I am a missionary in Spain who desires for the power of the Holy Spirit to be unleashed in me, to be unabashed about the love of Christ, and unafraid to go where God calls. These are my stories in this journey of letting God have everything.

23 July 2008

Washed in the River





Sunday was a day of beauty. It was a day of going under old, and coming up new. Congratulations Vanessa and Christine. I am so happy for you both and so proud of you. May God give you strength and courage to live as those who are forgiven and set free!!!

15 July 2008

Vacation and Reading

Last week I went to England! It was amazing!!! I visited my roommate Shani and got to hang out in with her in her town. I have always wanted to visit England and what better way than with a friend who lives there. We did a lot of relaxing and visited Manchester, Black Pool, and Bolton. I had a spectacular time and wish I could have stayed longer. I haven't posted any pictures yet on flickr, but hopefully that will happen soon.

When I returned from England I read Heather's blog and noticed that she tagged me to post the same blog as her about books and reading. So, because I am trying to do a better job at writing on this blog, here are my responses to all the questions.
  1. Do you remember how you developed a love for reading? No, but I'm guessing it stems from my mom always reading to me and my brothers. I loved going on road trips and mom reading from the front seat. Thanks Mom for such special memories.
  2. What are some books you read as a child? Pilgrim's Progress, Chronicles of Narnia (both with Mom and Brothers), the Christy Miller series, and anything that had anything to do with dance
  3. What is your favorite genre? I like fiction a lot but I also enjoy a good biography and also Christian non-fiction. Fiction is good for relaxing and non is good for learning and character development.
  4. Do you have a favorite novel? That's really hard, but the first book that came to my mind is "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers.
  5. Where do you usually read? Either on the couch or in bed. If I'm traveling alone on public transport then I'll often read a fiction there as well.
  6. When do you usually read? Before bed, on vacation, my day off, or on the bus or metro.
  7. Do you usually have more than one book you are reading at a time? Always (just like my dad!)
  8. Do you read nonfiction in a different way or place than you read fiction? When I read non-fiction, I need to be much more alert so that I can really take in what I am reading. I often either write in my book or take notes when I am reading non-fiction so that I can remember what I've read. I usually don't read non-fiction on the metro or bus or in bed, but I will curl up on the couch with it.
  9. Do you buy most of the books you read, or borrow them, or check them out of the library? I borrow as many as I can buy the used books (because they're cheaper), but I will buy books that I really love new. I miss the library!!!
  10. Do you keep most of the books you buy? If not, what do you do with them? I do keep most of the books that I buy, even if I don't like them. There are always people coming into my house so I hang on to them in case they catch someone else's fancy and then they can either borrow them or have them.
  11. If you have children, what are some of the favorite books you have shared with them? I don't have children yet, but when I do, I will definitely read the Chronicles of Narnia and Pilgrim's Progress to them!
  12. What are you reading now? Non-fiction: "The Ragamuffin Gospel", "The Way of the Heart" Fiction: "The Pact"
  13. Do you keep a TBR (to be read) list? Not really, but I should. I think that I don't because it would be too overwhelming. There are just too many good books that I want to read.
  14. What’s next? I really want to read "The Forgotten Ways" and I'll need a new fiction soon. I'll be done with "The Pact" in a day or two. Any recommendations?
  15. What books would you like to reread? I would like to reread different series of books. Narnia, LOTR, Harry Potter. I do want to read some new ones first though.
  16. Who are your favorite authors? C.S. Lewis, Donald Miller, Francine Rivers, Karen Kingsbury, Randy Alcorn, Eugene Peterson to name a very few.
I don't like tagging other people to do blogs, but if you'd like to answer these questions too, have at it. I think I should go read now.

06 July 2008

Campeones de España

One week ago today Spain won the Euro Cup. It was quite the feat and quite the day. I wouldn't be surprised at all if that day becomes a national holiday, that is if they can fit it in the year will all the other holidays we celebrate here. I'm pretty sure that everyday this week I have seen news and highlights from the game. Europeans sure know how to embrace a sport and make it a way of life. I think I made my brothers proud by following most of the tournament and especially the final games. It was so exciting! I think Spain is still feeling the high of the win. Spanish flags and jerseys can still be seen everywhere. I've enjoyed feeling a part of this country and this culture just by cheering for Spain. "A Por Ellos Oye!"

If it wasn't enough for Spain to win the Euro Cup, today Rafa Nadal won the men's singles in Wimbledon. Yet another reason for celebration. The support for Rafa isn't anything like what it was for the futbol team, but once again Spain raises to the top. One frustrating thing about TV here though is that you will see everything that Spain is involved in, but basically the only thing you'll see is Spain. There were hardly any other games from Wimbledon on TV. Maybe I just need to get more than 5 channels. Oh well. "Podemos!"

05 July 2008

4th of July

As basically all of you know, today is the 4th of July. That means a lot more to Americans in America than to most other people in the world. I'm actually really good friends with quite a few Brits, so this holiday can actually be a bit awkward. Anyway, I did celebrate today in a small way by going with 15 other Americans to the Hard Rock Cafe for lunch. It was a good time with friends eating way too much food. Here are a couple of things that I do miss from celebrating this holiday in the U.S.
  • Going to the Nes-L-Inn with Ross, Heidi, Nate, Lindsay, and Andy. I miss you guys!!!
  • Going to Antietam Battlefield with my parents to watch the fireworks and hanging out with Laura. Miss you Laura!!!
  • Going downtown GR early making a picnic, playing games with Rach (and beating her of course) and then watching the fireworks over the Grand River with her and Joe. I miss you guys too!!!
  • Eating wonderful American picnic food such as Italian sausage on the grill, potato salad, fruit salad, corn on the cob, and other great stuff.
There are certainly some wonderful traditions and friends that I miss during this time of year, but it is kind of fun to start new traditions and experience new holidays! For all you Americans, Happy 4th!