Retreat part 2

Here are some pictures from the "spiritual exercises" retreat I did in Sintra. It was cool to be able to see the Sintra Palace, even from so far away. I felt like I was in medieval times and protected by the king. It was also cool to lay outside under the trees, with so much free time. It was refreshing to not use the internet for a whole week. The last pictures are of the attic made into a chapel, which was my favorite chapel of all the ones there. It was so cozy and intimate.

A trunk to rest on

Daniel and I went on a week-long silent retreat in Sintra and it was really great. Tough, but great. We don't belong to the Church movement we did it with, but the people that have helped us from this movement have without a doubt been the face of the Church and of God for our relationship and even lives during this past year and a half. 

When one of the missionary nuns told of her calling to her vocation, she spoke about something she had read in a book. The author said the celibate vocation was like a tree cut down at its trunk. What is the use of cutting down a tree? A tree is useful because of its beauty and shade... what's the use of a cut-down tree trunk? Well, there is no "use", but a passerby in the forest can sit down and rest a while.

That's exactly what the people from this movement have been to us: a rest and a place to sit. And that's what this week-long of silence and guidance was too.

Vacation

Bishop Semeraro observed, “During those Sundays, the Pope puts an emphasis on the value of rest and how to spend our vacation days, which should be a time for recreation for the heart, the spirit and the mind.”

Vacation should be a time to strengthen the relationships in our family and between friends that perhaps have been neglected throughout the year, as well as an opportunity to spend time outdoors, the bishop added. 

“Above all, we should set aside time for a deeper encounter with God in prayer and meditation.”

Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/popes-vacation-reflects-purpose-of-rest/#ixzz21i7drLzP

Pictures from Pinterest

A house tour in downtown Lisbon

As if my friend Dora weren't awesome enough (studying theology without a "career path" in mind, being the embodiment of simplicity, etc.), her (and her husband's) house is just as awesome as she is. It was so awesome I had to share it with someone. These are the reasons I have a blog... because some people's houses are so awesome you just have to publish them on the world wide web. Just kidding, kind of. She also blogs here, the link is on my blog list to the left.

Of course they had to live in a place you can't get to by car. It would just be too commonplace if you could. ;) So you have a lovely traditional Lisbon tram that takes you up...

And then some lovely steps with a lovely view...

You're in downtown Lisbon but you can see GREEN (!) from the living room and kitchen. It's amazing. 

Their style is definitely minimalistic, and it's modern but antique at the same time. 

There is very minimal decoration, but it's all thoughtful and simple. It's simple without feeling bare. Here is an empty rum bottle that says "RUM". And my friend and theology colleague Paulo in the back. 

A view of the city from the balcony. 

The best part of the house: a piano, millions of books/CDs and a bike her husband takes to work. An office in the back. 

Simple details that are functional, not only decorative, like this crucifix on the nightstand. 

A blue dresser with a handmade bowl on top, a present from a friend. 

An adorable blue stool in the kitchen...

Even the bathroom was kind of cool...

And it had a connecting window to the living room...

The end. 

Fado and Theology

The same group from Orchestras and icecream, plus a few like my sister, had the privilege... the utmost privilege, it really is.. of watching my friend (and theology colleague) Catia sing fado. She not only sings fado and is a fado enthusiast, but she wrote her thesis on fado and theology! So in honor of the fado singer and theologians present, I made a quiche that says "Fado e Teologia. Viva!" (Fado and Theology. Long live/yippee!) for our potluck dinner beforehand. My friend Sofia made a delicious avocado and basil salad. We packed into the tiny Tasca do Chico (amateur fado bar) and had the pleasure of watching Catia perform.