Some Art...

Nerja: the most beautiful place in the world (that I've seen)

The first few pictures are actually of Malaga. Which is also very pretty. On Sunday Ali and I climbed a huge mountain (felt like it) to see out on top of the city. You can see the place they fight the bulls, the port, and the sea and mountains. Very pretty. The other picture is of Ali and me at the top. We also met a few cool American girls on our way back from Nerja on Saturday. Fe, Tess, and Poppy. Poppy is living here in Malaga and her friends were visiting. So Ali and I hung out with them after running into them twice in two days (we figured it was meant to be). Ali and I spent Saturday in a town east of Malaga. Nerja is beautiful! We laid out on the beaches and had a great weekend. Poppy is still here in Malaga so we are going to have dinner together this week. Fun stuff. : ) 

The picture of the girl making bracelets was a girl from England. I thought she was pretty cool. Some may think differently, but she was basically a hippy living in a van in Spain. She makes beautiful bracelets and sells them by the sea each day. We talked for awhile. She likes photography too  :)

Anyways, I only have two weeks left. I'm sure it will go fast. It really has so far. Spain is beautiful. I find I enjoy it a lot more when I experience it with other people too. Pray that God will use me, and I can keep learning from Him and also work some too : )

Love and miss you guys!

The Sun and The Rain

 

God is love.

God is beauty.

He is the sunrise and the sunset.

He is the butterfly and the eagle.

God is color.

God is laughter.

He is knowledge.

He is all-knowing.

New and old. 

Strong and gentle.

God touches my face.

God holds the earth with the same hands.

He is the artist.

He is the musician.

Everywhere and walking with me.

No birthday and no end.

God is love.

God is beauty. 

Just A Few

Every Soul Is Still A Soul

Lately I feel like all the things I've been reading and thinking about are all kind of linked together. The thing is, they are different ideas and topics, but I think God is showing me that it all has to do with really knowing and following him. 

Last night I was thinking about how I naturally react to people. If I'm walking down the street and see a trendy girl, holding her starbucks... 9 times out of 10 I'll probably smile. When I pass a homeless man, I won't look at him. I started to think about why this was. I think the first natural reason is that the familiar is more comfortable. And the homeless man, well if I look, and then maybe even smile...he might want money. So... basically I'm saying that when it comes to people, I'll approve of you if you meet my standards. If you dress up to date and share my passion for overpriced coffee, you deserve a warm smile. But... if you are needy and wanting some of my money...that I can't really spare... you aren't good enough for a smile or even a look. 

And then I thought, what if I did look? And smile? And he did ask for money? What if for once I gave my 2 Euros or 5 dollars... what if I skipped out on that cup of coffee or on sale item? But  I don't. Because I've convinced myself that I will always spend the money that God has given me more wisely then someone who is living on the streets.

I've been finishing the book "Blue Like Jazz" and reading his thoughts on money. And then I was watching Hillsong United's preview for their documentary. There are 2 billion children in the world. 1 billion live in extreme poverty.

And I have plenty to eat. Plenty to wear. Plenty. Always. 

So, I guess this means two main things. One, most of the time, the world is all about me. I decide who is worthy and who isn't. And two, most of my validation comes solely from materialism. What if I was to not buy clothing for a year? I mean nothing. I would be fine. Right now, I can't think of one thing I really need. But, as time goes on...my jeans won't be the right look anymore. And the bags will need to be different. And I won't have the right shoes. And all of the sudden, practicality is in direct proportion with style and being affirmed by what I look like. 

Does it really matter that Children in Africa need clothes to go to school? I mean, nothing I have looks anything like Urban Outfitters this season...

Every Soul is a Soul.

Each person deserves the same as me. 

Life isn't fair.

I some how ended up on the good end. But I had no say in that. But I do have a say in what I do with what I am given. 

I know... another post?? Well, I have time, alright?

Ok. So, I write things and then afterwords I think of all these little things I want to say. So, I might do a list...

Today equals... 

*The sweetest Southern Lady walked a couple miles to the store with me, explaining the Spanish things, and giving me my first cooking lesson! She even gave me a few tips on how to please my husband in more ways than one. Really. 

*I didn't think I had blinds. And I don't. I have garage doors that slide over my windows as I pull a rope on the side. Really.

*Turns out, Spanish people love Olives. I think I do too.

*I like this meat called Chorizo. Its like a pepperoni. It makes my whole house smell like that when I open the fridge. 

*I didn't shower today. I thought I was out of hot water. But actually, I unplugged the electrical/gas water heater instead of the toaster.

*I love the mornings in Spain. Weird for me huh?

*My windows are open 24/7. And its perfect.

*Every now and then when the wind blows, I smell Spain. It must be a flower mixed with an earthy smell. And I swear, I smell Spain on me too sometimes. 

*I also read this thing today about how when people who are alone too much go crazy. I think I'm community often enough... hopefully : )

I overheard one of the missionaries say today that God doesn't bring you somewhere or through something that he won't use later. 

Its all for a reason, and that's comforting to know... especially when things seem uncertain at times. He knows.

*I think if I do missions after college I want to work with Children. Its what makes me smile, and gives me energy. 

Thats all of what I've been meaning to say.

p.s. Chocolate and Churros is a must. Just google it.

Work and making friends.

I started my first day of "official" work. Not really much different than last Friday except I wasn't jet-lagged.  I guess mostly what I will be doing is documenting a lot of what is going on in the Media Center here in Spain. I will be documenting projects that are going on and also help with a brochure for some of the ministries Avant offers. Honestly, I don't know if I'll be that busy during the day. I have to realize though that this is not your average 8-5 job. First of all, its prayer at 9:15, work not really starting until probably 10, and then of course breaking for Siesta from 2-4. Then working until about 7. Yeah, its a little bit different from the States. 

I think today at times I was really thinking I was bored. I sometimes just need to be working on something to really keep me interested. But I think God has been showing me these past few days that this internship is a lot more than just taking pictures. I have been using my Polaroid though... I took the picture above today as an idea for a project. 

I think I am really learning to be independent, to be content, and to reach out and ask for help. One of the women here at the center told me today that she would take me to the store and help me find what I needed and help me learn to cook for myself. It may sound ridiculous... I'm going to be 22 this summer... but at the same time, I've never lived alone... much less in Spain. I tend to get overwhelmed when I go in the store and can't read anything. I look at pictures, but I can't ask anyone for help. And so, I leave with things to make sandwiches. I'm not too worried about cooking a gourmet meal. But when I was offered help today, I thought why not learn to shop and cook in Spain? 

I've also just been bold today about taking people up on their offers to join them for meals. I'm the only single one here, and it was good to admit to one of the girls working here today that I am a people person and don't like being alone for 5-6 hours at night before I go to bed. She and her husband had me over for dinner. While she gave me tips for cooking and what she likes to buy in Spain. We listened to Spanish music and they also gave me a beginners spanish book : )

So, just an update. Things are better than they were yesterday. And it is still difficult at times, but with friends everything can be better (Cheesy but true). I've just been praying that God will show me what he has for me after I graduate and that my emotions at the time wouldn't be the factor in what I want for the future. And one point today I actually thought, "Maybe I'll just get married, have babies, and live in America." And maybe I will. I mean, I'd love to... and there is nothing wrong with that dream, but I think deep down I know that's not the dream God has given me. As Amy Carmichael has once said, I must simply keep trusting in Him to fulfill the desires he's created. 

Well, I'm here.

Just wanted to write a short post telling everyone that I have made it to Malaga Spain safely. Things have went well this first day. I tried to stay awake besides the three hour nap that kind of happened accidently. Now, its almost nine and I'm trying to find something to do in order to keep myself up as long as I can. No one likes waking up in the middle of the night...

I have a cute little apartment of my own here in Malaga. These are a few pictures of the place and a couple pictures that show my view outside my window. I feel a little alone right now. Everyone is married and have their own houses. I can see the missionary couple's apartment that are kind of looking out for me. Its probably a five minute walk and across the highway. Already though, there is this feeling of, "Oh, yeah I am the only single one." I think it should be good. I really do want God to teach me to be independent (but safe, don't worry mom) in other cultures with Jesus as my protector. I think its easy to say I want to be married and try to use my husband as the protector and provider and comforter. I mean, I'm sure he will do those things one day. But I think its good for me to see that God can also be that. And actually, he will do a far better job than any man. 

Ok, tomorrow I start orientation. So far, you guessed it. I love Spain. I just like the smell. Its this weird mix of earth, flowers, dirt, and then city. I love it. The houses are beautiful. I like the sounds of the school children outside my window and the motorcycles. Kind of like India : ) I don't think there is as much honking though. 

Thanks guys. I'd love your prayers and comments!