The rain in Spain

I know I said that I doubted that anything could top Germany, but after my adventure on the way to Spain I wasn't looking for anything other than relaxation, and a much needed break from the stress of school and travel, that was exactly what Spain gave me. Before going to Spain, I never would have considered it one of my top locations, however after spending two weeks there I couldn't help but fall in love with the beautiful spanish country side,and the family I stayed with. There was in fact much rain in Spain during my stay there (which I'm told is very rare) but i didn't mind it much most days I stayed dry and warm sipping "fireside coffee" by the fire, and reading my systematic theology book (oh joy!). There were many hours spent with Mrs. Humes and Adrianna watching Larkrise, knitting, talking and knitting some more.
I spent both Christmas and New Years in Spain and absolutely loved it. The Humes family sort of adopted me for the time I was there, and I can't thank them enough for allowing me to be part of their family during the time I was there. Between Christmas and New Years I joined them on a little family vacation to the magnificent Sierra Nevada Mountains in the south of Spain. The scenery was breath taking, it was a trip i will never forget. I spent a lot of time walking, talking with Mrs. Humes and Adrianna, and just thinking. The Lord really knew what i needed over this vacation, and he didn't hesitate a moment giving it to me. Thank-you!

 This is the town I stayed in where the Humes live, just outside of Madrid. This particular picture was taken from the Iternational school that they work at. For those of you from Brasil, it is a ACSI school similar to AVA only bigger, and in many ways more similar to your typical US school.
This is Adrianna and I  on the way down to the Sierra Nevadas. the view from the road was incredible. I was supposed to be reading homework during this four hour journey, I didn't get very far- most of my time was spent staring out the window. I cannot help but marvel at God's creation. His workmanship is so evident in this little corner of the world...you'll see what I'm talking about the more pictures you see =)


sitting on the terrace of the house we stayed in in the quaint village of La Calahorra, which is surrounded by majestic mountains and the home of a 16th century castle (as you can see) the town looked like something out of a movie...I absolutely loved it!

One day we were supposed to go skiing but due to the cloud covering the mountain top and the 100 mph winds the slope were closed, but we had a good time hanging out at the top of the world at a little theme park type thing they had there and taking lots of crazy pictures!

Eventually the skies did clear somewhat but by that time we were ready to head back down to normal altitudes but it was pretty cool to be up above the clouds. Now I don't know what it feels like at the top of Mt. Everest but I imagine if it's anything like that felt, it must be astounding!

 

This was the ski town at the top of the mountain

You are resplendent with light, more majestic than mountains -Psalms

Back in La Calahora Mrs. Humes, Adrianna hiked up the hill to the castle gazing at all the breath taking scenery and talking. It was so good. I have to stop here and say something about these ladies. God has used them in awesome ways in my life, and the funny thing is i don't think they know it. the challenged me in my thinking, reminded me of the power of prayer, and the spiritual battle surrounding us everyday, that only intensifies when we drop our guard, get proud, and consequently render ourselves weak. It seems there is a particular attack on those of us who a just going off on our own, still unsure and often times facing our own questions and doubts and struggles for the first time- alone. Being reminded of that battle and being fully aware of the potential outcomes gave me my fire back in a way, made me want to fight it, and made me want to win. For those us here now at WOLBI Hungary I highly doubt that any of us could look back over the school year so far and not acknowledge that we are often times at war here. The good thing for those of us who hold tight to our savior-is we know that our battle has already been won. =) And in the process of that battle God has the habit of sharpening us for his use, or as mrs. Humes put it -wetting our clay pots down so that he can reshape and re mold them into what he wants us to be for his Honor and Glory. Of course no one likes to be squeezed and punched and all the tears in the process, but always keep in mind something beyond me is happening here- it's hard for a reason and the ending is going to be a miracle of God's design.

We even made it to the Mediterranean sea!!!

NEW YEARS!!!!!! HAPPY 2010

New years was an interesting celebration. we were together with several other missionary families. One of the traditions there is eating one grape at the strike of 12 on new years eve. then if you choke on any of the grapes you will have "bad luck" on the corresponding month of the new year. Lucky for me I don't really believe in luck, but it was fun to look around at everyone attempting to fit 12 grapes in the mouth at once =)