I know I have already written a ton about our trip and I promise this is the last trip-related blog. But this one might just be the most important of all. Matter of opinion I guess.
Anyway, the trip was valuable to me in so many ways. Not only because I got to experience the history, culture and way of life in two European cities, but because it taught me some things about myself that I never knew.
1. I am not a city person.
I have never considered myself to be metropolitan or anything, but I did think that if necessary I could be content living in a big city. Now I'm not so sure. I didn't like the constant roar of traffic and always being surrounded by people. I got tired of having to navigate the Underground/Metro and squeeze into germ infested subway cars with dozens of strangers and cling onto any bar available to keep from falling into someone's lap. I didn't like having to wait at crosswalks every two minutes. I didn't like how the huge buildings blocked out so much of the sky/sunlight in places. There were other things but you get the gist.
2. I am infinitely more impressed with God's creation than man's.
We saw some incredible architecture on our trip. We visited Notre Dame and Westminster Abbey, Versailles and Hampton Court Palace, the Louvre - places that have inspired awe in people for centuries now. After all that, I don't think those places hold a candle to the stars on clear night, or sunset on the beach, or coral reefs or a misty morning in the Ozarks, or the Buffalo River or mountains or the Northern Lights. You get the point. I looked at those cathedrals, and I just kept asking "Why?" I understand they were built to be so extravagant because church leaders believed that God inhabited the building, so they wanted it to be beautiful. But I just can't comprehend how anyone can look at creation and still think that they can construct something that is going to impress God, a building that would be worthy for Him to inhabit even if He did live within the church walls (he doesn't). I mean c'mon. Be serious.
3. I love my country.
This trip made me realize just how much I love America. I love American culture. I like the fact that our history involves cowboys and indians, slavery, baseball, the blues, moonshine, disco, etc. And I don't care that we don't have centuries-old buildings and cathedrals. I like driving to work as opposed to taking the subway. I like American people. I just like it here.
1 comment:
Great Post Amanda! I have experienced some of the same feelings you have talked about! Traveling enriches a person in countless ways and opens your eyes to things you would have never seen without it.
I agree wholeheartedly with your not a big city person, and I love America comments. Im not bragging one bit, but I have been to 19 different countries and each one has shown to me how great America is. But whats been recently on my mind is how fast Obama is trying to change this country to a socialist European country! Im especially affected because I will be a physician one day and hes trying to start national health care and getting rid of the conscious clause. So much is at stake for me as a christian, a doctor, and freedom loving republican! But class just started! Keep up the great posts!
-Ryan
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