The Journey

First American meal: peanut butter & jelly
First American text: Morgan Ragan
First American sleep: my bed in Central hall
First American drive: from Indianapolis to South Bend
First American church: Clinton Frame Mennonite

I'm home now, and appreciating all the luxuries and comforts America gives me that Spain did not. I've indulged in peanut butter, my big soft & cozy white bed, and the joy of hearing English all around me. It's good to be back. :)

While I'm happy to be here, I am still on a high from my experience in the past month. I look at pictures and sometimes wish I were back. It truly was a life-changing trip, one that I'll never forget.

Yesterday my dad asked me what it was that I liked so much while I was there. It's hard to explain. Overall, I think the thing that excited me most was the sense of independence and accomplishment I asserted while I was there. I was completely immersed in a foreign culture, and I adapted and "made it." It was an adventure, a challenge I accomplished. I also was excited by the change in scenery. My desire after college is to move, at least for a few years, to experience something different than the midwest culture of Indiana. I love where I grew up and where I live now, but am yearning for something more. Although I have a year of school left, Spain gave me a taste of what that would be like. I loved the slower pace of life in Spain, and the sense of peacefulness even in a big city. The worries and anxieties appeared to be minimal. Of course, I was almost on a "vacation," so it is easy to see why there were many care free moments, but it is obvious that the Spanish culture is more relaxed than the American one. I loved meeting new people- both American people in my program and Spanish- building relationship, and discovering why they are who they are. I live for that. :)

Although I came right back into a "busy" schedule, I have had some time to think since I've been home. Here are things I've learned /discovered /felt as a result of my trip:

*I'm so thankful for the Spiritual life we have in the US. Observing the Spanish religion (predominately non-practicing Catholics) makes me wonder what my own relationship with God would now be if I grew up in Spain. Would I be as intimate with my Savior? Would I read my bible and pray? I'd like to believe I would, but I know that culture and community have a huge effect on one's Spiritual life. I am again amazed that God chose to place me in the spot that I am. Why did he create me to live in America and be raised by two God-pursuing parents? Why, instead, did he not chose to plop me down in Sevilla, Spain, where I was surrounded by , at the very best, lukewarm religion? Now that I am aware of this, do I have a specific responsibility? His mysteries are never-ending. :)

*I craved church and a Christian community. When I finally got to a service at my home church, I was overwhelmed by the presence of God and His effects in the glow of my Christian friends. He is good.

*I learned that the course of my life is in my hands. I am listening to God for direction and guidance, but I have the ability and power to go anywhere I want and do anything I want. If I am restless in Indiana, I can move when I graduate. If I want to take on an adventure in a foreign country, I can. Life is what you make it, and while I know it won't always be easy, I want to make it valuable and effective. (and fun :))

*I learned to relax and have a sense of peace even in a stressful or unknown situation. While i was in Spain, I felt like I was constantly waiting, or confused. We were often unclear where we were going, how we would get there, or what to do once we got there. We were always on a quest to find something, which often resulted in difficult conversations (to speak and understand) in broken Spanish. Through it all though, I found myself at a heightened content state. I felt more peace on this trip than I have in a very long time. I understand what it means to lean solely on God for trust. I have learned to realize that things will work out, and that often my job is only to be patient.

*A few things in my life that were a bit fuzzy before I left became a lot clearer. Absence and space caused relationships to be defined, and priorities to be set. Although it's not always feasible, time "away" is the best cure for confusing situations.

*My love of people and passion for relationships stands out even more to me know. Relating and connecting especially to my peers is something that fuels me forward.

The list is longer, but I think it's extensive and deep enough for this post, huh? :) I'm truly glad to be back though, and have loved catching up with some of you. I have realized how important you are, and how thankful I am to have you in my life!

Thanks for journeying with me, leaving comments, and praying for me! You're so cool. :) May blessings fall all over you!

ps. Here are a few more pictures from "the end." Stay tuned for uploaded pictures on my picture website...

Home

Home is less than 20 hours away, and I sit here in the Sevilla airport feelings similar to how I did when I first arrive. Again, I find myself carrying a jumble of emotions. I am sad to be leaving this city, one that holds so many precious memories. I am sad to leave Maria Jose, my new friends, and my teachers, people who had played an avid part in shaping my experience here. I am overwhelemed by how much I feel I have learned and grown. I am excited to go home, and in anticipation of what's to come. I am exceedingly grateful that I had this opportunity.

We board in 15 minutes, so I don't have much time to write. I plan to journal and process a bit more on the (long) plane ride, so expect a follow-up post! I'm excited to come home to you all. :)

My plans for the next few days are to arrive in Indy this evening, go home to Goshen for a few days, then back to Indy next week.

Thank you for your prayers for safe travels! I'm praying for you as well. :)

Majesty

One of my most favorite moments on this trip came this weekend on a serene, secluded beach in Lagos, Portugal. As I sat on my towel in the crystal, grainy sand I saw rocky cliffs to my left and right, and blue green waves breaking in front of me. I laid down and closed my eyes with my ipod ear-bugs in, and was serenaded by the soundtrack of crashing waves and the music streaming out of my little pink shuffle. “Majesty” came on, with the chorus singing like this:

Majesty
Majesty
Your grace has found me just as I am
Empty-handed but alive in your hands
Majesty
Majesty
Forever I am changed by Your love
In the beauty of your majesty


They are simple lyrics, but the last two lines especially spoke to me in that place of beauty. His beauty is undeniable, and follows me everywhere I go. It was an intimate moment.

Four days is all I have left here in Spain, and although there are many things I am not ready to leave, there is one thing I am passionately craving from home. Worship and fellowship with my God-pursuing friends. I’ve loved every moment here, but I’m ready to receive the encouragement and special love that has been absent on my trip. God has certainly been with me the entire trip, and protected me in more ways than I know, but I understand more than ever the importance of community.

While I’m still abroad, I could not think of a better way to wrap up this experience than a weekend in Lagos. Anyone who wants to come back ad visit with me, just say the word. :)
The six hour trip there on Friday afternoon did not begin very well. The twelve of us from school took up the back of the big bus, but were a bit disappointed, to say the least, to find out there was no air-conditioning. A six hour bus ride is bad enough, but six hours in 105 degree weather with no cool vents blowing on us was almost enough to make us go crazy! We survived though, and discovered it was more than worth it when we made it to the breezy little beach town of Lagos.


As soon as we stepped off the bus, we were refreshed by the cool breeze, the noise of the seagulls overhead, and the smell of salty ocean. The small town turned out to be a typical beach town--very relaxed & slow-paced, full of tourists, and crowded with little shops and street vendors. We were pleasantly surprised by how cute and clean our hostel was! Along with two sets of bunk beds, our room had a full kitchen, closets, a table, a couch and a bathroom (pictures soon, yo prometo :) ). We showered and changed after the bus and headed back to the center of town to enjoy the food and night life. There were several acoustic musicians playing as well as mimes, children’s entertainers, and of course vendors selling all the jewelry, postcards, and touristy nick-knacks you could imagine.


Saturday after breakfast we made our way to a beautiful beach covered with a mix mostly of Australian, Canadian, and American tourists. We made some new friends and loved playing in the big waves. My favorite beach to date--that is, until we went to Dona Ana on Sunday. The beauty of the seclusion and rocky cliffs framing us in completely captivated me. :)


Needless to say, I’m not too excited to go back to class tomorrow after a paradise weekend. Only two more sessions of class though, before the fate of my grades are decided in midterms on Wednesday!


Thanks so much for all your prayers and long-distance support, friends! I can’t wait to see you very very soon. :)

May blessings fall all over you!
Ojala que tengas un buen dia!

:)

Churros y Chocolate

My new favorite snack are churros drenched in melted chocolate with sugar sprinkled on top. Mmmm. :) The Spanish tradition is to stay out dancing and socializing all night, and have churros and chocolate for breakfast before returning home to go to bed. I prefer to have it as an appetizer to dinner around 8. :)

How are you all? I don't have much time to write but wanted to give a quick update. Things are still going well here- maybe minus two not-so-happy things. First, it is HOT. Hot hot hot here. Today a friend and I walked around town from about 4-10. We stopped at every air-conditioned store we could find and drank two liters of water. The sun is very intense here, so 110 can feel like 125! Somehow the locals seem used to it. :) The second thing was a very bad experience last night. After celebrating Adam's birthday at a classy Italian restaurant in el centro, we debated how to get home at 1 in the morning. With some convincing of a friend, we decided to take the night bus that would go near our house. Wrong decision! What should typically be a 15 minute bus ride turned out to be 40 minutes. The worst part though, were the very forward Spanish teenagers who made obscene Spanish comments a row behind us. I promise you, we're not doing that again. :)

Sevilla is still wonderful. Today I visited more of el centro and also explored an international fair by the river. Tomorrow's plans include paddle boating on the river and riding a four person bike. Sounds like a good time right? :) Friday we tour the infamous cathedral and then leave for Lagos, Portugal! Our time is nearing the end and I'm scrambling to do "everything."

Let me know how you're doing! I miss you all. I'll write again soon, promise. :)

Update :)

07-07-07

Wow! I just realized today is one of the coolest dates ever! If I would have thought about it earlier, I would’ve posted this entry at 7:07. Ha!

How are you all? I’m sorry it’s been awhile since my last entry! There’s been a lot of activities, sun, and new experiences since my last entry. I’ll catch you up in two different versions--take your pick. :)

The short version:

Wednesday: midterms, hot & crowded bus, water park, 4th of july fun
Thursday: Spanish taboo, Alcazar & gardens, heat, quest for a bus stop, more heat, bull fight
Friday: Tio Pepe wine, wind, waves, salt, sun
Saturday: bull running, more waves, salt & sun, new friend

The not so short version:

Midterms were fine. I got a 91 on my language test, and am still waiting to hear about my culture test. The culture test was basically 15 essay questions , over many names, places, and dates. Not really my kind of test, but I got through it. The fourth of July celebrations began immediately after class on Wednesday! A group of us went to Aquopolis, the water park in Sevilla. That was quite an adventure. :) First we walked twenty minutes to the bus stop, rode an EXTREMELY crowded and hot hot hot bus ride to the end of the line in northeastern Seville, and then stood lost and confused on the street with a waterpark nowhere in sight. Ha! I feel like I am always on a quest here--to find a certain bus, attraction, building… Always an adventure. :) Needless to say, in a hot 20 minutes later we were thrilled to find the water park. It was a cute waterpark, although it was smaller than most I’ve been to in the US. The slides and tide pool were fun though, and we had a good group, which of course makes the day. :) We left by 8, enough time to get home, have a quick dinner, shower, and head back downtown to meet the rest of our friends from school to have fourth of July fun! We didn’t see any fireworks, but hey, when in Spain, do as they Spaniards do…which is NOT watch fireworks. :) Nonetheless, we had a great night.

On Thursday in language class we got to play Spanish taboo! That game is hard in English, let alone Spanish! We had a fun time playing it. :) Instead of having culture class that day, we went to el centro to visit Alcazar and the surrounding gardens. It was another beautiful visit and because I have my camera now (yay! :) ) I got MANY good pictures! The Internet is really slow here or they’d all be uploaded for you to see. You’ve waited this long, so two more weeks shouldn’t be that hard, right? :) I can’t wait to show them to you! After a little siesta that afternoon, I ventured back into the heat with a friend. We were walking around el centro trying to find the bus station for the airport when I heard, “Hola Catalina!” After recognizing my Spanish name from high school and college, I looked over to see my Spanish Conversation teacher from UINDY walking towards me! What are the odds right? It was great to see him, although he did make me speak all Spanish. :)

Thursday night was on my top 10 list of things I’ve done here so far. In the 10:00 coolness, under bright lights and serenaded by a full Spanish band, I watched the famous bull fights. The 7 Euros I paid was totally worth this cultural treasure! There were six fights total, which means watching six bulls die. At the beginning of each fight came two Picadores who taunted the bulls with pink and yellow flags before running behind walls for protection. Then came a ‘special” picadore who stuck spears into the bulls back to slow him down a bit. Last come the matador, who is the actual “bull fighter.” He teases the bull, and then struts his stuff to the crowd when he gets the bull to come close. Finally, after some showing-off, the matador sticks his sword straight into the bull. The bull stumbled around for a bit before it fell over dead. Honestly it was a little hard to watch, and you could tell who the Americans were by the “awww” sounds in a crowd of cheering Spaniards. After the bull was dead horses came out and paraded the bull around the arena to the sound of a full band and cheering. QUITE entertaining! I just might go again next week. :)

Friday brought an early morning for another cultural trip for school. This time we went two hours to Jerez, where we toured Tio Pepe, a very famous (or so they tell me) winery. It was quite fascinating to see all the wine barrels, vineyards, and hear about the process of wine-making. At the end of the tour we sampled two famous wines. They were terrible, and I much more enjoyed the complementary chips on the table. :) After Tio Pepe we enjoyed more sun and salt at the beach at Jerez! The water was very warm here, although the constant wind made laying out a little hard to enjoy. I was a trooper though and didn’t let the wind stop me from getting a tan, as hard as that may be for you all to believe. :)

Today, Saturday, my roommates and I went to Cadiz, a very popular beach about 90 minutes away. We had a great time just relaxing on the beach and playing in the waves. You who know me very well would also be very proud--I applied SPF 15 sunscreen more than once today. :)

I’ve met many interesting people on this trip. I love the new friends I’ve made in my program, not to mention the intriguing ones I find in random places. As we waited for the bus in Cadiz today, we talked with a woman from Israel. She told us the story of how she married a German man, moved there with him, and now teaches flamenco all over Europe. She is fluent in German, Spanish, English, and Italian, on top of her native language. She was wonderfully knowledgeable and delightful to talk to.

Now, as I sit at home on Maria Jose’s cute little green couch, for the first time in quite a few days I have some down time to just sit and type to you all. I hope you are well! I’ve heard from a lot of you and love to be informed of what’s going on across the ocean. :) Time has already gone by very quickly, and I can’t believe I only have two more weeks here. Blessings upon all of you, and thanks for reading. :)

Midterms

Spanish word of the day: estudiar. To study.

Today marks the first day of significant studying. Mañana, the 4th of July, I have two difficult midterms to take. Unfortunately, that means this afternoon and evening will consist of reading, making flashcards, reading some more, and jotting little notes. One test is over Spanish grammar & phrases, and the other Spanish history. I’m looking forward to the trip to the water park tomorrow after the tests. :)

My cousin Matt is in Greece right now, having the time of his life. It’s cool because even though we’re in different countries, we’re sharing this unique and life-defining trip together. I read today in his blog that he loves the unhurried culture and the sense of calmness he feels in Greece. My heart resounds so much with that. As I’ve had time to settle into this Spanish way of life, I feel an overwhelming sense of peacefulness and contentment. Life is much slower here, and people are not so anxious. I cherish it so much, and wish you could all visit—especially my college peers. I wish I could stay longer, but I absolutely plan to return.

Today, after a delicious almuerzo of pollo (chicken), Spanish vegetable soup, vegetable salad, and bread, I talked with Maria Jose for about 20 minutes. I enjoy her so much! It was exciting today, because we were able to communicate very well with each other. And for once I didn’t just sit there and say, “si, si” or “vale- yo entiendo!”, but instead I spoke whole sentences and paragraphs back to her. :) She is so sweet, and I wish I could stay with her longer, learn Spanish better, and have more conversations with her!

Yesterday the girls and I ventured to el centro to go shopping! The day was quite successful :) We bought mostly gifts for friends and family, while sneaking a few things for ourselves. I got some really cute black and white heels, although unfortunately they won’t work very well for student teaching. Shoot. :) The shops were absolutely chaos, however. The many people reminded me of shopping the day after Thanksgiving! This is normal though, for sale days throughout the summer. One of my favorite things about this area of Seville is the musicians that play along the cobblestone streets. Yesterday listened to the notes of a violinist and a guitar player—playing Flamenco, of course. It sets the mood for a perfectly serene place.

At the request of my dear friend Sara, I have prayer requests to share with you! As I was reading my bible the other day, and my brain was trying to translate the English scriptures into Spanish, I thought about how cool it is that God hears every single language. Although I am far away from my supportive spiritual community, I can feel God’s presence strong here, and He finds loud ways to speak to me. :)
Please pray for:
*My continual pursuit of the Lord
*My eyes to be open for ways God is working here (It’s difficult to see in a culture so different than I’m used to)
*Safety in travels throughout Seville, Spain, and surrounding countries
*Money to come back here again and bring you all! :)

I love you all and am so thankful for your encouragement! May blessings pour all over you.

Las calles de el centro.

(The streets of downtown)

Mas de España!

Miles walked: 7
Hours on a bus: 12
Beaches visited: 2

Hola mis amigos buenos! How are things on the other side of the world? :)
Sorry it’s been awhile! This weekend has been a lot of fun, but very busy! As you just read, since Friday we’ve probably walked about 7 miles, rode on a series of buses for doce horas, and visited two fantastic beaches. Let me just say the miles and the uncomfortable bus seats were worth it. :)

Friday we went to Italica, an ancient Roman city about 20 minutes outside of Seville. There we saw an old Roman theatre used for gladiator fights. We also saw other ruins of the ancient city, as well as beautiful scenery! It was super hot and we were all out late before, so there was some crankiness, but for the most part we enjoyed ourselves. :) After a short siesta we went downtown to see the shops, the people, and the ice cream. We were exhausted though, and called it a night by about 10. My bed seems to be very comfortable these days, most likely because when I finally fall into it I’m absolutely exhausted.

Saturday morning we met the bus at 8:45 to go to Huelva and Matalascañas. In Huelva we saw the monastery where Christopher Columbus lived and practiced, where we were guided by a lady’s voice on an MP3 player—sort of a “tour at your own pace.” After the monastery we went to a museum that told us the story of Christopher Columbus and his journey to America. They are so proud of his “grand discovery!” It’s interesting to see history from a different perspective. Every country portrays history a bit differently to show off their heritage and culture. We then got to tour the three ships that Chris sailed to from Spain! Not the exact ships, claro, but exact replicas. I couldn’t believe how tiny they were! For a journey by sea for 69 days, there was not much space to move around. Again, look for the pictures when I can finally upload them. :) After the museum and boat tours we went to the beach! My favorite part of this beach is the big random rock close to the public area. It seems to be the remains of a fortress that was once there. The brave boys like to climb to the top and dive into the water. Unfortunately I can’t tell you that I did it. :)

Sunday we decided to wake up at 7:00 to catch a bus to another beach, Tarifa. This beach was absolutely gorgeous! The sand was white, the water was a clear greenish blue, and the waves were fun to play in. The best part though, was our view across the ocean. As I stood with my feet planted in the shoreline of the Mediterranean Sea, I looked across and saw the tip of northern Africa. Unreal.

The four hour bus ride (that was supposed to be two) back from Tarifa left me a bit restless! The company was good however, so we had a fun time. :) I really enjoy the people I’m here with. It’s cool, because although I’ll probably never see many of them again, there’s a special bond created when you share “once in a lifetime” experiences like these!

In a nutshell, that’s what I’ve been doing for the past couple of days. I’ll spare you of all the little details like getting lost, taking unnecessary taxi rides, meeting weird people on the beach, and taking showers in the dark. Trust me, I could talk for hours about what’s going on here. :) In the next couple of days we’re planning to go shopping to find all the sales (July 1-end of August there are state mandated sales EVERYWHERE), cool off at a water park, watch a bull fight, and take midterms! (Notice how the midterms are the last thing on my mind :)) We are also planning a trip to Portugal for our last weekend here.

I hope you guys are well! Thanks so much for reading and checking up on me! It’s fun to post things on here for you to read. :) Thanks also for the cards, messages, facebook postings, and e-mails. I’m lucky to have you. :)

Un saludo!