Living the Life

Today has been a very long day, beginning with an “early” morning, but it was really good!  In our team meeting this morning, we meditated on Psalm 27.  This is such a good but convicting psalm to point our hearts and minds toward the Lord.

 

David sacrificed his fear of man for fear of the Lord.  For him, even enemy armies were not a reason to be overcome with fear.  In light of who God is, all else can fade – by a choice of faith.  It doesn’t mean the opposition disappears, but compared to God it need not overwhelm.  May we be able to say, like David, “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!” (Psalm 27:13).  

No matter our circumstances or emotions, the Lord is good. 

The ladies went out to celebrate a teammate’s birthday today at an Italian restaurant – my first time to visit one in Spain!  I had some amazing, but scarily similar-looking to pimento cheese, risotto.  My dad loves that stuff, but I think I had a bad experience as a child.  (At least I’ll claim that.  Lol)  It came prepared with chicken and eggplant, which is the kind of vegetarian I like to be.  Ha

Tonight Becca, Hannah, and I took another outing to an intercambios to practice our language skills and make new friends.  There were so many more people this week!  I had the chance to talk with a couple guys, learn some new Spanish ins-and-outs, and mention some of my reasons for being in Granada.  AND IT RAINED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  It was only for approximately 3 minutes, and it was ice-cold, but I loved it!  You would have thought that some of the Spaniards were going to melt.  J

Soup and an Old Movie

I had a few minutes before helping out at the local on Sunday, so I took some pictures I had promised to take.  The workout equipment in parks is typically used by elderly people, but you never know, I may try it out someday…when it’s cooler.  J  It’s a pretty ingenious way to save people money – they don’t have to pay for a gym membership or home equipment! 

This evening Hannah made some chicken soup, which was really good, and we watched “An Affair to Remember.”  There’s almost nothing like an old movie.  It made me miss my mom a bit more though.  I’m looking forward to the day I get to enjoy my mom’s chicken and kale soup while watching an old movie with her – even if it’s in the summer.  It’s going to be so worth it!! 

Meeting with the Father

In connection with my time here, I have the opportunity to go through a discipleship program.  My lesson this week, which I finished today, was on meeting with the Father.  I believe I grew up hearing the most about God the Father – out of the Trinity.  Towards the end of high school I had more of an emphasis on the Holy Spirit, and in college my thoughts were pointed more towards Jesus. 

Each part of the Trinity is His own person, and an essential part of the Godhead.  I’m not going to assert in any way that I understand the Trinity, but I do know that God is three-in-one and expresses Himself in all three to us.  Salvation is a mighty work by all three – we are made righteous before the Father through Jesus’ death and resurrection, and it’s the Spirit’s work to bring us and keep us in this salvation.  Each person of the Trinity also continues to play a vital part in our relationship with God.    

Part of the mentioned lesson was focusing on how I would like to see my attitude in regards to prayer changed.  I greatly desire to be the type of person where my prayers move God’s heart.  I know they can.  Abraham found favor in his prayers before the Lord by faith (Genesis 18).  I want to have great faith.  I want to be a woman after God’s own heart such as David (Acts 13:22).  I want to pray what’s on the Father’s heart.  It’s in those times that I am filled with so much awe of who God is.  

  

One of the final questions was in regards to what I could pray that would be bold.  As I was praying and thinking, the Lord broke through to show me that if I was utterly dependent on Him, I would be a completely different person.  Dependence on the Lord can break free anxiety, control, fear of man, pride, co-dependence, independence, etc.  My prayer is that the Lord will make me completely dependent on Him. 

In the midst of this – in this process – I want to learn how to enjoy God.  I want to desire to spend time with my heavenly Father.  I want to believe that I am delighted in by Him.  Because it seems when people become confident in the Father’s great love for them, they are changed.  They are full of joy and able to minster out of His love, which is infinitely greater than what they have to offer. 

I pray the same for you.  I pray that you may come to know and believe the love that God has for you (1 John 4:16).  It will make all the difference.   

An Intriguing Opportunity

When the kids and I arrived at the park area this morning, there was a mom and daughter sitting on the corner wooden bench.  The mom was busy helping her daughter put on roller skating gear, and I started to push Cora and Jairus on the swings. 

Quite surprisingly, the woman came over and said she had a question to ask me.  I had no idea what was coming, but I guessed it might be related to something in the city.  I was taken aback when I realized she was asking me to teach her daughter English!  I gave her my information and believe I said perhaps we could start at the beginning of September (next week!!!).  Lol.

When I think about this without rampaging thoughts of craziness or inadequacy, this could be an answer to prayer.  This could in fact be a great opportunity to get involved in the community, which in effect gives me a little more clear answer as to how I should spend some of my time (after being with the kids).  Also because I’m an American (who speaks English J), I have been given a possibly opportunity to share lives with a Spanish family. 

All of this to say, I don’t know what God has in store.  I do know that if He wants me to do this, my dependency will be pushed in even greater measure towards Him.  Not only would I be speaking with the mother frequently in Spanish I’m sure, but I would be teaching someone English for the first time. 

Jesus is bigger than me, and He promises that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. 

Lord, as You wish.  

Sleeping in before Shawarma

I decided to give myself a day to sleep in, and in order to give myself a chance, I shut my window shutters completely.  Not only was it cool enough to do this, but the absence of light allowed me to sleep until noon!  I am not thinking this will happen again in the near future, but it was a nice catch-up. 

Becca volunteered to take me to a shawarma restaurant in the centre.  It was so messy but extremely delicious.  The restaurant is Turkish I guess, so it was a different twist on the Greek food I was expecting.  Quite filling though, cheap, and they even had unsweet, lemon Nestea in a can.  Definitely a winner!  The waiter even gave us free hot tea when we finished our meal.  I loved the smallness of the cup and spoon. 

Can I just say again that I like this place???  J

Tonight I got to walk home from the local with an Ecuadorean woman, which was challenging but a good experience.  We were able to communicate for the most part, discussing everything from favorite fruit to length of plane travels to grandchildren to living situations.  I am thankful for the conversation, company, and opportunity to practice Spanish that I wasn’t expecting. 

I look with hope towards a future (even if years down the road) where I can communicate without as much thought, tiredness, or mishaps.  I need to hold on to this hope and not give up in the process.  Language is difficult, but I have some amazing international friends in the states who challenge me and give me a great appreciation for what it means to live in a culture (and language) not your own.  They are officially some of my heroes.  J  

Some Thoughts and Tears

Just a warning: this is a long one.  I became slightly, or largely, introspective the past couple evenings.  It tends to happen occasionally.  J

In one of my first entries, I mentioned how leaving my family for Spain was reminiscent of my freshman year of college, a.k.a. terrible!  Lol.  I met a good friend while doing a youth weekend close to my college, and she moved into school this Thursday as a freshman!  I skyped her last night, and it was a little more difficult than I thought it would be to think about school starting again…with me across the Atlantic.  All this to say, I thought about more than my family dropping me off.    

More than one friend cautioned me to remember I’m not missing out on a ton back home while I’m here.  Of course there are memories, but it’s still the same old college life – which I’m planning on rejoining again next year.  Even though I know this, it’s still pretty strange and tough.  It’s definitely not thoughts of the required reading or busywork that come with school bringing tears to my eyes as I write this; it’s the people. 

God has blessed me with amazing friends, teammates, mentors, and professors throughout my first three years of college – both on campus and in my church.  I have so many good memories.  Everything wasn’t easy, but I feel like I learned a lot academically, socially, spiritually, and just about life. 

There are some big lessons I am so thankful God taught me during the past years that are going to make my time here much better I believe.  I left high school with a lot of fear that my friendships were going to dissipate – the Lord showed me that’s not always true.  There are some lasting friendships, and learning how those relationships change because of long-distance is a huge blessing to have learned before now. 

My tendency the first two years of college (and all four of high school) was to do everything.  I was super involved without asking the Lord what He had for me and my identity was wrapped up in what I did.  Going to college was tough, because I was no longer “needed.”  When I perceived I was needed again though, I fell into the same cycle.  My first semester of sophomore year, I finally – by God’s grace – realized I could not do it all.  Last year I had a life, I was involved in my church, and I made some new, amazing Christian friends.  I wouldn’t take back my time more involved, but I’m glad I now know I’m not called to everything.  Ha  J

Somewhere during my junior year, the Lord gave me a new-found ability to be myself.  This was only possible through His showing me my true identity in Jesus.  Because I am accepted, redeemed, and “made ok” through Jesus, I don’t have to fear people.  I still have a ways to go on this one, but I’m thankful for the breakthrough that’s come. 

The Lord showed me that pride and a judgmental spirit are always ugly.  He had to break me of these, and the journey hasn’t been easy for me or those I’ve hurt.  I’m so thankful that His grace is enough to cover my sins. 

I realized the Holy Spirit has to be my conviction, not someone else.  Unless God convicts someone of something, it’s very easy to make things legalistic.  The heart should be our concern – in ourselves and others.  For me, I saw investing in people needed to come first sometimes – perhaps even over things I am tempted to think are more important.  It might even require an all-nighter.   

He also opened me to see that investing in friendships, and being invested in, is worth it – even if only for a short time.  Towards the end of high school, I had the attitude that I was leaving, so why would I want to share myself with people?  Thankfully Jesus saves us from ourselves!  I am so grateful God showed me my misguided ideas here.  Even last year, knowing I was leaving for Spain, I gained some dear friends.  Don’t miss out on those whom you can love and who will love you because your time somewhere is short.  I have to keep this in mind with my time in Spain as well.

I also learned how to have fun.  I attempted to learn how to Ripstik.  I watched Boy Meets World.  I ate lots of Mexican food.  I played a lot of golf.  I traveled a lot to sing, play golf, and help with church weekends.  I had late-night convos with my roommates.  I said “Yes” to Spain.   

Finally: I began to learn how to love.  I began to see Jesus as where everything is at.  I began to hear, in my heart, that I need the gospel every day.  I began to see I have a great hope to share with those I meet.  I began to open myself up to people.  I began to live life more fully. 

I am certain Spain is where God has called me for this time, and I can’t begin to share everything or everyone who’s had an impact on my life these past three years specifically.  I know that I’ve just touched the surface of the mystery of Christ, and I know the Lord has plans to transform all His children into the image of His Son.  I was made for this purpose – to become more like Jesus and help others become like Him.  Not being in Hannibal right now is really hard, but I know there is a greater purpose. 

Thank you, Lord, for calling us and sustaining us.  May our lives always be laid down for You.                  

A Night of Laughter

As I sit in my living room to write this, I am literally cold, to the point of considering whether it’s worth it to dig through my winter suitcase for long sleeves!  I know that I am quite sensitive to cool air (a self-proclaimed wimp J).  I am not complaining though!  Today was so nice compared to the recent heat, a definite relief and excitement for what is to come. 

I decided to try my hand at baking in Spain, and I searched the internet for my victim, I mean, recipe.  J  I made an apple coffee cake, and it turned out really well!  I actually enjoyed the shopping for and preparing of it, and it’s such a nice surprise to come home to a clean kitchen after the experience.  I just need to keep that in mind for those times when I don’t do the dishes while my food is cooking! 

Tonight I played Hearts with some friends, and it was so much fun.  I love games, and I haven’t gotten to play much lately.  My family has always been a big “game family,” even with my great-grandmother dominating us in Skipbo.  I have many great memories involving games of various sorts with family and friends… Spades in junior high with the guys, Phase 10 and Apples to Apples with my college friends, Rummy with my family (especially Alec as of late), Balderdash with the fam, and countless games of Scrabble with my mom. 

I can honestly say I don’t recall the last time I laughed to the point of tears, and it happened multiple times tonight during our dinner and card playing.  It brings so much joy to be able to laugh with others.  I definitely agree with the saying: “Laughter is good medicine.”     

What a Gorgeous Place

Once I was awake enough to function this morning, I was sent straight to the Lord in prayer.  I found out that one of my favorite little 2-year-old boys back home was at a hospital in serious condition after a big fall yesterday.   My heart was broken for the family, and still is, but my prayer has been healing and an increased amount of faith in Jesus for the parents and the kids.  Thankfully he is doing better, but prayers are most definitely still needed!  God is so good all of the time. 

This incident made me think how hard it is to be here while knowing someone I love dearly is hurting – it is a definite area where my faith must increase as well.

My day with the kids began around nap time, so Malaki and I hung out for a long time coloring while the other two slept.  He is such a creative little guy!  Pictures were a must after all the coloring and creating we did. 

When everyone was awake again, we went to the park.  Cora has such a unique personality that makes me laugh a lot.  After laughing at something she said while on the swing, she said, “I crack myself up into pieces.”  Gotta love that.  J

I traveled into the centre tonight to meet Becca for some language practice at a local place.  Before she got there, I was being the “tourist” and taking pictures of the city at dusk.  The thought kept coming to me: “I live here.”  I love it.  I know there are going to be times and things that are tough, but right now, I’m still intrigued.  This is such a unique place.  Not only is it a great atmosphere, but it is so beautiful. 

(My intent was to have pictures with this post, but I'm giving up.  Just check the photos tab.  Also, I can't get some of them turned right-side up.  I must go to bed though.  Lo siento! J) 

In Need of a Big Jesus

This morning I invoked the use of my multiple alarms.  That takes me back to the past couple years of school and how motivated I was (or more realistically lack thereof) to look presentable in my first class.  J

The kids and I played at a “new-to-me” park for a good while this morning.  I seriously love the ingenious things kids can play on here.  These include items such as giant bowl-like swings (all the kids in the same swing saves a lot of arm muscles strifeJ) and mini trampolines built into the park area.  If I can at some point I’ll add some pictures, because I just think these inventions are great.  I’m easily amused! 

The afternoon was well-spent with my team leader and his family.  I had a delicious fajita lunch with them, heard a little more about the team, was able to get to know them a little better, and got some orientation training.  If I’m being completely honest, it was good but a bit overwhelming.  I’ve seen a tendency with myself, which is partly due to heat, to want to stay indoors.  This is an area where I’m going to need to stretch!

I think this will be helped in many ways when I meet more people, move in with locals, college students return, get into language practice, etc.  Like my team leader said though, when I stay indoors I don’t really need a big Jesus.  I am looking for this year to be a time of real growth – in every aspect – and I know that becoming more dependent on the Lord in faith is a big part of this.  I am looking forward to this time, but I am seeing more practically where looking to Jesus is the only way I can manage.  I pray this is a lesson I can learn the easy way, instead of insisting on self-reliance first.  Thankfully His grace is more than sufficient.  

A Morning of Crepes

Today has been a nice day off – consisting of sleeping in, food, friends, some American tv, and studying.  This morning Hannah, Becca, and I were given a lesson in making crepes by a local friend.  I was extremely impressed by her fingers’ heat capacity.  We chose to give in and use a spatula.

I haven’t had crepes very often, and homemade is always the better choice – at least in my limited experience.  It is amusing to think back to when my mom and I made cinnamon-apple crepes for a Spanish party; this was during my early high school years, perhaps?  It’s funny because I think crepes are Italian.  [It's even funnier that Alicia just helped me out.  They are French. J ]   Either my memory is failing me and it was for my intercultural class in junior high…or I was too trusting of my internet research.  Who knows?  It honestly could be either.  J    

This summer holds the other good memory I have of crepes.  After playing a round of golf in high humidity, Alicia made me some delicious crepes with Nutella.  I like that our brains were created to associate things together.  In my mind at least, certain food is connected with memories and people. 

I am working through a beginner Spanish book for memory’s sake and getting back into the swing of language learning.  I will possibly take a class or get a tutor sometime soon, but it’s better to begin somewhere than just assume I will naturally pick up everything…especially since this hasn’t happened as of yet.  After skyping with my Spanish friends the other day, I am thankful they were gracious to not pop the hopeful bubble I had in anticipation of “close-to-automatic fluency.”  Ha.  The possibility of living with Spanish roommates in the future would help with the immersion technique though.  We shall see all that God has in store!  Exciting times.    

Out of the Dust

“…then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature” (Genesis 2:7). 

I’ve grown up hearing this verse, and it doesn’t typically make me stop and think.  It should though, because it says God made man out of dust.  Wait…what?  Yep, out of dust.

Surprisingly, the reason this came into my train of thought this morning had nothing to do with my reading the aforementioned Scripture.  In fact, I was cleaning.  I did not realize how much dust tile floor collects until I went to sweep our apartment today.  I had my music playing in the background, and the song “Beautiful Things” by Gungor started playing.  The first lines go like so – “You make beautiful things, You make beautiful things out of the dust.”  This is what started me thinking. 

Although I this is really gross, I took a picture of my finished product to give a visual for my thoughts.

Dust…I mean, I’m sure the dust the Lord used was clean dust, right?  Ha.  It probably wasn’t mixed with other outside particles, such as hair, but I would wager to say that dust is never really clean, pure, or special.  Several of the closest people in my life are very artistic, and I believe I can speak for them to say they have not considered creating any project out of dust, nor will they in the future.  Dust, or dirt, is something of which we try to rid ourselves – be it washing our feet or building foundations for our homes. 

Amazingly God chose to make humans – the only beings who have the capacity to make an eternal decision and are made in the image of God – out of the dust.  This first of all is humbling.  God created us out of basically nothing; in fact, He even called His creation very good.  Secondly, I am amazed at God’s ability and creativity.  As far as I know, no one else can create life out of dust.  I don’t think I would have chosen dust personally.  We can reflect here on why God might have chosen this resource though.  Of course we have no real way of knowing. 

Here’s my thought: only an all-powerful, all-knowing, all-sufficient God could make something beautiful – the crown of His creation – out of dust.  This act, which points to who God is, should be enough for us to fall down in worship of Him.    

In Desperate Need of an Overhaul

I can’t believe that tonight was my fourth time of worship at the locale; in this instance it seems like less than three weeks since I arrived.  I was talking about this with my dad yesterday though, and it definitely feels like I’ve been here a lot longer.  I’m not very good at measuring time it seems – a part of me usually feels the time has been shorter, while the other part believes the exact opposite.  Maybe I’ll figure out the balance at some point in my life.  J 

During the service tonight I thought a lot about my need to have my mind renewed every day, although I really think it needs to happen more often than that.  Ha.  My mind is typically where I see my deepest need for Christ.  Sin that occurs in the mind and heart is not necessarily visible on the outside.  Unbelief is seeded there.  Natural focus on “the things above” does not come easily – at least for me. 

Thankfully the Lord has been blessing me with breakthrough here though!  More often the Holy Spirit is revealing “red flags” to me – places where I have unbelief, lies I’m believing, areas where I’m not living like my identity is in Jesus. 

Romans 12:2 is a good reminder to seek the Lord’s work in my mind.  “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”  In order to know what the will of God is, or be in tune with God’s heart, I need a mind renewal.  When looking at the verse in Spanish, it places a little different light on the subject.  A couple Spanish translations refer to the renovation of your mind or a change of your manner of thinking.  In other words, our minds need an overhaul. 

This is a prayer that I believe will be lifelong, and I want to make it something I wake up with in the morning – not solely on my lips, but also in my heart.  One of my favorite worship leaders, Jon Thurlow, expresses this in one of his songs.  He sings, “You’re the One who renews my mind, the One who conforms my will, the One who transforms my emotions, come have Your ministry in me.”  We are in desperate need of God’s grace; He is the only one who can change us. 

I believe that if we ask for that renovation – humbly yielding to the Spirit – He will be faithful to transform us.  

An Evening at the Movies

Hannah’s birthday was earlier this week, so tonight we headed to the movies to celebrate!  There were some definite draws for the evening.  1 – Hanging out with friends.  2 – Getting to experience the movies in another country.  3 – Seeing the fourth part of a great action movie series.  4 – Watching the movie in English!!!

This theater is possibly the only theater in Granada that plays the original movies for a short period of time, instead of dubbed.  The whole theater itself was massive and located inside of a big mall a ways out from where we live.  The atmosphere was really unique and made me laugh quite a bit.  As you hand the ticket collector your ticket, you enter into a giant, darkened hallway (with all of the movie entrances).  Between some of the theaters are strangely shaped lounge items and even some special coves decked out with sleek black sofas and giant screens playing movie trailers.  I think I would go there just to hang out, if it was closer and they would let me.  Ha, ha.  J

The seats were huge, with individual arm rests (a big excitement!), and the five of us were the only ones in the theater – apparently the only Americans wanting to watch from afar at the time!  The Spanish subtitles I happened to glance at during the show reminded me there are not always exact translations.  It’s more of a generalization at times.

We finished the evening with some fried squid, meatballs, and pork slider tapas.  I enjoyed getting to know the team a little better, share in an experience reminiscent of home, and have the opportunity to carry a sweater.  It was hopeful, I know, but I did wear it for part of the movie – even if partly just so I could say I did.  J      

Out of the Mouths of Babes

This morning the kids and I were playing at the park and having some good conversation.  Malaki made some comment about how he was good at some activity but followed it with saying he was good at loving God too.  I asked him how he loved God, and this led to a consensus that sometimes we need Him to teach us how to love Him – I often feel this way.  I told Malaki that one way we know we can love God, because the Bible tells us, is to obey God’s commandments.  He asked if by obeying we were able to be God’s children. 

This is something many of us struggle to understand, and it’s incredible to me that an almost-five-year-old is already asking such questions.  It is encouraging to know that gospel conversations can come upon us at any moment.  The great news is that we can’t do anything to become children of God; Jesus has already accomplished everything necessary on the cross.  We become sons and daughters of God, not by our good performance, reputation, etc.  We are given this gift, through faith – which is even something I don’t believe we can choose on our own (Ephesians 2:8-9).

By God’s grace alone we take part in Jesus’ inheritance as children of God.  What a miracle! 

“In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God” (Galatians 4:3-7). 

I was given the opportunity to remind Malaki of the truth that nothing we do can make us, or undo us, as God’s children.  Just as his parents love him, even when he disobeys, so does God.  He is still their son.  When I think about it, obedience can be evidence of being God’s child (God told us so), but it comes down to the heart.  Why do we do the things we do?  Do we obey to gain favor or out of genuine love?  It often changes, but God desires our love.  The gospel is that Jesus is everything.  It can never be said enough, and I thank God for the questions of this little boy I get to share lives with this year.  I need the constant reminders of what Jesus did – and is doing – for me. 

I want to wake up each morning overcome by the grace that I am given.    

What's Happening in the Kitchen?

The word on the street is that the mop was invented in Spain.  Is this true?  I don’t know.  Even if this isn’t true though, I would say they have another claim to fame.  Although I have no idea where this invention was actually created, I’m attributing it to Spain because this is where I experienced it.  In apartments and homes here, they have an entire cabinet directly above the sink as a designated dish-drying area!  There are two drying shelves hidden by regular cabinet doors – genius in disguise!  I decided to include the picture here because it’s just too cool. 

In less than a 24-hour period I’ve experienced two different Bible-study meetings.  Last night I attended the women’s Bible study (Spanish only).  Although I didn’t understand everything, it was actually encouraging to be in attendance to see questioning and lives shared in another culture’s context.  I spoke for quite awhile with a lady named Julia I met on Sunday and was able to communicate fairly well!  She is a sweet lady who seems pretty interested in the locale and hopefully Jesus too.

This morning we had another team meeting, and I was given the opportunity to lead a little worship.  I think I’m becoming more thankful for times of worship in English.  There is something about being able to praise God in one’s own language, and this is one reason why it is so key that we pray for, go to, and send others to the ends of the earth.  I can’t imagine being a Bible translator, but the work they do to learn the languages is so important!  I realized I haven’t had a small group worship time like that in about four months; it makes me miss and think with joy about my community group back in Hannibal. 

After doing a bit of grocery shopping, I gave fried potatoes another chance and braved preparing the raw meat I purchased…I have a bit of an aversion to it.  J  Thankfully Hannah pointed out I had bought fillets of chicken though, so it made more than one meal which is always a plus!  My conversation with Kassie about the potatoes definitely paid off – with a lot of olive oil and salt, anything can turn out well!  Olive oil is way cheaper here than in the states, which I’m sure can be attributed to the vast number of olive trees around us.  Ha.  Anyway, the meal was quite yummy and thankfully cooking is becoming a little less tedious and more enjoyable.  Plus, I enjoyed a coke made with real sugar.  Definitely a treat! 

A Run-in with Squid and Octopus

I truly wish I had carried my camera last night to the tapas restaurant!  Brian, Kassie, the kids, and I went to a tapas place that serves seafood, and between the food and our faces it was definitely picture-worthy.  The plate of ham they brought first leads me to believe that Spaniards eat the fat along with the meat off of a pig leg.  The legs are hanging everywhere in store windows and meat sections – they are pretty popular.  The jamón serrano (or dry-cured meat) is decent, but I think I’ll stick with mostly the lunch meat variety. 

The calamari they brought out looked quite normal and was delicious.  It was followed by a plate of octopus, which was indeed more “live looking.”  Cora was definitely unsure at first, and Kassie and I were pretty hesitant.  Anything that looks like the animal is more or less a bit scary to me.  Brian helped me out with talking about the suction cups on the legs.  Ha.  It’s still kind of getting my stomach turning.  It was better than I thought it would be, but the chewiness (involving almost more than teeth to cut) was a little disconcerting.  My decision is next time I’ll probably stick with the calamari.  J

Malaki, Cora, and Jairus all enjoy pretending to be animals, and the animal of choice at the park last evening was the wolf dog.  I love kids’ imaginations.  They are good at making up stories about hyenas stealing a family of cats and then proceeding to save the cat family.  I uploaded a video of Cora and Jairus from last week pretending to be dogs with their popcorn.  It gave me a good laugh and thought you might enjoy it too!   

Learning to Love

This morning Hannah and I took some Spanish kids to the park to play, and I started thinking about kids and love.  I believe that deep inside, we have a big similarity to children, but they are more willing to show what we all feel.  Everyone, young to old, wants to be loved and accepted.  As we get older, we try to fill that desire with more things – people, possessions, popularity, education, success, stuff.  Into this desperation, we have the great message of hope. 

We have a Savior who loved us so much that He died for us (Romans 5:8).  We can completely depend on Him because He has promised never to leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).  God is our refuge, and He is bigger than any of our battles (Psalm 46).  We can run to our Father, whose arms are open to us, because through Jesus we are sons and daughters of the Most High (Galatians 4:4-7). 

People need to hear this, but often the way to share this is to love them first.  A hug, a look, crying with them, helping them – this is our calling and is made possible through Jesus.  2 Corinthians 1:3-4 reminds us that we can comfort because God Himself has comforted us.  When we experience comfort and love by the Holy Spirit, this enables us to share someone else’s burden.  We can give and love, because we have been given much and loved much. 

Holding those little hands today and listening to their stories and joys (as much as I could understand) is one way in which I can love.  Jesus called the little children to Himself.  He humbled Himself to love on some kids, which everyone thought was absurd, even His disciples.  May we more often take the time to “look absurd in the eyes of the world.”  May we love people in the physical realm, watching Jesus use us to heal them in the spiritual one.    

Rio Dilar

For a good chunk of the day, some members of the team packed up and headed to a place called Rio Dilar (literally Dilar River I believe).  Basically you can take a bus up to a little village and about a ten-minute drive from there is a peaceful, picnic area along a large creek.  A few of us walked down the trail for quite a ways and still did not reach the end of the picnic tables or beauty.  The strip of land was heavily occupied the further we walked, sheltered by the mountains on either side.

    

The water was SO cold – more or less a giant ice box.  J  When I first got there ten seconds was about all that I could handle.  A little bit later I braved up and walked a little down the creek so I could find a couple larger rocks for me here and a few small, cool-looking rocks to send to my family.  I remember one time in particular my family stopped our drive to look around a lake for cool rocks.  Searching for rocks, shells, and shark teeth is a family staple.  J

It was such a gorgeous day, and it was nice to be able to pass between the icy water (just knee deep) and the sun’s rays.  We finished the outing with a late lunch in the local restaurant.  My grilled chicken was topped with tomato, melted cheese, and seasoning and was served with French fries.  They seem to really like potatoes here, which is a positive because I love potatoes – possibly a little too much sometimes!  Brian mentioned Cora hasn’t met a potato yet she hasn’t liked, and I think I’m probably the same, apart from any raw ones.  Ha.  Soon I’m going to try frying potatoes again because the first try wasn’t the greatest.  Good thing I bought three!

Be sure to check out some of the pictures that attempt to do creation justice!!!  

Breaking Off the Lies of Shame

The Lord has done a lot within my heart and life this last year specifically, which is something that I want to share in time.  It takes a while for me to process, but I believe it is easier for me in writing.  On days such as today, when I don’t have much “in the moment” stuff to share, I want to take time to testify to the Lord’s work in me. 

I was reading in Zephaniah 3 this morning, and the end of verse 19 says, “…I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth.”  While looking at the context of this verse, it seems that the Lord is speaking of how He is going to set His people free from captivity – literally taking care of their enemies and showing His glory in a more manifest way. 

Meditating on this verse brought me to think of what the Lord has revealed to me about shame though.  During one evening of Christmas break, I was overwhelmed with focusing on my sinful nature.  My usual tendency was to come to a place where I was faced with all of my sin and therefore become really self-focused.  Thankfully that night though, the Lord allowed me to pray it out and dwell in some Psalms.  He gave me a song that night, and in many ways, He renewed my mind through that whole process. 

Some of the greatest news to us is that Jesus took our sin upon the cross.  This seems elementary, but it’s so key.  He took ALL of it.  Even greater still, He knows what we are capable of because He was human as well.  He experienced the greatest of temptations and never gave in to them.  This is why Hebrews 4:16 is such great news!  “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Jesus knows the depths of our sinfulness and loves us the same.  He already knows what we are capable of and what we’ve done, so instead of running to shame – being overwhelmed by our sin – let us run freely to the feet of Jesus.  Believers are sons and daughters of the King, and He runs His Kingdom based upon grace.  Whenever we are faced with our sin, let us look more fully into the face of Christ.  Everything else falls into place when we grow more and more in the image of Christ Jesus.  We were made for this.  We can have joy in our weakness, because He has already paid the price.  Our ability to overcome is only through Jesus. 

Literally, I’ve come away from seeing my sin in light of Jesus’ death and resurrection with a bubbling up of joy inside my heart!!  I pray that the Lord shows you how to run to His throne of grace instead of shame.  May you have joy instead of sorrow!  It’s not a one-time, I’ve-got-it-figured-out sort of thing.  God will constantly be renewing our minds through the Holy Spirit, but I want to see this freedom be worked out in you as well.

Whom the Son sets free is free indeed! 

Experiencing Another Culture

Living in Granada is bringing with it a new learning of several cultures.  I was given the opportunity to experience a large part of another culture yesterday evening!  Right now a month of fasting is in progress for their culture.  The idea of them breaking their fast each evening at dark was something I didn’t think about much before now. 

Hannah and I got to experience this breaking of the fast with a local family last night.  On the walk there, I realized I was going into an evening of Spanish only, and I was hit with the feelings of “Why am I going?”  I started praying that the Lord would bless me in my Spanish-speaking and make me more like Jesus – an instrument of grace and truth. 

I am so glad that I went!  I enjoyed very much seeing the interactions of the family and learning more of their way throughout the evening and in conversation with Hannah afterward.  Their culture is one of great hospitality – especially in sharing of their food and drink.  We had banana milk and hot tea, which were both delicious!  I loved watching the wife pour our tea from several feet above the glass.  I believe this is possibly connected with what my friend Rachel told me about being in @frica – the more foam there is on the tea, the more hospitable one is seen as. 

I learned how to open a shrimp, which was a good experience, especially since I did not want to eat the eyes!  Ha.  I also was glad I tried the liver of lamb before knowing what it was; I can honestly say it is not my kind of food.  I think that I can try most anything once though.

After the meal the table was cleared, and the men left the house.  We got to play Uno with the girls and mom, and it was a lot of fun.  I realized you can observe a lot about people by playing games with them (as is the same with me I’m sure).  Having the girls around was a big help to me with being more comfortable and willing to converse.  The atmosphere is a lot lighter with kids around, especially due to the laughter.  It brought me joy to play with them and converse where I could.  How gracious they were to have us in their home, and I hope to be able to get to know them better in the future.      

Boasting in Our Weakness

The song in my heart and on my lips last night was this: “Lord, You are good, and Your mercy endureth forever...You are good, all the time; all the time, You are good!”

God knows just what we need, and He also knows what we can handle.  Yesterday I was feeling pretty discouraged about my language abilities.  I was frustrated with the fact that even if I wanted to go pray for someone, I didn’t feel that I could.  I was also struggling with the idea that, in my mind, ministry could be a lot “easier” if I was married.  In one sense I would have someone with whom I could go out to minister – not having to be so concerned about safety specifically.  I’m sharing this because I want you to be able to see where I was mentally and emotionally. 

Spiritually, I’ve been realizing this is going to be a huge time of learning to depend on the Lord over everything else.  I’m quick to latch on to things or people, but He is showing me He needs to be the first one we run to.  Throughout some days I’ve been lifting up prayers of my unbelief, wanting to trust Him, and asking for more of His grace.

As I was walking home yesterday, He reminded me that He knows everything and He is able to touch our desperation – no matter the cause.  As I was reading in a book the other day, God uses our frustration to show us something about ourselves and our walk with the Lord.  For me, it seems like He was reminding me that all I need at this point is Him and friendships can be built, despite my inability. 

Now to how He proved Himself good yet again.  I was walking through a playground area where parents and kids (as well as most anyone who wants to relax) flock as soon as the sun begins to set, because it is so much cooler.  As I was passing some benches, I recognized one of the only Spanish people I have connected with at the locale.  A mother named Soila was sitting down and her two sons, Jeferson and Fredi, were playing soccer with some other young teens. 

I greeted her with two kisses, as is the way is Spain, and sat down on the bench.  She is the lady who conversed with me at the locale my second night in Granada and was so gracious with my Spanish.  With patience and some help from Jeferson, we were able to have a pretty successful conversation.  We talked about why we were in Spain (they are from Ecuador), what we like to do, what the kids did in the summer, the Alhambra, fύtbol, etc. 

Although I am definitely not gifted with fύtbol skills, I am planning on wearing some tennis shoes and visiting again sometime soon.  I am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for me with them.  I’m not sure where they are spiritually yet, but even if they are believers, I’m excited to have made three friends.  J

I know this was so encouraging to me, especially with being so down in regards to my Spanish.  I was in the attitude of being overcome with my weakness, but this is not where God has for us to be.  He gave us this word in 2 Corinthians 12:8-9, connected with one of Paul’s struggles, “Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.  But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ my rest upon me.”   

The language barrier still remains, but God is able to do more than I can imagine, in my weakness.  One of my college professors once asked us, “What are you doing in your life that you can’t do on your own?  What makes your life different from that of a believer?  How are you living by faith?”  This was pretty convicting, and still is, but I’m seeing more of a clear answer now.  Coming to Spain was a faith walk for sure, and I pray that it continues to be.  Stepping out to do ministry, boasting in my inability to communicate well here, is going to be a continual journey of faith.  God is able.   

First Trek to the Park

Snacks?               Check!

Water?                Check!

Stroller?               Check!

Kids?                   Check!

Dog?                    Check!

My first time taking the kids (and Penny the dog) to the park alone went really well.  This was a huge blessing and encouragement, especially after turning off my alarm (therefore showing up late).  Needless to say I had a very quick walk from my place to the house.  I had Cora and Jairus all day so that Brian and Kassie (with Malaki) could get the necessary furniture to move into their apartment this week. 

I think that the parks here are quite enjoyable, with equipment I haven’t seen in the states.  I am posting some pictures to share what I mean.  My personal favorite piece so far is the plastic cup (?) a young child can sit in to be spun around at high speeds.  Although not at this park (I’m hoping to get pictures soon), most of the parks here are decked out with exercise equipment – for adults.  It brings a smile to my face to walk by and see elderly people working out at a park.

While we were there Fernando and Margarita, with their 3-year-old son, came by to enjoy the park as well.  It was a neat experience for me to meet a Spanish family and watch the way they interacted with us and one another.  They were pretty protective over their son as he played, but they graciously helped push Cora on the swings while I was watching Jairus on the slide.  The kids eventually moved to wallowing in the dirt – a universal child joy.  Although the conversation was pretty surface level, it was a bit encouraging to know that communication is possible.  The language barrier is one of the hardest things for me to cope with right now. 

During Cora’s calm-down time, she was lying on the couch and listening to audio Bible stories.  We had a conversation about being on God’s side, Satan being God’s enemy, and who is on God’s side.  It was cool to hear her process and ask these questions at such a young age.  We were able to talk about how you are either on God’s side or you aren’t, and even thinking about this is a good reminder of why I am here.    

When I got back, Hannah and I ended the night with a real-life Operation game involving a plastic piece, the bathroom sink, a flashlight, and a wire hanger.  The things you don’t expect to do but that make a good memory.  J

Sleep, Kids, and Okra

Brian and Kassie had me watching the kids in the evening, so I had one day for more of sleeping in.  I am quick to realize that could be a big temptation for me during this month.  I love sleep, and that’s a good thing.  Sometimes I love it a little too much though.  As long as I can find a balance. 

The kids crack me up.  The more I’m around them and figuring out their personalities, the more intrigued I am.  It is amazing to me how children are really little adults in that sense.  They have a lot of growing and maturing to happen, but they are full of personality and love.  The kids all enjoy coloring a lot, but Malaki is becoming quite proficient in the cutting aspect as well.  He cut-out and colored me Tom (from Tom and Jerry) which I will add a picture of later. 

Cora is the most affectionate overall and loves to tell stories almost as much as Malaki.  She is very affirmative, which is a pleasant thing to be around.  Jairus is adventurous in the sense that he loves to try everything his older brother and sister do.  This makes for a more interesting time, but it’s good.  He is so excited when he accomplishes things such as climbing the slide or helping put the stroller away.  He seems to have a special place in his heart for Penny, their Galgo, or Spanish Greyhound. 

I went straight home, quickly, after Hannah asked me if I would be home for dinner.  I definitely answered in the affirmative when she said she was frying okra!  Okra is really hard to find here (not very popular let’s say), but she has managed to find it a couple times during her stay here.  She breaded it in seasoned corn meal and fried it!  It was a great taste of home – especially since we have roots in the South.  I thank my mom for my growing up loving foods like okra, black-eyed peas, and boiled peanuts.  I have realized that fried okra is a little more accepted by the public than boiled okra though…the lessons we pick up (or things we hear murmured behind us) in the school cafeteria.  J    

Becoming More Spanish

This week I am getting a little more sense of what taking care of the kids on a normal basis is going to look like.  Soon I am going to get out with them, not keeping them confined in the house the entire time.  It is a bit different since I have never really taken kids out much in general, let alone in a city with a stroller, but thankfully I have been many times with Kassie to see how a pro does it.  J  I have no doubt her arm muscles are rock solid!

My first trip to the chucheria was exciting.  I decided to be the strange foreign girl walking down the street with my “gummies bag” (as my friend Jordan would say).  The picture I put up shows my finds.  The peaches were definitely the freshest, still as delicious as in the states, and the fact that they were in the shape of hearts made it an automatic win situation. 

Hannah and I took an outing to the centre, and I now feel pretty confident about finding my way there.  Our apartment is actually a lot closer walk than I thought it was!  Walking around the centre was quite different than riding the tour bus around it.  It is the shopping central, and I got to try another Italian gelato place.  The lemon is extremely tart, but refreshing. 

We got back, watched the mountains turn pink with the sunset, and then had a very late dinner.  We were “officially Spanish” for eating at ten o’clock.  I made some pasta carbonara, minus the sauce, since that is the way Alicia taught me (and the way her family likes it).  It was pretty delicious, especially with my freshly purchased soft bread.  I enjoyed my evening and conversation with Hannah; I am very thankful the Lord provided my living space here for the time being.  His grace is ever present.         

Country Music and Conchitas

Can I mention again how much I am enjoying being able to read?  I feel like I’ve rediscovered my childhood self in that regard; I forgot how much I enjoy it. 

Since our service here is on Sunday evening, Sunday mornings seem like they will be a great time to relax, gaze at God’s creation (gorgeous mountains) from my balcony, and pull out the guitar.  The music-playing has to be before or after siesta though.  Hannah and I were just mentioning how most of the people in our apartment building seem to be on vacation, but I’m definitely not looking to make any enemies yet! 

Sunday evenings are a good time to meet people and work on my Spanish; it’s definitely not easy to be in a service where it’s hard to understand most of what’s being said.  I now have a small picture of what it’s like for international students on my college campus back home.  It is difficult not to fall asleep – concentrating super hard seems to bring that temptation, at least for me!  The message on Mary and Martha was a good reminder that although doing things for the Lord is good, the best thing is sitting at His feet.  Time spent in His Word and in prayer is not wrongly spent.  As I heard a pastor say last spring, “We seem fine to waste time on other things, so why can’t we ‘waste time’ with Jesus?”

I met a Spanish girl named Alba at the local who knew English and but was willing to help me with Spanish.  She was a blessing; she was kind and helped me with words I did not know – with a great laugh and smile.  Her music of choice, at least that she enjoys, is country and bluegrass.  Who would have thought that Scotty McCreery was even popular over here?  I hope to enjoy her company again. 

I decided to be adventurous, and with a little doctoring, the conchitas (little shell pasta), spinach, tomato, and spaghetti sauce turned out decent.  The sauce I purchased this time around definitely mimics that of Spaghettios.  Just a little dolled up and perhaps the closest thing I could find around here.  J  I’m adding a picture of the meal with some sliced bread.  One thing I learned about bread: don’t buy this type expecting it to stay soft for long.      

The Alhambra

As some of you may have noticed on my Photos tab, not only was I able to figure out how to insert them on the top, but I added some new ones!  The first one is a picture of Malaki, Cora, and a little Hispanic girl.  They made quick friends in the pool racing, so she decided to bring over her game system and ask them to join her under her towel to play a Barbie game.  It was adorable, and I truly enjoyed watching her helping Cora learn some Spanish by hand motions and repeating words.  Kids can be so friendly and unconcerned about what others think.  It’s definitely refreshing. 

Brian, Kassie, and the kids took me to the centre of the city and on a tour to the Alhambra, a large historical fortress.  We started at the Cathedral where King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella’s bones are buried, riding in the front of an open top bus with personal headphones giving a historical rundown.  You could choose from eight languages!  We passed a giant statue of Christopher Columbus in the middle of a heavily trafficked area.  

Driving up the mountain to the Alhambra was by far one of the prettiest drives I’ve seen.  It overlooks the entire city, is lined by mountains, and even has some olive trees.  Olive trees are very common around Southern Spain it seems, especially from my drive from Malaga.  We stopped and walked up to the Alhambra.  The path was so peaceful, with a waterfall that appears to have an irrigation system still connected. 

The architecture and greenery were beautiful.  The whole feel of the area, with cobblestone streets, reminded me of the Holy Land tour my family took in Branson, MO.  It seemed similar to what you might find in Jerusalem, plus the whole fortress effect.  On our way back down the mountain, I saw a small “home” in the side of a cave (Brian said gypsies lived there).  I’m sure there were more homes than the one I saw.  We passed some old sugar cane equipment that is now more of a city statue.

After we finished the riding tour, we stopped for gelato in the centre city.  I tried Stracciatella, which Alicia told me is her favorite flavor (it’s a cream-like taste with chocolate pieces.  Although it was probably a little mean, I shared the picture with her; later I skyped her and was able to ask for forgiveness.  J  It’s strange to be in her home country while she is in mine. 

My afternoon snack was Jamón Pringles and sweet tea – seemed to be an Americanized Spanish snack.  I’ve never seen so much Jamón Cerrado in my life (a type of cured ham).  I don’t think anyone will run out anytime soon.              

Reminders of Home

My apartment mate, Hannah, took me to a Mercadona closer to our place in the morning, and I bought approximately a week’s worth of groceries for myself for the first time.  Groceries here, especially produce, are so inexpensive comparatively!  That’s a nice blessing. 

I made my first round of sweet tea here, but it wasn’t especially great until I was able to drink it cold that evening.  I’m used to having a lot of ice for water and tea at home; my dad definitely knows, as he gets to crack ice trays approximately 10 times a day – or something like that.  I think I’m a large cause of that (and tea disappearing for that matter).  J  It’s even the little things that remind me of home and my family for sure. 

Although I know my free time will look different when I get on a regular schedule in September (when Brian and Kassie start up school again), it is so nice to have time to read for fun.  My outside reading has been very limited with assigned reading from classes, and although I’ve enjoyed some, it is nice to get to choose my own books. 

The afternoon and early evening consisted of much walking, meeting two little boys from London at the park, and eating pizza in the empty apartment with Brian, Kassie, and the kids.  Side note: British accents appear to be a little difficult to understand, or it could be the fact that I know next to nothing about Pokemon.  Ha

I was able to spend some good time with the Lord in the evening.  I prayed to see where God wanted to speak to me in His Word and decided to start in the beginning.  I am looking to do this from a perspective of “What Can I Learn about God’s Character in These Passages?”  Throughout the account of creation, I saw that God calls out the good and is the giver of life.  In connection with a book I’m reading as well, I’m reminded this is our calling.  We are to call out the good in people and point them to God as the One who gives life.  This is a good prayer for Christians as they go out into the world – this will occur as correct perceptions of God and security in our identity in Christ are restored.         

Mercadona and My First Move

Despite my knowing I was joining a team, I forgot about the logistical side of things.  This was brought to my attention by having our first team meeting.  It was really nice to get to know everyone a little better and meet some people I did not have a chance to meet on Sunday night.  It will be nice to have a time of corporate worship in English, and I hope this is a time of creating unity among the team. 

After the meeting I got to check out my new living place, and I like it a lot.  One of the girls is graciously allowing me to stay in her room while she is home for a longer visit.  The view from the apartment is gorgeous – a patch of grass with green trees on one side, mountains on the other.   (There are pictures on the blog!)  I was even able to get all of my stuff organized in a short setting, which is one pro of having to pack semi-light!

Kassie, the two youngest kids, and I went to Mercadona last night – a typical, larger grocery store.  Even though I am used to Walmart, it was a tad overwhelming with the amount of items and varieties they had in stock.  This is really the first time I am purchasing my own groceries and living on a budget, of which the first is exciting to me and the latter a bit intimidating.  I am very thankful to have people around me who are willing to give me pointers. 

The area where my new home is located has a lot of tapas restaurants around it, which makes for louder evenings but more opportunity to meet people.  I now have a prepay phone, which is a nice comfort in case I can’t find my way around the city.  Thankfully it is going alright so far, but a map of Granada is in the near future for me.  The teammate who helped me get minutes for my phone was a huge blessing!  That would not have happened efficiently with a lower Spanish level for sure. 

Last note: I love hot showers and didn’t think I could give them up, despite the enormous heat.  Last night I was able to take my first lukewarm shower and survive though.  God is good, because heat sickness is not something I want to be my friend.  J   

Beating the Heat and Outdoor Clothes Drying

Because of the heat in Spain and typically no A/C, living places have window shades that you pull almost completely down during the day to keep the breeze.  Then when it turns dark, you pull them up and sleep with the windows open.  Awesome invention I would say.  It is interesting to be exposed to the sounds of the city so close.  At night you can hear anything from kids playing to music booming quite loudly through a car’s sound system. 

My first experience hang-drying laundry on an upper balcony led me to realize it is a lot harder than I imagined.  Laying my clothes down to grab the clothespins, I knocked over a small table with other clothes.  After picking that up, I discovered arms get tired quickly when not accustomed to holding them up for long periods of time.  Successfully dried though, the clothes have a little bit of a crisp feeling.  J

I spent most all of the day hanging with one to all of the kids as Brian and Kassie packed the old house and painted the new apartment.  Hopefully they will be able to move this coming week!  It was a pretty tough day emotionally, partly because I had more time to think.  It was encouraging though that as I lay on my bed and was praying, I began to pray Scripture – part of a chapter I had memorized a while back. 

This was mostly encouraging because I have a tough time memorizing Scripture, and this is probably the first time I remember Scripture just coming to mind while I was praying.  It is nice to have those reminders of the Holy Spirit living in me and being here to comfort and guide me.  Psalm 25:4 says, “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.”  I love this entire Psalm, but God brought this part to mind specifically.  If we ask Him to show us His way, He will be faithful to lead us.        

Carrefour

Our outing to the new apartment in the morning was cut short because the electricity has yet to be turned on, but the kids and I were able to read some Winnie the Pooh books and play with Lego blocks before heading back to the house.  These last couple days and a few to come are a little hectic with Brian and Kassie (with help) getting everything accomplished at the new place and packing this one, but after their move, things will be much more settled for them and myself.  

I actually made it for the first time without having to take a siesta!  I was quite tired in the evening, but I’ve heard this is a good sign for getting over jet lag.  Getting on a normal schedule is good; “Being awake while it’s light and asleep while it’s dark,” I’ve heard.  J

After dinner Kassie and the kids took me to experience Carrefour.  This is basically a massive Walmart with mall-like qualities, even a McDonalds!  This is a little bit of an encouragement or day brightener when missing the US or needing to find everything at the same place, and for fairly cheap!  I am definitely going to be checking out their pasta aisle when I need to purchase my own food soon.  Here you own grocery pull carts to get your groceries home, which can be a good walk depending which store you choose that day.  Mercadona is more like a typical grocery store I believe, but there are many places on every stretch of road.  

I think it is going to be good for both the kids and myself when I move into my “own” temporary place with another teammate.  I have enjoyed living with Brian, Kassie, and the kids, but I think they were wise in their decision that living together could be difficult.  I think living somewhere else will allow the kids to adjust better to having me here, the family to have their own space, and me to get a feel for my new routine.   

Oh, and I almost forgot!  I am not having to "rough it" anymore.  Carrefour had an inexpensive hair dryer and straightener.   J