El Fin

So this is my final post. I apologize for being so late....but it was really hard to not just jump right back into my American life. However, I can’t really leave my blog without a close, now can I? Well let’s see. Home. Half of my time back in California so far has been catching up with friends and family and remembering how to drive and cook and all that jazz. The other half was spent trying to process the last four months I’ve been blessed to have abroad. 

La Mezquita in wintertime

In this past week or so of being home, every single person has asked me the same question, “How was Spain?” It has quickly become my most favorite and my most hated question. Favorite because I absolutely LOVED my time in Spain, and I am more than happy to share about my experience. But, it’s also hated because it is impossible to truly answer that question in a couple sentences. I literally need hours or even days to explain. 

After leaving Córdoba for the last time, I went to Spain’s capital, Madrid, for a day and that is where it started to hit me that my semester abroad had really come to a close. I would get to go home to see my friends, but I wasn’t going to be living with my wonderful Spanish family anymore. I wouldn't have to speak in a different language anymore, I wasn’t going to get to go to a different country each weekend anymore, and I wasn’t going to get to go to tapas bars anymore. However, I was going to get to return to my family, my friends, my macaroni and cheese....my home. But the biggest thing: I wasn’t going to be isolated anymore because I was going back to community. And this, I think, marks the biggest thing that God has taught me in the past 4 months. He put me in an environment where I got to be Mary, and not Martha (Luke 10:38-41).

Córdoba is a place where God took me out of schedules, out of deadlines, and out of just plain busyness. You wouldn’t beLIEVE how much free time I had. For the first time in my life, I was able to take 4 hour naps just because I wanted to, not because I was so exhausted that I needed to. Ridiculous, I know. But even more than that, that is where God showed me how beautiful isolation and silence really can be. Why? Because in that environment, I got to have Jesus all to myself, and I could freely give Him all of me. No distractions. No excuses. I hated that it felt so selfish at first. It was like I didn’t want to do anything else. It didn’t seem right that I wasn’t full force trying to be a witness or an example or you know, something I'm supposed to do. But I was quickly shown that it wasn’t selfishness at all...because it wasn’t about me, and it’s never going to be. It’s about the desperation that for the first time I could clearly recognize because there was nothing else to do. Desperation to know Christ. And His desperation to respond. 

This is my basic conclusion (I realize it’s long, but hey, I had four months!). God is frustrating. He is pushy. He makes me uncomfortable....a lot. And there are times when I just don’t like Him very much. I love Him all the time, but there are some days when all I can say is, “God, I just don’t like you very much right now.” And that is perfectly okay; He is still the best thing that has ever happened to me. It means that it is a genuine relationship. In this pushing and prodding and challenging and changing, I’ve learned that these frustrations are rooted in this natural unwillingness I have to change the way I define things to the way God defines them. His version of “normal” isn’t mine. His definition of “perfect” isn’t mine. The way He describes “good” isn’t exactly like mine. And the way He is “love” is more than I will ever be able to comprehend. And you know what? His version is always better. Everything He is oozes grace and mercy and it’s frustrating to me because sometimes it is just plain obvious that it isn’t deserved. But God isn’t about “who deserves this” and “who deserves that.” He is about “who can I love today.” Plain and simple. I know that I am going to spend the rest of my life trying to take on His perspective of the world and attempting to completely ditch my own. Allowing God to annoy me has opened my eyes to see how much I need Him. How much I absolutely HAVE to be defined by Him. Because if I didn’t have Him and I didn’t give Him free reign over my life, I would not be able to live. Seriously. Our relationship is real. I depend on Him more than I depend on the oxygen in the air to breathe. And while I may mess up (a lot), I’m not broken any more. He’s already cleaned me up. So now I’m going to go and be free and live for my favorite Jesus. He loves people...and He loves me. So I think I’m just going to have to get out there and do something about it. 

I just couldn't resist!

i used my running shoes outside of the gym!

This past week was certainly jam packed. After all...it was the last one I have here in Spain and so I (along with everyone else) just tried to absorb everything I could. Even though we were in the midst of finals, we all still found a way to have some fun. I still have to do a lot of things so I’m going to keep this one short.

Saturday, we went to a small bar with our art history professor and some of her friends and listened to a duet with a singer and a guitarist. It was absolutely beautiful...but I’ve got to say, I loved the guitar most!

Sunday, 4 of us girls, Angela, Amrita, Lauren, and I went on a hike in the mountains a little bit outside of the city. It was a looooooong hike (7 hours!!!!), but it was a blast! All I have to say about that is that my Jesus can make one heck of a view. 

mi viaje último: el puente

So Wednesday, I got back from my last weekend trip in Europe. Ok, so it wasn't a weekend...it was a whole week. SCORE! Did I ever mention that I love Spanish holidays? Well I do. Why? This is the way it works. You have Wednesday as the official fiesta day...but that is SOOOO close to the weekend...why not take Thursday AND Friday off!? Well...okay!! So we had two of those...and then combined it made a week. I like that kind of math. 

Ok. So. What I did. Well, Miranda and I met up in Málaga on Wednesday night to fly out to Bremen, Germany to see my friend Felix, and then half way through the week, we took a train to Amsterdam, Holland to visit my family. (I know, I have family in the Netherlands...no big deal :] Hence, the last post). 

Before I continue on, I just have to say that this trip was so blessed before we even went on it. We had booked a flight that was a day earlier than we had wanted to leave...but then it turns out that the Spanish airport workers went on strike the original day, meaning that we most likely would have been stranded in Spain for half our trip. When we arrived in Bremen, it was snowing. It was soft and beautiful...but then we found out later that because it got worse, a lot of flights to Germany were canceled. THEN, we hear that because of the snow, all the trains in the area were getting canceled or delayed like crazy the day before we left for Amsterdam...so I asked God if He could clear it up for us, and so there was definitely sun when we got on our train, with everything working perfectly. Literally everything about our trip was perfect, both the logistical side of it and the fun side. I’ve got a pretty good Daddy up in heaven. He looked out for us that’s for sure. 

So there is a lot of stuff we did. Well, duh...we were gone for a week. So we’re going to do this picture style again. I feel like it will be less boring...hopefully you agree!

First we got to Bremen and Felix was nice enough to pick us up from the airport. He drove us a bit outside the city to his town, Weyhe. It is absolutely beautiful. After settling our things in his (awesome) house, he drove us around Weyhe and showed us all the things in the city, including his school. 

We got back to his house just in time for lunch. His dad made us a traditional meal that is typical for northern Germany. It was one of the best things I have eaten here in Europe. No doubt about it. It’s called Grünkohl & Pinkel. I didn’t think I would finish it...but don’t worry, I did. It was wayyyy too good to leave left overs! We were so stuffed after lunch that we just relaxed for a few hours, but then we went to this place afterwards with a bunch of trampolines and bounce house-type-things and such and jumped around for a few hours. It’s one of Felix’s favorite places to go, and we were more than willing to join him. His sister came with us, as well as his friend Daniel. The next day, since Felix had to go to class, Daniel was nice enough to drive Miranda and I into Bremen and show us around the town. 

Miranda, Me, and Daniel, our very own tour guide!

The famous Musicians of Bremen

Daniel, Miranda, Aleks, and I

It is a little city filled with life, but at the same time, it’s so quaint and cozy you just can’t help but feel relaxed. OH. Also, they had all their Christmas lights up, because it is that time of year. And all the little food stands and shops. It was time for their Christmas Fair. I LOVE Christmas. It’s my favorite holiday. And it all looked perfect with the snow. Even if it was freezing. As the day passed on, more of Felix’s friends showed up, and we had a blast meeting all of them. After Felix showed up, the Germans took us to their favorite pub to relax and get some drinks. They weren’t going to let us leave until we had some German beer of course. (Too bad I don’t like beer at all...but actually I did find one that I don’t mind...Felix called it a girly beer...but I just told him that it was a good thing that I’m a GIRL). 

The next day, we took it easy and went ice skating for a few hours (aka the only winter sport I am capable of doing...thanks for the lessons Mom!!!). But I’d have to say that for Miranda and I, our pride and joy that day was that we ordered a hot dog and fries successfully in German. Yessssss. Granted we guessed. A lot. There were a lot of things with the word “wurst” in it...and we knew that it was the word for sausage...but we didn’t know which one was the hot dog. But we TOTALLY guessed right. Geniuses, I know. After spending some more time with the friends we had met the day before, we called it a night because we had a train to catch the next day. 

When the 4 hour train ride was over, we were met at the train station by my cousin Inez. I was so excited, you have no idea. The last time I saw this part of my family was three years ago at a wedding. 

Ok hold on. Let me back track. Technically Inez isn’t my cousin, cousin. Her dad, Reggy, is my dad’s cousin. Reggy is married to Jacqueline, and they have two kids, Sander and Inez. Inez is my age, and Sander is a few years older. Reggy’s brother Ron also lives in Holland, and his wife’s name is Boudewien. Lastly, Reggy and Ron’s mother, (I call her Oma Lian) also lives in Amsterdam. Whew! I hope you got that. 

Left to Right: Jacqueline, Reggy, Boudewien, Me, Inez, Sander, and Ron

Reggy and Jacqueline were so nice as to let Miranda and I stay in their house. So the first day we were there, we just stayed inside (out of the cold) and relaxed. I was welcomed with a wonderful surprise (besides the excitement of seeing my family, of course)...Oma Lian had made me Indonesian food. THAT’S RIGHT. I was stoooked beyond belief. My dad always tells me that she is his favorite aunt...and I quickly found out why before even meeting her in person. That first night the whole family came over (except Oma Lian) and so we all got to catch up with each other which was so much fun. We had all been through a lot since the last time we saw each other. Family reunions for us are kind of a big deal because we all live so far away from each other. My family is all OVER the place. It might be overwhelming...but I just love it. I think Miranda is the first friend that I have that has gotten to see my extended family. She had never seen this side of my life, so I think she was pretty entertained. We got a great Indonesian meal that night with some Dutch snacks and desserts on the side. Maybe it isn’t typical Dutch...but it certainly was typical family. 

The next day Miranda and I got up and went to the city center. Inez had given us many suggestions on local things to do and places to eat, and Reggy and Jacqueline mapped out everything there was to do in Amsterdam. It felt strange to be taken care of after traveling so much on my own, but I absolutely loved it. Miranda and I went all over Amsterdam that day. Here are some things we saw:

We also saw the Van Gogh Museum...but they wouldn’t let us take pictures. Sad day. That night Sander took us out to dinner in his neighborhood, and one of his friends came with us as well (I would tell you his name, but I have NO idea how to spell it). It was really fun to catch up with him and find out what he’s been up to these past couple of years. 

Sander and me.

For our last full day, Miranda and I explored more of the city again, and included a trip to the Anne Frank House. She has an incredible recount, and as soon as I get the chance, I definitely want to read her diary. To be honest, I didn’t know much about Anne Frank, but the museum did a wonderful job of giving enough background information for each visitor to understand the significance of her story. 

After Reggy got off work, he took us to Oma Lian’s house so I could meet her. She is awesome. She is 88 years old and still unbelievably sharp--she lives on her own and still cooks for everyone. Reggy told me that she was a bit nervous to meet me because she didn’t think that her English was so good, but in my opinion, it was more than good enough. She got really excited when I understood some Indonesian words, so she ended up talking to me in a bit of a mixture with Reggy there to translate in case we couldn’t understand each other. She told me lots of stories and even remembered my birthday! It was such a blessing to get to meet/see her, and I really hope that I can come back and visit again soon!

For dinner, Jacquline made us a typical Dutch dinner and then she and Reggy took us out for some drinks afterwards. With that, we marked our last night in Northern Europe because it was time for us to return back to Andalusia in the morning. 

If you want my honest opinion...I absolutely LOVE northern Europe. The culture there is very similar to the United States, and it played a huge part in making me feel very comfortable. Andalusia is nowhere near as modern or efficient as Germany or Holland, but there is something very special there that has caused me to fall in love with it. I really like living in Andalusia. When I came back to Córdoba, my Spanish family had put up all their Christmas decorations while I was gone. The house looks lovely and the kids were super excited to show me all the lights. I love being in places that are filled with life, and that is certainly an accurate description of my Spanish home. 

Sidenote: I come home in like a week! How weird is that!?

we're international.

I have the best family in the world. For reals.

el guerra civíl

At least, that's what my history profesor called it. But really...that's what fútbol does to people here. Yesterday night was that HUGE game between Madrid and Barcelona. Angela and I were really Spanish and went to a bar to watch it with a few of our friends from church. I know, I know...I'm still fully aware that I know nothing about soccer (other than the fact that you're supposed to kick the ball into the goal), but it was way too fun of an event to miss out on. Walking down the streets, every single bar is packed with people watching the game together. You have a bar that is filled with Madrid fans, the next is filled with Barcelona fans, and then the one next to that is divided down the middle. Antonio, our professor, told us that on game days, it's like people are willing to kill their own brother for a win!...just kidding. He is a huuuge Madrid fan, so you can only imagine his reaction after that game (sorry for the spoiler but Madrid lost to Barcelona 5-0). I decided that I was going to root for Barcelona...but I kept that to myself in class. Oh and our friends were Real Madrid fans too. One of them, Danny, just finished telling me that Madrid's goalie was the best in the world...and then Barcelona scored. It was awesome. 


The bar we went to was divided. After each goal, half the people would jump up screaming, and the other half would have their heads in their hands..also screaming..but in frustration. The bar kind of sounded like this: "Venga....venga, venga, venga!!! Eh!!! Que asco! Eres tonto!?!? Terible! Espera!...venga.....venga, venga, venga...GOALLLLLLLLLLL!!!" 


Not gonna lie, I laughed a LOT. Good thing the Spaniards couldn't hear/understand my commentary...I might have been punched in the face. (I mayyyy have said something along the lines about how I wonder if Messi is really messy and also that I think it's funny that it looks like they have no legs when the cameras zoom out...but really it is!)


I don't think I'll ever fully get into fútbol...nor will I ever have a desire to play it (ewww running), but I will say that going to watch a game in a Spanish bar is a pretty good time. 

el día de acción de gracias

This one isn't going to be long because I have class in about five minutes...but that's alright.


So maybe we missed Thanksgiving from home because we were here...but our program threw us a Thanksgiving dinner so we could celebrate in Spain together. I am so glad we didn't have to miss out too badly on this tradition! 


Just so you know...I missed all of you at home dearly.


But...I really do have so much to be thankful for here.

Art class...with our Professor in the middle 

They had turkey too!

you mean...I get to speak in English!?

The day finally came. I travelled to a different country...and completely understood everyone and everything around me. PTL for England. Seriously. This was the last trip that I got to have in Europe with my great friends Kevin and Spencer. They are both studying in Canterbury, England....so guess where my first stop was! That’s right, you guessed it. My friend Lisa and I flew into London on Thursday night and after a FREEZING cold 5 hour wait (I will never complain about the cold weather in Southern Spain again...well...I’ll try not to), we caught the bus (or coach) to Canterbury to spend a day there with the boys. If you don’t know them, Kevin and Spencer are the best hosts EVER. This trip, I didn’t have to research like a mad person how to get from place to place. Kevin met us at the bus station and took us back to the University of Kent where they study and brought us to the kitchen where Spencer was waiting with a few of their English friends and plates loaded up with hashbrowns and pancakes. Now THAT’S what I’m talkin’ about!!! What a wonderful welcome. After a hot shower and a bit of rest, the boys took Lisa and I into town to see the sights of the city. By the way, Canterbury is now officially one of my top five favorite cities in the world. I love it even more than I love Paris. That’s a LOT. Think stereotypical green English countryside, English accents, and a quaint little English town and you have Canterbury. To say that it is beautiful is the biggest understatement ever. Honestly, if I hadn’t wanted to learn another language, I’m sure I would have chosen to study there too. We explored the town and saw the old Cathedral, got Kevin a raccoon hat, ate some fish and chips, watched the sky turn dark at like 4:30pm (waaaaay too early), saw the King’s school (which is the oldest school in the world that still is running today), and then headed back to their place for my MUCH anticipated homemade macaroni and cheese and a giant pizookie for dessert. Did I mention that I LOVE my friends?! 

Beautiful Canterbury

The Cathedral

Lisa and I!

FISH AND CHIPS!

King's School

The next day we all got up early and took a bus back to London to spend the rest of the weekend there. One of Kevin and Spencer’s English friends came with us too. His name is Doug. And he’s awesome too. We had a fun group, that’s for sure. After buying tube passes, we went all over the place. See?

British Museum

Big Ben. Of course. 

Westminster Abbey

Winter Wonderland

Sunday morning marked our last day, and we were all leaving at different times. Lisa had to leave first :(. But afterwards, the boys and I still had time to go to church. Oh. But not just any church. HILLSONG LONDON. For reals. I know, right!? Thank you JESUS. And it was absolutely amazing. We were all beyond stoked to go, and after the service it really reminded me how much I love being in the family of Christ. This time here in Europe, Jesus has really been teaching me about isolation. I’ve learned what it means to be conscious of the fact that my relationship with Him is solely dependent on how intimate I want it to be. For the first time in my life, I feel like I have begun to understand the beauty of silence, and also how to grow as a Christian in that environment. However, community is also a wonderful, wonderful thing, and it was a pleasure to get to take part of that one in London. It was so encouraging to be there and it also made me really really excited to come back and see my own community in California. After the service, it was time to say goodbye to English, to London, and to the boys and return to Spain. 

HILLSONG. YES.

It was such a fun and joy filled weekend, to say the least. It amazes me each day that God has blessed me with such opportunities, and more importantly, with such friends. They may be in the same program together, but it’s so clear to me that God is teaching both Spencer and Kevin their own unique lessons. They are each getting their own story, just as I am getting one. Everytime I see or talk to them, I get so excited to hear about what God is teaching them. How He is growing them. How He is providing for them. And how He is proving to them how great and mighty He is more and mroe. These are my favorite kinds of stories. Just so you know.