In Honor of Diversity

This summer I have been given the privelage of traveling Europe. It has always been a dream of mine to see the world and I am slowly checking countries off my list one at a time. As I travel and encounter so many different views and people I am reminded that God is the God of the nations and that He loves all people. He created diversity and I am so ecstatic to be able to witness this diversity. So in honor of diversity, I have decided to share a few pictures of some of my favorite spots in all of the world.

One of my favorite views in all of Europe: Rome, Italy.

The Colosseum: Rome, Italy

My emotions when thinking about the colosseum are quite complicated. I loved seeing this amazing feat of architecture and ancient piece of history, yet it was such a somber place to be at because of all the death that took place within it's walls. Regardless, it was an incredible site to behold.

San Clement Basilllica: Rome, Italy.

This is probably number one on my list of favorite places in the entire world. Not only because of the beautiful architecture on the outside and the wonderful courtyard, but also because of what is underneath. Below this incredible basillica is a 3rd century church, but below that is a 1st century house church. The church was most likely used by Clement. It was such an incredible feeling to walk in the same location that first generation Christians walked and worshipped. Praise the Lord for preserving such incredible location! 

Regello in Tuscany, Italy.

Such natural beauty, I could live here and just have picnics with a glass of wine, a good book, and the one I love. This was by far the most relaxing place in all of Italy that I have been. Its a wonderful place to see all the creativity in God's creation: olive trees, poppies, cherry trees, tall grasses, and so much more.  

The Alps: Wilderswil, Switzerland.

Being a Colorado girl, naturally I loved the Swiss Alps. The hiking was incredible and the views from the tops of the peaks where breathtaking. I could sit on the top of this peak for all of eternity, such majesty.

East Side Gallery Berlin Wall: Berlin, Germany.

I loved seeing all the incredible artwork on the wall. Such an incredible juxtapostion of new life, creativity, and freedom versus the old oppression and injustice that the wall used to represent. Featured in this picture is myself on the left and my beautiful friend Lauren Downey on the right.

Lucky Marriage Ring: Nurmberg, Germany.

I love this specific location because of the playfulness and just down right fun that it represents. I didn't have a special affinity for the city of Nurmberg, but I did love this fountain. Essentially what happens is that you spin this ring clockwise, and then you will receive luck in your marriage or marriage to come. It was fun to participate in something that really only the locals knew about.

Nice, France.

The beaches in Nice have made it into my top three beaches of all time. Most of the beaches in Nice are pebbels which provide for a wonderful massage on your feet. The water is incredibly blue and the temperature is just perfect. Nice is one of the best vacation spots I have ever been to.

Saint Honorat Island Monestary: Cannes, France.

This island is my favorite place in the entire world. Saint Honorat Island is just off the coast of Cannes, France in the French Riviera. The island is located right next to another island where boats and huge yachts park in between. It is an incredible view to see all the boats parked there. However, my favorite part was the monestary located on the island. The architecture was so incredible and the garden was so beautiful it took my breathe away. My friend Chesney always tells me about this childrens book called Fredrick the Mouse, where the mouse has moments where he takes in everything around him by focusing on each of the five senses individually. That way he can remember everything about that moment. This was a Fredrick the Mouse moment for me. I will never forget this moment and how I felt here for the rest of my life.