I belong here.

When I last typed an entry in this blog, my heart was overfilled with a desire to get back to Spain. After an amazing semester studying abroad, I didn't want to lose the perspective I had gained from spending time outside the United States. I spent weeks missing the blue skies of Sevilla, the tapas of an evening out with friends, and the beautiful language that allowed me to communicate with a whole new community of people. At that point, my greatest desire was to return to Spain. Now, by the grace of God, I will do just that one week from today.

Since I am in the preparation stage, let me start off the year of blogging by answering a couple of frequently asked questions: 

What will you be doing?
I will be working at an immersion secondary school (grades 6-10) in Madrid. I will spend 16 hours a week in classrooms, providing cultural and language input. This will involve teaching some short lessons, but I will not be the primary teacher for any one classroom. In fact, I will be in a variety of classes, from physical education and drawing to English and science. I will not know my schedule until I get there (and was informed that it may change multiple times within the first month), but the classes are not necessarily one after another. Thus my working hours may be distributed in any way throughout the school day/week. However, most Fulbrighters have off either Monday or Friday every week. Hello, three-day weekends! Since 16 hours per week is not enough to occupy my life for the next 9 months, I will also take on a side project as part of my grant. This can really be anything; the previous Fulbrighter at my school had a poetry workshop in her apartment every Sunday night. I will be (hopefully) volunteering at a Women's Center for Domestic Violence in the city. I have no idea what this will look like since I have no weekly schedule to plan around, but I am really eager to work with women in this manner. 

Where will you be living?
Jaja, funny you asked. I have no idea. I will be showing up a week early and recuperating quickly from jet lag with in order to find an apartment. If you have connections to anyone in Madrid, let me know! 

How many suitcases are you taking?
2 suitcases and a backpacking backpack. If I am going to be moving myself across the city, I do not want to take more than I can roll. 

Are you coming home for Christmas? 
Yes! I will be flying in December 23rd and leaving shortly after New Year's Day. Come visit me in Hershey! 

Are you excited?
OBVI. I couldn't think of a more exciting way to spend the year of graduation. I'm eager to immerse myself in the Spanish language again and to see a new perspective of education. This time around I hope to enroll in a dance class in the city, hike a portion of El Camino de Santiago, make myself at home in a church family, enjoy new culinary experiences, and have many other unexpected adventures. The possibilities are limitless!

However, at the same time, I am aware that this will not be the same as studying abroad. For example, although I will get to meet the Fulbrighters (I think there are 48 of us) briefly at our three day orientation, I will not see them after that except through our own planning. We are all teaching at different schools across the city and will likewise be living in different places across the city. And while I am sure they are all very interesting people, I don't want to spend my year in Spain hanging out with other people from the United States. Thus, I expect it will take a while to find my community of friends.

There are also a number of unknowns (Where and with whom will I be living?!?! Did I make copies of every important document that I need? How the heck do you pack your life up for a year?) that make the move across the ocean a bit more stressful this time around. Overall, the paperwork and seemingly never-ending preparations are keeping my excitement from reaching its full potential.
Lastly, I am trying to be intentional about acknowledging that the coming year will not be all rainbows and butterflies. While a year in Spain will surely be awesome, I am also a recent graduate who is moving 6 time zones away, alone. And while I'm sure it will be an amazing experience, I know there will be days when I am lonely. Working with ESL students all summer reminded me of all the intricacies of language that keep "proficient" from fulfilling all the needs of language. Humor, for instance, is the last element of language that one acquires because it involves so much play-on-words. Hopefully I catch on fast because I take after my Dad in my love for corny jokes :)

But despite all of this, I am reminded that, "I come to the end and I am still with you" (Psalm 139:18). Throughout Psalm 139, David recounts the presence of God with him everywhere. In the last Gathering of the year, Trygve made an important affirmation: "I always belong." Because no matter if I am sitting in my room surrounded by clothes and books and to do lists (current situation) or getting onto a crowded Metro in a new place, God is with me. And in Him, I belong.

So, if I am completely honest, I have mixed emotions. Of course I am excited to embark on such a grand adventure, but leaving behind amazing friends and a close-knit family is not meant to be easy. But with the grace and comfort of a God whose thoughts for me outnumber the grains of sand, I expect to enjoy a year of personal, spiritual, and cultural growth. (That is, unless I decide to adhere strictly to the rules set out by my Michigan Dad: Be home by 10 PM every night; don't eat any strange food or talk to men. And don't forget your keys! Maybe you should just stay in your room! Sorry, Ken... not happening!)

Well folks, that's all for now! This is the last day of errands before I join up with Kristen and Natalie to road trip to New Hampshire for Mikella's wedding, where Jackie will be joining us! Could I imagine a better last weekend in the U.S.?

Much love.
In His grip,
Amber

P.S. Don't forget to follow my adventures via this blog by subscribing, checking Facebook for posts, or just refreshing your window every 30 seconds hoping for an update on my life. Your choice :)

Disclaimer: This blog will record my personal thoughts and reflections; it is not reflective of the positions held by the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

Be the bridge.

For three and a half months, my blog was a regular part of my life. I constantly updated the day-to-day events, my thoughts, and pictures for the world to see. But now as I'm surrounded by all the people who read this blog, I've had little reason to add an entry. Even as I signed on, I thought I was only doing this as a farewell entry, an entry I could translate into Spanish and post to my blog for Hope College.

But as I felt the knots in my stomach, I realized this blog is just as much for me as it is for you. I can remember blogging on my tiny bed in Sevilla, laughing as Margarita teased me for uploading so many pictures of her food. But now I'm curled up in a Messiah soccer hoodie in the family room I've always known. I'm not sure whether I want to bask in the comfort of home or push myself to remember that there is so much more to the world than I can see from my comfy couch.

Thankfully, ever since I got home from Sevilla I have had a full house and a busy schedule to occupy my thoughts. It wasn't until the New Year hit that I had a day to lounge around in my pajamas with my mom and sister. Here's a brief play-by-play of my break so far:

Lots of crafts to get ready for Justin and Christy's wedding.

Christmas Eve and Christmas with my amazing family.
(This time we're passing the free time making programs for the wedding...)

Delicious meals made by my amazing mother.

Bowling bachelorette bash.

And of course, the wedding of my brother to his beautiful bride.

With some beautiful bridesmaids ;)
Check out the wedding party gifts... neon, embroidered chucks.

The past two weeks have been a whirlwind of excitement and it was a blessing to have my whole family around to celebrate. But now everyone is returning to their respective lives: Mom to school, Ali to Messiah, Justin and Christy to Texas, Josh and Tami and Amaya to Ohio, and Dad to work. And in less than a week I will also be headed back to life at Hope College.

I think the return to a scheduled life, filled with students so wrapped up in their studies and futures, will bring about a realization to the ways I've changed over the past 4 months. I desire to be passionate about life, excited about opportunity, and expectant for great things to happen. I crave to learn from those around me and about myself.

But I need my friends and family to be supportive of these pursuits. I need those around me to recognize that God has finally broken through my heart and made me realize the medical career I had always envisioned is not what I was destined for. Instead, as others are beginning their MCAT studies, I will begin my own application. I am applying for the Fulbright Program, an international education program sponsored by the U.S. government and designed to, “increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.”

The process is only just beginning and I haven't decided yet which country I will apply for. The options range from Mexico to Colombia to Spain (13 in total) and I'm not sure whether I want to continue my assimilation into one culture or try to experience something new. In some ways, it would be beyond amazing to return to Spain and be able to maintain the relationships with all those I met in Sevilla. But after another year, I would just have to say goodbye again. Maybe its better to build new relationships and continue expanding my worldview. I honestly have no idea and I'm certainly open to suggestions.

Another rather important element to take into consideration is the prestige of this award. Students and professionals from across the United States apply for these scholarships and I can't expect by any means to receive it. Therefore, if anyone has information about similar programs to teach English abroad, I would appreciate the information. You can comment on the blog or pass it along to my e-mail, amber.rogers@hope.edu. The more programs I apply for, the greater my chance of getting accepted!

Last but not least, I ask those of you still reading this to pray for me as I continue through these elements of reverse culture shock. I struggle with summing up my entire life for the past semester in the short summary people want to hear. But when I try to insert stories here and there I feel like I'm boring those around me with my stories of being abroad. Please bear with me; I've hardly processed these experiences for myself, let alone for public consumption.

A friend of mine abroad had always said that this bridge in Sevilla was beautiful, no matter the circumstances. Day or night. Rain or sun or clouds. It is always beautiful.
She would tell herself, 'Be the bridge....'

I try to say goodbye and I choke // I try to walk away and I stumble

I really wanted to write a last blog in Spain. But I decided living my life for the last 72 hours was more important.

Now its 7 AM on Thursday, my last day in Sevilla and I'm studying (rather last minute) for my 2 remaining finals. Or rather that's what I SHOULD be doing. Instead I'm balling my eyes out at an e-mail from my best friend, who has been a constant sense of encouragement this semester - reminding me to let go and enjoy, but also about the realities of coming home after study abroad. And since she has had a whole semester of study abroad blogging under her belt, I've decided to use her e-mail as my last blog post.

Thanks for everything, Jackie.
And the rest of you - I love you and I'll be seeing you soon.

it's the end of the world as we know it................ idk why that song just popped into my head. it's kind of callous though so that's not the real point of the email.

bienvenidos al lutimos dia in sevilla. thats my spangtalian for ya.

how much does it suck? probs a lot. but like I've said before, everything will be okay.

“Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: rejoice!” Philippians 4:4-5

It's okay to not be ready, yet still recognize that you are having to leave. It hurts, but that is only evidence that you have lived your semester to it's fullest. The culture and the people are now a part of you, and leaving cannot undo that. Think of all you have gained. How this experience has shaped you for the better. But also think of what you have given, what you have poured into the lives of others there. Leaving is not returning to a life you once lived, instead you discover a new 'life' that blends who you have become with the community that you have always called home.

"and this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best" 1:9-10

In your adjustment, you will find what is best. What you will miss from study abroad and what you welcome whole heartedly from home. You will cherish the insight that comes from this experience, because it helps you see so much more about your own culture when you return. And it shows you that the "american way" is not the only (and often not the best) way. but you'll see that on your own, I shouldn't spoil all the fun :)

What you'll miss most probably, the people, yes the people. Those relationships will not stay the same, for sure. But, the possibilities are endless. think about it...you and me? we haven't seen each other really for a year, and we're doing pretty well :) so you don't have to just cut yourself off from the people you have grown to love-whether they are american or spanish. And even if the relationships die, there is still a joy to be found in having experienced them at all.

"he who began a good work in you will carry it through to completion" 1:6

this work is not over, spain is now on your heart, and you will be returning someday in some facet to rediscover it again, or maybe for it to rediscover you. the way they cherish people over there, I'm sure that it will be easy for us to go back for a visit someday and just fall right back into place with the people we love. I know, there is so much there that you don't want to let go of. But do not forget that the same author who wrote for you to be in spain is also writing your return to America. There is something for you here.

"The lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." 4:5-6

It's okay to let down your guard a bit. I know, I know, you are a master compartmentalizer, but don't try to block out all of the anxiety. Of course, make sure you enjoy your last day, but I fear that if you stay too compartmentalized, it may just all hit you when you are back here, when the moment's gone, when you can't really tell people there how you feel, and when you are no longer surrounded by people who are experiencing the same thing. So say thank you to those who have impacted your life the most. One thing I have learned in the last semester is that when you feel inclined to say something, you should usually say it. It's like a little nudge from God.

"and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds" 4:7

He is on guard for you, so you don't have to be.

Have a wonderful day! rock that final, then enjoy. take pictures. eat as much as you want. spend all your euro. give big hugs. When you step on the plane the following day, the greatest consolation of all will be having no regrets.

I love you bestie! and I will be praying for you, it is going to be a long couple of days!

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for you I always pray with joy." 1:3

Be still, my soul.

Risk more than others think is safe.

Being a young American girl in a foreign country, it seemed as if everything was a risk. I enrolled in a dance class the entire way across the city and walked home by myself at 10:30 PM twice a week. I made new friends and went to their apartment to watch fútbol or have dinner. I ventured out on my own at 1:30 AM to meet up with an española from my dance class and all her friends. I had to use my own judgment about every situation and take risks to build the close relationships I have today.

I went to Barcelona the weekend before midterms. I met up with friends on many school nights. I didn’t make homework and my classes the center of my life as I have for the past four semesters. I did the work, but I didn’t worry about it on weekend trips or when I was out with friends.

I indulged in the Spanish culture - soaking up the food, the language, and the social norms. Although there were times when I wondered if I should be holding myself back from going places by myself or studying instead of socializing, I ultimately made the decision to risk it and see what happened. And I don’t regret a single moment of it.

Care more than others think is wise.

Studying abroad put me in a situation I have struggled with before at Hope College. I was thrust into relationships that I won’t know how to maintain after next Friday. At least if I move back to Pennsylvania after graduating from Hope my friends are only a 12 hour road trip away. Here? Not quite so accessible.

Every dance class forms some sort of family. We see each other on good days and bad days, we hear each other get criticized and praised, we watch each other grow artistically and physically. The advanced jazz class at Sevilla Dance Center has provided a place for me to move, to laugh, and to just be part of the family for a semester. I had even been choreographed into their piece for their show in January, only to have to be replaced by a girl from one of other classes. It seems stupid – I’ve done countless shows in my life, most of them more sophisticated and better organized. Nevertheless, knowing I’m not going to be there with them on stage still hurts. I had to help the new girl learn my lifts and spacing, all the while wishing I could’ve just stayed in the first place.

Then there is my señora, “mi madre” for the semester and also the most adorable Spanish woman ever. She helped me when I had questions, bought her favorite dulces to share with me, and waited for me after class everyday to eat lunch together. We’ve laughed together over the fact that every American TV show that the Spaniards watch is related to murder in some way (NCIS, Cold Case, Law and Order…) and talked seriously about the cultural norms, good and bad, of Spain. I help her on a regular basis with her computer research for her adult class at the University and she lovingly tells our cleaning lady, her friends, and her daughter about her hija (daughter) who is her maestra de la ordeanador (computer teacher). Although I have a wonderful family to go back to, I know I will miss our lunches, our conversations, and the way she cares for me above and beyond the expectations of a host mother.

Also, during the second half of the semester I have spent a great deal of time with Gabri, who I met through Ramón, the intercambio of Molly, my closest friend from CIEE. (Got the connection?) He’s showed me around the city, taken me out with his friends to watch the Barcelona vs. Madrid fútbol game (Spain’s superbowl), and helped me a great deal with my Spanish. (The last part may be because he doesn’t speak any English… it’s somewhat a do or die situation). We’ve become good friends and we have a lot of fun together. But again, I’m leaving December 17^th, whether I like it or not. And it’s discouraging to know our friendship cannot truly be maintained. Communication barriers, which already exist, are doubled across Skype or Facebook messaging. Plus, Hershey isn’t exactly a weekend trip from Jérez.

Even Molly, who attends school at University of Wisconsin, will be difficult to keep track of. We have spent entire weeks together: eating, sleeping, studying, talking, and who knows what else. I plan to visit her at some point next semester before she graduates, but we won’t have the same experiences to laugh about or stories to swap about our crazy Spaniards.

But despite all of this, I dare to care. I was able to develop meaningful relationships with Spaniards, my señora, and other CIEE students. I have guarded my heart carefully for many years and although I continued to retain perspective, I didn’t hold back quite so much while making friends this semester. Now, I am trying to be thankful for the way these people have helped me grow as a person instead of sad that I’m leaving them in less than a week.

Dream more than others think is practical.

I dream that this is not the end, but rather than the beginning. I have fallen in love with Spanish, the language and the insights that can be learned from another culture. I hope that after I graduate, I have the opportunity to continue this learning experience while teaching English or teaching Science in an English school.

Right now, I’m young and free to explore the world without having to worry about many ties in the United States. Although I think it would be hard to leave my family for more than a semester, I can’t even begin to explain all the blessings and lessons I’ve encountered over such a short period of time.

I have an itch. I can no longer imagine myself in the practical, typical lifestyle right out of college. I need to see what more the world can show me.

Expect more than others think is possible.

I expect to be able to experience new things, while always remaining true to myself. I expect to experience, without concrete expectations.

I was walking down the street to the University of Sevilla the other day, wondering how in the world I even got here. A year ago I was a chemistry major - planning out my hospital volunteering, my schedule of Biochemistry and Statistics, and shadows at local offices to be the best candidate I could possibly be for medical school. How did I transform into a Spanish education student who left all her friends and family to go to Spain for a semester? I never actually expected to study abroad, but all the pieces fell in to place perfectly for me to return to my favorite city in Spain.

I don’t think a moment of this semester was an accident. I know God has had a plan for my life all along and had been pushing my buttons, trying to get me to realize that I was not meant to be a doctor. He presented opportunities for me to get involved with teaching ESL, study abroad, and apply for a scholarship program after graduation to teach. I have no idea where I am going next, but I’m no longer limiting myself to what I always imagined my life to be: grow up, go to college, get a steady job near Hershey, and get married. I’m expecting some surprises, and I don’t think I will even try to guess what they will be.

Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible.

The other day I rediscovered a hymn we have used over the past 2 years with Sacred Dance. And it never ceases to amaze me how something written in the 17th century can describe utterly and completely the emotions and hopes I have today.

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. -Lao Tzu

Molly and I embarked on our latest, and last, journey at an hour all too frequent for us... 5:40 AM.

We met in the Plaza de Cuba, took a taxi to the train station, took the train to Madrid, took a taxi from the train station to the airport, and finally got on our plane to Dublin. Or so we thought.

After about a two hour flight we descended for landing and in one of the last moments, began to ascend once again. The flight attendant came over the speakers saying, "Ladies and gentlemen, it seems the pilot has decided not to land. We aren't sure why but we will let you know once we find out." Just a hint, RYANAIR, that is not what you say to keep an airplane full of people calm while you continue to fly for an hour before landing in Shannon, Ireland.

Dónde estamos?

Therefore, we had to get on a bus to go BACK to the Dublin airport which was a nice 3 hour bus ride. Good thing Molly and I have lots of experience with buses. We gathered some provisions from the airport store to hold us over along the way...

Junk food, junk food, and more junk food.

Luckily the food got better as the week went on. Also even though the song says, 'Wherever you go // no matter how far // you'll always find a Hershey bar', I find it is:
a) Not true - we don't have them in Spain.
b) Not the same quality - this Cookies n' Cream bar tasted like cardboard.

Thankfully, we finally made it back to the airport via bus (through snow, sleet, and hail) where we took another bus and then a taxi to get to our hostel, which was actually really sweet.

These dragons were painted all along the winding staircase in the center of the hostel

We checked into the hostel and scurried off to dinner before the Brazen Head (a pub our hostel suggested) stopped serving dinner at 9 PM. They definitely eat much sooner than the Spaniards... who don't even open sometimes until 8 PM. Molly and I shared the most delicious fried brie with cranberry relish and then sausage with mashed potatoes and gravy in a bread bowl. Unfortunately we had both forgotten our cameras but we remembered it later on... and for the rest of the week we pretended like we were food bloggers. Hence the following pictures of wonderful food :)

Apple blackberry crumble at Queen of Tarts in Dublin

Tortellini in Pisa

Bruschetta in Florence

Nutella stuffed donut in Florence

Once we got there though, Dublin was a complete success. There was snow, Christmas lights, and carols in the streets. Everything to remind me that Christmas was coming and what it felt like to know completely the language of the country, minus the troublesome accents.

On Thursday Molly and I ventured out on a 3 hour tour (sing it like Gilligan's Island!) in the snow and around the city to see the sites of Dublin. We probably would've liked it a little more if we could've felt our feet but it was fun regardless. Some highlights of the outing:

Entrance to the Dublin Castle

Oldest bridge in Dublin

The center "green" of Trinity College

Richard with yet another statue...

That evening we went on a pub crawl with the same company, which was fun since there were other people from our hostel on it too. We made friends pretty quickly and it was cool to see a bunch of pubs in Ireland, from modern microbreweries to older bars with celtic bands.

The next day we went on a tour of the Guinness storehouse, which is a popular attraction in Dublin. However, they take their beer seriously there and Molly and I didn't have quite the same interest as the other visitors. But by the end we made it to the Gravity Bar, where we could see all of Dublin. I also managed to get find out that you could get 2 sodas in place of the one Guinness... I had discovered in the taste test that I wasn't a huge fan. Winner!

Molly, preparing herself for her Guinness Stout.

View of Dublin from the Gravity Bar

On Saturday we continued on to Pisa, where we checked into a rather odd Asian-inspired hostel (Molly likes to pick them with 'character') and ventured on to the Leaning Tower to take the mandatory tourist shots.

Oh you know, holding up the Tower of Pisa.

Just one other of the extensive photo shoot Molly and I had...

Last but not least, we went to took the train to Florence to enjoy the sites of another city in Italy for two days. Since Florence is the city of museums, we tried to visit the Uffizi Gallery on Sunday since it (along with all the other museums) is normally closed on Monday. Unfortunately what we found was this:

Yes, the Europeans decided to strike once again. (Did I mention that the air traffic controllers in Spain went on strike the day after we left the country?)

Since the museums were on strike, Molly and I had to get creative and find some other interesting elements of the city. So we wandered, walked, ate, relaxed, and just enjoyed the general feeling of being in Italy.

Il Duomo - church near the center of Florence

One of many statues near the Uffizi

Check out the local talent... this man played the base drum with his steps!

Molly the snow bunny trying on a sweet hat at the Christmas market.

Michelangelo's tomb

The best view in Florence, even with the cloudy weather!

Throughout the past week, Molly and I fully enjoyed eating and site-seeing, but also taking the time to relax, update our blogs, and keep up with school work. Neither of us wanted to return Sevilla swamped with schoolwork and unable to enjoy our final week and a half.

This trip continued to teach me patience and flexibility - two themes of my semester. I realized once again that I can not be in total control of my situations and that I must learn to enjoy myself, no matter what unexpected events occur. Including snowstorms and strikes. I also realized the importance of home throughout the week. I missed my current home, Sevilla, and my family home, Hershey, PA, for one of the first times this semester. In Italy we were put in situations where we didn't know how to communicate - a problem we have been working past all semester. In Ireland we were surrounded by the normalites of the Christmas season - but without our friends and families. These situations seemed to be the opposite of what I had been working towards all semester.

The next 10 days are going to be difficult. I'm trying to live out each and every moment while balancing final papers, exams, and ever-fluctuating emotions. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers for me as I wrap up this semester. I hope to end it with a sense of peace: thankfulness for all that has happened over the past 4 months, but thankfulness for what I am returning to in the United States.

I'll see you all soon enough.
Much love from Spain,
Amber

I'd love-lock Sevilla if I could.

Recap: Madre en España!

As many of you know, my mom and I had a fantastic week together in Sevilla. Here's a brief recap of all the fun we had...

What we did. Everything on our list! We saw the touristy stuff, but I also walked my poor mother all over God's creation of Sevilla to see the local markets, my house, and my schools. (I just didn't want her to have to worry about the massive amounts of olive oil she was consuming... I know, I know. I'm a nice daughter.) We had time to sit and relax but we managed to stay busy up until the last day. Mission accomplished.

Mom practicing her mid-life crisis career. She's going to move to Spain and fight bulls!

Flamenco show, obvi. We even got to see a bata de cola (a special technique for when the woman dances with the long dress) which was awesome.

Our day trip to Ronda was great, despite the rain all day. We saw the gorge, had paella and sangria, and window shopped. Literally window shopped since siesta closed all the stores while we were there. Then we finished the day off with a cup of tea. I had chocolate mint and Mom had cinnamon. Perfect way to end the week :)

What we ate. Oh my goodness, what didn't we eat? I "made" Mom try all the typical Spanish foods - from salmorejo (a cold tomato soup) to fried fish to my favorite chocolate croissant. I know, its a rough life. It was all delicious and it was kind of fun to go out for bigger meals in Sevilla. Up until last week I had only gone out to eat for tapas but it was cool to see what restaurants considered the most typical Spanish meals.

Dulces from La Campaña, the best known confitería in Sevilla. Tea cookies and a delicious chocolate and peanut cake-ish sandwich with cream in the middle. Mmmmmm.

Paella. 'Nuf said.

Probably one of my favorite plates. This was the first course of a menu del día at a small restaurant in Triana. Its a lightly breaded eggplant dish with an amazing creamy tomato sauce.

What we bought.

Beautiful leather boots. They actually stretched them to fit me perfectly at the store. I'm living my mom's dream of classy, tall boots with leggings and big sweaters. Again, rough life I have. More like blessed beyond belief that I have parents so giving and a lifestyle so easy.

Truffles, chocolate covered orange, caramels, nougat, OH MY! We are going to have some good sweets on Christmas Eve this year! We also managed to sample pretty much everything in the store. That's the way to do it.

Overall, it was a wonderful week. But I did have to spend the weekend recuperating a little: catching up on e-mails, writing final papers, and taking my long-lost siestas. On Sunday I got up and went to the same church I had gone to earlier in the semester. (I feel like its necessary to mention that on the walk there I passed about 4 accordion players. It was like I was in some sort of movie set to an odd soundtrack...) This time I got there a little early and was greeted with an overwhelming welcome; even the pastor noticed I had come in by myself and made a point to come over and say 'Hello' - or rather 'Hola' :)

This loving atmosphere, the way the members contribute actively to the service, the time to really listen to the message without rushing out the door for a dance rehearsal or a choir practice... to me this is a beautiful representation of the church. It makes me really miss Ken and Yvonne, my church family at Calvary in Holland, MI. Because as I'm getting older I realize the church is not the building or the organization, but the people who foster meaningful relationships with one another, supporting each other and building each other up. There are certain things that I look forward to when I think of next semester and one of them is definitely going back to church and bagels at Calvary. I miss my weekly chat with my "Michigan parents" and being active in my church relationships. Because although I've excitedly entered new communities while abroad, there are some things that can not be replaced.

Well I think that's all for now - I'm currently sitting in my hostel in Dublin, Ireland with snow covered side walks, Christmas carols in the streets, and some of the most beautiful Christmas lights I've ever seen. This next week will be like visiting Epcot - I'll see 3 different countries decorated for Christmas!

But more on that later... for now I'm off to experience it :)

And be thankful.

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15-17

Sometimes I forget that the real world is still going on without me. I honestly don't even feel like today is Thanksgiving. I'm used to spending the morning at Dad's, indulging myself in pancakes and sticky buns - then going up to Mom's to further stuff myself with spinach dip, baked corn, turkey, and mashed potatoes. Today is a day to be filled with food and surrounded by family and family friends. To be filled with thanksgiving and surrounded by love.

But this semester I can't sit down at the table with you for dinner. I can't hang out on the couch watching the parade. However, I still want to take the time to reflect on all the blessings I've been given. And I want to share with you all a few things I am particularly thankful for this semester.

Technology. Facebook, skype, e-mail: I've never really been far from home. Throughout the semester I have been able to stay updated on everything: from the chapels at Hope College to the play-by-play of my little sister's soccer games, video chats with my parents to conversations with with future employers. I'm thankful that I have been able to leave without losing contact with those who are most important to me.

Good food. Croquetas, pastries, salmoreja: I have become truly interested in food this semester. I have entirely enjoyed trying so many new things and learning about the cultural foods of each city and country I have visited so far.

Lamb chops in olive oil and garlic with broiled potatoes and tomatoes.

CIEE. Honestly, I don't think this program could get any better. They helped us get oriented in the city and have kept us active throughout the semester without being overbearing. We've had optional excursions around Sevilla every week in addition to 5 day/overnight trips to other cities around Spain. I really felt like they helped us become educated about the culture of Andalusia and allowed us to have fun along the way.

Dance. To quote the Little Mermaid, "Dancing is a language that is felt instead of heard." It breaks language barriers and has provided an opportunity for me to yet again meet and connect with new people. Although the dance studios are tiny and my teacher thinks Brittany Spears in current pop music, I love the opportunity to dance every week in Sevilla.

New friends. I couldn't have asked for a better American friend for the semester - someone with whom I can joke and have serious conversations. I've enjoyed having someone I could depend on but who is also independent so that we could both really get involved this semester. I was also lucky enough to get to know some great Spaniards. Both Nadia (from my jazz class at the Dance Center of Sevilla) and Gabri (friend of Ramón, Molly's intercambio) have been so welcoming and willing to deal with my fumbles through the language to really get to know me. All semester I have fully enjoyed my exploration of Sevilla and the Andalusian culture with such great company.

Molly and I in Morocco

Old friends. I'm thankful for the notes, facebook messages, and skype dates from my friends from Hope and Hershey. It feels good to know I am in your thoughts, despite being 6 time zones away. I have learned the love of friends who care about me and am thankful I have you all to return home to in December.

Curiosity. I am young and eager to explore life. I am willing to make mistakes but learn from them. I willing to try new things and not be afraid that I won't like it. I am thankful to be experiencing such a different culture during this season of my life. I'm not always sure who I am or who I will be but I believe my curiosity is allowing me to experience all there is to offer to make the best decisions possible for my future.

Home... Family. Having my mom here has made me realize that no matter what, I have a wonderful home and family to come back to. There are some comforts of home that can never be replaced and although I am not eager to leave Sevilla, I know I am going back to loving environment that will welcome me with open arms.

Mom and Dad. I have no idea how you did it. You raised four children and I think we all turned out pretty well :) You have made me into the lady I am today and have always encouraged me to try new things with all my might. You've always made me feel like I could succeed at whatever I attempted and have provided the means for me to try again and again. There's not much more I can say than thanks. And I love you.

This week has been wonderful - I am thankful to have gotten to experience my worlds combined. It was amazing to see my mom meet my host mom and friends, wait for me after class, and eat at my favorite restaurants. But at this point, I am also thankful that I have three more weeks. Because who knows what adventures that time will bring?

Me with both my señora with my mom :)