Majesty

One of my most favorite moments on this trip came this weekend on a serene, secluded beach in Lagos, Portugal. As I sat on my towel in the crystal, grainy sand I saw rocky cliffs to my left and right, and blue green waves breaking in front of me. I laid down and closed my eyes with my ipod ear-bugs in, and was serenaded by the soundtrack of crashing waves and the music streaming out of my little pink shuffle. “Majesty” came on, with the chorus singing like this:

Majesty
Majesty
Your grace has found me just as I am
Empty-handed but alive in your hands
Majesty
Majesty
Forever I am changed by Your love
In the beauty of your majesty


They are simple lyrics, but the last two lines especially spoke to me in that place of beauty. His beauty is undeniable, and follows me everywhere I go. It was an intimate moment.

Four days is all I have left here in Spain, and although there are many things I am not ready to leave, there is one thing I am passionately craving from home. Worship and fellowship with my God-pursuing friends. I’ve loved every moment here, but I’m ready to receive the encouragement and special love that has been absent on my trip. God has certainly been with me the entire trip, and protected me in more ways than I know, but I understand more than ever the importance of community.

While I’m still abroad, I could not think of a better way to wrap up this experience than a weekend in Lagos. Anyone who wants to come back ad visit with me, just say the word. :)
The six hour trip there on Friday afternoon did not begin very well. The twelve of us from school took up the back of the big bus, but were a bit disappointed, to say the least, to find out there was no air-conditioning. A six hour bus ride is bad enough, but six hours in 105 degree weather with no cool vents blowing on us was almost enough to make us go crazy! We survived though, and discovered it was more than worth it when we made it to the breezy little beach town of Lagos.


As soon as we stepped off the bus, we were refreshed by the cool breeze, the noise of the seagulls overhead, and the smell of salty ocean. The small town turned out to be a typical beach town--very relaxed & slow-paced, full of tourists, and crowded with little shops and street vendors. We were pleasantly surprised by how cute and clean our hostel was! Along with two sets of bunk beds, our room had a full kitchen, closets, a table, a couch and a bathroom (pictures soon, yo prometo :) ). We showered and changed after the bus and headed back to the center of town to enjoy the food and night life. There were several acoustic musicians playing as well as mimes, children’s entertainers, and of course vendors selling all the jewelry, postcards, and touristy nick-knacks you could imagine.


Saturday after breakfast we made our way to a beautiful beach covered with a mix mostly of Australian, Canadian, and American tourists. We made some new friends and loved playing in the big waves. My favorite beach to date--that is, until we went to Dona Ana on Sunday. The beauty of the seclusion and rocky cliffs framing us in completely captivated me. :)


Needless to say, I’m not too excited to go back to class tomorrow after a paradise weekend. Only two more sessions of class though, before the fate of my grades are decided in midterms on Wednesday!


Thanks so much for all your prayers and long-distance support, friends! I can’t wait to see you very very soon. :)

May blessings fall all over you!
Ojala que tengas un buen dia!

:)