ReEntry

This week is a little like a bookmark , holding my place for what has been happening leading up to and being in Barcelona until today. I was amazed at the number of you out there who have had a B., Spain experience and guaranteed my enjoyment of the visit and provided a list of “you will love” things to do. However, ( remember that word) the trip has opened a need for preparation, travel requirements, and reEntry to new requirements after aging as a homebody. So this week is offering you at the moment requirements and next week more of what eye has seen, ear heard, and heart opened to.

First, the trip was demanding. Rising early with that list checked was only the beginning. Business class sounds like an upgrade. Not so for me because it required separation from my “ baby blanket,” my backpack. Since it had to be stored overhead, a lifter down person had to be recruited for anything from toothbrush, to book, to meds. Twenty-four hours which warped through six time zones dumped us out in España and delivered us to a very nice hotel. Waiting for rooms to be turned over for our family carried a weary me to my next to last straw. Hooray for a nap.

Second, after being with people I know by name, I had two who were close to me and seventy- seven others from various far places. Most of them had at least a same employer connection. I was a green stripe guest along with babies and teens. In the way of a new classroom the first day of school, I read a few names from name tags, shared mine, and opened those connections of likes or talents that tie us together.

Lastly, space does become familiar. Use of my tech required adjustments. My son-in- law’s i_pad charges in my bathroom but not his. The view from my window encompasses some sites we’ve seen and the route to others in the future. After Houston, the weather is a delight, though locals want rain. Above all, I am at the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, a body of water vast enough to be called the middle of the world and am in Spain, a far reaching hope for Paul’s journey. Next week, what are the gifts of Barcelona.

I am planning to go to Spain. Romans 15:24