Let it snow...let it snow...let it snow

Mira! Ha nevado aqui...pero os tengo que decir que no es tanto. Continua nevando. A ver si esta tarde voy afuera o si me quedo adentro cocinando con mi madre para la reunion con la familia de mi padre esta tarde. He puesto unas fotos de las decoraciones que ponemos todos los anyos, que desafortunadamente no llegue con tiempo ayudar. Pero me gustan igualmente.


del porche de mi casa









pueblo que hizo mi madre










mi familia

I'll Be Home for Christmas...

That song (see title) ran through my head throughout the day Thursday. Unfortunately, I only know the words, "I'll be home for Christmas...da da da...if only in my dreams." It's pretty, but pretty repetitive after awhile also. Nice reminder of where I was going.
My flight left Thursday around lunchtime, and I got into Indianapolis about 11 pm. My day went pretty much like this:
Tamy dropped me off at Barajas Airport in Madrid. Got through security really quickly, changed euros into dollars and looked happily at how much they gave me, waited an hour for the flight to take off. Translated an article, finished a book, and watched Julie and Julia. I had to pay $5 for the headphones. Which, I suppose is less than watching a movie out, but the screen is a looooot bigger in the movie theaters. The movie made me forget about the earphones, I couldn't help smiling through almost all of it; the couple was really sweet and I liked the comparison between the character Julie and Julia Child. Then, customs and a five hour layover in Philadelphia. There was a fairly interesting exhibit about collections. One woman had collected dryer lint. Dry lint? Or perhaps anything is interesting on a five-hour layover. I read "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" in about 1 and a half hours and I'm not sure what I did with the rest of the time. Stare at people I suppose. The day was kind of lonely. I think the 2 longest conversations I had was with an ex-pat was asking about the plane loading and then we talked for a bit. Then later in Philly by the smoothie shop, I talked for about 5 minutes to a Kenyan man. But that didn't do much for company. In Indy the plane came in about 20 minutes early and Colin was there early as well. After almost 24 hours in transit I was tired, but still managed to stay awake and we talked almost all the way to Purdue in West Lafayette.

The next morning was Colin's last exam, and I woke up a little before he finished and came back to his apartment. We left around 1, ate a really good pepperoni pizza, which probably wasn't the best possible, but tasted like heaven to me. We got to Fort Wayne a couple hours later, ahead of the snowstorm that started up last night. Dad had to go into work sometime last yet, not quite sure when since I didn't wake up all the way. We haven't got much more than an inch though, and hopefully we'll get enough snow to have some winter fun, but that not so much that Dad has to do lots of night shifts.

Spring Cleaning

Twice a year every Spaniard (well, every grandmother at least) cleans their home from top to bottom. Luckily, they're apartments and don't have as much space as our house. Thank you Mom for not making us do so. Angelita is giving me a free education in all of the traditions, even the cleaning ones.

Bathroom: Grab a bucket and rags. Wipe down the walls from the ceiling to the floor with soapy water, then with wet rag, then dry. Move the furniture from the wall, clean floor and wall behind it. Undo the lamp and clean it. Wipe down door.

Room:Move furniture, dust corners, clean blinds, wipe down furniture with damp rag, sweep, mop, dust, feather dust the corners of the walls and ceiling, clean windows.

I suppose the cleaning is fairly normal, but I haven't done it before and I would say that it took me awhile. Luckily I just have my room and the bathroom!

The reward for cleaning was going to Noemi and Armando's house, the pastor's family for lunch. They're from the Canary Islands...their accents remind me of Señor Delaguardia...Cuban accent almost. We had fiesta arroz. Mom sometimes makes something really similar: Frito chips on top of meat, cheese, lettuce. I can't for the life of me remember what it's called. Since last Sunday was my last Sunday here before Christmas, we needed to organize things to give the kids their prizes for the semester before I left. New cheap toys that the kids earned by earning stickers bringing their Bible and memorizing the Bible verse. I'm going to miss teaching them next semester.

I spent the evening catching up with Sara, a friend that took English classes from me and led the small group I participated in last year. She got married a few weeks before I came to Spain this past September, so we had a lot to talk about. The summer, being married, and teaching. She teaches evangelical religion classes in an elementary school in Madrid.

My Compassion Girl

Did you know that I've adopted a little girl? (awkward pause) Okay, well, she isn't mine and she doesn't live with me...in fact I've never met her...and I guess you can't say that I've adopted her because she lives at home with her mother. She's ten years old, lives in Mexico, has two sisters, and coincidentally wants to be a teacher. Or perhaps it's that lots of little girls want to be teachers.Her name is Zurihsaday. I started sponsoring her through Compassion at the end of last spring. I went to a Michael W. Smith concert here in Madrid and they were raising support for the new branch of Compassion International in Spain.  My heart went out to the kids they talked about. That day last spring I started thinking about all the privileges I have that have given me a leg up: two loving parents, money for food, clothes, and school supplies, a college education, music classes and time to spend reading and practicing, the support to go abroad. I think realizing how many kids don't have that and how much I still have is why I decided to sponsor her. I hope that through the years I can see her grow and perhaps someday meet her. And give her some more options and hope in her life as well. I'd love to see if she goes on to study at the university and what she becomes as an adult. I hope to hear from her soon!

Holiday Cheer

I haven't got much in terms of holiday decorations, but what I do have I've put up this year, keeping my room festive till I head home for the holidays. I took some pictures...I know they're not good...but it's the only way you'll get to see my attempt at decorating!

Frog and Toad

I'm sure you're burning with curiosity to know the story behind the toad themed birthday presents. Or perhaps not. If not, you should politely stop reading now. Better. Well, it goes back to the youth group's fall retreat. I had just finished my first week of work after the summer, and the kids' Spanish germs had already gotten to me. Sniffles, headache, fatigue, sore throat: I had a bummer of a cold. All this heading into a weekend where I knew I wouldn't sleep much, but I was determined to make the most of it.
The first evening, after deciding that I couldn't take any more that day, I laid down across some of the chairs in the gym and decided to rest a bit while the others played Sardines, the hide-in-seek variant where everyone ends up hiding in the same corner by the end of the game with the last lonely person wondering where everyone went. Isma sweetly decided to stay and keep me company. Enter Miki..or Micah if you want the English form of his name, the youth pastor's oldest son. With a toad.
I take one look at it and almost jump with excitement. I love animals. Even toads. Or perhaps especially things like toads, frogs, turtles, and pet insects. Wrinkling his nose, Isma looks at the toad disgustedly and says, "Touch it, and I'll have to leave." Do I listen? Nope. The rest of the weekend the others teased Isma about how I left him for a toad...that perhaps I could have kissed it hoping it would turn into a prince. And so now, it's just a funny memory between us. The day I left him for a toad.

Giving Thanks

I celebrated Thanksgiving with Angelita's family and a family friend. Her daughter married an American, so they celebrate each year. I made the pumpkin cake again. Found out, after the fact, where they store the frozen crusts (the dough...you still have to form it in the pan) in my grocery store. The evening was wonderful; we ended up staying until around 12 am. Dinner conversation: a trip to Thailand and Laos on motorcycle; bugs that bite including lice, worms, and ticks; strange food including ingredients we can't find and eating bugs; and other travel adventures. Angelita's grandson and his wife, Juan Marcos and Yoli, entertained us all with their adventures. Sorry, still no photos.

Two weekends ago was full with Isma's cousin's birthday party, a visit to Colmenar youth group Saturday evening (about 45 min from our church), a Sunday lunch in an empty house (wonderfully relaxing), and Sunday evening filling boxes to send to the Sahara for Christmas. I could summarize it as a weekend of reaching out to new people. Meeting Isma's family, meeting and encouraging the youth from a smaller, more isolated city, and sending boxes full of goodies to unknown kids in Sahara in Morocco. It was a weekend full of blessings.

This weekend is an extra long weekend because I have work off both Monday and Tuesday. put that on top of the fact that I don't work Fridays, and I have a mini-vacation. Friday was the normal clean, cook, relax, shop day. I took advantage of Saturday to spend the morning with Isma looking for Christmas presents and the afternoon we picked up Tamy to hang out with the youth pastor's kids. Sunday was the third time I meet with a mini-group of younger girls from youth group to have a Bible study and accountability group. The experience reminds me of when I was in youth group in middle and high school and how much the women who led my discipleship groups affected me. Ann Smits, Rebecca Farrer, and Marti Stittsworth all are examples for me of how to gently lead others to question, search, and reach out to others in love. I am praying that I can lead them well as we all learn together. Today I've taken advantage of the time to cut my hair and translate part of a Bible study to English and try to relax and read a bit. It's been a relaxing day so far.

Cookies and English Camp

My birthday weekend, I went to English camp like last year. Friday Isma and Tamy came over to make gingerbread cookies with me for the youth group. Saturday, early, Tamy took me to the train station to meet my friend Carmen to go to Guadalajara for the camp. Carmen brought the most scrumptious oatmeal cookies, of which I think we devoured about ten each before getting to the station in Guadalajara to get in the van to shuttle out to the camp. Two of my private students, Marta and Sergio, and their mother, Paqui. My workshop about Thanksgiving went well. And for the next workshop I went to a class to learn to make pumpkin muffins. Mmmm. Isma wasn't going to come, so when I saw him standing by Tamy when we drove up at the camp, my cheeks turned bright pink and hot...well there was a smile in there too. Carmen enjoyed that, taking the opportunity to tease me. Oh well, I was very happy Isma came.

Sunday I celebrated my birthday by staying home for lunch, eating chili and cornbread with Isma at my house. Sometimes Sundays aren't very restful days, with so many people, so I considered it a birthday present to myself not to invite anyone else, to be antisocial, and relax. I was given a couple frog themed presents...that has a story behind it. I'll tell you the story later (it's already 10 pm...too late to begin to formulate it, especially since my brain works slower after 10 pm).

I've posted some pictures from the English camp and cookie baking the night before. Hopefully I'll have some from Halloween (that depends on the teacher who has them) and Thanksgiving soon.

Cookies and English Camp

Weekends in the Park

Two weekends ago I went to Retiro Park to go for a tour with my friend Carmen of the park, with an emphasis on the history. Unfortunately, she came down with the flu and couldn't meet up with me. I think that her elementary kids probably passed it along to her. I learned a lot during the 2 hour walk around the park. For lunch, Isma met up with me in the park, and I can't say that I complained about having a picnic just the two of us. I've got some pictures of the rose gardens and the park with fall leaves.

The Thursday after, those of us in the youth group had to say goodbye to two of our friends, Anderson and Israel (Isra), who left to go back to their home country, Brazil. We went out to a Brazilian restaurant to "celebrate." I suppose it was a celebration of our friendships, though most celebrations don't end in tears. Friday they left for Portugal, and by Saturday afternoon, they were on the plane for Brazil. Their presence is missed so much in youth group and Sunday morning. I think we all miss hearing Isra's beautiful voice and both of their powerful prayers and encouraging words and Anderson's samba dancing.

This past weekend Isma took me to see the Templo de Debod, which I know Amy saw about a year ago. Okay, more than a year ago. We were going to go on the teleférico (cable car?) above Madrid, but it was really windy, a little cold, and the line was long. An authentic Egyptian temple seemed like the better option in the moment. Afterward we went to eat at an Indian restaurant nearby. I'd have to say that the last two Saturdays have been wonderful.

This Thursday I went to eat with some of the other teachers at a pizzeria down the street from the elementary school. I'm enjoying the new atmosphere this year with more young teachers and some new attitudes.
This weekend is English Camp. I went last year, but this year I'm going to be leading a workshop about Thanksgiving. I'll let you know how it goes!

Retiro and Templo de Debod

Of friends and students

You know how good it feels to be wanted? Tuesday, upon my arrival at my students' house near the school, Marta burst out of her room with an anticipatory smile, ready to greet me with kisses and hear about my summer and tell me about hers. Sergio also, came out to say hi, a little bashful but happy to see me. Marta and Sergio are siblings, preteens I taught private English lessons to last year, and thankfully am continuing with this year. Last year I went to see the family in a play at their church and it's delightful to work for them. They also contract someone to help out with the cleaning in the house a few days a week, and she used to make an orange juice for me every Friday when I went to give Sergio a lesson. On my way from school to their house, I ran into the woman, Lucia, and we got to catch up in the 3 extra minutes I had. Then, I walked as quickly as I could so I wouldn't be late for the classes.

Wednesday was the third Bible Study. We're studying Mark, noting how Jesus mentored the disciples and how he interacted with the people, learning to be mentors ourselves. It's been delightful so far, and I've noted changes in me as we've gotten into the word more. It's great having a group of people to study with, and since we have "homework" for each day, it's creating a habit of reading and praying every day. I notice the difference when I spend more time with God...we're better friends. Funny how that works.

At school (work) we're working on classroom management and preparing to give the science test next week. I'm relating to the kids well, even better than last year, a good consequence of being in the main classroom the whole time and co-teaching. Some of the kids' lives really depress me, so with them I'm trying to give lots of love while balancing it with the needs of the whole class. At least there are two of us in the classroom. There is always so much to learn, and then some things that can be improved but never mastered, and then others that are new every time and so a mystery.

Back in Spain

Okay, I've been back for almost a month now, and shamefully haven't written or posted anything. My way back to Madrid was fairly uneventful; no running in airports to my delight. Dad and Mom drove me to Chicago where we played multiple rounds of Skip-Bo before I left to go through security. In the airport in Chicago, I met a young woman from India and we sat together during the long flight, during which I don't think I slept a wink. I was a very sleepy girl by the time Isma picked me up the next day at the airport and took me to his home for lunch. In bed that night by 8:30, I slept a straight 12 hours. Since then, I've connected up with old friends for picnics, started with a Bible study which is a formation for mentors, and investigated a Spanish class that ended up not panning out. October 1st was my first day of work, and last Wednesday I finally ironed out the last details in my schedule. I work Monday through Thursday, Friday for working on my private classes' lessons and housework. Two weekends ago the youth had a retreat in Camarma and last weekend I went to a church "yard sale" with my friend Carmen. At the later, I of course bought books. Four. I swear I tried, but just couldn't resist.

Here's some photos from a birthday party and the camp two weekends ago.

Birthday and Youth Retreat

September at Lindley

After the kids went back to school, I went to visit Flor, Ana, and the rest of the teachers and kids at Lindley, where I student taught. I ended up coming three times, visiting the classrooms, putting up a bulletin board, and the last time going out for a milkshake with Flor and Ana and talking about teaching, family, and love. I thought it amusing what Monica, one of the assistants, told me jokingly me during lunch the second day I visited: "La primera vez vienes a visitar, la segunda a trabajar, y la tercera a cobrar." (First time is to visit, the second to work, and the third to get paid.) One of my favorite parts was telling the kids about Spain, taking the kids' questions, most of which were actually statements about where their families were from or that they have an [insert object or family member, fictitious or not] from Mexico, and getting hugs from my old students.

Here's Flor.

Here's Ana.


Después de que los niños volvieron al cole, fui a visitar a Flor, Ana, y los demás de los profes y niños de Lindley, donde hice mis prácticas. Al final, fui tres veces, visitando los aulas, poniendo arte estudiantil en un tablón de anuncios, y la última vez saliendo con Flor y Ana para tomar un batido mientras hablábamos de la enseñanza, familia, y amor. Pensé que era graciosa lo que me dijo en broma Monica, uno de los auxiliares, durante la comida: La primera vez a visitar, la segunda a trabajar y la tercerca a cobrar. Una cosa que me gustó mucho era de contar a los niños acerca de España, responder a las preguntas, la mayoría de que no eran preguntas sino declaraciones sobre de donde eran sus familias o que tienen un [insertar objeto o pariente, ficticio o no] de México, y recibir abrazos de mis estudiantes antiguos.

Johnny Appleseed Festival

A few weeks ago, my parents and I celebrated the beginning of fall and apple cider season (which, sadly, I haven't drank this fall) by attending the Johnny Appleseed Festival in Johnny Appleseed Park. Bean and ham soup, corn bread baked on a wood fire served with homemade butter, apple dumplings, antiques, pioneer costumes, colonial music, antiques, crafts...fun! Mom didn't want to walk much on account of her foot hurting, so we spent a lot of time watching the dancing and listening to the music...pioneer days, folk, fiddle music, and a drum and fife corp. I marveled at the traditional crafts in between chasing down the bagpipers. Kilted people playing Scottish melodies is not to be missed.

Johnny Appleseed Festival

Fish Story

Above is the picture of the infamous fish who, about a month ago, graced the floor of our boat. His (or her...fish gender is a little fuzzy to me) fragrant perfume wafted up from the boat, greeting any approaching visitors. Putting our heads together, we brainstormed various ways that the fish could have gotten there. (1) A raccoon. Highly unlikely as they can't swim to the nether regions of the lake. (2) A bird. But the fish was so big! (3) Malicious teenagers. I liked this one. (4) Apprehensive fishermen being approached by DNR officers and needing to get ready of evidence of illegal fish.
It wasn't until about a month after the unfortunate incident that we got our answer. Swooping down from the sky as we watched, a great blue heron ducked under our neighbor's canopy and into their boat with ease that would have seemed prohibitive with their size. He must have taken his fish to our boat to eat, been scared away, and couldn't lift the fish out of the boat to fly to safer waters. We spent the entire weekend trying to get rid of the stain left by the decomposing fish. Soap. Scrub. Bleach. Blanch. Blech. Our neighbors will be laughing for quite awhile.

Arriba está el pez infame que hace un mes, honró el suelo del barco de mi familia con su presencia. Su colonia fragrante nos alcanzó en cuanto acercamos al barco. Después de descubrir nuestro visitante muerto, intentamos dar una razón por su presencia. Damos con algunas posibilidades: (1) Un mapache, aunque no seria muy posible como no pueden nadar hasta las profundidades del lago, (2) Un pájaro, aunque pensamos que el pez era demasiado grande para eso, (3) Adolescentes maléficos, un chisme maliciosos; a mi me gustó a este, (4) Pescadores nerviosos que necesitaban esconder un pescado ilegal de la policia. Tuvimos que esperar un mes para descubrir que pasó de verdad. Una tarde, mirando a la puesta del sol, vimos a una gran garza azul descender, pasar por abajo del toldo del barco y aterrizar en el barco sin dificultades. Pensé que hubiera sido demasiado grande para caber bien, volando, abajo del toldo. Ha debido de poner el pez en nuestro barco para comer, ha estado asustado y no podía levantar el pez otra vez para escapar a un lugar más tranquilo. Bueno, pasamos todo el fin de semana intentando quitar la mancha y olor dejado por el pez podrido. Jabón. Fregar. Agua. Qué asco. Nuestros vecinos estarán riéndose durante mucho tiempo.



Later that day Colin took pictures of Dad and I in the captain hat he bought in Venice for Dad. Ay ay captain!!
Luego Colin sacó fotos de mi padre y yo con el sombrero de capitán que compró en Venice. A sus órdenes, capitán!

Muncie Visit

The weekend before Labor Day, I went down to Ball State to visit friends, Justine and Beth, who are still studying there. I stayed with Beth in her university apartment. As two nerdy and art loving girls, we enjoyed playing Banana Grams (like Scrabble, but more fun) and went to a pottery gallery to paint pottery. Hers was a pretty spoon rest, but mine will have to remain a secret till Christmas. The funniest part of the visit was the ice cream social at the university apartments. The resident assistant had brought the ice cream out 20 minute before the first participant showed up, without refrigeration. In the sun. With cones and one scooper. Imagine, scooping soupy melted ice cream into a small cone with a huge ice cream scooper, trying to keep it from dripping on clothes. I think that was more challenging than the hillbilly golf game set up to entertain us. And no, I didn't pass the challenge; the last bite landed on my pants as the cone split in two. It was kind of strange being back on campus and viewing the subculture from a outsider's point of view. A world where everyone is, for the most part, either teaching or between the ages of 17 and 26. I remember college being sort of like a limbo land, where you're not quite a kid but not quite an adult, not having a full time job. It's good, so far, being on the other side.

El fin de semana antes del Día del trabajador, fui a la universidad de Ball State para visitar a unas amigas que están estudiando allí. Me quedé con Beth en su apartamento, jugando a juegos de crucigramas, conociendo a la gente de allí. Él sábado fuimos a una galería de cerámicas para pintar. Ella hizo un plato apoya cucharas y yo pinté un plato para mis padres. Es un secreto hasta las Navidades! La parte más gracioso del fin de semana era la fiesta con helados para dar los bienvenidos a los estudiantes que vivían allí en los apartamentos. El organizador había puesto los helados en la mesa 20 minutos antes de la llegada de la primera persona. Afuera en el sol. Sin refrigeración de ningún tipo. Habría estado bien, normal, si hubieramos tenido cucharas y platos hondos de papel. Pero, solamente tuvimos cucuruchos pequeños y una cuchara grande. Imaginate, la gente intentando trasladar el helado de la caja a su cucurucho chiquitito sin dejar caer gotas de helado derretido en la ropa, el brazo, todo la mano. No aprobé el exámen. Cuando fui a terminar el mío, el último mordisco se me cayó a mis pantalones. Está bien, al menos no había notas. Estaba un poco extraño estar en la ciudad universitaria otra vez, observando la subcultura desde el punto de vista de una persona de afuera. Un mundo donde toda la gente, por lo general, tiene entre 17 y 26 años y si no, están dando clases. Me acuerdo que estar en la universidad era para mi como estar en el limbo, no estaba una niña o jóven viviendo en la casa con mis padres pero a la vez no estaba completamente un adulto. Está bien, hasta el momento, haber pasado por allí y estar al otro lado.

Labor Day

El primer lunes de semana de septiembre era el Día del trabajador. Fuimos yo, mis padres, unos tios y primos al lago para pasar los días festivos. Mi hermano ya se había ido a la universidad y no podía reunirse con nosotros. He aquí las fotos del finde. El domingo después de volver del culto fuimos a una reserva natural para pasar la tarde. Me encantó pasar el día con mi padre en el parque, mirando a los pájaros y el paisaje de la tierra de los lagos que está en el norte de mi estado y en el sur de Michigan. Estaba bien tener mis primos cerca, ver a mi prima pequeña, que ya tiene 15 años, esquiar en agua. No se cayó ni una vez. Eso era lo bueno. Lo malo era que cuando mi tío arrancó el motor y vio que el indicador de gasolina estaba en zero, él decidió que valía la pena alejarnos aún más de la orilla y dejar a mi prima esquiar. Dijo, tenemos bastante. jaja. Casi no volvemos a casa sin tener que hacer señales a alguien para que pare y remolque al barco. Suerte que no es un lago grande como el Lago Michigan.

El fin de semana del Día del trabajador no solamente significa tiempo con familia sino que también el barrio se espera las rebajas en la marina. Las rebajas están bien, supongo, pero realmente es porque son para la gente que viven cerca como una fiesta. En la hora del almuerzo, dan perritos calientes con patatas fritas y granizados en un cono de papel para los niños. Todos la gente con menos de 15 años andan este fin de semana con labios azules y rojos pocos normales. Bueno, y supongo que algunos mayores también, pero intentamos con toda la fuerza esconderlo.

Labor Day

Wedding!

This past weekend my cousin Amy got married! I posted some photos from the wedding after some some sailing pictures (obligatory this summer). After the 9-10 hour drive down there...departure time 6 am...we arrived in Jackson, Tennessee, Mom, Dad, Aunt Brenda, and I. We had to leave early from Fort Wayne so that I could get to the rehearsal dinner. Saturday we all hung out, ate lunch near the hotel, and got to the church early for photos. After watching the "I do's," and the reception, some of us camped out in the hotel lobby and visited over delivery pizza. Larry brought over Mauricio, a college student from Peru staying with Debra and Larry for the summer; it was nice to talk to someone a bit in Spanish after 3 weeks away. He did quite a good imitation of a Spanish accent from Spain; that tickled my funny bone. Sunday morning, not quite so bright and early, our car load headed back north, making pretty good time again. It was really good to see Kevin, Libby, Kyle and Mary Kate, whom I hadn't seen in a few years. I'm sorry to say that little Elijah probably stole the show during much of the time before and after the wedding. Or maybe not sorry. He's pretty cute, even when he's busy making "presents" for his parents.

Lake/Wedding

El sábado, se casó mi prima Amy. Colgué algunas fotos de la boda, aunque primero hay fotos de que sacó mi madre de mi padre y yo en barco de vela. Después de conducir 9-10 horas del norte de Indiana hasta el oeste de Tennessee habiendo salido de casa a las 6 de la mañana, llegamos al hotel en Jackson, Tennessee. Fuimos 4, mi tía Brenda, mi padre, madre, y yo. No me gustó salir tan temprano, pero había una cena el día antes de la boda a que estaba invitado. El sábado, pasamos la mañana con familia cerca del hotel y llegamos temprano a la iglesia para las fotos. Después de la ceremonia y la recepción, nos reunimos algunos en el vestíbulo del hotel y hablamos mientras comíamos pizza. Vino un estudiante de Perú que está viviendo con mis tíos durante el verano porque no podía ir a casa ni encontrar trabajo. Estaba bien hablar con alguién en español. Hizo una imitación buena del accento español. Me hizo gracia. Domingo por la mañana, no tan temprano como antes, entramos de mala gana en el coche otra vez para ir al norte. Me gustó mucho ver a mis tíos Kevin y Libby y mis primos Kyle y Mary Kate, quienes no había visto en unos años. Siento decir que el bebé Elijah (mi primo-segundo...después de primo, me confundo mucho) robó mucha atención antes y después de la boda. Bueno, quiza no lo siento tanto. Es muy precioso, aún cuando está haciendo "regalos" para sus padres. Eso no me molesta porque no es mi niño!

Zoo (figurative and literal)?

Got back fine from Madrid, though I did have to run to catch my flight from London to Chicago due to my previous flight's delay. Sonny picked me up from the airport, and not very long after, Linda, Sonny, and I went over to see baby Elijah, Kelly, and BJ. He's so cute!

Friday, the three of us headed up to Coldwater Lake to join others in celebrating the Fourth. (just joking about the family gathering being a zoo...it was pretty relaxing) It was good to see the family. Especially since I missed everyone at Christmas! I got some really good sailing in with Uncle Brad, making a good start to the weekend. And endured the good-natured question marathon from the rest of the family. :) Greg, Garret, Mariel, Doug, and Eric all came. Most people left Saturday, and Greg left Sunday morning. Monday afternoon Mom, Dad, and I took Colin up to Calvin to start his 6-week summer classes, the one that he's going over to Germany with. We heard from him; he's enjoying Bremen a lot and dreaming up travel plans for his one free weekend. Anyone know anything about Vienna?

Fourth of July

This past Friday, Mom, Dad, and I went to see the new African Safari exhibit at the zoo. It was very worthwhile. There were misty sprays at the beginning, which, apart from the animals, was a highlight on the hot day.

Fort Wayne Zoo

Back to the States

In less than 24 hours by the clock, and not much more in reality, I'll be in Chicago with Aunt Linda and her husband Sonny. It seems like a world so far away, yet each minute getting closer. The two worlds I've been living in have been becoming less separate than they used to be, even though it still usually feels as if I interrupt living in one to live in the other, at times they are continuous and each one continuously bleeds into the other. Anyway, tomorrow I'll be in Chicago. Friday I should be in Michigan with a lot of family to celebrate the Fourth of July, and after the holiday weekend, I'll be back in Fort Wayne. I'm looking forward to this summer seeing friends and family, almost three months spend before I head back to Madrid in September. I'll be seeing a lot of you soon!!

Last Day of School!

Two very important things have transpired:

Number 1: Today was my last day of work until September! Summer vacation...yay hooray. Now you know why I wanted to be a teacher. The kids' last day was Tuesday, and after spending three days grading papers, I'm done. I've got some pictures from our last day.









Number 2: I finally managed to make a Spanish omelette (tortilla) that didn't end up A) completely scrambled eggs, B) halfway scrambled eggs, or C) on the counter. Colin said it looks gross, but I promise it tasted good. Now if I can only do it again. Next task I suppose is learning to make paella. One thing at a time.

All in a day's work

Reading to first graders
Speaking through actions and then words
Cajoling 6 years olds to stay in their seats
Practicing "How old are you?" for the millionth time
(and finally hearing "I'm 7," instead of "I'm fine, thank you.") Yay!
Giving cranky kids a surprise
(Spraying water down necks of overheating students)
Singing "the head bone's connected to the...neck bone"
Playing memory
Catching imaginary pickpockets
Playing grammar soccer and learning why we shouldn't invite lizards to our house
Imagining new uses for chicken soup with rice (like watering roses)
Explaining new words
Reading poetry
Taking a lunch break in the park

I really do like my job.

Cuenca Pictures

I don't remember if I said, but everyone who went to Cuenca forgot their camera including me except the boys, so I have some pictures now. Actually, you get to see them faster than you would if I had to put them all online. I'm kinda slow.

Cuenca

Hanging Houses and Funny Rocks

After spending a relaxing Friday afternoon and evening at home, I awoke Saturday to early morning sunshine, full of energy and ready to spend the day walking around the historical city center of Cuenca, in Castilla la Mancha (a province beside Madrid), and a park in the mountains with curiously shaped rock formations. It's the last group outing before Kristen and I head back to the US, the last weekend when we could possibly do it. Six of us, in two cars, made the 2 hour trip to Cuenca together, the girls in one car and the boys in another. Before heading on foot to the old city, we stocked up on food for lunch and parked the cars below the city. Slowly, we winded up into the old city on a hill, that long ago expanded by building even onto the rock cliffs on one side of the hill. The architecture here is different than in Madrid, and in the main square that faces the cathedral, the houses are all painted different muted colors: dusty pink, yellow, rusty orange, slate blue, gray. From the main square, we climbed to a lookout and then wound down the hill, hugging the shady side of the street, to find the famous hanging houses, houses build into the rock wall of the mountain, with balconies hanging over the ravine. Everyone was so hot, we almost didn't go see the houses after getting a little lost. That would have been really disappointing, but at the end Kristen asked a couple dressed as if for a wedding for directions, and we found them without any problems.

Our next stop that day was the Enchanted City (Ciudad Encantada) which isn't a city at all. Rather, it's a place in the mountains where the wind has eroded the rocks in such a way that they look like strange things. Maybe reminiscent of the picture rocks in Illinois or some rock formations out west. We ate lunch amongst the prickly plants and pine cones, played some games of UNO while trying to wait out the hottest part of the day (impossible!), and then walked through the park, awed by what we saw. God makes such wonderful things! I drank more hot water that day than ever, though not quite enough. We were probably all dehydrated, though still enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. Before heading to our homes, we stopped to get a drink and a tapa in Alcala, and I'm sure that all of us arrived at home completely exhausted, but contented.

Summer's Here

Now that we have half days of school, 9-1 instead of 9-12:30 and 2:30-4, I've been eating more at home, which involves more cooking and grocery shopping. I've discovered that eating at home in this manner does not always give me more time. But, I've enjoyed cooking some. Despite two more free afternoons than before, I don't spend much more time at home. I do note that I have more time to relax and see my friends, to read and to rest and organize.

I officially have 12 more days of work before summer break and 20 days until I depart for the US. It is so close. I have mixed feelings about it. I'm really excited to see my family and friends back home, but know also that I will miss people here. I remember that it's goodbye for just the summer. At school, I've been learning to be more assertive (aka not a doormat). It was kind of stressful to stand my ground, but the situation has cooled off and things are good.

In other news, the church Angelita goes to, which is the mother church to mine, was robbed last week, though they only were able to run off with a laptop and something else. They had everything ready to take, but a neighbor called the police and they headed off further loss. This past weekend I went to a play/musical downtown Madrid to see some of my students and their parents perform. Thursday (yesterday) was a holiday, and I spent my day off visiting friends in Alcala and then walked around downtown Madrid with some friends. The best part of walking downtown in 90 degrees was stopping to eat pineapple and raspberry sorbet (one scoop of each) in a waffle cone. I have to say that it's scorching hot here, so I don't even want to see what it's like in July and August. It's been getting up to 95, though it's bearable since it's fairly dry heat. Imagine that...95 degrees three days in a row in June.

Marseilles

The last weekend in May, I went to Marseilles to visit Amber Veldt for the weekend. I left work a little early Thursday, which wasn't a big deal since the kids were busy taking their oral English exams. We visited the city Thursday and Friday, went to Aubagne Saturday, and visited Monaco Sunday. I flew out on Monday morning. The flight from Madrid was about 1.5 hours long, after which I had to take a 20 minute bus ride to the city itself. The ride cost more than 8 euros, which is pure highway robbery. In Madrid, I can go on a ride like that for less than 2 euros. I wasn't feeling that well Thursday, so we took it easy that evening, going into the city after a few hours of rest to see the sunset over the water and visit Palais Longchamp. We wanted to see the sunset from above the city, but since after waiting and waiting for the bus, it didn't come, we settled for watching it from the marina. Palais Longchamp was beautiful on the outside, but inside there is a collection of mangy stuffed animals. Apparently not very well kept. When we got home Thursday evening, we warmed up some curry chicken on the stove and put some snails in the oven. Second time to eat snails...though I have to say that Angelita's tasted better. As we were turning in, tired as can be, a small gecko scurried into the room from the open window and disappeared behind the heater. We brainstormed how to get rid of it, but coming up with nothing, let it be and went to sleep.

Friday morning we awoke around 8 and were out by 9:30. Crepes for breakfast made by Blandine, and eggs and coffee compliments of Amber. Once in the city, the smell of the harbor reached us before we reached the ferry to buy our passage to Chateau d'If. The fish market, complete with eels and strange fish, stretch along the font of the harbor. When we got to the ticket counter, I saw, to my surprise, students from ECA in Madrid. The senior trip was a cruise, and one of the stops was Marseilles. Lynn, Bryan and William Calderwood, as well as the French teacher Marie and other students were all there. We ended up seeing them all about 4 times throughout the day. Amber and I said goodbye to them for the moment and boarded the ferry to Chateau d'If, the fort/prison where the "Count of Monte Cristo" takes place. It was interesting to see and the boat ride was wonderful. Afterwards, we took a train up to Notre Dame de la Garde, eating lunch and sightseeing along the way. The church impressed me with it's beautiful and detailed interior. We missed the return train, and so walked down the hill to the tram to go back to her home there. In the evening we made tortillas, fresh limade and limonade, and had a water fight with the boys.

Saturday morning we got up to go to Aubagne, where Amber takes viola lessons. We stopped by an artisan market, and bought some Marseilles soap. We smelled so many different soaps that by the end, we were both sneezing up a storm. We walked to her conservatory, and then I went back toward the old center to wander the cute streets and shops. We got home around lunchtime, ate, packed, and left for Blandine's sister's (Mariel) place halfway between Marseilles and Monaco. It's near Cannes, and they say that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie live just on the other side of the mountain (that I took a picture of). That evening the home's owner, Marcelle, made us pizzas cooked in a stone oven. It was a loooong French dinner, but me not understanding French may have contributed to my sense that it was never ending.

Sunday morning we, Blandine's family, our hosts, and Amber and I, got up at 6 am to catch the train to Monaco. I was so sleepy after the late dinner that I snoozed in the car until the train station. Once in Monaco, I believe my favorite parts were the aquarium museum, the changing of the guard, and just walking around the idyllic, fairy tale city. Midday, we ate a picnic in the park and got scolded for touching the sacred grass. After lunch and seeing the palace and such, we took a bus to the Monte Carlo to see the casino. I stepped in to see the lobby. It was absolutely beautiful, not ruined by the slot machines that were further in.

Monday morning we got up around 6 again to head back to Marseille and catch my plane. The whole family that Amber stays with there took me to the airport, and I said "au revoir" to everyone, and gave kisses. I may have picked up a few French words, which I'm sure I've lost by now. I have said "merci" on accident a few times, though.

Marseille

Mercury Rising

It's hot! You know, the temperatures here now are about what I'd expect in Indiana at the end of June, July. Today it might have gotten up to 84 F (29 C). I haven't got any shorter pants to wear to work, so I dressed up with a skirt today and sleeveless shirt. Much better than long pants.

Last Friday, after sleeping in and all that jazz, I went into Madrid with Tamy and we met up with Kristen in Atocha to find what people were doing for San Isidro. Apparently, midday, not much. I saw one of my first grade students, but didn't say hi because he obviously didn't recognize me. I realize that to them, I'm a teacher, I belong in the school, and do not exist outside of it. When Isma got off work, he met up with us beside the Reina Sofia museum and we all saw an automatons theater, basically a mechanized puppet show from the 1920s,(I dragged them to see it). It was cool how they moved, wires attached even to the lips, to make satirical comments about the society back then. After the show/exhibit, we enjoyed some sangria with calamari sandwiches and patatas bravas (potatoes with a spicy sauce). Mmmmm.

Saturday morning, I went to a rastrillo, or flea market, with Tamy and her family at ECA. The junior class was trying to raise money for their end of the year trip next year. Each year the seniors go somewhere abroad, and the planning starts now. For supper, I went with some friends to Domino's pizza. Yeah, one of the few Domino's pizza joints in Spain is in Alcalá de Henares, right by where I live!! It was good. Not as good as in the states, but nearly the same.

Sunday, I had invited Laura, Guille, and Isma to eat at my house. I made macaroni and cheese (your recipe, Mom), salad with chicken cooked in the frying pan (not fried), and strawberries. Angelita was eating at her son's house, so we had the house to ourselves. I loved having guests and cooking for them.

Tuesday was Angelita's birthday and she's been celebrating all week, having family and friends over to eat. I celebrated with them on Tuesday evening, after work. On my way home, I stopped in a flower shop to buy some carnations and a small vase to give her. To get it into the house unseen, I put the flower stems in the sleeve of my jacket, and covered the flowers with the body. I felt sneaky, but she did like it when I got to cut the stems and put everything together.

Fail

Here's my attempt to make a Spanish tortilla for lunch. I did okay, fried the potato slices, poured in the egg, and then waited. And waited. And waited. Then came the hard part. Flipping it over to cook on the other side. I ungracefully managed to slide the tortilla onto a small plate, but when I tried to transfer it back into the pan, half fell onto the counter, and half into the pan. Fail. For the record, it did taste good.

Olympics to San Isidro

Saturday was the Olimpiadas Evangelicas (Christian Olympics) here in Madrid. Churches from all over the area came to compete. Some of the kids from the school I volunteer at competed with their school. It was enjoyable to cheer for the kids doing the track events. Cristo Vive, my church, came in first, la Elipa (Isma and Guille's church) came in second, and the elementary school La Alameda, third. Yay!

Sunday I missed the bus to go to church because I had forgotten my bus pass in the apartment, and didn't remember until I had already walked all the way to the bus stop. By the time I walked home and back to the bus stop, I had to wait for the next bus. I ate lunch with a family from church after service, and then had youth group in the evening. Isma was preaching, who I enjoy listening to.

Tuesday evening there was a surprise dinner at my apartment. Angelita's brother (he's 85 but pretty spry) was at a pastor's conference in Toledo and came up to see her and the family. They hadn't seen each other in 3 years. And the girls (Mar, Stefy, Raquel) hadn't met him, or didn't remember. What fun. Maria Ester, Angelita's daughter, brought strawberry shortcake. It reminded me of summer (well, June in Indiana).
Thursday I went to see Alba, one of the girls from church, graduate from high school. It was a nice affair, though although I was respectful during the infinite speeches, I probably could count the words I listened to on my two hands.

Today is San Isidro, one of the biggest festivals in Madrid. Yesterday the girls in school wore chulapas (a traditional dress) and we danced the chotis (traditional dance) during recess. Everyone was in a great mood. Some of the girls taught me the dance and laughed as I did it. Oscar, our Puerto Rican assistant, danced the chotis with one of the older teachers, but then gave in to his roots and began to dance salsa. During breakfast/recess, the cafeteria served us calamares and hot chocolate with cookies. Today there is no school, and so the real celebrating starts today (beginning with sleeping in).

Hair Cut!

After much agonizing and even chopping a little of my hair on my own, I finally surrendered and went to the hair salon last Friday. Here's the evidence. One picture with the hair dresser styled hair, the second when I decide to do nothing. How lazy.

Friends, School, and Taxes

April 24-26
Friday after work I promised myself to conquer my 100 million task-long-list. I think I crossed off two before heading off to the young adults' small group. They were the most time-sensitive things, though. I was working on a "station" for a prayer night we were having Saturday evening. Basically, the stations consisted of a table, maybe paper to write on, and a short reflection, questions, and verses to think and pray about. I was doing one about carrying others' burdens and putting all your burdens on Jesus.

Saturday morning I went grocery shopping before heading over to San Fernando to help clean and paint the church. I was worried about getting a t-shirt very dirty (since I have a limited supply), so someone lent me a t-shirt to wear for the day. The irony is that I got not a pin-drop of paint on the t-shirt. My pants, the ones I own, on the other hand, looked half white, half the original blue. It ended up coming out in the wash. In the evening, we had the aforementioned prayer and worship night. It was good to spend time praying with friends for the group, church, and community and to sing together. The next morning I had a pounding headache, so I stayed home from church and slept. By the evening I was feeling somewhat better, and went to youth group. Even if I hadn't been feeling good, I may have gone because I needed to bring the snacks (sandwiches and homemade chocolate chip cookies, mmm) and I wanted to hear Guille, one of my friends, preach.

April 27-May 3
This week Eusebio was in Romania, so I substitute taught his class. Because I was taking on more responsibility and doing more work than usual, the school paid for my lunches. Nice bonus. The first day was horrible, but as the week went on, things went much better. It's amazing to see the difference between the two classes. One class is measurably chattier than the other, and mainly for this reason, the number of times the teacher must say "quiet," they get less done. Between Wednesday and Thursday I watched 1972 movie "Sleuth" with Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine at Isma's house. There was no school on Friday, so Isma, Guille, Tamy, and I went to Parque Juan Carlos all day. We played Uno, talked, and lied around relaxing. A few of them got a little pink, but I was fine (thankfully...I do need to buy sunscreen, though). Saturday, my church had a barbecue in Alcobendas at the seminary where the pastor lives. I enjoyed getting to know the people in my church a little better. I talked with one of the women from Romania, Mihaela, who is an English teacher for businesses here. She lived 8 years in London, and has been here for about five. Such an interesting lady. After the barbecue, Isma and I took a walk from my house down to the river. I have some pictures in a previous blog. On our way back, yelling and fireworks filled the air. It appears that we were the only ones not inside watching the soccer game. Real Madrid lost. Boo hoo.





Sunday was Mother's Day here (Mom knows, since I called her), and Isma and Guille's mom invited me for lunch. It was wonderful to be included in their family for the day (and their mom cooks the most delicious food). After lunch and relaxing for a few minutes, the three of us left for youth group. Isma was leading that night, since all of the leaders would be at a church meeting about selling the existing church plots to buy land to make a church in which all of the smaller congregations could worship together. That was an emotionally charged meeting, I'm sure. What made the evening even better was locking the keys in the car and having to go (with someone else's car) the 30 minute trip back to Guadalajara to get the extra keys). Pffff. After all that hullabaloo, the evening went well, which I'm sure was not our doing.

May 4-8
This week I've been running around fretting and doing legal things. Monday I stood in line to get my application for a Spanish class next fall. All week long I was trying to complete my tax papers to turn in at la Hacienda. Each time I thought I was finished, I'd see another blank that I couldn't answer without 1. papers from my house or 2. explanation from someone who'd done it before. Wednesday, on my way to Guadalajara to visit Isma and his mom, I stopped in Alcalá, one city further out from Madrid than mine (Torrejón) to visit the language school and look into classes there. Turns out that each school does it differently. Near where I work, the deadline was Friday for every language. In Alcalá, you can't sign up for classes until September. Thursday I decided to stay in Madrid for the afternoon to do errands. After school let out for the morning at 12:30, I ran to Hacienda (like IRS office?) to turn in my papers and do whatever else they told me to do. That went smoothly. Then, to kill time until 4pm when the language school's office opened, I went to Retiro Park to relax and work on English classes. Around 3:40, after grabbing a hamburger for lunch at Burger King, I caught the bus back to the neighborhood I work in, waited in the ginormous line at the school, and turned in my papers. (side note: ginormous really is a word, from c. 1948, combining gigantic and enormous. Can you tell I looked it up?)

It's a relief to have those papers out of my hands. Now I just need to wait for Hacienda to send me the papers by mail, and see what I do with them at that point. They said a few days, others said a few weeks, and other people have told me a month. So, I'll be patient.

Thursday after shopping:

Laughing fit. Ouch.