Things here have been good. I've been steadily expanding (now to 3rd trimester!) and the babe appears healthy and strong. I've been nostalgic and more, knowing we leave Germany in the Spring. Everything about Europe seems even more magical in that light. It has certainly been a fabulous adventure.
Edward has been busy and more, and the girls began school anew in September, but we still managed to squeeze in quite a bit of travel before that.
I hope to still go back and share some of those trips with you. For now though, I will start with Malta.
Edward has been busy and more, and the girls began school anew in September, but we still managed to squeeze in quite a bit of travel before that.
I hope to still go back and share some of those trips with you. For now though, I will start with Malta.
 Sunset off the coast of Valletta |  Classic Maltese fishing boats |
Edward has been fascinated with Malta for years, enamored with both its history (its place in WWII as well as the Knights of Malta) and strong Catholicism. He told me he wanted to retire there, and as neither of us had ever even stepped foot onto the little island, I was less than enthused…
Now? Ha.
Now, we have been three times since coming here in 2014.
I doubt it would take much enticing to get me to pack my bags and enroll in language classes.
Now? Ha.
Now, we have been three times since coming here in 2014.
I doubt it would take much enticing to get me to pack my bags and enroll in language classes.
 Rocky shoreline along north of island |  View from Ft. Saint Angelo |
Previously, we have stayed in Valletta, the old castle city, but this time we opted for a beach vacation down in Marsaskala. Our little rental apartment turned out to be perfect. We were easily a 6-7-minute walk to the water, in the shadow of a Catholic church, and close to restaurants and produce stands.
Every day we strolled down to the ocean, and every day I felt peace ease back into my bones.
Every day we strolled down to the ocean, and every day I felt peace ease back into my bones.
From our flat's balcony in Marsaskala
Clare's birthday fell during the trip and we decided to celebrate with a boat day. The lady would live on a boat if given her way. Needless to say, she was ecstatic.
We packed up food, rented a vessel, and took to the seas. We toured about the coast, snorkeling and swimming through the various areas that intrigued us. This was easily my favorite day. The water was clear, the fish were abundant, and somehow none of us burned under the generous rays.
Sun, sea, smiles. Gorgeous.
We packed up food, rented a vessel, and took to the seas. We toured about the coast, snorkeling and swimming through the various areas that intrigued us. This was easily my favorite day. The water was clear, the fish were abundant, and somehow none of us burned under the generous rays.
Sun, sea, smiles. Gorgeous.
 Tossing lunch crumbs to the fish! |  |
We spent one afternoon wandering about Valletta and shopping. We poked into the Church of the Shipwreck of St. Paul, one of my favorites, and viewed the relics of St. Paul. We strolled and dined, and simply being in the city felt grand. I had not realized how much I had missed the quaint doors, crammed streets, decorated alleys, and billion churches.
Valletta
Another day, Edward drove us (British style on the left side of the road, with stick shift for the left hand!) to the Blue Lagoon. We swam and played in the clear, deep water. It was glorious. Edward even jumped in from the cliffs while Clare peeked over the side nervously. We picnicked and lounged, content to the core.
 Clare considering the leap |  Blue Lagoon |
And now, returning to Germany, I’ve been washed in thanksgiving.
I had needed time with my family, I had needed relaxation in the ocean, but even more, I had needed spiritual hunger again. I’d been drying up it seems.
I had needed time with my family, I had needed relaxation in the ocean, but even more, I had needed spiritual hunger again. I’d been drying up it seems.
Fomm ir-Riħ
Years ago, on my first trip to Malta, I had a tongue-silencing spiritual encounter that has since rooted me to the island. Someday, perhaps I will write about it.
This time, while being gentle and subtle, I again felt the Spirit stirring in me, reminding me of what I love and desire: Christ, the Eucharist, the Church.
It made me feel like me again, my mind no longer just an unending list of tasks and unspoken anxieties.
It has been beautiful, and I am grateful. And happy.
This time, while being gentle and subtle, I again felt the Spirit stirring in me, reminding me of what I love and desire: Christ, the Eucharist, the Church.
It made me feel like me again, my mind no longer just an unending list of tasks and unspoken anxieties.
It has been beautiful, and I am grateful. And happy.
Malta has my heart, for it has a way of steering my soul back to where it needs to be. Where is has joy.
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