Church Stops

When it comes to rushing around a city trying to see everything, my awareness has increased into this kind of behavior.  It's not possible to see everything, but you can see most things if you have the time.

Although, when it comes to churches they are something I do try and see. It's important for me to see most or all of the churches because it's meaningful and important to me.  Walking inside the church is a feeling a home, of peace, security, and love. I guess I could describe it as walking inside your big, loving family's home and receiving those big smiles and hugs. It's just wonderful to go inside the church and have that peace to myself without the outside world. It's a time to pray, especially for the locals that I am meeting.  They need someone to care for them and pray for them because they are people too. Of course, one can pray outside of church, but I'm one of the people who truly connects to the church.  I rely on it for spiritual support and growth.
 
This spiritual exploration applies in the US and it definitely applies when abroad. For me, it's fascinating to see churches outside my element. Those of Spanish culture are particularly beautiful with interesting historical backgrounds and left in different states.  Granada is one of the oldest mainland settlements in America(USA today).
Therefore, I may be guilty of rushing to see churches because of how high their value and meaning is in my life. They are just a home to me and to everyone else who truly believes. 

Here are a few church descriptions from USA today:

Cathedral of Granada

Located right on the central plaza, the Cathedral of Granada is a bright yellow neoclassical church originally built in 1583, and destroyed in the 19th century, only to be rebuilt again in the early 20th century. The interior of the church features three naves and four chapels and extensive stained glass windows. The central Plaza is always alive with activity, from live music to outdoor festivals, and the Cathedral of Granada provides a iconic backdrop to the city's cultural life.
 

La Merced

Built in 1534, La Merced is one of the oldest cathedrals in Central America and was one of the most important churches in Granada until its main tower was destroyed in 1854. The rest of the old church remains however, with several additions, including the rebuilding of the tower in 1862. La Merced has a baroque facade and three interior naves and is located two blocks west of the central plaza, where it sits on its own small corner plaza surrounded by other spectacular colonial buildings.

Iglesia de Guadalupe

The faded and crumbling exterior of this impressive 17th century cathedral only add to its charm as it towers over the surrounding historic residential neighborhood in eastern Granada. The Iglesia of Guadalupe was used as a fortress by William Walker in 1856, when the American filibuster was being driven out of the country after invading and placing himself as president a year earlier. The interior of the church features a stained glass dedication to the Virgin of Guadalupe and rows of Corinthian columns.


Source: USA TODAY