Update from Valencia

Hello world! It´s me again. I´m sitting in an internet cafe now with limited time. This could possibly be my only time to use the computer and internet until another week passes. This is the first time since coming here that I´ve gotten to more or less even see a computer. So, in the interest of my limited time, I´m going to keep this short. Know that eventually, somehow some way I will get to publish each day´s journal entries. I´ve been able to capture each day in Spain on paper. Woot!

So, I´ve been in Valencia for a week as of today, three weeks in Spain total now with lots of work each day. The culture here is still something I am adjusting too along with the difference of language. I understand for the most part, but being able to spit back Spanish rapidly, on the spot is not where I´m at language-wise, but I knew that´d be the case. I had the opportunity to stay in Madrid and chose to come here to push myself with my Spanish. It´s going to pay off in the long run. I ask you to keep both the adjustment to a difference of language and culture in your prayers for me. To be honest, there´s so much I find annoying about Spanish culture. Yet, I´m called to be here and want to be as present as possible especially with the women.

Speaking of the women, I´m one of nine in my current house. There are also four kids ranging in age from five months to eight years old. I share a room with the baby and five other women. I think being here and serving here is honestly probably the hardest thing I´ve ever done in my life! Spanish culture in general is loud, VERY loud, with hardly a moment of quiet. Because I continue to feel bombarded by something or another I find myself retreating inwardly, listening rather than talking, and trying to just capture a moment of silence even if it´s in the bathroom or on our house´s roof. I don´t think that´s particularly good, but I don´t quite know how to cope as of yet. It´s like being burned to the third degree and being shoved into a hot, salty sea with no refuge.

Unfortunately, I´m going to have to go now. Please keep up those prayers. Send letters when you can. Christy, thanks for being the first to send one my way!!! It meant the world to me.