Did you know there’s a European country with over 1,000 windmills in its countryside and another 1,200 bridges in its capital city?
This country is the Netherlands.
The Netherlands is a country in Western Europe that is known for its beautiful tulips, its vast system of canals, its popular use of bicycles, its happy people, and its renowned capital of Amsterdam. The Netherlands is one of the most pleasant countries to visit in all of Western Europe, largely due to its laid back atmosphere and tranquil beauty.
While many people see Amsterdam as a haven for drugs and prostitutes due to the infamous Red Light District, Amsterdam has a lot more to offer visitors than just that. From the Anne Frank Museum to the gorgeous canals, Amsterdam can be a family friendly destination, too. Other popular spots in the Netherlands include the Hague, Utrecht, Maastricht, and Leiden.
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![On this Solemnity of the Annunciation we would like to share a little more about our sweet daughter’s name sake.
My name is Angel Gabriel. The short story is my mom had a scare during her pregnancy and thought I would only be alive for a few hours after birth. She was terrified but then an unexplained wave of peace overcame her. She trusted in God’s will, even if it meant she would only be able to hold me for a mere hour until God would take me.
It reminded her of the Annunciation where the angel Gabriel came to deliver the exciting, yet overwhelming news of Christ’s arrival to Mary. As terrifying as a pregnancy sounded, Mary gave her yes. Her ‘fiat’. She submitted to the will of God, and, in that moment, the incarnation of our savior occurred. This event is the second most important event in history behind the death & resurrection of Christ.
Angel Gabriel’s words at the annunciation are the first verse to the Hail Mary prayer [Latin: “Ave Maria”].(Luke 1:26-28) When we recite this prayer we are reciting the story of the incarnation of Christ.
I’ve had this name inspiration since I was 16 years old. I always wanted to name my daughter in honor of our lady. I thought it would be so poetic that I, Angel Gabriel, deliver a daughter named Ave Maria into the world the same way that the real angel Gabriel delivered the annunciation into the world.
Ten years later I’m finally holding her.
So, while Ave Maria and I don’t share the same names, we do share the same biblical story of the Annunciation. We’re Feast Day buddies for life. 🥲🥲
May both the Incarnation and Jesus’ sweet mother Mary be honored every time our daughter’s name is spoken. ❤️ Buon Onomastico, Ave Maria 💕](https://www.thepresentperspective.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)