Susan Dawson Have you noticed how the most impactful things in life take the most time? Long periods of time and patience you didn’t know you had. I reflect on marriage, raising kids, family traditions, On previous trips to Barcelona, Spain, Mike and I visited the As I mentioned, the outside reminds even growing a tree. You can’t outside of this sandcastle-looking structure and were amazed at me of a sand castle. It’s brown and see things change daily, but over how it changed over time. However, this trip we secured tickets to rough-looking from far away, but you time, you do see change. tour inside the basilica. It opened my eyes to an even greater can see the intricate detail on every On a recent trip to Spain, my appreciation for the centuries-long attention to a plan developed entrance and tower up close. The husband and I had the in 1882. inside is entirely different, with white opportunity to experience one of The designer for the Sagrada Familia is Antonio Gaudi, a Spanish stone. The smooth stone reflects the these wonders, the Sagrada architect from Catalonia. Gaudi is famous for many significant and light streaming through the amazing Familia. This UNESCO World recognizable works, including Casa Batllo, La Pedrera-Casa Mila, stained glass windows. These are not Heritage site is still under and Park Guell. His later designs include few straight lines and typical stained glass windows you construction which began in many unique uses of natural light. see in most religious structures. 1882. Our tour started with a bus and walking tour of historical parts of These windows are designed with What began as a neo-Gothic Barcelona. We were dropped off about a half mile from the yellow, orange, and red abstract basilica has evolved over 142 Sagrada to get the full visual effect of approaching this 566’ tall pieces to the east and cool colors to years into a place where those of church. The crisp fall air and partly cloudy skies set the stage for a the west to take advantage of the faith to architectural enthusiasts wonderful visit. natural sun streaming through at any marvel at the splendor and vision time of year. being carried out by workers Our tour there was beautiful and doing their part for this massive meaningful. It reminds me that the wonder. most important things in life take time. Relationships, spiritual development, and financial investing are not one-and-done projects but intentional daily choices. I look forward to progressing with each of you as we make great daily choices. Have a wonderful holiday season with your families! Susan