A Trip to the Park

Brian and Kassie are in the process of moving to an apartment, which has many blessings attached.  The complex has a nice park area and pool, which are going to be great for the kids and I to enjoy while Brian and Kassie are in class.  I was able to watch the kids for the first time in the morning, so Kassie could meet the lady cleaning their apartment and those putting in their kitchen cabinets, appliances, etc. 

Malaki, Cora, Jairus, and I spent a good part of the morning playing on the playground.  They have some bouncy animal “rides” (for lack of a better term) who are now affectionately named Ribo the elephant and Tex the horse I believe.  I enjoyed spending time with the kids getting to know them better, as well as them for me. 

Kassie and another lady on the team joined us for some swim time, and it was surprisingly chilly for such a warm day!  The pool seems like it could be a good place to meet people, although it was fairly empty during the time we were there (before siesta).  There was a cute little Spanish boy reading a book in the shade though.  J

My attempt to avoid a siesta did not go very well; I was quite tired again.  Ha.  In the evening I had one of my first experiences talking with someone who I believe assumed I understood way more Spanish than I actually do!  He kept talking at 100 miles a minute, but thankfully there was another guy who spoke a few less words, and a little slower.  It is exciting to think I might be able to understand and communicate at that level sometime (hopefully soon!). 

I learned the tricks of making grilled cheese with real bread last night – it takes a lot longer!  On that note, so do “short runs to the grocery.”  Brian, Kassie, and I ended the evening with an episode of Monk, which brings back good memories of my sister Shelly and friend Rachel.  They are good at giving me reminders of home.  J    

Embracing the Siesta...

After my first Spanish siesta (ending up as a literal three-hour nap), Kassie made soup for dinner.  This was a good reminder of home, especially as my Mom’s soups are one of my favorite things to eat.  Then we loaded up the kids in the stroller and walked to the local for our evening service.  I really enjoyed being a part of the service.  I think worship will get easier to feel a part of as I learn more Spanish and don’t have to focus so much upon translating the words.  There were several songs I knew in English though, “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High,” “Above All,” and “The Power of Your Love.” 

I am very thankful that I could understand a good bit of the message, although it took a lot of concentration.   I caught my mind wandering at times.  J  I attribute the ability to understand to the Lord (His help in remembering what I was taught many years ago), as well as my friends and teammates, Alicia and Lorena (many golf trip conversations in Spanish to which I was privy). 

Last night was a solid message on finding those people in our lives that we are to invest in and those who are going to invest in us.  This was an interesting first topic for me, especially as I consider what that looks like for my time in Granada specifically. 

After the message we broke into small groups to pray, of which I took part in an English group.  It was a struggle for me emotionally, and I’m not quite sure why exactly.  I think things are a little overwhelming, but it so encouraging to know I have so many people back home praying for me, as well as those here.  It is such a blessing to know those on the team have been through this transition and that it’s okay to be weak.  Jesus is strong when we are not.   

I had the opportunity to have a conversation with a family from Ecuador, which was a neat experience.  Although my Spanish has much room to grow, I was able to have a broken conversation giving a little about myself and hearing some about their lives.  They were very gracious.  I hope to be able to have someone write down their names for me so that I can better understand and remember them. 

A few of the girls on the team and I went to have gelato after church, and it was nice to experience a cool breeze and cold treat amidst the heat.  The past few days (fortunately for myself, since I arrived) have been cooler.  In order to stay out of the heat, most all of the stores are closed for a siesta, which is from 2-5 pm or so.  I have definitely taken advantage of this more than once.  I could get used to this – or perhaps I have that Spanish gene in me already.  At least I know I enjoy naps in the US too!  J

This is Where I Live

After my trek to the right gate, writing my blog, reading some, listening to music, trying Chai tea, and walking around, I still had time left before my flight to Malaga.  As I was sitting there attempting to read, I kept doing the nod where my book started to fall out of my hand…and I imagined everyone was looking.  Ha.  As much as I wanted to sleep, I knew I would be the girl who missed her flight, which was definitely not a good option. 

Although I did not have much of a desire to be social, I went ahead and started a conversation with the girl who sat right beside me (I think there must have been other open seats, right? J).  It was definitely beneficial for staying awake.  Ana was around my age, and actually from Córdoba, a city fairly close to Granada.  She has much better English than my Spanish, but she helped me a little bit with some grammar questions.  Because of the degree she wants to pursue, she applied to the University of Granada and is on the wait list.  We exchanged emails, and this might be the Lord opening a door for a future roommate.  At this point, I am going to be moving in with an intern on the team, and we will go from there.  I am really excited for this opportunity to begin relationships with other teammates and natives both. 

I was out within about five minutes of the flight I believe, and it was such a blessing to get a little shut-eye.  When I woke up, I went to ask for some water, and I was asked what kind.  I forgot there was an option for regular vs. carbonated, so my answer eventually was, “No bubbles.”  J 

I arrived in Malaga, waited for a long time before realizing my bags were inside customs, and finally made it to the pick-up area in the airport.  I was so relieved to hear my name and see familiar faces!  The drive to Granada was beautiful – lined with more olive trees than one could count and lots of mountains.  As we were driving into the city, I was thinking, “Wow.  This is where I live now.”  How cool is that.

Last night Brian, Kassie, and the kids helped me beat the jet lag by taking me to a tapas place (basically servings of appetizers everyone shares).  I’ve been to one twice in St. Louis with my coach and teammates from Spain, and it was a neat experience to have in their home country.  Hopefully I will be able to enjoy them with those girls at some point during this year as well! 

Between last night and this morning, we walked around a good part of the area.  It is going to take awhile, but Brian and Kassie have given me hope that someday soon I will be able to navigate the streets efficiently.  Churros, toast with tomato jelly, and café con leche were a great way to begin the morning.  I can honestly say I never imagined sliced toast with tomato, olive oil, vinegar, and salt as a breakfast food, but it is delicious – and extremely inexpensive. 

At this point I am not feeling very tired, which is a blessing.  I am hoping to adjust to the time schedule quickly, and it doesn’t seem like the food should be an issue.  I miss everyone at home, but I love it here already, at least so far.  J  I would appreciate prayers for adjusting, finding my place among the team here, and making time with the Lord a priority every day.  This has been a struggle for me, but I want to begin with making it a must, but not a to-do list.  I am so thankful to be here with Brian, Kassie, and the kids and to grow in my relationship with them as well.  Thanks so much for the prayers for us all!     

Layover in Frankfurt

Flight two down.  One to go! 

Here are some tips I have picked up along the way during the last 34 hours or so:

1.       Expect a short delay to turn into a longer one. 

2.       If they graciously take your carry-on guitar to a separate storage area, don’t assume you should pick it up at baggage claim.

3.       Don’t buy a giant water bottle before you go through security again. 

4.       In agreement with my friend Kathryn, get to your gate before you relax.  Who would have thought the airport could be as long as a marathon (perhaps a little exaggeration).  J

5.       Mainly, flexibility needs to be your middle name! 

As I was sitting in the Philadelphia airport a few hours ago, a girl sitting in the gate area caught my attention.  I definitely had a feeling it was the Lord when she ended up in the seat beside me for the eight-hour plane ride, and I began praying that He would open doors to turn our words to Him.  I had a great conversation with her after dinner, so much so that I found out speaking when the lights have been out awhile is not the preferred mode of travel for most.  Ha, ha. 

Teresa (insert Spanish sounding translation here) was a 17-year-old girl from Czech.  I truly enjoy hearing about other cultures – whether it be family life, education, marriage ideas, holidays, etc.  After speaking for awhile, I realized that Spain is not the only spiritually desolate country in Europe.  Teresa confirmed my thought that Christianity in Czech is also mostly tradition, and it seemed like her church experience was mostly limited to a couple school field trips to a Jewish synagogue and a Muslim mosque.  One more experience for her was attending an African American church in Philadelphia during her recent stay with her aunt. 

As I shared a little bit of my story with her, the Holy Spirit opened the door for me to ask whether she had ever heard the gospel or about Jesus.  The answer seemed to be mostly no.  I asked if I could share with her, and she agreed.  To be honest, I definitely stumbled through a short story of Creation to Jesus.  This brought me to see I need to reflect more on what Jesus has done for me and how I can better express that with others who need this life-altering message.  Although the Lord speaks through our stutters, this doesn’t remove our responsibility to be prepared to give a response for the hope that is in us. 

This instance also brought to surface my fear of man that still comes up – not necessarily being what she was going to think, but instead what the people around me were thinking.  May I not be ashamed to share Jesus, even if people think I’m crazy.  Before Teresa and I parted ways once arriving in Germany, I was able to give her a small Bible I had, along with a prayer card stuck in Romans and my e-mail attached.  She said she would email me, so I would ask that you pray for the Lord’s softening of her heart to show her the need she has for the Jesus.  Also, pray that she will contact me or have another Christian come into her life, as the possibility could be rare apart from the Lord. 

Jesus’ story is so worth telling, and He is truly the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  As we go about our days, may we have willing hearts that create more openings for divine encounters.  The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.  We are those laborers, and we all can make a difference in day-to-day “meetings” with those around us.  I pray that you are strong in the Lord and who He is!  Our help comes from Him.      

Sitting in the Philadelphia Airport

Well, tomorrow morning (KC time) or early evening (Spain time), I arrive in Granada.  

Leaving my family yesterday was reminiscent of the day they left me at college – really hard.  This time I had a slightly different realization though.  A year is quite longer than a couple of months.  I am so thankful for the time I was able to spend at home this summer with them, and I know that the day I return will be a joy-filled reunion.  God has blessed me with an awesome family who loves me a lot.

Yesterday was filled with a four-hour delay, but thankfully we made it safely to Philadelphia amidst the last of the storms.  Between that time and my flight, I had some time to think and pray.  I realized that even though this is really hard, this is an area where my faith can be increased, and I believe it will be. 

My whole life as I know it is changing, but the Lord’s peace has covered this entire process.  He is so gracious.  My usual tendency is to seek for control and to worry, but God’s grace has been over this whole period of considering a year in Spain, raising support, and leaving.  He truly redeems us in every aspect, and although I still have to battle my desire for control and worrying in other areas, He has shown His goodness again and again. 

While reading through Psalm 25-27, I am reminded that the Lord is steadfast and faithful.  Those who trust in Him will not be put to shame.  He desires intimacy with His children, and He is our rock and refuge.  Leaving just puts this into a more tangible experience.  Our choice is to believe or not to believe.  My cry has been the same as the father in Mark 9, “I believe; Lord, help my unbelief.”  I pray that this is your heart as well.  We are loved by God in our weakness.  He knows our struggles; He sees the depths and loves us the same.  He is truly worthy of our trust and adoration.