Going to Spain this summer was a complete and total act of faith. I didn’t know all that God had for me there, and the things He was going to reveal to me, ignite in me, nurture in me and change in me. I knew He was going to work through Edge Project and my role as Art Curator, but didn’t know the extent and capacity that the time I spent along the Mediterranean would confirm my desire and love of art, culture and faith. I walked into this experience with open hands. I said this was a summer of no expectations, but incredible expectancy. I felt as though God was looking at those hands saying, “Watch this! You have no idea what I'm about to do."
God continues to blow me away with His faithfulness, and I feel so lucky to be able to share the stories with you and show how God is constantly at work. For me, I see Him most when I'm waiting with a blank slate and and open heart.
Since I’ve been back, I’ve been pausing and reflecting on my time in Spain through tons of journaling, photo-editing, and many many conversations, and I'm excited to share.
Week 1 Art Workshops // I had a plan… but oh man was there anticipation as the first Wednesday drew close. Were people going to come? What if the acrylic paint that I found didn't actually work like the watercolor paint I was hoping to emulate?? What if I forgot all my Spanish?? What if the sheets I cut into squares didn’t hold the paint? And what if the laundry rack that I used as a drying rack couldn’t be carried up the flights and flights and flights of stairs??
All these thoughts were rushing through my head until 7pm came along and people started showing up. PEOPLE SHOWED UP! And the Edge team was just incredible in helping me prepare, run and execute these events every week.
At one point sitting around the same table was an accomplished artist, a vacationer, a dear friend, a developing artist, a teacher, an American, a German, and French-speaking Spaniard. It was breath-taking. And let me tell you, these people are ARTISTS! I have never seen strangers jump into painting sheet squares like champs, and embracing every single moment. It was everything I hoped it to be and more.
I used to think sharing the Gospel had to look a certain way, but now, I've truly seen it. And it looks like sitting around a table together, sharing stories, meals, talents and questions with absolute strangers. This is the the Gospel.