territory. But for some reason, this time we followed. At first I felt (mostly) confident. Dan seemed to trust him and I trusted Dan. We walked quickly and silently, as our companion glanced back occasionally to smile and motion "Keep going". But after 15...25...30 minutes of walking, I began to get nervous. <em>Where is he leading us? </em><br />
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Finally, he smiled and motioned "Just around the corner". I took a deep breath, praying he was right. Suddenly, the leaning tower peeked out from behind a building as we all heaved a sigh of relief! Dan offered our guide a tip, he smiled, refused, and disappeared quickly. It was incredible. This man walked with us for over 30 minutes, and accepted nothing in return. God showed His providencial care for us through the kindness and generosity of this stranger. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We made it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Leaning Tower of Pisa<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ocqeTmOCis/T19FneqFzfI/AAAAAAAAAuk/Y0PoBnZxskg/s1600/IMG_4589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ocqeTmOCis/T19FneqFzfI/AAAAAAAAAuk/Y0PoBnZxskg/s400/IMG_4589.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Upon arriving, we happily snapped the "classic Leaning Tower photo pose" with the other tourists...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWpS2yDQv3g/T19GHBgPk3I/AAAAAAAAAus/BWvgMDvTTTo/s1600/IMG_4605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWpS2yDQv3g/T19GHBgPk3I/AAAAAAAAAus/BWvgMDvTTTo/s320/IMG_4605.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>(Peter was snoozing in the stroller during this time, which enabled us to focus our attention on the perfect Leaning Tower pose.) : )<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...and then explored the gorgeous cathedral and baptistry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pisa's Cathedral</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kAu3oVB8_ow/T19Tr1akZXI/AAAAAAAAAvE/0Amd4t9LP4M/s1600/IMG_4618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kAu3oVB8_ow/T19Tr1akZXI/AAAAAAAAAvE/0Amd4t9LP4M/s320/IMG_4618.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Baptistry</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The interior of the Cathedral: incredible!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D02vQREmoyM/T19gTdRxZRI/AAAAAAAAAvU/Z3JmnstlCe8/s1600/IMG_4624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D02vQREmoyM/T19gTdRxZRI/AAAAAAAAAvU/Z3JmnstlCe8/s320/IMG_4624.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Cathedral's Ceiling</span></td></tr>
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</div>Next to the Pisa Cathedral is a cemetary called the "Camposanto" or "Holy Field". The field is filled with soil from Golgotha (the mount where Christ was crucified). After the First Crusade in 1099, an Archbishop (probably of Pisa) brought back boatloads of soil from Golgotha to Pisa. Where the soil was deposited became a cemetary for the upper class of Pisa. A cloister was built around the field.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Camposanto</span></td></tr>
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</div>We finished our tour of Pisa at dusk. The setting sun warmed the Leaning Tower with its vibrant pink and orange rays. Peter was groggily just waking up from a nap. We bought a miniature Leaning Tower (of course!) and started the trek back to our car. Fortunately, our walk <em>back </em>to the car was much more relaxing. We walked through a charming shopping district; full of shoppers, music, and sparkley lights. We stopped for some tasty pasta and then finished our walk to the car. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9p-I7OJHdQQ/T1-hnCg4uJI/AAAAAAAAAvs/kAcMx3yv0_Q/s1600/IMG_4713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9p-I7OJHdQQ/T1-hnCg4uJI/AAAAAAAAAvs/kAcMx3yv0_Q/s320/IMG_4713.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>We drove to a nearby U.S. Army base (found it successfully...without a GPS...hooray!) and checked-in to our hotel. Though I love Italy and its B&B's it's always rejuvenating to stay on a military base. It's refreshing to read signs in English and shop for American snacks at the Shopette. It's just a little taste of home. <br />
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The next destination on our tour of Italy: Assisi....one of my favorite cities in the world!Sarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132924455427323483.post-26656052932382886982012-03-13T13:57:00.000-07:002012-03-13T13:57:26.468-07:00Christmas in Italy: Florence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After yet another delicious breakfast and a lovely stroll through the streets of Venice, we took a water-bus back to the train station (maybe the word "stroll" is a little too romantic...it was a lovely morning, but we <em>were</em> lugging all of our luggage and a toddler-toting-stroller over cobblestone which made it a little more labor intensive). As we took one last look of the charming city of Venice, Dan and I promised each other that we'd return someday. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the station, we purchased our tickets. We'd discovered that buying train tickets at the counter from a person, rather than the kiosk, was the way to go. Yes, that meant more waiting in line, but it also guaranteed that we'd make the correct purchase and be directed to the right platform. We were starting to feel confident in our train traveling skills. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We loved riding on the trains. It was a chance for Dan to study maps, for us to soak in the beautiful countryside from our window, and for our family to relax and be together...all with easy access to a bathroom! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uuzGfQbDW08/T1RpvpQCi7I/AAAAAAAAAs0/X1pra-c4xZw/s1600/IMG_4379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uuzGfQbDW08/T1RpvpQCi7I/AAAAAAAAAs0/X1pra-c4xZw/s320/IMG_4379.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After arriving in Florence, we walked from the train station to our bed and breakfast. We walked about 15 minutes through the streets of Florence before we caught sight of Florence's famous cathedral, The Duomo, peeking out from behind the other buildings. Dan and I simultaneously gasped. The Duomo has one of the largest domes in the world. It is impossible to capture its magnitude on camera or to describe its grandeur in writing. It is a thrilling sight to see and we hurried to catch a closer look. </div><br />
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</div>The exterior of The Duomo is made completely of different colors of marble. It was incredible! <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After catching some photos of The Duomo, we walked a few blocks to our bed and breakfast, which was located in an Italian couple's apartment. They buzzed us up to their apartment and welcomed us with open arms. This was one of my favorite b&b's. The owners treated us like family, welcoming us with traditional Italian Christmas bread and sugary sweet crimson-red juice that stained our lips for hours. We sat, munched, and chatted. After refueling, we began exploring Florence. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Below is Florence's city square, which has has been the headquarters of Florentine political life for centuries. In the square stands a replica of the David. The original sculpture previously stood there before being moved to the Florence Art Museum.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0b3QPM1Um1c/T1Rs15AF4ZI/AAAAAAAAAtM/8TTVkkH7fi0/s1600/IMG_4424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0b3QPM1Um1c/T1Rs15AF4ZI/AAAAAAAAAtM/8TTVkkH7fi0/s320/IMG_4424.JPG" uda="true" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>We continued on to the River Arno and caught a view of the Ponte Vecchio.<br />
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</div>We then hiked and climbed up, up, up (while singing <em>Must Be Santa</em> to keep Peter entertained) to an overlook called the Ponte di Michaelangelo. The steep climb was worth the view. At the overlook, we bought Peter a little Pinnochio puppet...and later found out that the author of Pinnochio was buried on that very mountain!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e3dCOOwncXw/T1RtxqMi-aI/AAAAAAAAAtc/ekjgGu03qSo/s1600/IMG_4453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e3dCOOwncXw/T1RtxqMi-aI/AAAAAAAAAtc/ekjgGu03qSo/s400/IMG_4453.JPG" uda="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We climbed higher and higher, but just had to stop for a photo op of beautiful Florence!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ZYxFcoRyKU/T1RytNoBGTI/AAAAAAAAAtk/6tv5UVzuzos/s1600/IMG_4471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ZYxFcoRyKU/T1RytNoBGTI/AAAAAAAAAtk/6tv5UVzuzos/s400/IMG_4471.JPG" uda="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The mountain kept on going, but finally we saw the top! At the top, rested the magnificent Basilica of St. Minias!<br />
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St. Minias was from the East and came to Italy for a pilgrimage to Rome. He ended up settling on the mountain south of Florence and establishing a hermitage here. He was eventually captured by the Romans and beheaded on the banks of the Arno River. Legend has it that St. Minias picked up his head and took it up the mountain to his home where he died.<br />
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The Basilica of St. Minias now stands over the site of his old home and his tomb. Inside of the church was quiet and peaceful, away from the noise of the city.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7PrpqvSpEYE/T1RzPmVLq7I/AAAAAAAAAts/PPhemvZd4as/s1600/IMG_4480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7PrpqvSpEYE/T1RzPmVLq7I/AAAAAAAAAts/PPhemvZd4as/s320/IMG_4480.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We climbed back down the mountain as the sun was setting. We had one more stop before dinner, the Basilica di Santa Croce (Holy Cross). Inside, we found the tombs of Michaelangelo, Galileo Gallilee, and Nicolo Machiavelli!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GTDG08KWhrI/T1R2U1V90OI/AAAAAAAAAt0/Icow17fxixI/s1600/IMG_4491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GTDG08KWhrI/T1R2U1V90OI/AAAAAAAAAt0/Icow17fxixI/s320/IMG_4491.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Our next stop: dinner! At first, our quest for food was a bit challenging. Many restaurants in Italy don't open for dinner until 7 pm (not easy when traveling with a toddler)! But we finally found a perfect little restaurant facing The Duomo. We feasted on Florentine steaks!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QUzWQZHAWV4/T1R23HwhceI/AAAAAAAAAt8/7xfsc5usLgg/s1600/IMG_4545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QUzWQZHAWV4/T1R23HwhceI/AAAAAAAAAt8/7xfsc5usLgg/s320/IMG_4545.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next morning, our wonderful b&b owners delivered a homemade Italian breakfast to our room, including cappaccinos and scambled eggs! After breakfast, we walked to the Florence Academy Art Museum, home of the famous sculpture, The David! After a trip through the museum (it was quick and efficient, as are all museum trips with a two-year-old), we returned to The Duomo to soak in the sights of Florence. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The most beautiful aspect of our trip was the spiritual significance. It was incredible to spend the days before Christmas visiting breathtaking basilicas and unforgettable pilgrimage sites. Instead of shopping malls and presents, we were able to focus as a family on the birth of Christ. In Italy, there are manger scenes everywhere. Peter loved studying them. Often, the crib would be empty, anticipating the birth of Christ. Peter gazed excitedly at the empty crib as we told him "Baby Jesus is almost here!" He couldn't wait! It was so beautiful to see the simple faith of a child!</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(As Peter studied each manger scene, he'd point out the figures: "Mary, Joseph, angel, shepherd, cow, sheep..." and then inevitably ask "Horse? Where'd the horse go?" since most manger scenes did not have a horse. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I responded "Hmmm....maybe the horse is out eating some hay." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He seemed content with that answer and at future manger scenes would say "Horse? Where'd the horse go? Oh...Hay.")</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The doors of The Duomo's Baptistery were incredible! Here's Peter and Dan finding a carving of Saint Mark, who's tomb we had seen in Venice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HM4H7GDXO-w/T1TyRcmDUpI/AAAAAAAAAuU/5MXEN7J_wfc/s1600/IMG_4574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HM4H7GDXO-w/T1TyRcmDUpI/AAAAAAAAAuU/5MXEN7J_wfc/s320/IMG_4574.JPG" uda="true" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I love the carving below. It is the Holy Family's flight to Egypt. <br />
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</div>We wrapped up our quick stay in Florence and grabbed a rental car! Pisa, here we come!Sarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132924455427323483.post-9637425817456169982012-03-04T12:47:00.000-08:002012-03-04T12:47:44.162-08:00Christmas in Italy: Venice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3mPIcka_qno/T0uI520QWII/AAAAAAAAArc/sefIyXRkIEE/s1600/IMG_4364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" lda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3mPIcka_qno/T0uI520QWII/AAAAAAAAArc/sefIyXRkIEE/s400/IMG_4364.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
After exploring Padua, we took a quick train ride to Venice. We stepped out of the train station and the city of Venice immediately charmed us. It seemed as if we stepped into another world. The bright sun sparkled on the water as little boats chugged along. The buildings, so quaint and beautiful, sat afloat on the canal streets. <br />
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We took a "water bus" from the train station to our hotel. The boat ride was about 45 minutes, but time passed quickly as we soaked up every drop of the charm of Venice. Our boat stopped near Saint Mark's Square and we toted our luggage to our hotel. After getting settled, we set out to explore Venice. <br />
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</div>It seemed as if we just couldn't soak up enough of Venice's sights. We were constantly wide-eyed, trying not to blink, so we would not miss a single thing. We strolled through narrow, quiet streets lined with little restaurants and designer shops. We watched gondolas glide through the quiet water-filled canals. <br />
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We approached Saint Mark's Square. It was bustling with people and pigeons. Peter generously dozed off to sleep in the stroller as we approached Saint Mark's Basilica. <em>Ah, a quiet church visit without "shoooshing" Peter (he loves hearing his voice echo in big European Basilicas). : ) </em>Saint Mark's tomb is located in this gorgeous Basilica! We soaked up the intricate beauty of the interior of the basilica and prayed before the tomb of Saint Mark, the Gospel writer. Incredible.<br />
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After visiting Saint Mark's Basilica, we took a gondola ride! Ah, what an incredible experience! Our gondalier loaned Peter his hat and we glided off into the quiet, narrow canals of Venice. Even with a toddler on board, it was a wonderfully relaxing experience. The sound of the water trickling from the gondalier's paddle and the gondala quietly cutting through the water serenaded us. We soaked up the beautiful scenery as the sun started to sink low in the afternoon sky. Peter enjoyed riding in a boat, but the highlight of his cruise was looking into the waters in search of pieces of floating trash and other objects. (Fortunately, there was not much trash. Venice was very clean.) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rIAVMbte-t0/T0uMtqcROLI/AAAAAAAAAsM/JAfj696LcNE/s1600/IMG_4225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" lda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rIAVMbte-t0/T0uMtqcROLI/AAAAAAAAAsM/JAfj696LcNE/s400/IMG_4225.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Pg4YdXUD70/T0ucFyhulEI/AAAAAAAAAsU/IKFI-gewAkE/s1600/IMG_4237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Pg4YdXUD70/T0ucFyhulEI/AAAAAAAAAsU/IKFI-gewAkE/s320/IMG_4237.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>As we cruised, Dan and I kept exchanging excited glances and smiles. <em>I can't believe we are here, in Venice, on a gondola cruise! </em>It just seemed too dreamlike to be real! <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After our gondola ride, we returned to Saint Mark's Square to relax a bit before dinner. Peter laughed and laughed as he chased pigeons through the square. We smiled and smiled as we watched our little boy play innocently and joyfully in the square. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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After playing in Saint Mark's Square, we strolled through the charming side streets of Venice adorned with twinkling lights. We ate dinner at a little restaurant called Vino Vino. It was the most perfectly delicious dinner. My favorite meal of the trip. We feasted on an incredibly wonderful Caprese salad, perfect red wine, yummy pasta, and mouth-watering tiramisu. <em>Stupendo! </em>(Below, a shot of our Caprese salad. I can't even begin to describe how absolutely perfect it was. You'll just have to go to Venice and try it yourself.)<br />
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After dinner, we happily walked back to our hotel. We stayed at a wonderful little hotel in between two adorable boutiques and directly across the street from a gorgeous church. The setting was picture perfect. We settled into our room, enjoyed a restful night's sleep, and awoke to freshly baked croissants and steaming cappuccinos. <em>Ah, Italy. We love you.</em></div>Sarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132924455427323483.post-34014582638838744152012-02-29T11:58:00.000-08:002012-02-29T11:58:09.200-08:00Christmas in Italy: Padua<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Day One of our Italy trip...here we go!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We started this trip like most of our trips. First we hopped on a plane from Adana to Istanbul. Once we reached Istanbul, we smiled uncomfortably at the passport control man at the airport as he crossly examined our collection of passport stamps ("They've been to <em>Israel </em>and<em> Greece</em> in the past few months? Grrr...") and then watched as he reluctantly lowered the big, heavy stamp onto our passports once again. Then it's airport security, change a diaper, and on the plane to Italy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We landed at the Bergamo airport, near the city of Milan. After grabbing our bags and a couple of proscuito and cheese sandwiches to go, we started our real adventure: public transportation in Italy. On this trip, we relied almost completely on public transportation. Most of the time, it was a thrilling and empowering experience; being able to dive right into a culture and travel as the locals do. A few times, it made my stomach flutter with nervousness. But it always worked out. And it proved to be an incredible experience of God's providencial care for us. We felt His guiding hand every step of the way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Public transportation mission #1: take a public bus from the airport to the train station. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We found our bus stop outside of the airport (with a little help from an airport employee) and waited. And waited. And waited. Finally, we found another bus that was headed for the train station. <em>Perfect. </em>The bus was packed full, so I sat in the back in between two Italian men while Dan and Peter were smooshed somewhere in the middle. <em>No problem, should be a short ride. </em>Or so we thought. Almost an hour later, we did indeed arrive at a train station. We ended up at the Milan station rather than the Bergamo station. We had to backtrack a little, but not too bad for our first day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, we found our way around the big Milan train station. <em>Intimidating. </em>It seemed as if everyone else in the bustling crowds of people knew exactly what to do and where to go, and we felt completely lost. We found a kiosk and bought some tickets. A homeless man laughed at us while we made the purchase (which didn't exactly instill confidence). Then, we wandered until we found someone official looking to help us find our train platform. She ended up being grumpy <em>and </em>telling us the wrong platform, but we figured it out and ended up safely on our train to Padua. Phew! We rode several hours to Padua, then took a taxi to our hotel. It had been a long day of travel!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We awoke the next morning refreshed and ready to go! After a cappuccino and a delicious breakfast, we walked to the bus station to start our touring. We waited a bit for a bus until we realized that you have to step out into traffic and hail the bus in order for it to stop. Just standing at the bus stop didn't do the trick. <em>No wonder those buses passed us! </em>It also took us awhile to figure out how to buy tickets, the little machine was broken, so we bought them from the driver. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our first stop was the Basilica of Saint Justina, dedicated to a Roman woman who was martyred in Padua. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Inside of the church were the relics of Saint Matthias the Apostle. We had also seen some of his relics in Germany and would soon see his relics in Rome as well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5FqrLmKRHOM/T0p_-4k1y6I/AAAAAAAAAqk/pUEuOBjTEko/s1600/IMG_3930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" lda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5FqrLmKRHOM/T0p_-4k1y6I/AAAAAAAAAqk/pUEuOBjTEko/s320/IMG_3930.JPG" width="213px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>We next saw the high altar of the Basilica. Saint Justina's relics are held in a reliquary behind this altar. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And next, we saw the tomb of Saint Luke the Evangelist! Saint Luke wrote a Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. What an incredible experience to be right next to one of the Gospel writers! Saint Luke was also an artist. It is believed that the painting of Mary above his tomb was painted by Saint Luke! In the picture below, Peter is examining an icon of Saint Luke in his hands. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cxUlWJnG45U/T0qC0gWUSlI/AAAAAAAAAq8/jKEQlq2G3dA/s1600/IMG_3946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" lda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cxUlWJnG45U/T0qC0gWUSlI/AAAAAAAAAq8/jKEQlq2G3dA/s320/IMG_3946.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a busy morning, we stopped at a pizzeria! Mmmm....it was so delicious! They had 41different kinds of pizza! The most exotic pizza on the menu was horsemeat. Neither of us were feeling <em>that</em> brave. Dan had an anchovie pizza and I had sausage. Perfecto! The crust was so thin and the toppings so fresh! The perfect lunch!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wK3qRJl8QnU/T0qBrSTMFrI/AAAAAAAAAq0/ETl71_67GFc/s1600/IMG_3971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" lda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wK3qRJl8QnU/T0qBrSTMFrI/AAAAAAAAAq0/ETl71_67GFc/s400/IMG_3971.JPG" width="266px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After lunch, we strolled through the beautiful town square. We enjoyed browsing through the little treasures at a local flea market in the square. Peter chased pigeons, got his pants and mittens muddy, and enjoyed being out of the stroller. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pZs7UM9q2qQ/T0qEV7N4jVI/AAAAAAAAArE/DgEyCnxnJpU/s1600/IMG_3977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" lda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pZs7UM9q2qQ/T0qEV7N4jVI/AAAAAAAAArE/DgEyCnxnJpU/s320/IMG_3977.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Our final stop for the day was at the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua. Saint Anthony was a holy Franciscan who was famous for his inspiring preaching and many miracles. The inside of the church was breathtaking. Saint Anthony's tomb is located inside of the church, surrounded by crutches, letters, and other proofs of miracles God has performed through his intercession. Inside of the church is also Saint Anthony's incorrupt tongue and jaw bone! When Saint Anthony was being considered for canonization, they discovered that his tongue and jaw bone had never decayed! A miracle God performed to show that his words and preaching honored God during his lifetime. It was incredible to see!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We stopped at a unique and beautiful sculpture in the courtyard by the basilica. It shows that Saint Anthony's prayers lead us to Christ. Holding Saint Anthony's right hand is Little Jesus, holding his left hand is little Peter. : )</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3XXgKDmDV08/T0qF0g7fUWI/AAAAAAAAArU/QH0u102y_bk/s1600/IMG_4020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" lda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3XXgKDmDV08/T0qF0g7fUWI/AAAAAAAAArU/QH0u102y_bk/s640/IMG_4020.JPG" width="425px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another one of the beautiful things about St. Anthony's Church was the number of people who came to Sunday Evening Mass. One of the things we've always heard about churches in Europe is "they're always empty" or "Europeans don't attend church anymore." St. Anthony's Basilica was PACKED with faithful Catholics who had come together for Mass to share in the Eucharist. We were thrilled to see all the faithful and prayed for the success of the Church in Europe for the rest of our trip.</div>Sarah, Dan, and Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02896449754045672237noreply@blogger.com0