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).
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Sounds like being involved in the schools is one of the best ways to learn/experience many of the festivals, and being involved in the church involves you in so many social and spiritually exciting activities. Thanks for all you write. I have to keep telling you, so you keep writing!
ReplyDeleteLove, Mom