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7/29/23: Today began with a small group of Americans and Slovaks, initially having no connection or idea of who was who or what was what. With a big adventure ahead, we grabbed our bags and readily took a seat on the bus that is now our mobile home for the next few days while we journey through Venice, Lourdes, and Lisbon for the World Youth Days. As we took our seats and exchanged names, the views that followed every word we spoke aided in the wonder and excitement we are still holding close to our hearts. Strangers have quickly become friends, and the different languages we speak remind us that no barrier truly exists when Christ remains in the center of our lives.With countless hours of driving through the beautiful country of Slovakia, we were able to see multiple cities and villages including Vranov nad Toplou, Hanušovce nad Toplou, Prešov, Poprad, Ružomberok, Zvolen, Žilina, Bratislava and more! We were also able to quickly stop and see the impressive High Tatras (Mountains in picture/s above)! As we drove through these lovely places we stopped a few times to pick up more Slovak Pilgrims along the way, ultimately ending our day with a Divine Liturgy headed by Bishop Milan Lach.
As I sit and write this reflection on today’s festivities, I remain incredibly grateful to the Eparchy of Parma for enabling me to journey across Europe with these beautiful people for a beautiful purpose! May God bless you and keep you all! Until tomorrow :)
- Gina
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