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...