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!