Today was a free day and we were able to do whatever we wanted. I thought about going to the beach or taking a bus into one of the local towns nearby, but for some reason I just felt like sleeping in and starting my day off at whatever pace I was moving. I wanted to have a day without plans and obligations, which I haven't really been able to do more than two or three times in the past few months.
Something that I love about Spain is that the people are never in a rush. Being 10-15 minutes late is expected and they even walk at a slower pace. Going out to eat is so different because the waiters aren't constantly coming over to your table trying to rush you along. The Spanish will sit for up to two hours just talking and enjoying each others company. They are more concerned with relationship and connection than anything else and it's very obvious that this is their priority.
Slowing down and relaxing is something that has always been hard for me. I walk very fast, I cut conversations short to finish whatever it is I'm working on, and I will go, go, go until I'm stressed out of my mind and can go no longer. About a month before I left, I realized this about myself and started to work on just taking a deep breath and pausing in the midst of chaos. I find it difficult sometimes to just breathe when there are certain things you have to get done every day, but I'm starting to learn that resting is just as important as any other obligation I may have.
Rest has been something that the Holy Spirit has put on all of our hearts. It's faith building to see how God has perfectly orchestrated this group of people to come together and how we all came seeking similar things. Many of us are in transition and all of us have been needing rest. It's more evident every day that everything going on during this trip is 100% God and that he really does have his hand on each one of our lives in a very special way.
As I had this free day of rest and time to myself, I prayed that this would be a continued theme in my life even when I leave; That when I go back home I won't be so concerned with simply accomplishing all the tasks before me, but that as I accomplish them I will take time to breathe in deep and give God all the glory. The little things that so consume our time and energy are so unimportant compared to his great purpose and I want to live a life that is more focused on His purposes rather than my own.
I seriously laugh every time I write a new post because I feel different with every day that passes. I'm already excited with how I'm being changed and shaped, but God keeps telling me to expect even more. It's almost hard to imagine, but there is no limit to how much blessing can be poured out on our lives when we truly surrender to him. There is nothing better than the true love of Jesus Christ!
Today was awesome from the beginning to end. At eight this morning we went on a hike to a lighthouse overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. After we got to the top and saw the view, we climbed down through some Ochre mine ruins and went swimming in a beautiful cove. I have always been so inspired by nature so this was a perfect start to the day.
After the hike, Jordan and I spent some time together and got one the yummiest pizzas I've ever had. After that we headed back to the house for our siesta. I seriously can't go without a siesta now. Once 2:00 hits I'm out for the afternoon.
To close out the evening we had a powerful time of worship. I never want to stop worshiping once we start. There's no better feeling in the world than being completely abandoned at the feet our God. We played the song "You Won't Relent" and it was the first time I had played the song not just in my own private time of worship. It's one of my favorite songs and it was so great to see a song that has always impacted me personally impact an entire group of people.
God is so good and it is extremely evident that he has me exactly where I am supposed to be for now. Again, I am still anticipating even bigger things to come and I can't wait. Jesus is alive and well in Spain that's for sure!
First off, I’m sorry that I haven’t been blogging as much as I planned. We’ve been getting used to how everything works here and now it will be much easier to get away for an hour or two since we’re in more of a flow. So I apologize and I’ll try and be better about updating!
But anyway, Spain is amazing so far! I have been completely in awe of the Lord every day just looking around me. Every morning when I wake up see the Mediterranean right out my window and it’s absolutely breathtaking. We’re staying on top of a hill that overlooks the whole city and of course the ocean and it's sooooo beautiful. The streets are made of cobblestone all of the apartments by us are white with clotheslines hanging from the upper stories. The Spanish people do everything outside so their living spaces are much smaller here since homes are not commonly used for entertainment purposes like they are back home. The culture here is to go to the bars and restaurants and be among people at all times, which I happen to love this since I usually enjoy being out more than being home. We do have group meeting times in La Terazza which is basically our program’s headquarters, but we’re encouraged to go out and be in the culture as much as possible so we can meet the people here and get involved as much as we can.
Last night we went to a festival in Alicante where they display gigantic handmade floats and then burn them at midnight. Yes, they light them completely on fire and everyone gathers around and watches. There were tons of firemen all around spraying the people with water and containing the fire as much as possible. It was seriously so crazy seeing huge floats up to five stories high completely on fire. Things are definitely very different here, but I am loving every second of it!
There is so much to say and I feel scatter brained writing this but I’ll definitely be updating more frequently now that I’m more used to being here. I came to Spain with great expectancy but I think I was still expecting too little. In 5 days I’ve already changed and I can’t wait to see how God continues to mold and shape me while I’m here. I’ll tell you all about it J
Love and miss everyone!
In less than 24 hours I'll be on my way to Spain! I am beyond excited for what this trip is going to bring and I anticipate some life changing moments. I will be writing all about my experiences on here throughout the trip so be sure to check for updates :)
Please keep me in your prayers for safe and easy travel. I'll miss you all!
