Graduation and PARTY!!

On Tuesday (June 17) the students received their diplomas from Alcalingua. It was a nice occasion when Jesús (their teacher) and I could congratulate them on a job well-done. I must say that I am proud of every one of them. They worked hard and learned a lot. Here are some pictures:

AFTERWARDS, the students came over to our home and we had a big celebration. At that time I gave out some awards to students: Rhett Wimmer and Jillian Christensen received awards recognizing their overall excitement for what we were doing. Both have a great sense of humor that really added to the program. Chris Meldrum received the Cervantes Award for his enthusiasm for the culture. Throughout the program his catch-phrase became, "Perdone profe, pero tengo una pregunta" (Excuse profe, but I have a question.) He also became the unofficial, official group tour guide. The El Cid Award for Excelling in the Language went toKevin Hunter. He was very dedicated to speaking and learning the language and set a good example for everyone. Lauren Eberly (with help from the entire group) prepared a very touching thank you for Jannette and me. We are so grateful to this group for all that they did, all that they didn't do, and for making our time in Spain easy. They never complained (at least to my face), they endured our children, and were just good sports when it seemed that the rain would never end.

After we finished with our awards, we ate (until we burst) and then the students organized a "dance party." Here are some highlights:

Last Soccer Game Together

Last Monday (June 16) was the last Soccer Game of the Spain Study Abroad Season 2008. It has been a great time being with the students and watching them burn off a little frustration and grow together as friends. Here are pictures of some of the action and a final group shot of the die-hard players.

Cuenca, Albarracín and Teruel

Well, this last weekend marked our last trip for the program. Though it was sad to think that the experience is coming to an end, it was also one of the most relaxing and adventure-filled trips of the term. 

CUENCA

Cuenca is a city situated on a hill. On one side of the city there is a deep ravine over which homes were constructed, known today as the "Casas colgadas" or "Hanging Houses."

In the house above is housed the Museo de Arte Abstracto (Museum of Abstract Art). In my opinion it is one of he most beautiful and interesting museums on the subject. The small rooms that are located at multiple levels in the house add to the unique character of the environment. Here are some of the rooms and art:

Aside from the art, it was just a great place to relax, eat lunch and enjoy one of the few times that we have had sun (and no rain) during our trip. The students found the bridge that crosses the chasm to be the ideal place to take that needed break.

ALBARRACIN

Albarracín is a beautiful, picturesque, medieval city in the mountains north of Teruel. The city is one of the favorites of painters. Closing off the city on one side is a long defensive wall. Here are some images.

The city streets of Albarracín offer the visitor some unique views. The long, narrow streets and the simple plazas are work together to add to its charm.

TERUEL

Our final visit was to the city of Teruel. This city offers a unique experience with the culture and architecture of lower Aragon and Mudejar design. Mudejar art originates from Moors who lived and worked with Christian sovereigns in the construction of buildings, churches, etc. The typical elements of Mudejar architecture is the use of bricks and the creation of designs along with the integration of "azulejos" or tiles (usually blue and green) into intricate designs. Throughout the city are towers that exemplify these elements.

The above tower is part of the Iglesia de San Pedro. If you look closely to the columns below you will notice that on the capitol of the third column from the left you will see a hand. This is the symbol associated with Islam. On the third column from the right are two keys associated with Christianity (Peter's Keys to the Kingdom). This intentional combining of symbols represented the peaceful coexistence of both religions in Teruel from its founding in the 11th century.

One of the most famous stories associated with the city is that of the Lovers of Teruel. In brief, one Juan Mancilla falls in love with Isabel de Segura. He is from a humble family while she is from a wealthy one. When Juan asks for Isabel's hand in marriage, her father refuses until Juan is able to prove himself and earn his own fortune. He is given five years to fulfill his goal. In the meantime, Isabel's father arranges for her to marry another. She refuses on the grounds that she must wait until she turns 21 years of age, which would be around the time that Juan would be returning to fulfill his promise. When the time arrives for Juan to arrive, he is delayed. Isabel is then obligated to marry. On Isabel and her husband's wedding night, Juan sneaks into their chamber at night and asks that Isabel give him the kiss that she promised him. She refuses stating that it would go against the promise made to her new husband and that it was her duty to protect his honor. Though he insists, Isabel remains true to her marriage vows. Saddened, Juan falls dead of a broken heart. Isabel wakes her husband and tells him the story. Her husband believes her and they call for the body to be removed. On the day of Juan's funeral Isabel's husband grants her permission to give Juan the last kiss that she had promised him. As she approaches Juan's body she is so overcome that she too falls dead. Understanding the purity of their love, Isabel's husband allows the two lovers to be buried together in the Iglesia de San Pedro. Today the story permeates the history and landscape of Teruel with celebrations and the creation of this crypt. Inside of the tombs are the mummified bodies of Juan and Isabel. The sculpture on the tombs was created in the 20th century. The lovers reach out to each other, yet their hands do not touch. Their heads turn towards each other, yet their eyes do not meet. They are the perfect example of unfulfilled love and the frustrations felt by lovers whose gaze never meet.

This is the Iglesia de San Pedro. Its current "look" with the elaborate painting and design was done at the beginning of the 20th century by a disciple of Gaudí, the architect of Barcelona's Cathedral de la Sagrada Familia.

Below is he city's main plaza and City offices.

One of the fun opportunities was to climb to the top of the Torre de San Salvador. 

Fireside with President and Sister Farnsworth of the Spain Madrid Mission

On Sunday, June 8, we had the privilege to hear messages from President and Sister Farnsworth. They also invited the three sister missionaries that work in the Alcalá ward to share their testimonies. Sister Farnsworth shared her feelings regarding JOY (our need to focus on JESUS, OTHERS, and YOURSELF) in developing a testimony of the Gospel. Afterward, President Farnsworth talked to us about the value of the individual and how the Gospel is made up of each of us, working toward a greater understanding of who we are and how we relate to the Atonement. He used 3 Nephi 11: 15. After Jesus Christ appeared to the people who were gathered at the temple, he turned to them and invited them to come forward that "ye may thrust your hands into my side and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world" (verse 14). With that invitation, we read, "And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come" (italics added). President Farnsworth emphasized the importance of this personal witness and taught that we must gain our testimony individually. It was a wonderful evening. We are very grateful to them for taking time from their busy schedule to be with us.