English Camp Wk 2

To leave off of my last post in Spain, I had just finished the first week of English Camp. The second week was much more challenging in many aspects. The first week of camp the children were more timid but once they got comfortable with the routine of the camp, their personalities showed and with personalities came challenges with certain personalities. But by graduation night, the students were more than students, for me, they taught me how to communicate better and to love unconditionally even with challenging personalities.

Not only were relationships with the students flourished but I started to make connections with the other monitors. I was truely sad to say goodbye to so many wonderful people who have come from the states to help out at the camp. The camp was filled with so many amazing people from all over the states and by the end of the camp I was taught so many lesson through people's testimony and stories. I was in awe of the talented and Godly people that came to Spain for this English Camp. I wish I could better articulate what a joy it was to work along side these people and to serve God together.

Here is a picture of some of the amazing people who helped out with English Camp.

With the end of camp was the end of my journey in Tres Cantos. The Monday after English Camp had ended Jared and I flew out to Barcelona to assist the missionaries there. I was sad to say goodbye to Tres Cantos for a week. and more sad to say goodbye to my second host family. They were such wonderful people and made me feel like I was at home.

Home Sweet Home.

I am sorry its been awhile since I've updated the blog. The last few weeks of my Spain trip was filled with alot of moving around to different host families and there wasnt much time to update. And now that I am home, the business of the American life came back full swing. This last week was filled with wedding celebrations, catching up with friends and family and just getting the routine back to normal. I am heading back to work at Northlake Montessori Preschool for the time being, at the same time I am actively looking for a job that fits more to my degree or what God has called me. I do not see myself at the moment as teacher but we will see what God will reveal in these coming months.

English Camp Week 1

Sorry its been awhile since i last updated. Things have started to pick upbecause of the English Camp and my new host family. They are very family oriented so I havent had much time to myself to update my blog or post pictures. But i think that that is a good thing. This host family has been so wonderful. There are three kids, one boy (14 i think) and two girls (9 and 7 yrs old) and a mom and a dad. Here are some pictures of us watching the game at the house. It was kinda nice and relaxing verses watching the game with a crowd which can be hot and miserable but fun at the same time.

However, here are some pictures of a bunch of us watching the game two weeks ago at a basketball gym with a huge crowd. that

was insane.

anywhoo other than the host family I've been busy w/ the English Camp. I've met a lot of cool new people from all over the states. I am totally in my element with getting to know people and hanging out with them. Its been a really nice change compared to it being just Jared and I. Dont get me wrong Jared has been a pretty cool partner to travel around Spain with. and he's very chill which is nice.

The English Camp on the other han

d is anything but chill. I can safely say that I am beyond exhausted and tired. Its been super hot over here so that doesnt help either. With that being said its been so much fun working with these kids and teaching them english while also having a blast. We've done crafts, sports, taught them songs, and had time in a classroom setting teaching them new words. and to see God working in the monitors and group leaders has been inspiring and encouraging. I have met alot of people who have inspired to really give my life to serve God and to be open to his will and purpose for my life. There are so many people who I have met that have gone thru so much with cross-cultural ministry that it amazes me how God works in these lives.

In short, this past week I have had a blast meeting new people, getting to know people I've met earlier in this trip and just being with these spanish kids and showing them God's love.

New host family and English Camp

This past week has been really busy with preparing for this English Camp that is coming up next week. The English Camp is run by the Global Ventures program and the missionaries here in Spain set up this camp for the people in Tres Cantos. This camp is for 1st- 6th graders and is a non-biblical camp. The main goal of this camp is to teach these kids english in a fun and interactive way. I've noticed that the Spaniards really want their children to learn english and since there is a need, the missionaries here wanted to provide for that need. Their whole idea is that they wanted to show the people in Tres Cantos the love of God by giving to these people.

It should be a really fun time at this english camp, with the 30 or so americans coming from the states to help out also at this camp. and also I am excited to spend another couple of weeks at another host family's house. This family has three kids (two girls and one boy) and it is going to be a different experience in this family to the previous one. I apologize if I dont update as often, I am not sure if I will get internet at the other family but keep posted for pictures and videos.

Toledo, Royal Palace and El Prado

This past week has flown by so fast that I havent really had time to blog about it. On Wednesday I got a chance to go to Toledo. Toledo is known as one of the oldest towns in Spain. It was once a fortress that many had tried to attack. When we went there we saw many of the oldest buildings and cathedrals. The main cathedral was this huge building where inside were many tombs of old nobles and cardinals. The ceilings were so beautiful and colorful, that when I first walked in it was like I was sent back in time. Toledo also had beautiful and magnificent walls that surrounded it. These walls have been there since the 8th century i believe. I am not sure. They were really old and reminded me of Lord of the Rings castle walls. Being able to visit places like Toledo, it was just jaw dropping and amazing to be able to see history.

Then this last Friday I got a chance to visit the Royal Palace in Madrid and El Prado. The Royal Palace was what you would expect when you think of Buckingham Palace in England. The rooms were lined with gold and had wallpaper that was so extravagant. It was really cool. My favorite part was the Armory where they kept all the knights armor and weapons. Sadly the Royal Palace and the Cathedral we werent allowed to take pictures of. But the outside will give you a little idea of what the inside was like.

El Prado, the classical art museum was pretty awesome too. We spent hours looking at all the artwork from Goya to Raphael and other classical painters. I felt so cultured hehe.

Serving Cross-Cultural

During my stay here in Spain not only will I be learning about the history of Spain but the main idea for Jared and I, being apart of Global Ventures, is that we are to learn and experience what cross-cultural servanthood is. Timothy Wendel and Timothy Westergren our two missionaries that we are working with have told us that are our role is very important. Jared and I get an opportunity to live with families in Spain where a the missionaries are not able to. Through living in the households we get a chance to live in a way that Jesus would have. These families that we stay with are non-believers but very kind and generous families. There are many challenges with living in these families, many cultural differences but for me going through the book Cross-cultural Servanthood with Jared and Tim Westergren has been really helpful in understanding how to serve others. It has also given light to my own views of Cross-cultural churches.

With that said, I have learned alot even in the week and half I have been here. I am just so excited to see what the next 4 1/2 weeks will hold, especially with the English Camp that the Global Ventures holds and with visiting the different churches within Spain. Its gonna be a busy 4 1/2 weeks so I apologize if I dont update as much.

oh Picasso...

Today I spent the day in Madrid's museums. We were trying to go to the big classical artwork one called the El Prado but it was closed. It was kinda sad.. but we ended up going to the Reina Sophia which holds some of Picasso's famous works. I dont think that art ever sounded so interesting as it did today. Its alot different when you are actually in a museum looking at art rather than in a classroom setting learning about it. The trip was definitely a huge learning experience and I think through this trip I have this new understanding of art, especially Picasso. Picasso was such a strange and somewhat disturbing person but the way that Inigo (my spanish tutor) had explained the Guernica and the message it portrayed the more I was interested in Picasso or at least his works of art.

However, I have found that I kind of dislike modern art. Ask me and ill explain why. LOL Here are some pictures of me and my companions messing around in the museum. :D