Hola from Spain! Today’s update comes from Andrew Hicks who graduated from Pensacola Christian College this May with a degree in Cell and Molecular Biology.
Andrew’s Update:
Today we said goodbye to the Prices and left Saint-Gaudens. As we started the long drive back to Casa Eben-Ezer in Girona, Spain, we made two educational and enjoyable stops: a hike to a Cathar castle and lunch in the small country of Andorra which was en route. Counting the U.S. and Iceland, our team has now been to 5 countries on this trip!
Our first stop was Château de Montségur. To get to the castle is only around 500 feet, but it is up a very steep hill. Upon making our way up the hill, Missionary David Price gave us a living history lesson about the Cathar people.
The Cathar were a group of Christians persecuted by the Catholic Church centuries ago, and the castle we visited was the last stronghold the Cathar people maintained before being surrounded, starved out, and killed by the Catholic Church. Standing where these Christians staunchly stood and held to their faith through such persecution was in an incredible experience. To imagine yourself being there at that time, hearing the hunger cries of your spouse and children and knowing the only earthly sliver of hope to help them required recanting your faith was a sobering thought. Would I be so strong in my faith? Would I be able to withstand the cries of my family in the face of such trials? We appreciated Missionary Price taking the time to lead our group on the hike to Chateau Monsegur and share with us a window into the history of the church in France.
Our second side-stop was the beautiful country of Andorra. We stopped at a local restaurant and picked up empanadas for lunch, which we ate at a local park. The team enjoyed an opportunity to play in the park and relax in the middle of our road trip.
After enjoying the meal and some fresh air, we headed back on our way to Camp Eben-Ezer. After arriving, we had a dinner and settled in for the night. God has been so good and protected us through all our travels!
Tomorrow:
Tomorrow, the team will be serving at Synergy Christian School in Barcelona, Spain. They will be leading an assembly and helping in the various classes. Please pray for great opportunities to influence the students there!