Day 61-France, Strasbourg

Another Sunday come and almost gone. I can't believe I'm going to be back in the States in exactly two weeks...it's been quite the journey! Unfortunately we couldn't make it to church this morning, but nonetheless I had one of the most spiritual moments this morning as we sat on the curb in front of our hotel (I felt a little homeless) and sang hymns. While we were singing, we heard windows moving behind us. Apparently instead of closing them (which we fully expected), our fellow Etap dwellers opened them. :) I felt so humbled we could share the Spirit I know I was feeling in a way that surpassed any language barriers. We had many people thank us by smiling and nodding as they passed, by which was a kind gesture :)

My personal spiritual experience continued as I stood in front of one of the most unique and emotionally provoking altar images I've ever encountered. Nowhere in the history of art has an artist depicted the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ so powerfully. With no tradition to precedent his choice of representing Christ breaking from the tomb and becoming a truly celestial being, I can't help but think Matthias Grunewald was truly inspired when creating the Isenheim Altarpiece. It was powerful to sit and contemplate my Savior's suffering and sacrifice for me enabling me to return to him someday.

Following our visit at the museum, we caught a train and arrived in Strasbourg (I fell asleep and almost missed getting off, I was so exhausted!). The last thing we did was visit Strasbourg's Notre Dame Cathedral (I think I liked Paris' better) which was (for an impressively long time before steel and other modern building materials were used) the world's tallest structure. Strasbourg also has so many adorable half-timbered houses (and actually a section called Le petite Paris) like I enjoyed in Colmar. :) France is so beautiful and I can't believe I'm leaving tomorrow. Au revoir!