My biggest mission in Spain is to witness to my non-christian family. I've been feeling very discouraged because I haven't found my "in" with my family yet. Everyone keeps telling me about how they got to share Jesus with their families. That's great, and I'm excited for them. But I think I was a little jealous that I wasn't having those opportunities.
I can tell that my family doesn't want anything to do with church. They would never say so to me, but I can tell.
Today at camp, I told Carla that I felt like I wasn't making a difference here, with my family or anyone else. I told her I wasn't sure my family would come to church with me on Sunday. She said we'd pray for them and for the Sunday service. All day, I prayed for my family. My heart broke for them, for their need for Him in their lives.
When I got into the apartment after camp, the first thing my host mom said to me was, "What time do you need to be at church on Sunday?" I said, "5:30 for practice, and church starts at 7." She said, "OK," and went back to cleaning. I stood there for a minute, and then asked, "Would you like to come to church with me?" She turned around and said, "Of course! We want to hear you sing! You are singing, si?"
I was so excited! I went back to my room and cried tears of joy while my family took their siesta. God answered my prayer, and he answered it quickly! I feel a peace and a joy because I know I am exactly where I'm supposed to be. I am making a difference for my Savior! My singing isn't the reason that they should want to come, but it will get them in the door. He will do the rest!
Matthew 4:19
And he said unto them, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men."
All I have to do is follow.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
To The Very End Of The Age
English camp today went very well (moi bien!). For the first time, I felt like I really knew what I was doing, and the kids were really trying to understand me. The last couple days in class, I was just kind of winging it. It made a world of difference to come prepared!!
Also, today I had a helper/translator for the first time. His name is Edgar, and Luke lived with him last year. Everyone loves him! Today is his first day at English Camp, because he was in some kind of summer school. He was very helpful translating and doing the sound system stuff!
Yesterday, I went to church for adult conversation classes. Basically, I just sat and talked with 5 or 6 Spanish women at a time. There were two different groups, and each group was supposed to have 1 hour each. I got so involved in the conversations that both times we went way over by accident.
I wasn’t really sure where to start, but they asked about me, my family, and my life in the US. By the end, we’d talked about all kinds of things, everything from unemployment to the weather to our home lives to our cultures’ foods. It was very interesting. It was easier than English Camp with the kids because the adults understand more and also really want to learn. Most of the kids come because their parents want them to, not because they really care.
Tomorrow, we are starting rehearsals for the Lifehouse Everything Skit. I’m really excited. It has both Americans and Spaniards in it. Most everyone has done it before, so hopefully the language barrier won’t really be a problem. Of course, the skit itself has no words. We’re performing it for the Spanish church on Sunday, and again at parks later.
I’ve seen that skit a million times, but every time it hits me like new. I so feel that way in my life at times. I’m going great being with Jesus, and then suddenly something else steps in. This doesn’t seem like a big deal at the time, but then all the sudden, there is so much between me and God that I feel like he’s completely abandoned me, even though he’s promised never to do that**. Just when it seems all hope is lost, He sweeps in to save me and help me stand under the weight of the world.
When I mentioned this to Carla, our missionary, she said, “Isn’t the teacher always silent during a test?” Wow. It seems so simple, but this is a way that I can understand. All teachers give tests to see that we’ve grown, that we are learning. Tests are meant to be taken alone, but the teacher is always watching to make sure we can handle it. Sometimes, in my “tests,” I think I am all alone, panic, and fail. Anyways, I really enjoy this skit, and I hope the Spanish church does, too.
My family doesn’t attend church, but they are supposed to come for a special Sunday service this week. We are performing this skit and singing with the Spanish choir. I don‘t think my family wants to come, though they would never say so to me. It was a long time ago that Spain had religious oppression, but they have long memories. Catholicism was forced upon the people, and the priests were corrupt. The government would pay the priests to tattle after someone confessed to them. Now, no one trusts the church, and they rebel against it. There is so much hurt, but I can still see that my family has a longing for something more. Pray that their hearts might be opened to the message we’ll bring on Sunday. My heart breaks for them. I feel like I am not really making a difference here for them.
** Matthew 28:20 “… And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
I’ve posted this before, but I need reminders. I cling to this promise.
PS.... Happy Birthday, America! :)
Also, today I had a helper/translator for the first time. His name is Edgar, and Luke lived with him last year. Everyone loves him! Today is his first day at English Camp, because he was in some kind of summer school. He was very helpful translating and doing the sound system stuff!
Yesterday, I went to church for adult conversation classes. Basically, I just sat and talked with 5 or 6 Spanish women at a time. There were two different groups, and each group was supposed to have 1 hour each. I got so involved in the conversations that both times we went way over by accident.
I wasn’t really sure where to start, but they asked about me, my family, and my life in the US. By the end, we’d talked about all kinds of things, everything from unemployment to the weather to our home lives to our cultures’ foods. It was very interesting. It was easier than English Camp with the kids because the adults understand more and also really want to learn. Most of the kids come because their parents want them to, not because they really care.
Tomorrow, we are starting rehearsals for the Lifehouse Everything Skit. I’m really excited. It has both Americans and Spaniards in it. Most everyone has done it before, so hopefully the language barrier won’t really be a problem. Of course, the skit itself has no words. We’re performing it for the Spanish church on Sunday, and again at parks later.
I’ve seen that skit a million times, but every time it hits me like new. I so feel that way in my life at times. I’m going great being with Jesus, and then suddenly something else steps in. This doesn’t seem like a big deal at the time, but then all the sudden, there is so much between me and God that I feel like he’s completely abandoned me, even though he’s promised never to do that**. Just when it seems all hope is lost, He sweeps in to save me and help me stand under the weight of the world.
When I mentioned this to Carla, our missionary, she said, “Isn’t the teacher always silent during a test?” Wow. It seems so simple, but this is a way that I can understand. All teachers give tests to see that we’ve grown, that we are learning. Tests are meant to be taken alone, but the teacher is always watching to make sure we can handle it. Sometimes, in my “tests,” I think I am all alone, panic, and fail. Anyways, I really enjoy this skit, and I hope the Spanish church does, too.
My family doesn’t attend church, but they are supposed to come for a special Sunday service this week. We are performing this skit and singing with the Spanish choir. I don‘t think my family wants to come, though they would never say so to me. It was a long time ago that Spain had religious oppression, but they have long memories. Catholicism was forced upon the people, and the priests were corrupt. The government would pay the priests to tattle after someone confessed to them. Now, no one trusts the church, and they rebel against it. There is so much hurt, but I can still see that my family has a longing for something more. Pray that their hearts might be opened to the message we’ll bring on Sunday. My heart breaks for them. I feel like I am not really making a difference here for them.
** Matthew 28:20 “… And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
I’ve posted this before, but I need reminders. I cling to this promise.
PS.... Happy Birthday, America! :)
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Language Barrier
Hola America! The past 24 hours have been very interesting for me.
Yesterday afternoon, my host father took the kids and I to the local swimming pool. It is about two or three minutes to walk there from our apartment. It was a very hot day, so I was glad for the opportunity to cool off. In Spanish local swimming pools, it's easy to spot the American. She's the only one who wears a tankini, has blonde hair, and thinks it is ok to wear sunglasses in the water.
My brother and sister speak some English, but I hadn't realized how much easier it was when my host mother was around to translate when necessary. I spent most of the night without her, so I had to do my best with charades. I have a few words I stick to like glue: "gracias," "bueno," and "ci."
After the pool, my host father had an appointment in town, so I was left alone with the children. They wanted to play cards, but they picked a game I didn't know. It's very difficult to pick up a game when all the directions are given to you in a different language! But I did pretty well, and I actually ended up winning a few rounds! Next, Rodrigo got out a board game. I recognized it at first glance, "Clue!" He gave me a funny look and said, "No, Elisabet. This is Cluedo." Clue is MUCH harder in Spanish! I learned a lot, and it was a good experience for all three of us.
Today, I woke up feeling sick. My family was very worried and kept asking if I needed a doctor. I tried to explain that I have weird digestion problems, but they still looked worried after my explanation. At camp, I ended up being too sick to teach my first two classes. Luckily, Carla was available to take my place. I feel fine now, but when I got home, my host parents insisted I take a siesta for my health.
During my art class with 5 & 6 year olds, I was sitting with a few girls, helping when needed. They understand that I am an American, and they understand I cannot speak Spanish. However, they seem to have trouble understanding that I can't understand when they speak. They were content to babble to me in Spanish, so long as I would keep smiling.
Being sick and also spending time with the little kids at camp has taught me something today. I can't speak Spanish, but that doesn't mean I can't communicate. There are some things that are the same in every language. Tears and frowns always express sadness of some kind. Hugs are always intended to show love and care. Smiles always show encouragement and happiness. Laughter is always good. I can't speak Spanish, and they cannot speak English, but aside from language, we are really not so different.
Yesterday afternoon, my host father took the kids and I to the local swimming pool. It is about two or three minutes to walk there from our apartment. It was a very hot day, so I was glad for the opportunity to cool off. In Spanish local swimming pools, it's easy to spot the American. She's the only one who wears a tankini, has blonde hair, and thinks it is ok to wear sunglasses in the water.
My brother and sister speak some English, but I hadn't realized how much easier it was when my host mother was around to translate when necessary. I spent most of the night without her, so I had to do my best with charades. I have a few words I stick to like glue: "gracias," "bueno," and "ci."
After the pool, my host father had an appointment in town, so I was left alone with the children. They wanted to play cards, but they picked a game I didn't know. It's very difficult to pick up a game when all the directions are given to you in a different language! But I did pretty well, and I actually ended up winning a few rounds! Next, Rodrigo got out a board game. I recognized it at first glance, "Clue!" He gave me a funny look and said, "No, Elisabet. This is Cluedo." Clue is MUCH harder in Spanish! I learned a lot, and it was a good experience for all three of us.
Today, I woke up feeling sick. My family was very worried and kept asking if I needed a doctor. I tried to explain that I have weird digestion problems, but they still looked worried after my explanation. At camp, I ended up being too sick to teach my first two classes. Luckily, Carla was available to take my place. I feel fine now, but when I got home, my host parents insisted I take a siesta for my health.
During my art class with 5 & 6 year olds, I was sitting with a few girls, helping when needed. They understand that I am an American, and they understand I cannot speak Spanish. However, they seem to have trouble understanding that I can't understand when they speak. They were content to babble to me in Spanish, so long as I would keep smiling.
Being sick and also spending time with the little kids at camp has taught me something today. I can't speak Spanish, but that doesn't mean I can't communicate. There are some things that are the same in every language. Tears and frowns always express sadness of some kind. Hugs are always intended to show love and care. Smiles always show encouragement and happiness. Laughter is always good. I can't speak Spanish, and they cannot speak English, but aside from language, we are really not so different.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Day 1 (or is it 2 now?)
The day is finally here! I just want to go on record saying that my bag was well within the weight limits, and I wanted to high five myself when I realized! (Lame, but I don't even care!)
We said our tearful goodbyes and were on our way through security. The first flight from Indy to JFK was smooth enough. We had a three hour wait at JFK, and I made a friend in the Burger King seating area. It's entirely possible that JFK does NOT have air conditioning, because goodness, that place is HOT!!
We boarded our next and final flight to Valencia, Spain feeling nervous but still very excited. My mom sat next to me on the flight and slept the ENTIRE way! After two movies, two meals, and 30 minutes of sleep, we touched down in Valencia. We were recieved by one of my church's missionaries and several very excited Spanish men. It was very exciting! The car ride to Alcoi was about an hour or so.
Spain has been so dry this summer that first thing when we arrived, there was a huge fire near Valencia, similiar to the ones in CA. There was ash and smoke everywhere in the air outside the airport. We didn't even see the fire itself until we'd been in the car for twenty minutes or so. Apparently, they can't stop it, and it just keeps growing.
We got to the school, had a group prayer, and then met our families. It sounds silly, but I wasn't expecting to be kissed on the cheek by a stranger. This is the typical greeting: a kiss on each cheek to everyone. My family was very welcoming and very excited to have an American in their home. They proudly showed me their home, my room, and their balcony. The kids wanted to help me unpack, so it only took a few minutes.
After unpacking, my family wanted to take me sight seeing. Alcoi is located in the mountains and made for some breathtaking photos!
Spain is currently playing for the Euro Cup. Apparently, Spain has won the last 4 cups & Italy is a big rival. The town is going nuts for the Spanish flag, and I'm told, "Italia win, we cry many tears!" I'd like to watch it, but I'm so tired. I've had less than an hour of sleep since I last woke up at home.
My family's English is better than I expected. My host mother is serving as my translator. Both kids know quite a bit of English, but little Adriana is timid to use English with me because she gets embarrassed when she phrases things incorrectly. She's super cute, though, and she is slowly getting more comfortable with me. I'm learning quite a bit of Spanish already, and I'm desperately trying to retain it all. I've been taught words for fruit, describing words like "beautiful" and "handsome" ("Your brother Luke is much handsome!" & "You are even more beautiful than you picture!"), and random words like "fiance" and "flight."
My host father does not speak any English. He always tries to act things out for me before he asks his wife to help translate. It was difficult both of us, but I really admired his persistence and positivity! By the end of the night, we were actually starting to understand each other! I'm hoping we get even better. He loves attempting English.
They are so excited to talk with me, and to learn new words. I told them I want to learn some Spanish but to please be patient with me. They only get annoyed with me when I thank them or ask permission for things like showers. "Mi casa su casa, Elisabet!"
School starts tomorrow, at 9am, and I'm a little worried about my jet lag. I haven't really been tired today, but now that it's time for bed, my brain can't shut off. :( .... To everyone reading this, thank you for taking the time! Please excuse any errors in my writing, as I haven't slept in a while. Thank you for all your prayers and support! Please keep them comin'!
Monday, June 25, 2012
Spain
I'm new to blogging, but here goes.
My mom and I are headed to Spain on Saturday. We will be helping to teach English with a few missionaries from my church in the States, and we'll be there for the whole month of July. As today is Tuesday, you could expect that I'd be pretty close to packed for my extended out-of-country stay. Well, no. In truth, I've hardly started.
I'm a list person. And right now, it seems as though I have lists coming out of my ears. Lists are my secret procrastination tool. It's like you're getting things accomplished, but you're really just writing future-you a note to do a million things at the last minute.
Also, I've noticed that 50 pounds is simply not enough room for all my stuff. It sounds like a lot, but when you're talking about a month-long stay in a place where you really aren't sure what will be at your disposal, well, space in the suitcase disappears quickly.
While in Spain, I will be staying with a non-Christian host family. My host family is a married couple with two young children, Adriana 8, and Rodrigo 10. The kids were emailing me today, and it was funny to see what they thought it was important that I know: their names, their ages, and the fact that they have two pet turtles. They were curious about how much Spanish I know... I was pretty honest when I said, "My Spanish is limited to numbers 1-10, hello, and bathroom." My family speaks some English, but I foresee a lot of charades & a crash course of Spanish 101 in my near future.
There have been several moments when I have wanted to ask God why he has called me to Spain this summer, a place where I can't even speak the language. He hasn't really explained Himself to me, nor should He have to. What I know is this: my Creator has called me to do His Will. How could I say no?
It's entirely possible that God will call my soon-to-be husband and I into full-time missions when we are both finished with college. If you knew me very well as a kid, you might know that I did not want to marry a pastor or a farmer. Interestingly enough, this summer my fiance is helping with a church plant in Hong Kong....
I ask that you would pray for us. Pray for courage and strength. Pray that my mother's and my new families are open to hear our message. Pray for my fiance's & my future. Pray that I have the faith to trust in God's Plan. I am out of my comfort zone here.
Matthew 28:19-20
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
My mom and I are headed to Spain on Saturday. We will be helping to teach English with a few missionaries from my church in the States, and we'll be there for the whole month of July. As today is Tuesday, you could expect that I'd be pretty close to packed for my extended out-of-country stay. Well, no. In truth, I've hardly started.
I'm a list person. And right now, it seems as though I have lists coming out of my ears. Lists are my secret procrastination tool. It's like you're getting things accomplished, but you're really just writing future-you a note to do a million things at the last minute.
Also, I've noticed that 50 pounds is simply not enough room for all my stuff. It sounds like a lot, but when you're talking about a month-long stay in a place where you really aren't sure what will be at your disposal, well, space in the suitcase disappears quickly.
While in Spain, I will be staying with a non-Christian host family. My host family is a married couple with two young children, Adriana 8, and Rodrigo 10. The kids were emailing me today, and it was funny to see what they thought it was important that I know: their names, their ages, and the fact that they have two pet turtles. They were curious about how much Spanish I know... I was pretty honest when I said, "My Spanish is limited to numbers 1-10, hello, and bathroom." My family speaks some English, but I foresee a lot of charades & a crash course of Spanish 101 in my near future.
There have been several moments when I have wanted to ask God why he has called me to Spain this summer, a place where I can't even speak the language. He hasn't really explained Himself to me, nor should He have to. What I know is this: my Creator has called me to do His Will. How could I say no?
It's entirely possible that God will call my soon-to-be husband and I into full-time missions when we are both finished with college. If you knew me very well as a kid, you might know that I did not want to marry a pastor or a farmer. Interestingly enough, this summer my fiance is helping with a church plant in Hong Kong....
I ask that you would pray for us. Pray for courage and strength. Pray that my mother's and my new families are open to hear our message. Pray for my fiance's & my future. Pray that I have the faith to trust in God's Plan. I am out of my comfort zone here.
Matthew 28:19-20
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
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