March 2, 2008
Well, it already feels like spring here. I have been so happy with the weather here. I keep hearing from people that this is not the typical weather during winter and I have to say I am glad that it is not. I am used to it being sunny and warm during winter so I have felt right at home. It has been awhile since I have written because this semester has already been so much busier. I love my classes. The three classes I have with the Spanish students are more difficult in the sense that I have to keep up with my studying and reviewing otherwise I can fall behind a lot faster. So far I love all my classes. I can tell each week that my comprehension is getting better and hopefully I will be prepared to do my presentations in front of all the Spanish students in May, I think I will be ready.
Besides school, I have also been working with several students. It has been such a rewarding job. I have 5 students right now between the ages of 6 and 11. I have been coming up with different lesson plans, tests and games for them to learn. It has been another great learning experience for me. I am also becoming very close to some of the kids. I can now say I know how most teachers feel, they want the kids to learn from them, they want the kids to succeed, etc. I hope that they will not only learn English from me, but will also have a fun time learning.
The past two months I have also been in deep reflection of my life. In a way it is very complicated to explain everything, but simply put I have really been reflecting on my faith in God. I have been yearning for a community of faith and God has really been putting a lot on my heart about my passions and desires that I had when I was in high school. After my father passed away my faith in God changed, and I think for the better; however, my heart also became hardened in many ways. I have not taken the time to examine why my heart became hardened, until now. I have been brought to my knees in many ways and I am very thankful for that. I now see that there is a great purpose for me to be here in Spain, not only to be here to learn Spanish and absorb another culture, but to also renew my relationship with God. Many of my passions such as music, planning concerts, organizing events, loving people, bring awareness to depression, and helping others in need have been on my mind lately. I have fallen in many ways, but I am ready to try again. I am ready to start fulfilling Gods desires and my passions.
A lot of my reflecting has revolved around my father. I have been thinking of his life, my life before and after his death. To some this sounds like a sad thing to think about, but it is the complete opposite. It has helped me to reach my goals and it has helped me see what life is truly about. I am taking this experience in while realizing that family and friends is what life is all about. I am excited that I am building relationships here and I will be happy to go home to continue to grow with those that I love. I know for some of you this is possibly too much information, but it has been on my heart for a while now. I can’t hold my emotions in any more.
Since I have four more months here in Spain I am also trying to do as much as I can. I am really excited for the next couple of months. I will be going to Valencia, England again to visit my second family (the Conrows), going to Salamanca and hopefully more fun trips in May and June. Be expecting a lot more pictures to come from places all over Spain and hopefully in Europe!
