October 14, 2007

Lesson Seven: Get involved and stay informed

Lucas and I just returned from a French adventure: we traveled to Strasbourg to visit Centre students for our week-long fall break. The excursion was as close as possible to John Candy's Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. We took a bus from Ankara to Istanbul, an airplane to Basel, Switzerland, the following morning and finally a train to Strasbourg. The return trip was just as complicated because it included trains, a plane, the metro, and another bus ride.

The complicated journey was totally worth it, however, as it was my first jaunt to Europe. Being away from classes for a week and to be able to explore the beautiful city of Strasbourg was totally relaxing. Lucas and I wandered the city while the other students were in class; the city is quaint and full of historical significance. My favorite part was visiting the city's cathedrals. I loved going in and looking at the beautiful architecture and art from hundreds of years ago, but also finding spiritual rest. I did not realize how much I miss my church until I sat in the candlelit silence and majestic peace of the various cathedrals in Strasbourg.