Glass half full!

Well...Helloooo there crazy blog reader. I must thank you for stopping in, and checking out the happenings of me while living in Spain as a missionary. Yeah, I know its crazy that this is my life. What's even crazier is that I am loving it. At this point in the ministry we are gearing up for another truly thrilling semester which in Granada does not actually start until October 9th. [Yes they start school quite late] As for me, I am fine with it because I start school right along with them. Thats right my blog friends, I am going back to college. [Actually I never left. I still have a master's degree waiting for me back at home but I like multi-tasking. It keeps the brain alert.]

Thankfully, I get to study spanish which is a language I am loving more and more each day. I love being able to listen to an American song on my i-pod while walking the city, and completely understand conversations around me. It makes me feel like strutting through the city. Although, I must tell you, the other day I was out running, and this poor lost Spaniard, who thought I was spanish because I was wearing a t-shirt with words on it in Spanish, stopped me to ask for directions [Yes, while I was jogging] As soon as I replied that I didn't know, he got this surprised look on his face. The accent!! I lack the accent. It's ok, I am not sad I don't have the accent because then other Spanish speakers might make fun of me, but I feel some days if I had it, I might make more friends.

Anywho, I must tell you about my day. Today, was a typical day in the life of me in Spain. I had to go to the Police Station to apply for my residence card, and let me tell you, it was not so splendid. I got there at 9:30am. Waited in line until 12:30 only to be told that I was in the wrong line. Mind you, I make many mistakes in living in a different country, but this time, I was not wrong. My only crime, I am way too nice! Plus, I haven't learned how to tell someone that I know their job better than they do in Spanish but maybe one day that will come. Maybe I can ask the older generation of Spanish women. They seem to have that down well.

For example, today I saw a little old lady stop a foreign kid riding a motorcycle on the streets of Granada. Then, she proceeded to explain to him that he should not ride a motorcycle. [You might be thinking because its dangerous. but Oh no!] The motorcycle hurt her ears!!! I thought that was priceless to see this old lady become so passionate about it because in Europe most families have a motorcyle/mo-ped. Its the quickest way to get around.

That is the culture that I live in. Little old ladies calling the shots, public employees who get a kick out of making a short brown haired foreign girl cry, church bells ringing every hour, just cause, and the knowledge that a siesta can cure whatever ails you. That last one is really my belief, but I doubt spaniards would protest much on that one.

It is an intense life I do lead here in a culture that would rather be 30 minutes late than to cut a conversation off. You have to love their relational style. It excites me the new adventure that awaits me here this year. I have shared the Gospel twice and am ready to make new friends. God only knows the obstacles ahead, but I like to look at the outcome. I am a glass half full kinda gal these days, and I know this next year is going to be full of thrills. Hasta Pronto!

P.S. I will post some more pics tomorrow. Its Evelyn's birthday party and we have balloons!

Just pictures!

Evelyn, my team leaders' daughter, she is my favorite teammate.
One side of my city, the Sierra nevada Mountains
La Alhambra, the muslim fortress/castle
The city within the valley
My international friends

How Great is our God!

I know I am keeping you all well informed, I feel like I have a desire to write to you all daily. If I had the money and the abundance of time, I would probably try to call you all daily too. This time to sing His praises. I have started a new personal study of Psalms. (Inspired by The Grove) Everynight I read 5 Psalms out-loud. Its unbelievable the words that David expresses to the Lord. I feel like he knows my heart. Some days all I can do is praise, some all I can do is beg for mercy, some days I feel like I can conquer the world, some days I feel like I am being overtaken! David's heart was the heart of all of us, and God knew this. He gave us that to see that we are not alone.

How wonderful is He! Well, I have had a wonderful couple of weeks back. I will not lie there have been moments of falling on my knees asking for God to take over. Most of these came when I had to do a task that involved language or stepping out on my own. For example the apartment, I must say, I prayed over the list of apartments before I called I prayed for clarity and a kind merciful person to answer.

God blessed me! The lady was so amazing, after I signed the contract she bought me an ice cream. For those of you who have not heard, in southern Spain this is a once in a lifetime experience. They are known for their bad behavior and gross attitudes, which is why this night I give Him all the glory for that. I prayed for her, and He delivered! How Great is our God!

Also, I have found out that we are taking a trip to Cuba. How exciting is that!? We will be doing evangelism right there in Cuba with Spaniards. My heart skips a beat when I imagine spaniards evangelizing another country.

Now that I have talked your ear off, I thought I would post some views of my city, and a picture of me with my international friends. Seriously all four of us in the last picture represent a different country and Language! The one uniting language, SPANISH! I love it! God bless

First days back

My new team:



I have returned to Spain officially. As of right now, I would just be happy to sleep through a complete night. Imagine being so tired that you dont want to brush your teeth. Then, when you finally fall asleep, you wake up 5 hours later wide a wake. You look at the clock it is only 4 am!! This is how I would describe my first nights back.

However, there is hope. Last year when I arrived the same thing kept happening. After 5 days, I was back on track. This is only day 3. Two more nights of roughing it.

Today we had our first meeting. It was exciting to hear that I actually have leadership roles for this next year. That is new for me! Last year around this time, I could not even go to the grocery store by myself. Now, I am leading discussion groups and looking for apartments on my own. God is so good!