Well, I realize it has been quite some time since my last update. At first, it was because nothing interesting was happening, then it was because too much was happening.
Well, I will start by saying the last week and a half has been crazy! I have done things I would have never believed I would do! Last saturday we had a group excursion where we went to Baeza and some woods in Cazorla. In Baeza, I got to se some structures, fountains, walls that were built in the 11th century! Pretty crazy! Unfortunately, I got a bit yucky in the tucky and threw up... needless to say I didn't enjoy Baeza very much. However, we took another 2 hour drive to Cazorla which gave me time to rest up and prepare for the fun weekend ahead. In Cazorla, I did a ropes course up in the trees on saturday and slept in a cabin with some of the coolest girls in my program:) As fun as saturday was, sunday just about topped it for me. I did something called canyoning which sounds nothing like what it actually is. What we did was a hike-like thing in wet suits through the Guadalquivir river climbing rocks, jumping in from high places, going through rock tunnels, swimming, and all in all being adventurous in freezing cold water. I am really happy I got to do that! Unfortunately I was in extreme pain for the next couple of days because my body was not ready for all that action lol, but it was well worth it.
The remainder of the week served as a relaxed hang-out week. I went to my friend Gina's house on monday to watch a movie, tuesday I stayed in and cooked some pasta in alfredo sauce, wednesday went to see a movie with my friends Jordan and Andrea, thursday I had dinner at Scott's with about 10 other people from the program and friday I went out with Marcela and Gina. This week has been the most eventful thus far and it has been very nice.
Aside from the fun things and the going out, school has been wonderful. I was blessed with two wonderful teachers for the language preparatory program and it will be very sad to leave them next week. This week was a challenge when it came to choosing my classes. At first, things weren't working out as I had planned. I got really worried and I thought that I was going to be held back more time when I got home because of the way things were going with the class times and availability. Thankfully, God answers prayer and, in the end, it all worked out perfectly. While the class times may not be ideal for a social life, school does come first. This is the first time I am not working and going to school and I am going to take advantage of this! I am taking Latin American Literature, Plastic arts of Latin America, Portuguese, production of grammar, and Spanish phonetics in January. The arts course will be in the Facultad de filosofía y letras which is known to be more difficult than the courses taken in the CLM so I am a bit nervous but I know it will all go well as long as I focus.
Well, a bit hasty but I have to go!
No "things I have learned" for now:)
Monday, September 26, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Ese tío está perdido!
So, not much has happened since my last post except for maybe I got a new flatmate, who then vanished and then got a new one all in the same day... really.
Anyway, today in class I had really bad allergies, which made it rather difficult to pay attention. However, my teacher showed me how to do some acupuncture technique to help with the congestion. It was pretty awesome having my teacher touching my face for like 5 minutes showing me how to do therapy to stop my self from sneezing in the middle of class... in front of the class...
she's really nice.
It's all fun in that class and the topic of dancing doesn't seem to go away mainly because she LOVES to dance and I wouldn't be caught DEAD dancing... because I can't lol. It's funny because every time the topic of dancing comes up and I tell her "no puedo bailar"(I 'can't dance) she makes me correct myself and say "no sé cómo bailar"(I don't 'know how' to dance) because she says that unless there is something that physically impedes you from dancing anyone "can" dance. To this I answer, I do have an impediment, these poor hips of mine don't know how, therefor, I CAN'T. She just laughs and I'm not sure why if this is a very serious matter. She has, however, offered to teach me. Unfortunately, I'm not quite sure it would help my dancing and Lord knows it would not help my dignity...
But! I guess I take pride in being living proof that not all Latinas can dance... but then again I do nothing to prove my point rather than refuse to dance... but it's ok, you just have to take my word for it. and we'll see, maybe the Lord will show mercy on my two left feet and I will suddenly have the audacity to break out in dance... or not. again, we'll see.
(*Audacity: Boldness or daring, especially with confident or arrogant disregard for personal safety, conventional thought, or other restrictions)
So saturday night was a very sad story having little to do with dancing and much to do with waiting outside of a discoteca waiting for someone to walk me home cus I did NOT want to be there. Apparently someone thought it would be funny to lie to me about what exactly we were going to do and I ended up at the top of the hill in the most unsafe neighborhood in Granada hoping one of my "friends" would get tired and walk me home. Finally one of them saw my unhappy face and offered to walk me back. I honestly did not belong there. Some people can get by and pretend and get along fine, I just straight out couldn't. It was frustrating and needless to say I don't want to talk to those "friends" anymore cus they suck... yeah. So I guess I can say I have "been" to a discoteca although I was on the outer part with the lounge chairs and all the nasty smoke but I can also say I DON'T BELONG THERE and if anyone ever tries to take me to one they will end up with a red mark on their face in the outline of my fist(or hand). The only nice thing about the discoteca was the view of the Alhambra that looked amazing, but that was all a bit hard to enjoy when I practically wanted to cry... Bad experience #2 in Granada...
So I have something to admit... I am addicted to kababs!!! Oh my goodness! In a world that lacks mexican food, kebabs are the next best thing mainly because it is one of the very few places where you can get hot sauce!!! They make the hot sauce there and it is amazing!!! So kebabs, for those who don't know, which may very well be everyone, are like a burrito made of meat that is cooked on a stick, a large stick. They are filled with veggies, cheese, and meat and the outer part is like a tortilla but it's not... worst description EVER but they are quite honestly a God send.
So, I am thankful to my mother who has taught me almost everything I know about cooking and so far I have not used a single recipe and have made everything with fresh ingredients and my food has turned out really yummy!!! Today I made veggie soup cus my roomie Vicky was oh so sick-y(sorry I had to) I think she came down with a small cold but I think my make-vicky-better-soup definitely cured her:-P We also had 2 friends over for dinner, Andrea and Daniel and they enjoyed the sopita too, so I'm totally not making this up! lol. Daniel said it tasted home-y which I take as a compliment considering his home tastes like mexico... which is awesome!
I am really happy about the place where I live because there is a 30 second walk to the fruit/vegetable market, a 40 second walk to the bakery, and a 40 second walk to the meat market... it's AMAZING!!! and veggies are super cheap! I spent 2.60£ on ingredients for dinner today and it fed 4 people and we had a ton of leftovers! I love spain<3
No really, living here has proved to be quite the experience so far. I love the culture, the people, the food, the language, and the beauty around every corner. If you have been on facebook, I have posted some new pictures. The architecture is so old and there is so much history in every step you take! I have fallen in love with Spain, but not to worry, I love my family and friends way more and I can't wait to see them again.
This leads me to my next topic. I talk to my family a TON. No, actually more. I am so blessed to be able to see them and talk to them almost daily. I love being able to tell them everything and I love that I can still bug my mom from thousands of miles away without running the risk of her smacking me!!!! Thank you technology! No really, it has given me so much peace in my heart talking to them and seeing them. Especially because it does get hard.
(cue sad music)
For some reason, every time I mention my little brother I break down and it's really weird. I can talk about the rest of my family no problem but when I get to my little bro, I break. I guess it's just different talking about him because when I describe him, I can't help but take pride in who he is despite the problems he has had in the past with punk kids. I dunno, don't tell him, but he is my weak point. It's funny how much you take for granted until you reflect on how absolutely awesome it is. But anyway, this week I have talked so much to my family which I feel is a huge blessing considering some people haven't been able to reach their parents/families. Thank GOD who has given me the means to do so.
Other than that, on sunday my dad called me from church and I was able to see the church family that raised me<3 the people at that church have a very special place in my heart. It was so good to see them all and especially a couple friends that I really care about and was really excited to see:) I guess the only bad thing was that everyone was eating tacos and we don't really have those here:( not good ones at least:(
Either way, it was good seeing beautiful faces and I hope to see more soon! I got to see my band as they prepared for worship night and that too was amazing. I miss them and I definitely miss playing, but I am praying that God provide me with a bass somehow... soon:)
Ok, so the title of this post refers to my walk home when I tried giving two drunkards directions to their parking spot. And so with this I will start my valuable 'things I have learned'.
66. Don't make an attempt to give a guy directions if 1. he is drunk, 2. only speaks french. 3. you don't know street names very well.
67.If you hear someone refer to someone as "tío" it does not mean they are related in any way. Here, "un tío" refers to 'some guy' or directly to "you" i.e. "mira tío, tenemos que ir al mercado", indirectly "ese tío está perdido".
68. Don't trust anyone that tells you, "the place isn't really a "club" you can just sit outside and look at the alhambra and some people go and dance."
69. In Spain, saying you are going to "el club" means you are going to a place to get a prostitute. "discoteca" is the correct term for the english word "club"... however if in america you say you are going to the "disco," you just sound like a nerd.
70. God gives us people, friends, and family that serve to encourage us when we need it the most.
71. I love Kebabs.
72. The yellow Fanta is my favorite in both the US and Spain, even if it is pineapple flavored in the US and lemon flavored in Spain.
73. Always have a favorite song, in case you are playing a game in class in which you are forced to sing your favorite song...
74. Allergies+asthma+glasses=nerd and/or Felicia today
75. Vicky and sicky rhyme... so does say and pay as in, if I say that again, I will probably pay for it...
76. mothers willing to send you products from home are awesome
77. you can make fun of your mother turning one year older as much as you want when you are thousands of miles away
78. Always watch the way you joke making sure you never lose respect even and especially for the people you call friends, that said, don't make jokes at me that attempt to degrade my character, decency, or reputation because I do not tolerate those kinds of jokes... apparently they make me very upset...
79. I don't go to discotecas, and I can't/ don't know how/ don't want to dance...
80. I refuse to date anyone here in Spain... I want to make a point to say that, and am now making a point to let everyone here know in order to avoid any misunderstanding.
So until maybe tomorrow if anything cool happens if not I think I am caught up with things learned and go back to the 5 of the day:) Everyday is a learning experience!
Oh! P.S. Don't forget to pray for me!
Anyway, today in class I had really bad allergies, which made it rather difficult to pay attention. However, my teacher showed me how to do some acupuncture technique to help with the congestion. It was pretty awesome having my teacher touching my face for like 5 minutes showing me how to do therapy to stop my self from sneezing in the middle of class... in front of the class...
she's really nice.
It's all fun in that class and the topic of dancing doesn't seem to go away mainly because she LOVES to dance and I wouldn't be caught DEAD dancing... because I can't lol. It's funny because every time the topic of dancing comes up and I tell her "no puedo bailar"(I 'can't dance) she makes me correct myself and say "no sé cómo bailar"(I don't 'know how' to dance) because she says that unless there is something that physically impedes you from dancing anyone "can" dance. To this I answer, I do have an impediment, these poor hips of mine don't know how, therefor, I CAN'T. She just laughs and I'm not sure why if this is a very serious matter. She has, however, offered to teach me. Unfortunately, I'm not quite sure it would help my dancing and Lord knows it would not help my dignity...
But! I guess I take pride in being living proof that not all Latinas can dance... but then again I do nothing to prove my point rather than refuse to dance... but it's ok, you just have to take my word for it. and we'll see, maybe the Lord will show mercy on my two left feet and I will suddenly have the audacity to break out in dance... or not. again, we'll see.
(*Audacity: Boldness or daring, especially with confident or arrogant disregard for personal safety, conventional thought, or other restrictions)
So saturday night was a very sad story having little to do with dancing and much to do with waiting outside of a discoteca waiting for someone to walk me home cus I did NOT want to be there. Apparently someone thought it would be funny to lie to me about what exactly we were going to do and I ended up at the top of the hill in the most unsafe neighborhood in Granada hoping one of my "friends" would get tired and walk me home. Finally one of them saw my unhappy face and offered to walk me back. I honestly did not belong there. Some people can get by and pretend and get along fine, I just straight out couldn't. It was frustrating and needless to say I don't want to talk to those "friends" anymore cus they suck... yeah. So I guess I can say I have "been" to a discoteca although I was on the outer part with the lounge chairs and all the nasty smoke but I can also say I DON'T BELONG THERE and if anyone ever tries to take me to one they will end up with a red mark on their face in the outline of my fist(or hand). The only nice thing about the discoteca was the view of the Alhambra that looked amazing, but that was all a bit hard to enjoy when I practically wanted to cry... Bad experience #2 in Granada...
So I have something to admit... I am addicted to kababs!!! Oh my goodness! In a world that lacks mexican food, kebabs are the next best thing mainly because it is one of the very few places where you can get hot sauce!!! They make the hot sauce there and it is amazing!!! So kebabs, for those who don't know, which may very well be everyone, are like a burrito made of meat that is cooked on a stick, a large stick. They are filled with veggies, cheese, and meat and the outer part is like a tortilla but it's not... worst description EVER but they are quite honestly a God send.
So, I am thankful to my mother who has taught me almost everything I know about cooking and so far I have not used a single recipe and have made everything with fresh ingredients and my food has turned out really yummy!!! Today I made veggie soup cus my roomie Vicky was oh so sick-y(sorry I had to) I think she came down with a small cold but I think my make-vicky-better-soup definitely cured her:-P We also had 2 friends over for dinner, Andrea and Daniel and they enjoyed the sopita too, so I'm totally not making this up! lol. Daniel said it tasted home-y which I take as a compliment considering his home tastes like mexico... which is awesome!
I am really happy about the place where I live because there is a 30 second walk to the fruit/vegetable market, a 40 second walk to the bakery, and a 40 second walk to the meat market... it's AMAZING!!! and veggies are super cheap! I spent 2.60£ on ingredients for dinner today and it fed 4 people and we had a ton of leftovers! I love spain<3
No really, living here has proved to be quite the experience so far. I love the culture, the people, the food, the language, and the beauty around every corner. If you have been on facebook, I have posted some new pictures. The architecture is so old and there is so much history in every step you take! I have fallen in love with Spain, but not to worry, I love my family and friends way more and I can't wait to see them again.
This leads me to my next topic. I talk to my family a TON. No, actually more. I am so blessed to be able to see them and talk to them almost daily. I love being able to tell them everything and I love that I can still bug my mom from thousands of miles away without running the risk of her smacking me!!!! Thank you technology! No really, it has given me so much peace in my heart talking to them and seeing them. Especially because it does get hard.
(cue sad music)
For some reason, every time I mention my little brother I break down and it's really weird. I can talk about the rest of my family no problem but when I get to my little bro, I break. I guess it's just different talking about him because when I describe him, I can't help but take pride in who he is despite the problems he has had in the past with punk kids. I dunno, don't tell him, but he is my weak point. It's funny how much you take for granted until you reflect on how absolutely awesome it is. But anyway, this week I have talked so much to my family which I feel is a huge blessing considering some people haven't been able to reach their parents/families. Thank GOD who has given me the means to do so.
Other than that, on sunday my dad called me from church and I was able to see the church family that raised me<3 the people at that church have a very special place in my heart. It was so good to see them all and especially a couple friends that I really care about and was really excited to see:) I guess the only bad thing was that everyone was eating tacos and we don't really have those here:( not good ones at least:(
Either way, it was good seeing beautiful faces and I hope to see more soon! I got to see my band as they prepared for worship night and that too was amazing. I miss them and I definitely miss playing, but I am praying that God provide me with a bass somehow... soon:)
Ok, so the title of this post refers to my walk home when I tried giving two drunkards directions to their parking spot. And so with this I will start my valuable 'things I have learned'.
66. Don't make an attempt to give a guy directions if 1. he is drunk, 2. only speaks french. 3. you don't know street names very well.
67.If you hear someone refer to someone as "tío" it does not mean they are related in any way. Here, "un tío" refers to 'some guy' or directly to "you" i.e. "mira tío, tenemos que ir al mercado", indirectly "ese tío está perdido".
68. Don't trust anyone that tells you, "the place isn't really a "club" you can just sit outside and look at the alhambra and some people go and dance."
69. In Spain, saying you are going to "el club" means you are going to a place to get a prostitute. "discoteca" is the correct term for the english word "club"... however if in america you say you are going to the "disco," you just sound like a nerd.
70. God gives us people, friends, and family that serve to encourage us when we need it the most.
71. I love Kebabs.
72. The yellow Fanta is my favorite in both the US and Spain, even if it is pineapple flavored in the US and lemon flavored in Spain.
73. Always have a favorite song, in case you are playing a game in class in which you are forced to sing your favorite song...
74. Allergies+asthma+glasses=nerd and/or Felicia today
75. Vicky and sicky rhyme... so does say and pay as in, if I say that again, I will probably pay for it...
76. mothers willing to send you products from home are awesome
77. you can make fun of your mother turning one year older as much as you want when you are thousands of miles away
78. Always watch the way you joke making sure you never lose respect even and especially for the people you call friends, that said, don't make jokes at me that attempt to degrade my character, decency, or reputation because I do not tolerate those kinds of jokes... apparently they make me very upset...
79. I don't go to discotecas, and I can't/ don't know how/ don't want to dance...
80. I refuse to date anyone here in Spain... I want to make a point to say that, and am now making a point to let everyone here know in order to avoid any misunderstanding.
So until maybe tomorrow if anything cool happens if not I think I am caught up with things learned and go back to the 5 of the day:) Everyday is a learning experience!
Oh! P.S. Don't forget to pray for me!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
"we won't break, we won't die. It's just a moment of change"
So since my last post much has changed. I moved into my very own piso(apartment) last sunday. I love it so far. It is very spacious and home-y. I went to church again on Sunday with some of the students in my program. I, along with those who came with me, are very grateful to Pastor Larry for having found this church for us. We are blessed to have found a place we hope to call home very soon:)
So on saturday my friend Andrea and I joined a friend to the Sierra Nevada's for what I though was going to be a nice stroll... apparently very few people know that the spanish word for "hike" is NOT "caminar" it is actually referred to as "senderismo"... that said when I was asked "quieres ir a caminar a la Sierra?" I was like YEAH! Unfortunately as soon as I showed up with nothing but a small cardigan, toms, jeans, and a small purse the guys just laughed assuming I thought I was too good for hiking gear. Sadly, my lack of preparation served as a set back when we got to the top and realized it was far too cold for me and the other girls there to continue any higher(apparently I wasn't the only ill-informed one). WELL, the bus only goes up there at 10am, 5pm, and 11pm so us girls had to wait for 5pm to roll around to catch the next bus down. Seeing there was very little to do on top of a freezing cold mountain, we decided to walk down to the nearest city which was about an hour walk. When we got to the down, I felt we were in a tacky horror film like Wax Museum or something. It was a rather large town that is normally heavily transited during the snow season, however, seeing we were there during the summer it was completely desolate. FORTUNATELY, there were a few places open for business despite the lack of customers but seeing we would be there for several hours, we tried to visit every single open one. Long day short, we waited there for our friend to meet up with us once he was done hiking but he was able to hitch a ride back to granada completely leaving us girls in the mountain waiting for the bus that we weren't even sure would pass by where we were. Not a happy experience. SO I hope to be able to go back to the Sierra Nevada's well equipped and fully aware that I will be going for "senderismo" and NOT a "caminada".
That experience behind me I would like to go back to church on sunday and how wonderful it was. It really reminded me of the church I grew up at. The way they ran the services and the music made me feel like I was at church with my family 10 years ago. Such a beautiful feeling knowing that no matter how far I am from my family and my church family we are all praising God from where we are. The friends that went with me really enjoyed it and I was very grateful for the message preached. Considering the church is in need of a pastor, a guest preacher gave the message and it was a very different take on the story of the prodigal son, or as he renamed the parable of the father that ran. Such a beautiful message<3 He focused on the fact that the younger son wanted freedom so he asked for his share of inheritance(this being before his father had eve kicked the bucket, rude!) after using up all his money the son returns home in hopes to work for his father, but his father standing, waiting for him sees him coming from a distance and runs to him. The fact that he ran to him means a ton considering that this man had to lift up his long dress-like clothes(which men of high status did NOT do) in order to run to him. Moreover, it was custom for people that had denounced their family to have to publicly plea themselves back in and usually it entailed that person walking through a bunch of people throwing stones at them. However, the father waited for him to return so he could save him from that. The father was the first to see him of all the people in the city. The thing about the parables found in the bible is that they all serve to illustrate the love God, the father has for us. The fact that he saw our sin and still ran to us, meeting us exactly where we were to save us from the judgement we deserve not asking questions simply happy that we have returned to him, is the most lovely thought. God has seen me, loved me, saved me, held me, lead me, cared for me despite my short comings. I have hope in the things God has in store for me wherever I am. Thank God for that sermon that served as a reminder of the love of the Father<3
After church we went out to eat with a group of the younger members and that was a blast! The food was both yummy and cheap which is a great thing for hose of us on tight budgets:-D
Sunday night I took the liberty to move my stuff from the hotel to my piso with the help of my dearest friend Vicky:) It was quite a walk and I had so much stuff. Thankfully, the main street we live off of is very smooth compared to the cobblestone roads that make up the majority of the streets here in Granada.
While I have saved this for last, it is rather important. I started class on FRIDAY! Last friday. So far I only have 1 class up until October when we start the official term. As of right now I am in a summer program that serves as language preparatory. The two professors I have are wonderful:)
At this point it has been about 2 weeks and I have learned SO MUCH!!!!
So I get to my favorite part of my blog, things I have learned:)
41. If you go to the same place enough times, the owners learn your name:) it is the only way to become a regular anywhere. That said, I love Jamel and Carmen, the owners of mil y una noche<3
42. while 8 centimos a text may not sound like much it translates to a ton of money if you continue to text.
43. Peanut butter is a God send
44. You don't realize how much you love hot sauce until you are in a place that doesn't have any
45. Like I mentioned the word for hike is "senderismo" NOT "caminar" I would like you ALL to remember that. thank you
46. It may be warm in the city, but not so much in the mountains.
47. Learn to always be prepared.
48. There are a ton of asians in Spain and a ton of stores that spaniards refer to as "la tienda de chino". Apparently no matter where you are, people that speak spanish always assume asians are chinese!
49. NOT all asians are chinese.
50. Grocery stores close at 9ish
51. Don Simón es muy awesome:)
52. These Spaniards make ham flavored EVERYTHING, it's so gross!!!
53. You are not allowed to procrastinate doing laundry in a country that doesn't use dryers:(
54. Just cus your piso came with an oven does not mean it is functional:(
55. A good reputation is difficult to maintain, easy to destroy.
56. The best thing to do is surround yourself with good friends that always have your back
57. I still miss my bestie Nat:(
58. I know this blog is technically a "year without starbucks" but I really don't miss it anymore as long as I have my café con leche. Who would have known I would love espresso as much as do.
59. I love espresso
60. It is legal to smoke pot in Spain, but totally illegal to pass the joint over to someone else. That is considered "trafficking"... Ridiculous.
61. I miss YOADS
62. Worship night will still go on without me and I take joy in knowing that while I sleep, there will be beautiful music playing in Brea, CA that praises the very same God that made it possible for me to be here in Granada.
63. Germany does not have attendance policies with consequences. So if you get to class late they don't care much... DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY DETENTIONS THAT WOULD HAVE SAVED ME?!?( then again Germans are known for their punctuality but still!)
64. I may leave home but music follows me wherever I go:)
65.Water is good for you...
until later friends!
PS some of you have asked for my address, please make sure to put ATTN. Felicia Melara on it and send it to:
Centro de Lenguas Modernas
Placeta del Hospicio Viejo s/n
18009 Granada
ESPAÑA
So on saturday my friend Andrea and I joined a friend to the Sierra Nevada's for what I though was going to be a nice stroll... apparently very few people know that the spanish word for "hike" is NOT "caminar" it is actually referred to as "senderismo"... that said when I was asked "quieres ir a caminar a la Sierra?" I was like YEAH! Unfortunately as soon as I showed up with nothing but a small cardigan, toms, jeans, and a small purse the guys just laughed assuming I thought I was too good for hiking gear. Sadly, my lack of preparation served as a set back when we got to the top and realized it was far too cold for me and the other girls there to continue any higher(apparently I wasn't the only ill-informed one). WELL, the bus only goes up there at 10am, 5pm, and 11pm so us girls had to wait for 5pm to roll around to catch the next bus down. Seeing there was very little to do on top of a freezing cold mountain, we decided to walk down to the nearest city which was about an hour walk. When we got to the down, I felt we were in a tacky horror film like Wax Museum or something. It was a rather large town that is normally heavily transited during the snow season, however, seeing we were there during the summer it was completely desolate. FORTUNATELY, there were a few places open for business despite the lack of customers but seeing we would be there for several hours, we tried to visit every single open one. Long day short, we waited there for our friend to meet up with us once he was done hiking but he was able to hitch a ride back to granada completely leaving us girls in the mountain waiting for the bus that we weren't even sure would pass by where we were. Not a happy experience. SO I hope to be able to go back to the Sierra Nevada's well equipped and fully aware that I will be going for "senderismo" and NOT a "caminada".
That experience behind me I would like to go back to church on sunday and how wonderful it was. It really reminded me of the church I grew up at. The way they ran the services and the music made me feel like I was at church with my family 10 years ago. Such a beautiful feeling knowing that no matter how far I am from my family and my church family we are all praising God from where we are. The friends that went with me really enjoyed it and I was very grateful for the message preached. Considering the church is in need of a pastor, a guest preacher gave the message and it was a very different take on the story of the prodigal son, or as he renamed the parable of the father that ran. Such a beautiful message<3 He focused on the fact that the younger son wanted freedom so he asked for his share of inheritance(this being before his father had eve kicked the bucket, rude!) after using up all his money the son returns home in hopes to work for his father, but his father standing, waiting for him sees him coming from a distance and runs to him. The fact that he ran to him means a ton considering that this man had to lift up his long dress-like clothes(which men of high status did NOT do) in order to run to him. Moreover, it was custom for people that had denounced their family to have to publicly plea themselves back in and usually it entailed that person walking through a bunch of people throwing stones at them. However, the father waited for him to return so he could save him from that. The father was the first to see him of all the people in the city. The thing about the parables found in the bible is that they all serve to illustrate the love God, the father has for us. The fact that he saw our sin and still ran to us, meeting us exactly where we were to save us from the judgement we deserve not asking questions simply happy that we have returned to him, is the most lovely thought. God has seen me, loved me, saved me, held me, lead me, cared for me despite my short comings. I have hope in the things God has in store for me wherever I am. Thank God for that sermon that served as a reminder of the love of the Father<3
After church we went out to eat with a group of the younger members and that was a blast! The food was both yummy and cheap which is a great thing for hose of us on tight budgets:-D
Sunday night I took the liberty to move my stuff from the hotel to my piso with the help of my dearest friend Vicky:) It was quite a walk and I had so much stuff. Thankfully, the main street we live off of is very smooth compared to the cobblestone roads that make up the majority of the streets here in Granada.
While I have saved this for last, it is rather important. I started class on FRIDAY! Last friday. So far I only have 1 class up until October when we start the official term. As of right now I am in a summer program that serves as language preparatory. The two professors I have are wonderful:)
At this point it has been about 2 weeks and I have learned SO MUCH!!!!
So I get to my favorite part of my blog, things I have learned:)
41. If you go to the same place enough times, the owners learn your name:) it is the only way to become a regular anywhere. That said, I love Jamel and Carmen, the owners of mil y una noche<3
42. while 8 centimos a text may not sound like much it translates to a ton of money if you continue to text.
43. Peanut butter is a God send
44. You don't realize how much you love hot sauce until you are in a place that doesn't have any
45. Like I mentioned the word for hike is "senderismo" NOT "caminar" I would like you ALL to remember that. thank you
46. It may be warm in the city, but not so much in the mountains.
47. Learn to always be prepared.
48. There are a ton of asians in Spain and a ton of stores that spaniards refer to as "la tienda de chino". Apparently no matter where you are, people that speak spanish always assume asians are chinese!
49. NOT all asians are chinese.
50. Grocery stores close at 9ish
51. Don Simón es muy awesome:)
52. These Spaniards make ham flavored EVERYTHING, it's so gross!!!
53. You are not allowed to procrastinate doing laundry in a country that doesn't use dryers:(
54. Just cus your piso came with an oven does not mean it is functional:(
55. A good reputation is difficult to maintain, easy to destroy.
56. The best thing to do is surround yourself with good friends that always have your back
57. I still miss my bestie Nat:(
58. I know this blog is technically a "year without starbucks" but I really don't miss it anymore as long as I have my café con leche. Who would have known I would love espresso as much as do.
59. I love espresso
60. It is legal to smoke pot in Spain, but totally illegal to pass the joint over to someone else. That is considered "trafficking"... Ridiculous.
61. I miss YOADS
62. Worship night will still go on without me and I take joy in knowing that while I sleep, there will be beautiful music playing in Brea, CA that praises the very same God that made it possible for me to be here in Granada.
63. Germany does not have attendance policies with consequences. So if you get to class late they don't care much... DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY DETENTIONS THAT WOULD HAVE SAVED ME?!?( then again Germans are known for their punctuality but still!)
64. I may leave home but music follows me wherever I go:)
65.Water is good for you...
until later friends!
PS some of you have asked for my address, please make sure to put ATTN. Felicia Melara on it and send it to:
Centro de Lenguas Modernas
Placeta del Hospicio Viejo s/n
18009 Granada
ESPAÑA
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)