La Sagrada Familia
by Brooke Best ’24

During my time in Spain for my Summer Study Abroad experience, my family came to visit me and we visited La Sagrada Família when we went to Barcelona. I couldn’t help but stare at the ceiling and the intricate detail that Antoni Gaudí, the architect behind the work, incorporated into every inch of the building. I visited many of the other works of Gaudí while I was in Barcelona, but the feeling of life, hope, and faith that struck me when I walked into La Sagrada Família is a feeling that I think about every day. La Sagrada Família was very special to me because Gaudí focused on aspects of religion and nature to create the life of Jesus. To see people from all over the world of all different religions and life stories in one shared space to experience the same amazement is truly unforgettable.

Grandeur of Greece
by Annette Baker ’25

The serene yet thriving island of Hydra/Ydra (Greek spelling) is unlike any location I have experienced at home. The island is incredibly vibrant, truly a postcard come to life. While a large tourist location, only some 2,500 people live on the island of Hydra. There are no roads on this quiet island, however if you wish, you can take a donkey ride around the island! I was allowed a glimpse into the seemingly peaceful life of the inhabitants of this island. The breathtaking scenery paired with a multitude of Greek culture makes for a deep appreciation of the vastness of the world away from the culture I am accustomed to in the United States.

Rounding New Corners
by Megan McGuigan ’24

Our Wartburg Choir tour across Europe was a very special trip. The trip had been postponed for years with the pandemic, and so there was so much anticipation built up! Most of us had never been outside of the country before. It was fun getting to experience that for the first time together, going on the trip we had talked about for years.

Since we were all so excited and curious, we explored a lot, splitting up into smaller groups to find the nooks, crannies, and stories that made a city unique. My favorite part was finding things we never thought we would by taking the less traveled path. The time to wander around the different cities was invaluable. I’ll never regret the times we said, “What if we go this way?” and never looked back. The best way to learn about other people and places is to go there and walk a mile (or several) in their shoes. I am so grateful for the opportunity to go on this trip. I will cherish the memories and tell the stories for the rest of my life.