Malta - Week 12

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Malta Week 12


This week they started painting our chapel.  We're so glad they're making improvements.  Steve has spent a lot of time at the church overseeing the project. 

Monday's English Class

They are painting the big room downstairs where we usually have game night, so we all had to hang out upstairs.  The room got pretty crowded as the evening went on, but everyone seemed to enjoy a rotating game of ping pong.


Pday: Rabat
We weren't planning to go anywhere for Pday this week because we had big plans for Friday when we would be celebrating a big event,  but the Elders called an invited us to join all the missionaries in Rabat that day, so we decided to go.



Basilica of St Paul Rabat






It is believed that in this grotto Paul evangelized the Maltese and formed the first Christain Community.  (See below)







St.Paul's Catacombs are a typical complex of interconnected, underground Roman cemeteries that were in use up to the 4th century AD. They are located on the outskirts of the old Roman capital Melite (today's Mdina), since Roman law prohibited burials within the city. St Paul's Catacombs represent the earliest and largest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta.



During World War II, the catacombs were carved out and used for bomb shelters.  Whole families had to live in these small cave-like rooms during that time.



Inside the Basilica


The Museum






Elder Wilding at work!


They're still painting the church, so on Wednesday night we had to squeeze our whole class into the Branch President's Office.  There were no complaints, and all went well!





On Thursday we decided to go to dinner at Shoreline Mall.  It's a brand new mall on the south side and we enjoyed a walk by the "shoreline" while we were there!



Although it looks like all we do is play, it's been a very busy week.  As I mentioned earlier, we've been overseeing the contractors who have been painting and making improvements on our little chapel.  On Friday, we had a big day planned to celebrate a very important event, but we couldn't get away until after 11:00 because we had to be at the church all morning. Once we got away, it was absolutely wonderful!


August 23 - Fifty Years ago, we were married in the Salt Lake Temple!

This was a day to celebrate!!!

For our anniversary, Steve gave me a custom-made necklace and earrings featuring the Maltese Cross.  I love it!  

We chose to celebrate in Gozo, taking our first trip on the Gozo Ferry. Its size was impressive, especially seeing semi-trucks being loaded onto it. And there's Steve, with our small car aboard the vessel.

We headed up to the top deck to take in the beautiful scenery. 


Upon arriving in Gozo, we toured the island to take in the sights.

We stopped at Dwejra Bay to take a boat tour.   It was astonishing how our boat managed to squeeze through such a narrow opening. 
Dwejra Bay is on the West Coast of Gozo.  It is known for its "inland sea" (small bay surrounded by high cliffs) and it is the site where the Azure Window, a naturally formed rock arch on the coast once stood.  Sadly, it collapsed in 2017.

The Azure Window before it collapsed.

  

This is what it looks like today.

Beautiful Sea Caves





I love this mountain that appears to have a face, almost as if it's playfully sticking its tongue out at you!



Heading back to the tiny hole in the rock.







There are some beautiful churches in Gozo.  Unfortunately, this one wasn't open. Maybe next time.

Natural rock formations at Xwieni Bay


Dinner at Qbajjar



Driving back to the ferry, we found the town was still lit up from the holiday celebrations last week.  Or, maybe they heard we were celebrating our 50th anniversary!



An excellent way to conclude the day!



On Saturday night, we met our friends, the Morris' and the Becks for dinner at the Fortizza.  It was a beautiful evening!  And we loved the restaurant!



The lemon chicken was delicious!


A delightful young woman from France showed up at church on Sunday. She had served a mission here the previous year and was thrilled to return for a visit.

We ended the week with Munch and Mingle at the church.





Ciao!


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