Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Poco a poco...

It has been exactly one week since we landed in Spain, weary of our travels and definitely lacking sleep but not enthusiasm! It is still so crazy to look up from my homework to see the beautiful buildings of downtown Sevilla while enjoying a cafe con leche in the warm winter sun. Sure makes doing homework a tad bit more interesting... ;) We have already done so much-from scavenger hunts all over this beautiful city, going out for tapas or meriendas, to watching flamenco...it has been quite the adventure already! There is so much to take in that it can be difficult to process or explain all the emotions and thoughts I am having during this transition. At times it can be so invigorating to experience and see so much and other times a bit more difficult. It is challenging to identify one's identity when all of your surroundings drastically change. Though I have the knowledge that yes, I am American and will probably stand out as one all the time here, I still so long to become a Spaniard just for this little moment in time.

"Poco a poco" or "little by little,"as my señora says. 
She says this whenever she teaches us something new about how she runs the house, new phrases that we learn, etc. And really, that is exactly how this last week has gone as far as immersing myself in a completely new way of life. It takes time and all I want do is dive in and already have my local friends and be speaking Spanish like crazy. Alas, that will come with time and definitely some work. But as God is reminding me, my identity above all else remains in Him. American or Spaniard wanna-be put aside, I am merely a follower of His and as one, I am commanded to walk in love.


"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."-Joshua 1:9

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

This is real life!

What a whirlwind of a trip this has been! From Seattle to Atlanta to Chicago to Madrid to Seville...I have arrived at last! The 8 hour flight, 4 hour layover, and 2 and half hour train ride from Chicago to Seville (not to mention a 9 hour time zone difference from home), consisted of zero sleep for this girl so it was a wonderful feeling to finally get in bed and pass out for the night. This of course did not happen until after my host mom took me and my roommate on a walking tour of the city, picked up her granddaughter from dance class and I took a shower that was so cold it gave me a brain freeze...all to find out there really is hot water, it just takes some tinkering and waiting for it to come. Thankfully I have hope for a better experience next time!

This morning started with the traditional Spanish breakfast of toast with marmelada and tea. From there our señora (our host mom) to my roommate and I to the hotel where we had orientation and placement exams and got the first days worth of important information, exciting things this semester holds, and of course the do's and don'ts of Sevilla. Four of us girls were actually able to find our way home too as our señora assumed we would remember our way back but...not quite yet. It was so fun to explore the city a bit and come to the realization that this is home now!

Today we also experienced our first Spanish "siesta," which is a 3 hour break in the middle of the day where everything closes and the city eats lunch around 2:30pm or 3 and then basically either take a nap or just stay home and relax. I could get used to this kind of pace of life.
Tonight was amazing as we were given tours by Spaniards in small groups where we saw all the amazing sites that make Sevilla truly an amazing city that I am so excited to call home for the next 4 months.


Nuestro cuarto! (our room)
Jana & Kelly in La Universidad de Sevilla


Hotel Alfonso...so fancy Madonna has stayed here.

La Catedral....a picture just doesn't do its grandeur justice.

Me and Kelly (my roommate) enjoying our first of many gelatos to come!

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Leaving on a jet plane

And so begins the last push towards stepping foot on Spanish soil...just exactly 24 hours until my plan takes off and I shall be "leaving on a jet plane..." I do know when I'll be back again though...in 5 months! 5 whole months of experiencing Sevilla and numerous other European countries.  
This next journey of my life has been long awaited, as I have dreamed of studying abroad since high school. Here I am, so close and yet, I don't think it will feel real until I have said my last goodbyes and start walking on that plane.
I am so thankful for this amazing opportunity to see the world and experience all that God has in store for me!