This week has gone by fairly quick and I find myself on yet another sunday night with a ton of things to do because I decided to procrastinate... and yet I'm writing this blog.
This week has been fairly productive. Finished 2 more classes, filed my taxes:D, went to the Sierra Nevada's, joined a cookin committee at church, helped my new roomie move, and earned 50% off my next delivery purchase from Dominoes pizza(probably the highlight of my week)!!!!!!
Going up to the Sierra's was simply majestic. It has been 2 years since I have seen snow and about 10 since I have seen it snow, I saw both in 1 day!!!! Amazing. Driving up the mountain I just looked out the window at the beautiful white view and then I turned to my left and saw the other white view(just kidding Andrew). No really in all seriousness I was so taken aback by the beauty of it all outside my window and the greatness of it. On the way down It was very foggy and I could see very little but what I could see gave me more reason to thank my God for the beauty in His creation. I looked at the mountains and just imagined how the white majestic pureness of those mountains were only a fraction of what heaven would be like. Listening to praise songs my heart just danced and I felt incredibly at peace for the entire bus ride. These are some of the songs I heard that just filled me with joy:
Desert Song-Hillsong
Paradise-The Insyderz
How Can I keep From Singing-Chris Tomlin
Louder than The Mob- OC Supertones
You never let Go-Matt Redman
Stare at the Sun-Thrice
Just a Closer Walk with Thee- Bart Millard
How He Loves-David Crowder Band
*If you have time to give those songs a listen they are all so good<3
Anyway aside from the spiritual awesomeness it was fun to play in the snow throwing snowballs, "bargaining" with the Moroccan's for cheap snow gloves, drinking half a cup of coffee(cus the other half was spilled on the way over), learning German, teaching Hebrew(or at least the most important phrase), hiking, sleeping, eating, and so many other crazy things. Perhaps the best part was the aftermath of a day in the snow for Andrew with no sunblock and full exposure to the sun. Needless to say, he would make a lovely lobster:)
Moving on. Today for sunday morning worship, the girl that was going to lead got sick and we had to improvise but I honestly believe today was the most fun I have had playing bass at this church. I got REALLY into the worship but I think it may have a lot to do with the happiness I had going to church after the wonderful snow trip and the WONDERFUL news I heard at night( this news being that my parents, sister, and niece are coming in April!!!!) I could not be happier and I had to try to keep myself from flying away from the high I had hearing this(I don't even know if that makes sense, that it's grammatically correct, nor that it can actually be said without sounding like a druggy). I cannot cannot cannot CANNOT wait for them to come and visit me and meet my favorite people! God is good, all the time, but it's moments like this that really make me thankful to God because He not only blesses me with what I need to survive but He also provides me with an abundance of EXTRA blessings that are simply to add on to my joy. WOWZA! I repeat, God is good.
In sum, I am one happy camper for several reasons and although in these moments things may come to try and take my happiness, they cannot take my joy, that is forever mine. Everything changes, minds, people, attitudes, feelings, places, etc. but God is my constant and that is not only sufficient but more than enough so my joy will transcend the changes of this world. AMEN.
Because I have heard so many GREAT things, I will dedicate this section to:
THINGS I HEARD PEOPLE SAY THAT I WROTE DOWN 'CUS I NEVER WANTED TO FORGET THEM
1. "I want someone I can share my personal parts with!"- Context: in talking about future relationships and sharing those "personal moments" with someone, my how word selection can invert meaning.
2. "You didn't say it German enough!"- Context: trying to figure out the name of a x-mas song I shouted Tanenbaum and a second later another person exclaimed "Tanenbaum." I told him that I had JUST said that and this was his response.
3. "La gran diferencia entre los estudiantes EEUU y los europeos es que los EEUU nunca realmente aprenden lo que se les enseña"- Context: Teacher amazed that no one knew basic US history... for shame.
4. "Apparently you have to push this(points to the red record button on the iPhone) in order to record. -Context: My dearest friends trying to record my other friend during her monologue and realizing afterward that she was supposed to actually click record:)
5. "I was home-schooled, that's why I'm weird" -Context not necessary, just know she had a HUGE smile on her face.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Missing?
Hello late facebook friends and blog readers!
So some may or may not have noticed but I am not longer on Facebook and this being for several reasons but I figure anyone that would like to keep in contact with me in the mean time can email me at melarafelicia@yahoo.com, I would be more than happy to talk but for now, Facebook and I are not speaking.
Anyway, the year has started and I haven't been doing too well being abroad and such. I really miss home_ well no, I really really miss my family which I guess is completely different. I'm not sure I would go home were it not that I am going crazy without my family near me. I feel it only gets harder and thinking I still have 7 months here makes me a little sick to my stomach. Aside from that my classes are going well, so far I have gotten 2 A's and 1 B+:( so far pretty ok but I had an exam on Thursday which I still don't know my grade and 2 more exams at the beginning of February, scary.
So, I did an excursion 2 Sundays ago to the Abadía del Sacromonte and I learned a great deal. It still amazes me how much history there is in the city I live in and how old everything actually is. The visit was interesting and I really enjoyed it:) There were actually 2 mummified little boys chillin' in the cathedral and a painting of Jesus that looks like he is dancing to Single Ladies... I hope that doesn't sound bad I know Jesus didn't dance to single ladies in real life and I hope the artist gets punished in the next life for poorly depicting Jesus.
A bit of interesting history I learned: In the 2nd century a man named Cecilio with 12 other men(how original) came to Granada Spain to try to preach the gospel, however it was not well received and so Cecilio and his 12 friends were tortured and killed. Several years later people looked at what he had done and thought he made a great... BISHOP so they deemed him the first Bishop in Spain. WELL, several centuries later at the abadía some excavator ran into some bones that seemingly belonged to San Cecilio and so unsurprisingly the site was made it a tourist attraction but to make it all the more exciting, they found them next to 2 very large stones, one white stone and one black stone that are claimed to have mystical powers. The stones are kept separate in order to not cause trouble seeing that each ones purpose is an exact opposite of the other. You see, if you rub the white stone you meet the love of your life/future spouse within the year but if you rub the black stone you will become unmarried within the year. The problem with the black stone is that because divorce was not permitted in Spain for a very long time, rubbing the black stone would ensure an unhappy married person that their spouse would be "done away with" for good. The professor told us not to touch the white stone because it was dangerous but that it was ok to touch the black one... mostly everyone looked as if they wanted to touch the white stone but didn't want to go first so naturally, I went and gave that stone a good rubbin'... not that I expect to meet anyone but I just thought I would break the ice for everyone else, sure enough others went and gave it a good pat or a simple touch. Needless to say, my professor told me I had to invite her to my wedding:-/
Um... No
So I have learned a few things and I figured I would share, so to bring it back, here are things I have learned:
1. The Spanish police can be creepy and apparently like starting fights with perfectly innocent people. And I do quote "¿Quieres ver quien es más chulo? " yes those were the police officer's exact words...
2. Facebook is good for long distance friend maintenance... if you actually have more than 2 friends abroad, otherwise it is useless, depressing and an impedimenta for one to do homework and study.
3. Seeing my mom bake something is awesome!- unless I am thousands of miles away and can't eat any of it.
4. Going to a church not only helps you with your spiritual life but can also provide people that can bring light to your life:)
5. Talking to my best friend Nat is awesome no matter how long it's been since the last time! You should talk to her, you'll see what I mean. Natalie Gomez, amigota, you are the biz and I can't wait for you to come!!!
6. Sometimes people can surprise you with their words whether it's a comment about how you always have a smile, how much of an impact you are leaving, or simply telling you how much they love you even if you feel you've given them little to no reason to care so much about you.
7. Knowing that a friend back home is probably broken and scared but being unable to do so much as give that person a hug and tell them you love them is a horrible feeling, that said, take advantage of the time and proximity you have with those around you and never cease to make your friends aware of how much they mean to you.
8. Love in it's purest form transcends time, conditions, and space... Love, perfect love, is the only one that will NEVER let us down, for this reason, only the love we receive from the Father will ever be sufficient, everlasting, unconditional, forgiving, true, powerful, hopeful, and unchanging.
9. It takes a coward to try and cover up their mistakes but it takes a valiant to stand up and admit their mistake and willingly take on whatever consequence comes their way. No shame in repentance, but respect and forgiveness.
10. I should be studying, but this update seemed more important... way to go Foli...
So some may or may not have noticed but I am not longer on Facebook and this being for several reasons but I figure anyone that would like to keep in contact with me in the mean time can email me at melarafelicia@yahoo.com, I would be more than happy to talk but for now, Facebook and I are not speaking.
Anyway, the year has started and I haven't been doing too well being abroad and such. I really miss home_ well no, I really really miss my family which I guess is completely different. I'm not sure I would go home were it not that I am going crazy without my family near me. I feel it only gets harder and thinking I still have 7 months here makes me a little sick to my stomach. Aside from that my classes are going well, so far I have gotten 2 A's and 1 B+:( so far pretty ok but I had an exam on Thursday which I still don't know my grade and 2 more exams at the beginning of February, scary.
So, I did an excursion 2 Sundays ago to the Abadía del Sacromonte and I learned a great deal. It still amazes me how much history there is in the city I live in and how old everything actually is. The visit was interesting and I really enjoyed it:) There were actually 2 mummified little boys chillin' in the cathedral and a painting of Jesus that looks like he is dancing to Single Ladies... I hope that doesn't sound bad I know Jesus didn't dance to single ladies in real life and I hope the artist gets punished in the next life for poorly depicting Jesus.
A bit of interesting history I learned: In the 2nd century a man named Cecilio with 12 other men(how original) came to Granada Spain to try to preach the gospel, however it was not well received and so Cecilio and his 12 friends were tortured and killed. Several years later people looked at what he had done and thought he made a great... BISHOP so they deemed him the first Bishop in Spain. WELL, several centuries later at the abadía some excavator ran into some bones that seemingly belonged to San Cecilio and so unsurprisingly the site was made it a tourist attraction but to make it all the more exciting, they found them next to 2 very large stones, one white stone and one black stone that are claimed to have mystical powers. The stones are kept separate in order to not cause trouble seeing that each ones purpose is an exact opposite of the other. You see, if you rub the white stone you meet the love of your life/future spouse within the year but if you rub the black stone you will become unmarried within the year. The problem with the black stone is that because divorce was not permitted in Spain for a very long time, rubbing the black stone would ensure an unhappy married person that their spouse would be "done away with" for good. The professor told us not to touch the white stone because it was dangerous but that it was ok to touch the black one... mostly everyone looked as if they wanted to touch the white stone but didn't want to go first so naturally, I went and gave that stone a good rubbin'... not that I expect to meet anyone but I just thought I would break the ice for everyone else, sure enough others went and gave it a good pat or a simple touch. Needless to say, my professor told me I had to invite her to my wedding:-/
Um... No
So I have learned a few things and I figured I would share, so to bring it back, here are things I have learned:
1. The Spanish police can be creepy and apparently like starting fights with perfectly innocent people. And I do quote "¿Quieres ver quien es más chulo? " yes those were the police officer's exact words...
2. Facebook is good for long distance friend maintenance... if you actually have more than 2 friends abroad, otherwise it is useless, depressing and an impedimenta for one to do homework and study.
3. Seeing my mom bake something is awesome!- unless I am thousands of miles away and can't eat any of it.
4. Going to a church not only helps you with your spiritual life but can also provide people that can bring light to your life:)
5. Talking to my best friend Nat is awesome no matter how long it's been since the last time! You should talk to her, you'll see what I mean. Natalie Gomez, amigota, you are the biz and I can't wait for you to come!!!
6. Sometimes people can surprise you with their words whether it's a comment about how you always have a smile, how much of an impact you are leaving, or simply telling you how much they love you even if you feel you've given them little to no reason to care so much about you.
7. Knowing that a friend back home is probably broken and scared but being unable to do so much as give that person a hug and tell them you love them is a horrible feeling, that said, take advantage of the time and proximity you have with those around you and never cease to make your friends aware of how much they mean to you.
8. Love in it's purest form transcends time, conditions, and space... Love, perfect love, is the only one that will NEVER let us down, for this reason, only the love we receive from the Father will ever be sufficient, everlasting, unconditional, forgiving, true, powerful, hopeful, and unchanging.
9. It takes a coward to try and cover up their mistakes but it takes a valiant to stand up and admit their mistake and willingly take on whatever consequence comes their way. No shame in repentance, but respect and forgiveness.
10. I should be studying, but this update seemed more important... way to go Foli...
Saturday, January 7, 2012
And this not from ourselves but by the Grace of God...
So, another Christmas has come and gone another year has just begun and I sit on my bed with the music on blast, sipping on some digestive tea typing, waiting for something not sure what, and my mind spinning with thoughts that I cannot put to rest. I am so thankful for what has been given to me this year and cannot wait for what is in store for me. This beautiful gift of studying abroad and meeting some of the most beautiful people I have ever met has been so much more than I could have asked for. The first four months have been crazy! Some days I felt like I was on top of the world, like I was invincible and others I felt like no encouraging words could make me stand to my feet. I felt broken, alone, and frustrated some days and even abandoned at times even while talking to my family with so much frequency but the truth is that not once was I alone, not once was I forgotten, and not one day went by that someone wasn't praying for me. All part of the study abroad experience I guess, the ups and the downs. I danced with the lovely thoughts of me being in Spain and all the great things I was going to learn but refused to take into account I was going to feel so down sometimes. It all seems so beautiful before leaving home and when you get here you realize that nothing is ever perfect and everything takes some work, some sacrifice, and plenty of prayer. Now don't get me wrong, looking at what I just wrote makes me sound like I have not enjoyed the time here, that would not be true. I have met some amazing people, built some great relationships, learned to cook better, manage my money better, deal with problems, and appreciate people for everything they are to me both good and bad. These past four months have grown me. More than I expected, and sometimes, more than I wanted. In sum, the four months abroad felt like 4 years at home.
I truly love Granada and everything is has to offer. That was especially confirmed after one week in Dublin, Ireland where nobody(except the bar tenders) seemed to believe in working after 5pm and the closest market was about 30 minutes away. Granada has a beautiful church family that has helped me feel more at home and one of the women at the church is constantly checking up on me and making sure I am ok, Raquel has truly blessed my life not only through allowing me to take part in the worship group but by being such an important figure in my life out here.
I look forward to the next 8 months I have left here in Spain. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for me. I cannot fear this coming year but face it with a smile. God is good, no, God is GREAT. What comfort to know my future lies in the hands of the Creator of every thing! For those of you who read this, don't hesitate to write to me and even give me your address! Granada is in no short supply of postcards!!!
Now, I realize that I have not done the things I have learned in a while but since this is the start of the new year I will do a 12 month timeline. I did after all say that this YEAR was crazy and the actual study abroad experience has only taken up 4 months, the other 8 were pretty essential in finishing up the 2011 year. With that said I present:
Things that happened to Foli in 2011!!!!!
January- Started in a small group with a great group of girls. Started my second to last semester at CSUF.
February- I am sure something happened to me directly but I cant remember so I am just going to say that Valentine's day happened and thus started one of the most awesome relationships I have known, my brother and Brianne<3 Love them bof:) Quick edit, don't know how I could have forgotten but I took part in the marriage of Tanya and David Barrera<3 Don't have a picture though!
March- Daddy turned another year older and I got to experience the most awesome thing I have lived through, the birth of my niece Noelani<3 Mexico kicks El Salvador's butt in soccer 5-0 and I get disowned for saying El Salvador would lose...
April-Highlight of my month; going to Tijuana Mexico with the kids and spending a whole day with them<3 Miss them all a ton.
May- Finished my semester well:) Start up a bucket list with my best friend Nat for things that had to b done before I left for Spain
June- Turned 21, went to Knotts with my family for my birthday then drove out to San Diego(my favorite place in the world) but didn't make it cus of traffic but ended up at Farrel's and ate yummy icecream... yes that was the highlight of my month.
July- Finished all the visa paperwork only to find out my grant was withdrawn because of a new bill that lowered the bar and took back any financial aid given to some students. I thought I wasn't going to study abroad anymore but my brother in law and sister offered to lend me the amount that had been taken<3 Family once again proves to be AMAZING.
August- Little brother turned 12! Finished up preparations for the year abroad, had a going away party, got on a flight to Madrid, met a ton of people, went to Granada on bus, and arrived to the most beautiful city I have ever seen.
September- Momma and brother-in-law turned one year older and I moved into my first flat and even though I loved one of my flatmates I didn't like the place very much so after one month__
October- I moved into a new flat:). Started my classes. Started playing in the worship band at church.
November- First visitor from Cali came to visit, I went to Rome and ate the best pasta in my life. Sister turned a year older.
December- Brothers came to visit and spend christmas with me, I went to Dublin and spent New Year with my roomies and a bunch of people I didn't know, got pretty homesick, but all in all pretty good new year, different for sure. Older bro turned a year older and I finished 2/4 classes.
That sums it up for now:) Pretty soon I will update the past blogs with relevant pictures:)
Oops! I forgot to mention.... I may have cheated a bit...
Merry Christmas to me!!!!
I truly love Granada and everything is has to offer. That was especially confirmed after one week in Dublin, Ireland where nobody(except the bar tenders) seemed to believe in working after 5pm and the closest market was about 30 minutes away. Granada has a beautiful church family that has helped me feel more at home and one of the women at the church is constantly checking up on me and making sure I am ok, Raquel has truly blessed my life not only through allowing me to take part in the worship group but by being such an important figure in my life out here.
I look forward to the next 8 months I have left here in Spain. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for me. I cannot fear this coming year but face it with a smile. God is good, no, God is GREAT. What comfort to know my future lies in the hands of the Creator of every thing! For those of you who read this, don't hesitate to write to me and even give me your address! Granada is in no short supply of postcards!!!
Now, I realize that I have not done the things I have learned in a while but since this is the start of the new year I will do a 12 month timeline. I did after all say that this YEAR was crazy and the actual study abroad experience has only taken up 4 months, the other 8 were pretty essential in finishing up the 2011 year. With that said I present:
Things that happened to Foli in 2011!!!!!
January- Started in a small group with a great group of girls. Started my second to last semester at CSUF.
February- I am sure something happened to me directly but I cant remember so I am just going to say that Valentine's day happened and thus started one of the most awesome relationships I have known, my brother and Brianne<3 Love them bof:) Quick edit, don't know how I could have forgotten but I took part in the marriage of Tanya and David Barrera<3 Don't have a picture though!
March- Daddy turned another year older and I got to experience the most awesome thing I have lived through, the birth of my niece Noelani<3 Mexico kicks El Salvador's butt in soccer 5-0 and I get disowned for saying El Salvador would lose...
April-Highlight of my month; going to Tijuana Mexico with the kids and spending a whole day with them<3 Miss them all a ton.
May- Finished my semester well:) Start up a bucket list with my best friend Nat for things that had to b done before I left for Spain
June- Turned 21, went to Knotts with my family for my birthday then drove out to San Diego(my favorite place in the world) but didn't make it cus of traffic but ended up at Farrel's and ate yummy icecream... yes that was the highlight of my month.
July- Finished all the visa paperwork only to find out my grant was withdrawn because of a new bill that lowered the bar and took back any financial aid given to some students. I thought I wasn't going to study abroad anymore but my brother in law and sister offered to lend me the amount that had been taken<3 Family once again proves to be AMAZING.
August- Little brother turned 12! Finished up preparations for the year abroad, had a going away party, got on a flight to Madrid, met a ton of people, went to Granada on bus, and arrived to the most beautiful city I have ever seen.
September- Momma and brother-in-law turned one year older and I moved into my first flat and even though I loved one of my flatmates I didn't like the place very much so after one month__
October- I moved into a new flat:). Started my classes. Started playing in the worship band at church.
November- First visitor from Cali came to visit, I went to Rome and ate the best pasta in my life. Sister turned a year older.
December- Brothers came to visit and spend christmas with me, I went to Dublin and spent New Year with my roomies and a bunch of people I didn't know, got pretty homesick, but all in all pretty good new year, different for sure. Older bro turned a year older and I finished 2/4 classes.
That sums it up for now:) Pretty soon I will update the past blogs with relevant pictures:)
Oops! I forgot to mention.... I may have cheated a bit...
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