As we ventured through Europe, the sights we saw became more and more dramatic. The creations of man seemed to grow in both size and detail. First, the great 747 which carried us across the ocean. Then the ruins of castles, built unnaturally on the steep slopes of the German Alps. The Doge’s palace (or “Dojo’s place” as some chose to call it) in Venice, Italy, contained more than the eye could appreciate and more than the mind could handle. But to top off the manmade sights we saw, we enter the smallest independent country in the world: The Vatican.
No matter how many dictionaries I swallow, I will never have the words to fully describe this magnificent place. The Vatican Museum contains such works of art, such history, and such detail, that one cannot help but be amazed by its splendor. Our entire team certainly was. In the museum, the team saw tapestries, yards long, statues, yards tall, and a hall containing maps… ancient maps… 120 meters of ancient maps.
We, of course, saw one of Michelangelo’s finest works: the Sistine chapel. This room was both stunning and disappointing. The beautiful artwork which decorates the walls and ceiling are awe-inspiring, and it was an experience the OFC team will never forget. We could see the artist’s mastery of color and design in the magnificent paintings. The history and culture in that room gave us feelings of wonder. Unfortunately, the room was packed full of other stupefied visitors, detracting from the overall experience. Still, it was a sight unlike any other.
To top off our experience, however, we had to leave the Vatican museum. St. Peter’s Basilica sits in a different part of Vatican city. There are no words to adequately describe this massive cathedral. The largest in the world, St. Peter’s puts all other buildings to shame. The intricacy of all of the decoration, and the finery of all of the many altars is breathtaking. The epic scale of everything in the seemingly endless room pushed our eyes and minds to their limits.
It was truly a blessing to see such a sight. And it brought us great joy, knowing that this magnificent city was dedicated to the worship of our Heavenly Father. We can only hope that we will get to experience that wonder again someday.
Awestruck,
Aaron Brickle