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'!