Steve's Legacy

During my first year of college, the Lord provided me with a dear friend named Kaley.  She invited me to be a part of church renewal weekends with her, and through these I grew deeper in the Lord and also became good friends with her family. 

I remember Kaley’s dad, Steve, reaching out to me, accepting me as a part of his family, and showing me how to love like Jesus.  When Steve, Kaley, and I were able to lead worship on the occasional weekend, he often referred to himself as “the rose between two thorns” (Kaley and I).  J

Even as Steve was battling cancer, he joined us in serving various churches on these weekends.  The last time I saw him, I was really struggling with his illness.  I retreated to the empty sanctuary in tears.  He walked in, gave me a hug, and comforted me.  I mentioned to him how I didn’t feel like I was the Christian I should be.  He pointed me toward the truth that even when we feel like we are not measuring up, God has a plan and is teaching us something through it.  He is not disappointed in us.     

He lived 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 for me, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.”  He was able to comfort me because He had been given peace in the Lord. 

Steve’s fountain of joy, deep laughter, and life of love were not rooted in earthly securities, but instead in Jesus Christ.  Because of this, he was freed to give himself to the people around him – even a freshman girl in college, living away from her own family. 

His legacy has spread to his family, who is near and dear to my heart.  His legacy has affected me.

     

The Lord reminded me recently of how Steve loved me and how that love was like the Lord’s love.  He passed from this life to be with the Lord about a year and a half ago, and I miss him greatly, as do so many.  

I do know that he has complete joy worshipping Jesus now. 

His fight with cancer was terrible, but God used his obedience to glorify Himself.  Steve is a reminder to me that I am called to love fully like Jesus, and my prayer is that the Lord might choose to use me to make a difference in the lives of those with whom I connect – even if it’s only for a short time.   

McDonald's and Whistle-Pops

During my previous college years, I frequented the local McDonald’s.  I love iced tea (although not quite as sweet as theirs J), and the idea of hours of homework with free refills is pretty tempting.  Although there is a McDonald’s in Granada, I had yet to visit it since I arrived – around two months without going is a new record for me I believe! 

Today I went to Carrefour for a few items and decided to try out the Spanish McDonald’s which is located inside of the giant building.  They have a lot of similar things to those in the US, but there were a few interesting changes.  In the place of iced tea, beer is a drink choice.  Instead of chocolate chip cookies, there are croissants, wafer cups, and other delicious-looking pastries.  Chicken nuggets come in a nine-piece meal instead of ten.    Potato wedges are a side option.  A McFlurry could include KitKats or some other option I couldn’t make out.  Overall though, same basic ideas, and more or less the same taste. 

Little things like this remind me how many similarities Spain has to back home.  Of course there are large differences, but these reminders are comforts in certain ways.  I even found whistle lollipops in Carrefour a couple of weeks ago.  I used to have these as a kid!  Great memories, and I was able to create some more by sharing this recollection and experience with Cora and Jairus. 

I am going to be out of service for a few days, but after tomorrow I will catch up with you all Sunday or Monday!  Enjoy the end of the week!  

A Fire on the Balcony

For my cross-cultural training, we read about crisis and non-crisis orientation.  Although I don’t fully understand what this comparison means, I believe there is something to say about any culture here, but specifically Spanish culture right now. 

Last night I was having dinner at Brian and Kassie’s, and a commotion was raised outside.  While looking out the window periodically, it became apparent that there was a planter that had caught on fire, and many of the people from the complex were gathering to observe it.  Quite interesting.

The firemen finally arrived, and it seemed that they took their time in using multiple ladders, hoses, ten-ish people, etc. to get the fire “contained.”  Eventually one fireman climbed onto the balcony, placed the burning planter on the balcony floor, and stomped it out. 

As soon as the fire was out, the audience began to clap.  Malaki and I watched some of the events from the staircase window, and I enjoyed seeing his excitement over the occurrence.  He was so pumped to tell his grandparents about it!! 

It made me consider how people would respond to such an “event” in the States.  Either way, the people got quite a show with the multiple police cars, fire truck, and work done to put out the minimal flame.  

Pink Pomegranates

Hannah and I walked into a local frutería the other night, and to my surprise, there were pomegranates!  Imagine my amazement since pomegranates do not arrive in grocery stores in Missouri until late fall, but perhaps I should have been prepared for this since I moved to Granada – which literally means pomegranate.  How appropriate since I love this fruit!!!  J

There was an even greater surprise when I cut the fruit open to find light pink seeds!  After looking up on the internet to see if they were alright to eat, I discovered it is solely a different type of pomegranate.  Who knew there were various types? 

Also they are so cheap here in comparison to those from where I live in the States.  They are almost half of the price! 

It’s finding joy in the little things that can brighten ones day.  Playing at “the beach” with kids on the playground, laughing at language class, watching “Anne of Green Gables” while eating Turkish food – all quite nice.  And I sure am glad that it’s the weekend.       

Busy Week

Well, I’ve been MIA for a couple of days I know.  This week has been crazy!  I knew that this month had the possibility of being busy, but it has definitely proved to be as such.

Here is my regular schedule as of right now:

-          Wake up around 7:15am

-          Hang with the kids from 8:15am-2:15pm

-          Eat lunch/read/do homework/nap? (ha) 3:00pm-6:30pm

-          Get tutored in Spanish 7:00pm-8:30pm

-          Have dinner/read more/etc. 9:00pm-???

The first thing I will draw attention to is the last three question marks.  Yes, I’ve forgotten how to go to bed!!  Ha.  Getting into a schedule comes with a need to learn how to go to bed earlier or balance a regular, shorter nap.  In time, in time…

I ventured to the centre with the kids on the bus yesterday, which was quite an adventure!  I’m hoping to become better at the “get on/get off the bus with a stroller” routine.  After first getting on the bus, I believe the bus driver raised his voice with me because I got on before he returned from his break.  I assumed the open door meant this was ok.  Perhaps I shouldn’t assume anymore.  Ha.  I have a question to ask an experienced Granadino now.  J

 The kids truly bring me smiles and laughter every day.  One day this week, they were sitting on mini-benches underneath the slide, “having a meeting.”  This included Cora and Jairus both singing how they loved the other.  How adorable. 

Even though this week has been pretty hectic in many ways, it’s really good to be on a schedule.  While reading an assignment for some cross-cultural study, I was contemplating my need for a routine.  I’ve determined I need some sort of “normal,” but with the freedom to do anything during certain times.  Being here seems to give me that pretty regularly. 

God’s grace is evident.  He wants to be our strength, 24/7, 365 days a year.    

El Pollo Loco

Today marked a couple new milestones in my Spain experience.

First, I attempted to make some Pollo Loco!  This is my favorite Mexican dish in the states, and it’s delicious.  I wanted to attempt it, but the more I looked for the ingredients in the city today, the less resolve I had.  After rounding up most of the ingredients though, I managed the Spanish rice, grilled chicken, and toasted tortillas. 

The “loco” part though, my melted queso dip, did not cooperate – despite the double broiler effect.  I have an inside source that told me another type of Spanish cheese might work better to melt, not disintegrate.  Gross.

I wonder why the man in Mercadona looked at me strangely when I asked about Monterrey, Asadero, or American cheese?  Ha J  Using my Spanish vocab, I told him I needed a cheese to use for cooking with milk to make a smooth, cheesy salsa.  He was kind of wondering out I believe.  I hope I made his night!  J

Second, Becca accompanied me to a Spanish school where I took a level test, after which my brain was so fried!!  I am officially starting tutoring tomorrow though!  Between one-and-a-half hours a day in full Spanish mode, plus moving into a Spanish-speaking apartment, hopefully I will gain much more language capacity.  Put the kiddos on top of that, and I think I will be sleeping soundly, maybe even adding a nap.  

It’s going to be a busy month, but I am excited for the growth that is bound to come.    

Ofrenda Floral

As I ventured toward the centre tonight, I was met by swarms of people.  I’ve been to some pretty crowded places before, but I am tempted to say that is the most people in the smallest space (streets) I may have ever experienced.  Definitely fish swimming upstream.  Ha.  This, combined with the mass amounts of horses being ridden in the streets and the copious amount of flower buckets, led to the question: “What in the world is going on here?”

Come to find out, today is another celebration in Granada, called Ofrenda Floral.  Literally, the sidewalk wrapping around streets was filled with people standing in a line to offer flowers to the virgin of Granada and see the statue of her placed inside the doors of one of the local churches.  What an interesting tradition. 

The literal translation of the name of Granada’s virgin is the “Virgin of Anguish.”  I am going to do some research on this subject and why this city makes offerings to a virgin of such suffering.

The end result of the flower offering was pretty neat though.  Tall metal sheets, with lots of holes I’m guessing, were attached to the front of the church.  Several workers were placing all the flowers given to make giant floral tapestries.  It was a very pretty sight. 


(I'm using someone's picture so you can get more of the full effect!)  

I’m looking forward to some convos with my Spanish friends back in Missouri about this and more.  Being here has definitely increased my curiosity and given me fresh questions to ask them about occurrences they have mentioned to me in the past.  It just took moving here to understand a little better and have more pointed questions to ask.  J

What Makes for an Interesting Day

So today was a pretty rough day, but I’m reminded of two things: not every day will be great and times of struggle can bring me deeper into dependence on the Lord.

I not only gave in to frustration with the puppy, but I had the first bloody nose occurring on my watch.  L  Poor Jairus.  Not a full day over two-years-old and a bloody nose. 

I had reached my limit and offered up a short prayer while trying to get Jairus’ nose to stop bleeding, “Lord, I can’t deal with this.  Please help Penny to stop barking.”  She began to bite on the wooden bench, which meant no barking!  God truly listens to the small things and wants me to learn to depend on Him in everything.  He is good all of the time.  It seems like this is going to be a constant theme here for sure.  

I’ve also drawn on this song multiple times during the past few days.  It’s a great one and a constant reminder of my need to continually draw on Him to die to myself and be poured out as a fragrant offering.  I would definitely suggest a listen, or 2, or 17!!  Feel free to not watch the video that many times though!  Ha.  I added my own pictures of the city and the kids (most you've probably already seen) to give a visual for myself of living this out in life...here and now.

First Day of School...Ever

Malaki had his first day of school ever on Monday, and he looked adorable.  I love his excitement for life.  J

School beginning for him, along with Brian and Kassie getting back into class, has meant a more defined schedule for me.   Although early, it has been really good so far.  I just make sure I have my multiple-cup to-go coffee in hand before heading out the door.  (Today I actually broke down and bought my own coffee thermos at Carrefour so that when I move out I’m prepared, and it’s even purple.  I’m really thankful that I could find one in the country that is not consistent with a “to-go lifestyle”!)

Cora, Jairus, and I are making a habit of park outings and today I ventured to enter a store with them in the stroller.  Thankfully this is coming fairly easily (although my arms burn a little from the workout J), and I am becoming less conscious of the looks of others. 

We even made a new friend at the park who brings her four-month old to get some Vitamin D.  I’m hoping our relationship continues to develop and conversation about life and culture leads quickly to deeper things.  The great news, despite not helping my language learning, is that her first language is English! 

My prayers for future experiences have turned to Acts 4:29-31:

“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.”

God is able to do immeasurably more than we can begin to imagine.  My prayer is that fear would be thrown out and boldness would come through the Holy Spirit.  

Feria del Zaidín

 For most of the last week, music has made its way from nearby the fύtbol stadium to our apartment, especially during the late hours.  The reason for this loud, canned music with the occasional concert mixed in, was the Feria del Zaidín.  Basically this means another reason to celebrate through a neighborhood fair.  Ha, ha

I walked past when they were setting up, but I wasn’t convinced I should experience it until someone on my team sent me a picture of some fair food.  My family has made a tradition of going to the SantaCaliGon Festival the past several years (which I’ve missed the past four years unfortunately L).  One of the favorite things my mom and I usually share is candied nuts, and I had to try them here.  Not quite the same (almonds instead of pecans), but still great! 

The Feria was crazy!!!  So many people, so much loud music, and so many kids!  It didn’t open until eight each night, which is not a problem because culturally, kids go to bed really late.  I walked by a plaza a little before midnight this past week, and there were toddlers walking around!  I’m not sure as a parent I could adjust to that schedule.  Lol 

Anyway, there were multiple bounce-houses, bumper car stations, and mini train rides.  The train ride Becca and I stopped to check out was decked out in Disney, and the “conductor” was fully dressed in matador costume.  He was quite amusing with his dance moves and smiling for the camera.  There was also a man dressed in a Spiderman costume who hit the train occupants with a broom.  I’m not sure the reasoning behind that one! 

They even had cotton candy (advertised as algodon dulce – literally sweet cotton J), with strange flavor options – such as bubble gum, coca cola, vanilla, and chocolate.  Lastly, the grilled corn had the consistency of half-crunchy corn on the cob but tasted just like popcorn.  How exactly does that happen?     

I really enjoyed the experience, as it was definitely different but also reminiscent of the States.  Fairs even happen in Spain.   

The Battle with Sin

I’ve been doing a little pondering about sin and disobedience.  With spending lots of time around multiple kids these days, this is a definite part of life.  Ha, ha. 

Adults can tend to act like kids at heart; it might just not be as noticeable.  Many times children will know the discipline for a certain action and still decide to act out in that way – incurring punishment.  I’m convinced for older kids that at times they weigh the temporary pleasure versus the consequence in their heads and decide if disobedience is worth it. 

Isn’t it ironic.  Don’t we tend to do the same?  We make a decision of whether we feed our flesh or live in obedience to God.  In essence, we question if sinning is worth it.  It’s easier to give into the flesh, serve ourselves, and get what we want when we want it.  I’m guilty as charged. 

It takes a life of yielding, trust, and sacrifice to continually deny ourselves.  We are called to die to self…every day.  This has weighed on me a lot the past few days.  It is a constant battle to fight my flesh, but we have awesome promises because of Jesus.  We are assured a way out of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).  We can have confidence that nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39).  We know that Christ understands what we are going through (Hebrews 4:15). 

My sins put Jesus on the cross, as did yours.  The weight of that needs to mean something.  I don’t want to cause God pain, and it hurts Him when we disobey.  He is a loving Father who does not like to discipline His children, but He does because He is love.  We learn through the consequences of our decisions, as well as grace. 

As we have a greater understanding of our every day need for Christ and what exactly He accomplished for us on that cross, I pray we have a greater desire to love, surrender to, obey, and live for Him alone.

 There is a part of me that reacts internally when I say that in my head or write it here.  I know there is a cost.  The great thing is though, I know Jesus is worth it…and He will give me the strength to say no to flesh and yes to Him.  

Sanctified Thinking

While in conversation with one of the ladies on the team today, I realized that walking truly is a time I look forward to for praying and just thinking.  I like to see this process as “sanctified thinking” sometimes, because I do believe that the Lord brings things to our minds even when we might believe we are solely pondering.  He can clean our minds up a bit and make things more clear.    

Tonight I had one of those sanctifying times.  J  In the states, I was given many opportunities to watch children, which was a blessing from the Lord.  I now see much of that was His way of preparing me for what was ahead (coming to Spain as a nanny).

At times I would get pretty discouraged about my lack of patience though, how I would really look forward to getting off work, etc.  I saw these as evidences that perhaps I didn’t truly love children as much as I thought I did.     

Tonight though, God gave me the grace to see His answer over this concern in my heart.  I spent a big chunk of today with the Spanish kids, and most every day I spend at least a few hours with Brian and Kassie’s kids.  I sensed tonight that God’s grace is just so sufficient though.  It seems that some of the impatience and lacking joy while caring for kids in the past – although not good – can be linked to the fact that I had a lot more of life in addition to that (school, golf, other work, etc.). 

This is the first time I’m able to be a nanny and not have such intense responsibilities elsewhere, and I am able to devote this time as a service to the Lord.  The Lord has given me a love for kids, and I really enjoy them a lot.  Of course there are times I’m ready to find silence, a good book, and tea, but overall, kids have a lot to offer and point me to Jesus in many ways.  J

As I was reminded by Malaki earlier this week, we are to never lose our childlike hearts.  We can learn much from the little ones in our lives, and God gives us the example of childlike faith for a reason.  It is truly pure. 

“And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:2-4).  

Like Sheep Without a Shepherd

Heidi Baker is a missionary who is being used greatly by the Lord in Mozambique and around the world.  In her book Compelled by Love she says, “God hears the cry of the poor even when we are not all pure in heart.  He opens our ears to hear the cries of the hungry children, and He softens our hearts toward them – to help them.  He honors our faith in Him and our desperation to do whatever is necessary.  God’s compassion meets us in our desperation” (13-14).

Today was one of my first days truly doing ministry among some of the people in Spain, and it brought my thoughts toward Jesus.  As I watched some of my teammates love on little kids by treating their lice and boiling their sheets, it made me think how much Jesus loved the people with whom He came into contact.  Despite His desire for time alone with the Father, He would stop in His tracks with compassion for the multitudes.

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:36-38). 

 

I have the opportunity this week to love on some kids who are open to Jesus and want someone to love them.  There are so many who are “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd,” and I know that Shepherd.  May I not lose heart and neglect to pray, and may I have compassion on the least of these, forgetting myself in the process.  May “God’s compassion [meet] us in our desperation.”

Father, please continue to make us in the image of Your Son.  Make us men and women after Your heart.       

Thankful for Today

Today was a really great day!  Not only did I receive The Hunger Games via Amazon and find an inexpensive, mini French press, but I was able to check out a new piso (apartment) and meet one of my potential new roommates!  I really enjoyed the time visiting with her and her mom, and I even was able to practice some of my comprehension and speaking skills in Spanish!  I also really like the piso.

    

It’s just really encouraging to have an idea of what the Lord might have in store. 

I was in amazement tonight while at the park with the kids.  We had met a couple young boys from London early last month at the park, and the same boys returned tonight.  The main difference is they went from speaking no Spanish to basically fluent!  Schools must be doing something right with these kids.  Pretty impressive.  It will be crazy to see how much Malaki learns during this next semester alone.    

The Tower of Pride

As I was taking part in my own challenge this morning, I was reading the story of the Tower of Babel, found in Genesis 11.  The lens I was using consisted of two questions: “What does this show me about God’s justice?” and “What does this show me about God’s love?” 

For some reason I had it in my mind that the people were building the tower so they could reach God, which I suppose I deducted from verse 4, “Then they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.’” 

Something different stuck out to me when I was reading this verse though: “…let us make a name for ourselves…”  The people were operating out of pride. 

What I’ve always more-or-less viewed as a punishment, I began to see as God’s grace.  Of course, it would be a whole lot easier to talk about Jesus if the language barrier wasn’t such a booger – forgive my terminology. 

God did not allow people the gift of communication (in the same manner) to protect them from themselves.  Verses 5-7 state, “And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built. And the LORD said, ‘Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another's speech.’”  Because God caused them to speak different languages and disperse upon the earth, their tendency to run to sin was perhaps hindered. 

I’m not a theologian, and there is probably something I’m missing.  It does seem to me though that God’s love is one of the primary factors in this event.  God removed the simplicity so it was not as easy to become puffed up.  I can attest that language learning is humbling.  It’s especially in those moments, three hours later, when you realize you completely butchered a common phrase.  Such is life.

 

This is a good reminder that the Lord is our strength, He is where we are to find our identity, and we don’t have everything figured out – even when we think we do.  God is the only one who is able to truthfully make that claim.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you” (1 Peter 5:6). 

Fearing the Right Person

I’m reading a book right now on the fear of man and how wrapped up we are in fearing everything but the Lord.  It is interesting that it presents as a definition of fear “when people are big and God is small.”  When we make people our idols, we care more about what they want, think, or desire than how we can honor the Lord.  I was reading yesterday and this morning about how a healthy fear of the Lord involves seeing His justice and His love. 

So here is my challenge, for you and myself: begin at the beginning of the Bible and determine what the stories show of God’s justice and God’s love.  You don’t have to go far, but it’s a good exercise to remind us that God is holy and loving.  He is completely without blemish, so far holy that He can’t even look upon sin.  Through Jesus’ sacrifice though, God can look upon us.  The Father turned His face from Jesus on the cross, as He hung there with the sins of the whole world upon Him.  Because of Jesus, God’s sees us dressed in His righteousness.

God is completely unlike any other, but He loved us enough to send His only Son to die for us.  May a brief, or long, look into the Old Testament remind us that the God who demanded holiness then, is the same God now.  We can come to Him through Jesus and Jesus alone.  Thankfully as much as God requires justice, God grants an incomprehensible love.

Understanding more of God’s character is key in growing in the fear of the Lord.    

A Time of Transitions

The end of August brings with it many transitions – for the city and for myself. 

Most of the city literally “took off” the month of August, so they will be returning from their long vacations back to normal life.  This also means stores will be open more regularly and stay open during more normal hours.  Another city-wide transition includes all of the students returning soon.  The cooler weather has been much desired, and the promised drop in temperature is beginning to arrive. 

For me personally, this month is most likely going to include a move, which is hopefully going to come with greater language-learning!  I will be starting a more regular schedule with the kids as well.  Life may become a little more hectic, although more scheduled. 

I am quite thankful for this transition month I’ve had to adjust to a new culture, leaving what I knew, gradually beginning my work here, and having a place of peace in which to abide. 

The Lord has already been working in my heart since I’ve been here, and I’m pumped to see what He has in store for me, my friends and family, my teammates here, and the city of Granada.  As my prayer is that I become completely dependent on Him, I pray the same for you.  May this year be a time of growth in faith, hope, and love – no matter each of our circumstances.  

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).