Adios Madrid!

Hello for the last time from Madrid! So much has happened since my last post that I don't know where to begin. It's hard to believe the above pictures are from a month ago when my friends Keith and Rachel Krimm came to visit. They had been traveling Europe and decided to change plans and pop into Madrid for 4 days. On Saturday I took them on the Madrid express tour starting at Templo de Debod(above pic). It's an ancient Egyptian temple given as a gift to Spain in thanks for their support in restoration and preservation of historical sites. It was shipped to Valencia and then sent in pieces to the capital. From there we went on to Palacio Real, the Cathedral and the crypt below, la muralla/old city wall which is the oldest part of Madrid, then to lunch, stopped by Retiro Park, went to Madrid Rio for a little bike ride with some friends and then finished off the day by watching Barcelona defeat Manchester United in the Champions League final. Needless to say we took our time and had a relaxing day on Sunday. I went to high school with Keith and Rachel and I can't tell you what a blessing it was to hang out with them for a weekend!


The following weekend my brother came in for a visit! As always it was wonderful to spend time with him. The picture is in Real Madrid's stadium where we saw a friendly futbol match (a fundraiser for Africa) between ex RM and ex Bayer Munich players.

(Historia del Arte/Art History classmates)

(Álcala de Henares)

(Conocer Madrid Clase en la casa de Cervantes)

A couple weeks ago I finished up the two classes I was taking: Art History and "To know" Madrid. We combined both of the last classes into one long day. So Thursday and Friday I had a day trip with each class. These classes were definitely a highlight of my time in Madrid and being able to spend time with the people, eat together and say goodbye was a perfect finish!

The last week has been spent saying far too many goodbyes. Nearly every person in my Tuesday night community group (seen above) is leaving the same week or within a week of my departure. I struggle to find the words to express how much this group has meant to me. I am reminded of Gods provision and faithfulness when think about this group of Irish, English and American brothers and sisters. This is my church here in Madrid. They have treated me in the example that Jesus set and I am confident that each of them will have a profound impact wherever they go.

I am looking forward to catching up with all of you when I return. It's "hasta luego" Madrid in 2 days!

Nos vemos!
Lauren