After a lie in yesterday morning, and after Betsy almost set the kitchen on fire while the rest of the house was sleeping (she was baking delicious treats for dessert later in the day but the baking paper caught on fire in the oven - all was fine though and she put it out and I helped her clean up the ashes of burned paper. Thankfully that was all!) I nipped to the Post Office to send a couple of letters and then we went for lunch round Laura and JPs house.
Their mum, Sara, is American and their dad, Antonio, is Spanish (and looks like a movie star, it has to be said). We had Gespazo for starter (cold, vegetable soup - sounds awful, tastes wonderful!) and a Tex-Mex main with Betsy's 'Mana de Cielo' (Manna from Heaven) for dessert. Although sometimes speaking English whilst over here can feel like I'm missing an opportunity to learn more Spanish, I didn't really mind yesterday. The family were so interesting and talked to me in English so I figured it was OK to respond in my native language and actually have some quality conversations! Antonio told me about how he and his colleagues used to smuggle Christian resources into Bulgaria to support the underground church there during the Communist period, how they had to memorise all the details of their travels and the people they were meeting so as not to have any evidence on them that would give others away if they were caught. He told me of a friend of his who recently passed away, who led the UK branch of The Navigators for many years, and who lived in Erdington. And I was able to respond and talk about the New Wave Camp that Zion is connected with in Bulgaria and my visits their, how I have friends who are involved in the Navigators and how my Grandad and some of my family live in Erdington! What a tiny little world. Sara made me English tea and told me about how her and Antonio met in the US when they were both 33, and how she had prayed for a man just like him for many, many years. She told me the story of why and how they came to adopt Laura and JP over 10 years ago, from a Bulgarian orphanage and what it's been like raising a family in Spain, struggling with the language, the culture of León but feeling called to here. For some time, they were considering moving to Africa as Antonio is an eye surgeon and works out there for some weeks every Summer, but they both felt God clearly close the door for that and therefore they are staying put in León continuing their work there.
How utterly refreshing it was to meet them, to hear their stories and be encouraged and inspired. I wished we could have stayed longer but Betsy and I had a bus to catch.
The journey back to Toral was only 45 minutes and then a short walk from the bus stop to the camp.
Many people had already arrived; many familiar faces but also many new ones! I felt a lot more confident to introduce myself to people or be introduced and have things to say! I met so many people, young and old, and had quite a few pretty long conversations with various people before we all ate together and then wandered over to Calle Mayor (the other house) for songs with Betsy to end the evening! It is the Family Camp this week, and almost every age group is covered: babies, kids, teens, young parents, not-so-young parents, grandparents.. I think the only age group that seems to be significantly lacking is the 20s. I am here of course, and Betsy, Diego and a couple more coming tomorrow - but our age group feels a bit thin on the ground sadly. I suppose it's a difficult age at which to come to a camp with your family.. I hope that's the only reason.
But anyway, I'm very excited that Lluna is back for the week! And she had gifts for me - a bracelet, a book that is both in English and Spanish for learning the language, and a calendar with a verse and devotional for every day of the year (for 2010, but it's for the practice rather than the calendar!)! She also excitedly introduced me to all of her family, who said they had heard a lot about me, and it's great that she has been able to recognise how much I have improved in the last couple of weeks while she's been away.
This morning, after devotions (at a more acceptable hour for this week's camp - 9am!) and breakfast, I was back to my cleaning duties, which I have come to really enjoy to be honest. It's good having the time to be quiet and reflect, but I also love the opportunity to sing along to music while there's no one at the camp! :) having already spent 2 weeks here earlier this month, I feel like I know the ropes pretty much. I still need to ask questions and I'm learning pretty much all the time, but people who are new here have asked me where they can find things or questions about how things work and I have been able to help without feeling the need to apologise for my lack of words or knowledge. I must look like I know what I am doing!
Thankfully this week, there seems to be a lot of space in the schedule and in general, there is already quite a different feel from the last two camps. Already I am getting to practice speaking more with different people (which is enjoyable & important but also mentally & physically exhausting) but there is more time for me to rest and pray and write, and hopefully be in some kind of fit state to start back at work a week on Monday, just a day after I return!
Ooh there's nothing quite like a jam-packed Summer! #45daysofsummer #notmanyleft
Saturday, 23 August 2014
Thursday, 21 August 2014
Day 34 & 35, León Cathdral, Tapas and Romanian history. #45daysofsummer
We went for Tapas last night, because I said that's the one thing I'd like to do while I am here that I haven't managed to do yet! It was quite a different than what I expected. We all scrubbed up (well, the girls at least), and walked in to the city centre where they showed me the cathedral and told me stories about the history of it's construction.
Then, getting impacient with hunger, we began the hunt for a tapas bar. What I didn't realise is that they don't just go to one restaurant and order loads of plates to share.. They move from bar to bar and order drinks, and with the drinks you get a few free plates of tapas or pinchos. We ended up going to 5 different bars (not really like bars in England) and ordering little drinks like grape juice (mosto) and fizzy orange (butano) and getting sharing plates of tapas. Then after 10 minutes or so, moving on to the next place! It was such a good night - walking from place to place, getting to know some of the youth of the church and trying lots of different foods! It all felt so Spanish :) even the part in the final bar we ate in, when the waiter sent a waitress over to our table to ask for my number and I (politely as I could in my broken Spanish) said no and explained that I don't live here in Spain. When a different waiter came over to ask again for him, and to ask where I'm from, Betsy got impatient and firmly explained (slightly shouted? I'm not sure - can never tell whether their louder tone of voice is anger or just emphasis!) that we were really hungry and we would prefer him to stop asking for my number and take our order so we can eat. Haha! All very Spanish....!!!
Today, Betsy, Bianca and I went round Adolfo's house for lunch - his mum invited us round to eat with them and with some of their family friends. It was a lovely afternoon and after eating we all sat round the table talking (me, listening mostly..), which is something that I have really enjoyed about the Spanish culture. After eating, they sit and chat for ages at the table and it's so chilled and relaxed - well animated and loud at the same time because that's in their nature, but I just like that!
Afterwards, anyway, we walked the dog and watched a movie (Year One, in Spanish..) before heading over to the church for the weekly prayer meeting. Admittedly, I didn't understand much from the meeting tonight - I think I was too tired. So I just read my bible for a while, and prayed for things I understood and simply gave over to God what I didn't understand. I had some good conversations after the service with people who introduced themselves to me because they didn't recognise me. I felt a lot more confident to speak with them because I'm finding that I am still understanding more and more and getting better at that. Frustratingly, the speaking part is still the most difficult part for me.
Betsy said to me tonight, "the only things we talk about are food and tiredness and whether you're happy!" Which I suppose is partly true (there is a running joke that whenever they ask me whether I am hungry / tired, I always answer 'un poco'!) But actually, it's hard when you spend a lot of time with people and have the same experiences as them throughout the day, to then talk together about those things, especially if you're with a lot of people who are fluent in the language and who talk about things as we go! However, with new people or with Bianca's family who I don't see much during the day, we have more to say to each other about the day, different things that have happened etc. But the other thing is that when there are more than a couple of people, the conversations just go so fast that I can just about keep up with what's being said and follow the conversation, but if I start to think about things to say or formulating speech in my head, I can't do that and keep up with understanding everything! I have realised that I can sit and understand pretty much all of a conversation (obviously, not every conversation - but after catching the context and general jist, I am able to follow pretty much the whole conversation!) but as soon as someone asks me a question, it fires a different part of my brain which then can't cope with listening, understanding, translating, formulating an answer and sending that to my mouth in a reasonable amount of time.. Ahh it's so hard!
But tonight on the way back from church, Mihaela and I had a conversation about our day and when we got home, she showed me a map of Romania that they have mounted on their wall. She is originally from Romania but they have lived here in Sspain for many years! She told me lots about different parts of the country, about her city and her family and friends but also about what it was like growing up as a Christian during the time of Communism there. And I was asking questions and active in the conversation, not simply listening. I found that I was hardly thinking about translating what she way saying, I was simply understanding immediately. So that was encouraging. Ooh I love seeing and feeling progress!
Spectacular building! Shame it was too late to go inside as it was already closed when we're got there.
Of course - cathedral selfie.
Actually not sure what this was but there were lots of hand prints so we found the one that our hands fit best.
So much detail!
El Topo is a little café / restaurant right outside the cathedral. A Topo is a 'mole' (the animal that lives underground). I think, from the story they told me, the legend is that the guy who build the cathedral found a giant mole that every night ate part of the cathedral or tried to break it down while it was being constructed. And the the skin of the mole is still inside the cathedral to this day? I think they could have been joking with me but that's apparently why that restaurant is there.
We didn't eat here, but not too far from the cathedral, we found 'my' bar haha.
Then, getting impacient with hunger, we began the hunt for a tapas bar. What I didn't realise is that they don't just go to one restaurant and order loads of plates to share.. They move from bar to bar and order drinks, and with the drinks you get a few free plates of tapas or pinchos. We ended up going to 5 different bars (not really like bars in England) and ordering little drinks like grape juice (mosto) and fizzy orange (butano) and getting sharing plates of tapas. Then after 10 minutes or so, moving on to the next place! It was such a good night - walking from place to place, getting to know some of the youth of the church and trying lots of different foods! It all felt so Spanish :) even the part in the final bar we ate in, when the waiter sent a waitress over to our table to ask for my number and I (politely as I could in my broken Spanish) said no and explained that I don't live here in Spain. When a different waiter came over to ask again for him, and to ask where I'm from, Betsy got impatient and firmly explained (slightly shouted? I'm not sure - can never tell whether their louder tone of voice is anger or just emphasis!) that we were really hungry and we would prefer him to stop asking for my number and take our order so we can eat. Haha! All very Spanish....!!!
On our way towards home before the final tapas stop. Another lovely building in León - they are some many beautiful places there. It's such a gorgeous city!
Afterwards, anyway, we walked the dog and watched a movie (Year One, in Spanish..) before heading over to the church for the weekly prayer meeting. Admittedly, I didn't understand much from the meeting tonight - I think I was too tired. So I just read my bible for a while, and prayed for things I understood and simply gave over to God what I didn't understand. I had some good conversations after the service with people who introduced themselves to me because they didn't recognise me. I felt a lot more confident to speak with them because I'm finding that I am still understanding more and more and getting better at that. Frustratingly, the speaking part is still the most difficult part for me.
Betsy said to me tonight, "the only things we talk about are food and tiredness and whether you're happy!" Which I suppose is partly true (there is a running joke that whenever they ask me whether I am hungry / tired, I always answer 'un poco'!) But actually, it's hard when you spend a lot of time with people and have the same experiences as them throughout the day, to then talk together about those things, especially if you're with a lot of people who are fluent in the language and who talk about things as we go! However, with new people or with Bianca's family who I don't see much during the day, we have more to say to each other about the day, different things that have happened etc. But the other thing is that when there are more than a couple of people, the conversations just go so fast that I can just about keep up with what's being said and follow the conversation, but if I start to think about things to say or formulating speech in my head, I can't do that and keep up with understanding everything! I have realised that I can sit and understand pretty much all of a conversation (obviously, not every conversation - but after catching the context and general jist, I am able to follow pretty much the whole conversation!) but as soon as someone asks me a question, it fires a different part of my brain which then can't cope with listening, understanding, translating, formulating an answer and sending that to my mouth in a reasonable amount of time.. Ahh it's so hard!
But tonight on the way back from church, Mihaela and I had a conversation about our day and when we got home, she showed me a map of Romania that they have mounted on their wall. She is originally from Romania but they have lived here in Sspain for many years! She told me lots about different parts of the country, about her city and her family and friends but also about what it was like growing up as a Christian during the time of Communism there. And I was asking questions and active in the conversation, not simply listening. I found that I was hardly thinking about translating what she way saying, I was simply understanding immediately. So that was encouraging. Ooh I love seeing and feeling progress!
The map of Romania in 1938, that's up in their hall.
Tuesday, 19 August 2014
Day 33 - Deciding to make a change. Why not? #45daysofsummer
When I heard last night that we were going to the beach today, I was well excited! When I heard that it was just Mihaela, Bianca, Betsy and me, I was even more excited. Girls day out at the beach?! Wooo!
Then I heard it was a two and a half hour drive away.
Less excited at that point.
However, today has been a truly wonderful day!
Admittedly, I slept a lot of the way for the journey there (hey, what's new?! Everyone knows I sleep in the car all the time! And I did warn them beforehand..) But we stopped on the way there, part way up a mountain, almost 2000m above sea level on the winding roads that took us to Gijón, to marvel at the breathtaking views.
It was freezing. But it was gorgeous.
We continued the journey (I went back to sleep) and before I knew it, we were in Gijón. Ready to party.
Well, we were certainly ready for a day on the beach at least, but the sky was rather cloudy and it looked like a storm was brewing in the distance. We braved it anyway!
And something occurred to me today, that I hadn't thought of up until now on my travels. There are some definite challenges about coming to new places on you're own and trying to make friends when you can't fully function in their language.. But there are some really great opportunities too.
I realised today, that even though I have spent almost 10 days with these girls, they still don't know all that much about me (herein lies both the challenge and the opportunity). I wasn't about to spoil the party and tell them how much I liked the look and idea of the beach, but that actually I really don't like sand or sea pretty much at all... So I didn't tell them. And therefore had to pretend at first (or persuade myself) that I did actually like it. They knew no different. And rather than it feeling like lying, it occurred to me that I had a chance here to start something new, to change something, to try something that I had previously not liked, amongst people who were getting to know me and find out for myself that I don't altogether hate it. In fact, I loved it!
We only spent about an hour, maybe a little longer, on the beach. And a lot of that time, Betsy, Bianca and I were in the sea. First paddling, then running into the waves! And the waves were big! Huge, crashing, salt-in-your-mouth-nose-eyes-and-everywhere kind of waves. I tried to keep my hands and face out of the water initially, but it was impossible so I gave up and in that letting go, ended up having so much fun, getting drenched and finding out that I can enjoy something that I have previously dreaded! Such an amazing feeling!
We got dry (freezing whilst doing so!) And went in search of other bonitas vistas (beautiful views)...
Then I heard it was a two and a half hour drive away.
Less excited at that point.
However, today has been a truly wonderful day!
Admittedly, I slept a lot of the way for the journey there (hey, what's new?! Everyone knows I sleep in the car all the time! And I did warn them beforehand..) But we stopped on the way there, part way up a mountain, almost 2000m above sea level on the winding roads that took us to Gijón, to marvel at the breathtaking views.
It was freezing. But it was gorgeous.
We continued the journey (I went back to sleep) and before I knew it, we were in Gijón. Ready to party.
Well, we were certainly ready for a day on the beach at least, but the sky was rather cloudy and it looked like a storm was brewing in the distance. We braved it anyway!
Waves!
Waves enough for surfing!
And other people with the same idea as us - who cares about the storm?! We're at the beach!
And something occurred to me today, that I hadn't thought of up until now on my travels. There are some definite challenges about coming to new places on you're own and trying to make friends when you can't fully function in their language.. But there are some really great opportunities too.
I realised today, that even though I have spent almost 10 days with these girls, they still don't know all that much about me (herein lies both the challenge and the opportunity). I wasn't about to spoil the party and tell them how much I liked the look and idea of the beach, but that actually I really don't like sand or sea pretty much at all... So I didn't tell them. And therefore had to pretend at first (or persuade myself) that I did actually like it. They knew no different. And rather than it feeling like lying, it occurred to me that I had a chance here to start something new, to change something, to try something that I had previously not liked, amongst people who were getting to know me and find out for myself that I don't altogether hate it. In fact, I loved it!
We only spent about an hour, maybe a little longer, on the beach. And a lot of that time, Betsy, Bianca and I were in the sea. First paddling, then running into the waves! And the waves were big! Huge, crashing, salt-in-your-mouth-nose-eyes-and-everywhere kind of waves. I tried to keep my hands and face out of the water initially, but it was impossible so I gave up and in that letting go, ended up having so much fun, getting drenched and finding out that I can enjoy something that I have previously dreaded! Such an amazing feeling!
We got dry (freezing whilst doing so!) And went in search of other bonitas vistas (beautiful views)...
Salty hair!
Getting dry before lunch.
Ideal spot for viewing the coast.
Selfie necessary.
Another, more smiley selfie, necessary.
Host-mom, Mihaela! She drove us all the way, and around the city, and looked after our stuff while we swam. Superstar.
Oh and then we got chocolate con churros. Oh yes.
Something else that's new today. I also decided to be brave try and start speaking my thoughts out loud. As yet, I haven't really been quick enough to translate a passing thought in to Spanish and speak it out loud in time for it to still be relevant so I've just not bothered.. I have managed a couple of witty responses and sarcastic comments, but today tried to forget about making mistakes and put in to words some ideas and thoughts I had at different points in the day - about how funny it is hearing little kids speaking Spanish, asking more about where we are and verbalising geneal observations.. And its amazing how much new conversation and vocabulary it opened up! Today felt a lot richer in so many ways. :)
I only slept for a short amount of time on the journey back. Mostly, I watched out the window as we passed yet more stunning scenery. We drove through various mountainous regions, and I kept thinking of Moses and wondering if these were anything like Mount Sanai.. Probably not, but I liked the thought and felt close to nature and to God! Particularly with all that is in the news if late, I just feel so thankful and so very blessed. Trying not to take these experiences for granted.
Monday, 18 August 2014
Day 32: Nothing is Wasted. #45daysofsummer
Today, a group of young people from the church here in León went for a walk around a local mountain park. It's not fair to say we went on a mountain walk, because although I think the place was called a mountain, it wasn't that mountain-like and the walk to park was longer than the actual walk itself. Anyway, regardless of where exactly we walked, walk we did and it was very (very!) hot today. We stopped a few times. First for a devotional time, which Betsy led and we spent some time praying for some situations that the youth have going on and for situations around the world.
We also stopped for food. And later just to rest in some shade (I napped on a bench. Well needed). And later again, on the way home, to dip our feet in the river. It was so cool and refreshing!
During the summer months, you're not allowed to have BBQs in the parks because they have so little rain here that fires can start and spread really easily. On the way there and back, we passed a field that was a perfect example of this.
It was all charred and burned, remnants of what once filled the field lay scattered around and the faint scent of fire filled the air as we passed.
But in amongst the ashes, new life was growing - plants finding nourishment in harsh conditions. Dry and perhaps weary, but alive and persevering.
I was reminded of a song that I needed to remember again today. It filled my head and the words sank deeply into my heart and reminded me that in the hands of my redeemer, nothing is wasted.
We also stopped for food. And later just to rest in some shade (I napped on a bench. Well needed). And later again, on the way home, to dip our feet in the river. It was so cool and refreshing!
During the summer months, you're not allowed to have BBQs in the parks because they have so little rain here that fires can start and spread really easily. On the way there and back, we passed a field that was a perfect example of this.
It was all charred and burned, remnants of what once filled the field lay scattered around and the faint scent of fire filled the air as we passed.
But in amongst the ashes, new life was growing - plants finding nourishment in harsh conditions. Dry and perhaps weary, but alive and persevering.
I was reminded of a song that I needed to remember again today. It filled my head and the words sank deeply into my heart and reminded me that in the hands of my redeemer, nothing is wasted.
From the ruins
From the ashes
Beauty will rise
From the wreckage
From the darkness
Glory will shine.
I sure hope so. I'm choosing to trust Him.
Feel like I've hit a bit of a wall the past couple of days, but I think that's only because I had three full on weeks and have finally got some time to slow down (although it's not feeling that slow yet and that also probably has something to do with it!) I am still learning, but people can tell I'm tired and I feel less willing to try and speak unless I really need to! Ah it's such a challenge learning a new language like this. Aboslute kudos to people who have moved to different countries and learnt the language whilst living there / set up their life / made new friends etc.. It ain't easy!
But I am encouraged that Nothing is Wasted. My God is creative, and has a plan. He is using me here and is using this experience to shape me somehow! Like the plants in the field, though I am weary, I'm persevering.
And I just heard that we're having a girls day out at the beach tomorrow. That's more like it. Vamos a la playa!
Sunday, 17 August 2014
Day 31. La Iglesia Española. #45daysofsummer
This morning we drove about 10 minutes to church. This is pretty normal, I think. The service seemed pretty full to me, at least for a small evangelical church in León, but Bianca said that because most people go away for Summer, it was pretty empty today.
The evangelical church doesn't seem to be that big here in Spain yet, growing definitely, but still small... A lot of the youth I've met over the past couple of weeks come from more traditional backgrounds and the camps are a really good place for them to come together with other young people in a more contemporary environment that relates to them more and they are then trying to make a difference in their home culture. It's exciting to see!
The service was good though. Basic, but good and it was really interesting to see church done in a different culture! We sang, we prayed, we took communion, we listened to a message and were challenged to respond to God's call when we hear it. I understood a fair bit, not all, but enough. And I'm encouraged that even in another language, amongst family in Christ, I am still at home.
I've been surprised by how many Americans are here. I met two in church this morning, Nancy and Steven at the camp last week, and more again tonight. Either retired, or teaching, or in ministry and leading churches. You can hear their accent from a mile off, even when they're talking Spanish! It's been lovely to meet a few of them and hear their stories, following God's call to come here and build His church.
Tonight, we drove almost an hour to church. This is less normal I think! But an American couple who have been in Spain for 15 years planting churches, have been recently going to the church in León and planted a church in Astorga in May. Some of the young people travel out there on a Sunday evening to support it as its still such a baby church with only about 25 people. It was quite a lot more modern in style than this morning's service, and then we played games after with the youth, and ate home made cake and freshly popped popcorn. I met a couple more Americans, and a lady from Scotland who married a Spanish guy in 1998 and they now have 3 kids and are living in the mountains near León as she teaches in a Bilingual primary school in a deprived area. I got to chat with her about Teach First for a while as well!
Before the evening service, we spent an hour or so looking around the city and visited Gaudi's palace. These are my photos from the day - Bianca's mom (Michaela) got better ones and is going to send them to me so I will update this post with better pictures at a later time! :)
Yesterday, I went for a nice evening walk with Michaela, around the neighbourhood and by the river. I only took a couple of pictures - of the lovely sunset, of me standing by part of the San Salvador walk and of the big shopping centre that is really close to their house.
It's been a chilled couple of days and I've slept quite a lot, but I'm really, really tired at the moment. 2 weeks in and I'm still not used to the late nights and I think my body is recovering from three full-on weeks of travel, high-energy activities, new people, other languages... We had dinner at 10:30 tonight, and now we're about to watch God's Not Dead in Latin American Spanish.. Mi cerebro esta frito!
The evangelical church doesn't seem to be that big here in Spain yet, growing definitely, but still small... A lot of the youth I've met over the past couple of weeks come from more traditional backgrounds and the camps are a really good place for them to come together with other young people in a more contemporary environment that relates to them more and they are then trying to make a difference in their home culture. It's exciting to see!
The service was good though. Basic, but good and it was really interesting to see church done in a different culture! We sang, we prayed, we took communion, we listened to a message and were challenged to respond to God's call when we hear it. I understood a fair bit, not all, but enough. And I'm encouraged that even in another language, amongst family in Christ, I am still at home.
I've been surprised by how many Americans are here. I met two in church this morning, Nancy and Steven at the camp last week, and more again tonight. Either retired, or teaching, or in ministry and leading churches. You can hear their accent from a mile off, even when they're talking Spanish! It's been lovely to meet a few of them and hear their stories, following God's call to come here and build His church.
Tonight, we drove almost an hour to church. This is less normal I think! But an American couple who have been in Spain for 15 years planting churches, have been recently going to the church in León and planted a church in Astorga in May. Some of the young people travel out there on a Sunday evening to support it as its still such a baby church with only about 25 people. It was quite a lot more modern in style than this morning's service, and then we played games after with the youth, and ate home made cake and freshly popped popcorn. I met a couple more Americans, and a lady from Scotland who married a Spanish guy in 1998 and they now have 3 kids and are living in the mountains near León as she teaches in a Bilingual primary school in a deprived area. I got to chat with her about Teach First for a while as well!
Before the evening service, we spent an hour or so looking around the city and visited Gaudi's palace. These are my photos from the day - Bianca's mom (Michaela) got better ones and is going to send them to me so I will update this post with better pictures at a later time! :)
Lol at Betsy's fake smile.
Some arches.
Gaudi's palace.
Us and Gaudi's palace.
Mistake photo but think it's quite artistic!
Betsy being a statue.
Yesterday, I went for a nice evening walk with Michaela, around the neighbourhood and by the river. I only took a couple of pictures - of the lovely sunset, of me standing by part of the San Salvador walk and of the big shopping centre that is really close to their house.
It's been a chilled couple of days and I've slept quite a lot, but I'm really, really tired at the moment. 2 weeks in and I'm still not used to the late nights and I think my body is recovering from three full-on weeks of travel, high-energy activities, new people, other languages... We had dinner at 10:30 tonight, and now we're about to watch God's Not Dead in Latin American Spanish.. Mi cerebro esta frito!
Saturday, 16 August 2014
Days 29 & 30. Even at my weakest, I am loved. #45daysofsummer
In some ways it feels like these two weeks have gone so slowly, yet in other ways, I can't believe I've already completed two camps and I've survived for this long in another language!
I suppose most of all, I can't believe there are only 14 days left of the summer holidays. That's 13 of my adventures and 1 little day in there at the end for recovery and cultural re-adjustment before going back to work (and it's a great feeling to be excited about the next year at Earls and then about whatever God has planned for me after that!)
But for now.. the past two days!
Yesterday, the last full day at the camp, we all went along to the football training. The honest intention was for me and Eli to beat Betsy and Bianca in volleyball, but we didn't have a ball so we couldn't play. Instead, we joined the monitors as they played the Brazilians in a final game of football. I can proudly say we drew. 0-0. And I touched the ball about 3 times in the match. I'll take that!
Last night was the final dinner of the camp and I was totally overwhelmed by everyone singing a simple song of thanks to the cook (which is a normal 'summer camp' thing to do I think!) which turned in to a raging torrent of thanks and celebration, people waving their napkins, standing on chairs, shouting, singing, clapping. United and grateful and enjoying every minute! It was such an experience!
I also made a little friend called Isra who has been my shadow this week. He's about 12 I think but he's only tiny! Although he spoke very little English he persisted in talking to me, sitting on my table every meal time, next to me during the songs and games on the evenings.. even though I was constantly asking him to repeat his questions and talk more slowly! He bought me an ice cream the other day with his tuckshop allowance, so I gave him a box of my skittles last night in return. He's a proper little gentleman and I'm going to miss him!!
We had to leave the camp pretty sharpish this afternoon because the minibus driver wanted to go quickly (I think he had a whole day of driving ahead, taking people to various places, stations, airports etc.) And this sadly meant that I didn't have much time to say bye to the people who were still there! Some I will see tomorrow at church, and some next week at the final camp of the summer, but some I had to give a quick hug to and then I was off (yay for Facebook!) And now I am here at my hosts for the week, in León with Bianca and her family, and Betsy will be arriving later tonight. I am so thankful for their hospitality and welcome - and its really exciting to be in a family / home environment for a short time to have some time to properly rest and unwind... Ahh.
Here's to the holidays.
I suppose most of all, I can't believe there are only 14 days left of the summer holidays. That's 13 of my adventures and 1 little day in there at the end for recovery and cultural re-adjustment before going back to work (and it's a great feeling to be excited about the next year at Earls and then about whatever God has planned for me after that!)
But for now.. the past two days!
Yesterday, the last full day at the camp, we all went along to the football training. The honest intention was for me and Eli to beat Betsy and Bianca in volleyball, but we didn't have a ball so we couldn't play. Instead, we joined the monitors as they played the Brazilians in a final game of football. I can proudly say we drew. 0-0. And I touched the ball about 3 times in the match. I'll take that!
Later in the afternoon, instead of going to the swimming pool, we had group water activities stationed around the block that the camp is on and in the local park. These planned activities turned in to a village-wide water fight with around 50 kids and adults running round the streets with buckets of water!
I actually made the video again last night (the end of day video that the brasilians make with photos and video clips from the day, and a short devotional message). This time I was on there with my epic fall in one of the water activities, that happened to be recorded on someone's mobile. You can trust me that it was hilarious, and in slow motion too. Yay! Haha. Honestly though, I did hurt my head a bit and my neck has been quite stiff since.. Plus I've had tooth ache (wisdom teeth mean I'm getting wiser, right?) and I cut my finger quite badly on Thursday, although thankfully it has healed really quickly! For some reason I've been clumsily in the wars the past couple of days but I'm still standing and think (hope.. pray..) that the next week should be less hazardous. Can't say that for the week after as have no idea what the final camp (de familias) will be like! I'm flying by the seat of my pants this summer, and learning to be OK doing that! God hasn't let me down since and I've been provided for in every possible way with absolutely more than enough!
Last night was the final dinner of the camp and I was totally overwhelmed by everyone singing a simple song of thanks to the cook (which is a normal 'summer camp' thing to do I think!) which turned in to a raging torrent of thanks and celebration, people waving their napkins, standing on chairs, shouting, singing, clapping. United and grateful and enjoying every minute! It was such an experience!
I also made a little friend called Isra who has been my shadow this week. He's about 12 I think but he's only tiny! Although he spoke very little English he persisted in talking to me, sitting on my table every meal time, next to me during the songs and games on the evenings.. even though I was constantly asking him to repeat his questions and talk more slowly! He bought me an ice cream the other day with his tuckshop allowance, so I gave him a box of my skittles last night in return. He's a proper little gentleman and I'm going to miss him!!
I think his example, and generally the experience that I've had with most people here has been so deep and profound for me. In some ways over the past few months, I've definitely not being at my best, yet in other ways I think I have been because I know that God has brought me to this place in my life (not literally, to Spain, but to where I'm at spiritually, relationally, emotionally etc.) and I arrived here in Spain still dealing with so much head and heart stuff, balancing feeling broken and messy and yet complete and walking in God's plan for me, with so many prayers and having so much that I hoped God would do.. I can barely speak the language so communication is obviously the biggest challenge. I have spoken very little compared to normal, had too much time to think sometimes, misunderstood instructions and got things wrong, been too nervous to try things sometimes (not often, but sometimes!), felt like such a burden when asking for things to be repeated again and again, made mistakes when speaking..
The people I've met here haven't had me at what I would consider my best.
Not in the slightest.
And yet, they have accepted me. Loved me. Shown me patience. Taught me new things. Been my friend. It's been a challenge on both sides. But they haven't minded. They haven't judged.
How this reminds me so much of what God does for me. Accepts me. Loves me. Shows me patience. Teaches me new things. He's not only my God but He's my friend. And he judged me worthy of the death of His son so I might know Him.
He has been so close this week, whispering encouragement and truth to me in the times of quiet and confusion and questioning. Stirring things up that I would rather He not, but in the process, showing me that I am loveable even at my weakest and even when people fail me, He does not and will not.
Thank you God.
We had to leave the camp pretty sharpish this afternoon because the minibus driver wanted to go quickly (I think he had a whole day of driving ahead, taking people to various places, stations, airports etc.) And this sadly meant that I didn't have much time to say bye to the people who were still there! Some I will see tomorrow at church, and some next week at the final camp of the summer, but some I had to give a quick hug to and then I was off (yay for Facebook!) And now I am here at my hosts for the week, in León with Bianca and her family, and Betsy will be arriving later tonight. I am so thankful for their hospitality and welcome - and its really exciting to be in a family / home environment for a short time to have some time to properly rest and unwind... Ahh.
Here's to the holidays.
Gospel Choir Concert, sábado el 9 de agosto. #45dayofsummer
As I said I would, here are some pictures from the concert that we did last weekend!
I still haven't found a copy of the video but may be able to get a copy of the audio. Either way, if and when I find it, I will post it up here :)
I still haven't found a copy of the video but may be able to get a copy of the audio. Either way, if and when I find it, I will post it up here :)
I shared Lluna's book for the week during the practices. These were the songs we did! Recognise any? It was fun to learn some in Castellano, but I'm greatful that many were in English because I would have had a real hard time remembering all the lyrics!
Marta drove us to the castle (it wasn't a palace like I thought, but it was well impressive anyway!). She has a white convertible Audi, we drove with the roof down and arrived in style (with slightly dishevelled hair).
The walk from the car. The castle grew on the horizon as we walked through the busy streets, past fairgrounds and night stalls, cars parked in the middle of the walk way..
This was the set up.
Quick pre-concert selfie infront of the castle. Obligatory. (Nata, Jenny, Eli and me).
Milling around getting ready. Ahh it was so exciting being a part of this!
Esther on the drums. She doesn't smile.
With Betsy. We didn't really know each other here but she helped me remember the melodies (which I forgot frequently at this particular concert because my body was absolutely ready for bed when we started the concert at 11pm, and my brain refused to function fully.)
Another selfie. We had time. And my nexus. Had to be done. Sunset in the background (atardecer en español)
JP (juan-pablo) was on guitar (incredible guitarist!) and Guille on bass. Guille plays loads of instruments (also saw him playing violin and drums very very well, assuming there are more) - he's one of those people who seems to be good at everything!
Esther across the way. Starting warm up here (calientamiento). As we started singing, the crowds began to grow. Not sure how many were there - my guess is a few hundred. Many seated, many standing, some who came for a while, some who were shouting 'guapo!' (handsome!) at some of our guys who were performing and also some of the group from the camp who weren't part of the performance. Overall, the performance went so well. I had more energy on the previous night, but this was the finale so it felt like it meant more! Whilst there I thought, I need to get involved at a choir at home but I'm not sure I have the time. I'm so glad I can be part of the Earls staff choir at least, so I get to experience a bit of it :) just love to sing! And the challenges of new harmonies, following the music and the director, and remembering the lyrics are really good!
Post-concert (obviously couldn't take any during it!) But these girls were wonderful and we were all buzzing afterwards! I even look quite brown here stood next to them which is unusual! Must have been the flash of the camera...
Kathlynn, my gorgeous american buddy who is fluent in Spanish and helped me so much during the week. Miss her!
Esther always spoke really fast, and has a really (really!) strong accent so I barely understood anything she ever said to me. But we were still friends and it started with me 'killing' her in the game earlier in the week, only to discover I got the wrong Esther (there were 3). It didn't matter though!
More selfies. Why not?!
Ha.
On the walk back to the car, the castle was all lit up and shadowy. So beautiful.
So there's a bit of an insight of the evening! This weekend is looking quite different but that's for another post!
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