thoughts...

I remember five months ago when people asked me what exactly I’d be doing in Spain, or where I’d be living, or what I’d be studying- the answer was always the same: “I don’t really know…”. And now I do know, I know so well. As I reminiscently walk around Oviedo in the last four days here, I am reminded of the way I perceived it when I arrived and the way I perceive it now. My mindset has completely shifted. Things that once would have terrified me no longer hold that power: first meetings with people that used to make my stomach do butterflies don’t even phase me, discussing and paying the rent are normal duties, and carrying on a conversation in Spanish for hours is part of everyday life.

I have learned valuable lessons along the way; some of which I hope to never repeat, and others which still make me laugh. 

1)      1) Always, ALWAYS, have the first night planned when you arrive in a strange city

2)      2) Never walk out of the airport to board the plane and then get confused and accidentally walk into the baggage claim

3)      3) When entering a new country it’s a good idea to figure out beforehand whether they have a different currency

4)      4) When traveling always figure out how to at least say “I don’t speak ____” in the national language

5)       5) Never leave your wallet in the open pocket of your coat, but if you do then sometimes trust an intoxicated 60 year-old man to help you find the police station…up until the point he asks you to go get drinks with him. 

6)      6) Sarcasm in a language other than your mother tongue is essentially a lost cause

Obviously my time here in Spain has been extremely valuable in learning life lessons… But in all honesty it has. I’m not the same person I was when I first arrived, nor do I want to be. It’s been an adventure, a crazy rollercoaster of an adventure, but life is also an adventure.  As I close the door on my time here in Spain, I am not closing the door on my adventures. They will continue, and I have one who is faithful to walk through them with me. “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in [me] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil 1:6 NIV). I am not at the point that I long to be at, but I know that He has promised to stick with me til the end. To Him be the glory forever and ever.