The Streets of Sevilla

What is it like to be back in Sevilla?

Two and a half years have passed since I left Sevilla, and over three years have gone by since I first arrived, back in September of 2009. Depending on how you look at time, three years is a long time. A lot happens in three years.

My first day back (Monday) was full of seeing people again and just trying not to crash from the 24-hour trip. My German sister Lea found me in the airport, and then she and I hauled my luggage to the car where Martha (my mentor and dear friend) was waiting for us. As we drove into the city, it was hard to believe that I was back, but it was also just as I had remembered it. I felt like I hadn't been away at all. When Martha dropped us off near my Spanish friend Inma's house, I even remembered how to get to her house from the main street. That's amazing to me because Inma lives in Santa Cruz, an old Jewish neighborhood that has such narrow, winding streets that it is easy to get lost.

Lea and I, while we were waiting for Inma's parents to arrive, walked farther into downtown Sevilla to see the people from the program I had studied at. That too was pretty much exactly the same. I remember everything - the streets (and many of their names), how to get from one place to another, where certain stores are, etc. It's all familiar and it all feels like home. The sounds of the cars honking at each other even though it won't do any good, of the Sevici bicycles' bells letting passers-by know that they are about to get run over if they don't move, of the train (like the Max) as it starts up and slowly passes you by, of the Cathedral bells, of the motos, of the people chatting away in Spanish, of glasses clinking as waiters clean tables... all of that is the same. And the general smell of Sevilla is just as I remembered it.

Monday and Tuesday were wonderful days, days full of friends and just an overall joy at being back. Wednesday too was wonderful, but it was also the day where jet lag and reality both slapped me upside the head. As I had been walking through Sevilla, I had started to realize that yes, it is the same city, but that no, it's not the same as it was three years ago. I have memories of my friend Jake in literally every part of Sevilla, and memories of Tyler, Carolina, Rosie, Elizabeth, Fatima, Geethu, Swathi, Marta, Phil, Jenn, Jamie, Katie, and SO many more in many different places. So many of my European friends are still here, but we are at different etapas, or stages of life (as my friend Abraham described it) than we were three years ago.

All of those memories mixed with the realization that I could not go back and then topped off with the fact that I was dead tired made me quite emotional and sad. This trip has been so incredibly joyful and happy, but I think that it will also be bittersweet but very healing. I am a different person than I was three years ago (have grown up a lot), so I should expect that my friends too will have changed. They love me the same, but that doesn't mean that the memories will be the same. In many ways that is good and very healthy. Our friendships have not only been maintained, but have grown as we stayed in touch from far away, and now it fills me with great joy to see many of my friends here walking with the Lord and loving the people that God has placed in their lives.

In these next two weeks new memories will be made. It will be hard to leave again, but in many ways I will have more hope and peace, because I know that God has me on a good path, and that He, if He so wills it, will provide a way for me to return again. Sevilla was the place where I learned to trust Him more than I ever had before, and I hope it will also be the place where I learn to enjoy the quality time that I have with people and to take advantage of the God-given moments of blessing, peace, and rest.

Sierra's Adventures Continue in Spain

Since I technically have two blogs - one I started in Spain and one I started in Oregon - I really wasn't sure which one I should put this post in. However, since I am back in Spain, I guess I will go back to my old blog and write my new observations.

This is now my fourth day in Spain, and I really do wish that time would slow down a bit. These two weeks are going to go by quickly. So far the days have been full but not terribly overwhelming. My literal day of travel (a full 24 hours) was pretty exhausting, but I am glad to find out that I can travel by myself and figure things out just fine. I spent 6 hours in the Dallas airport, which is a huge airport, but it went by fairly quickly. I had to doze a bit from time to time because I was so tired, but I also didn't want to sleep too much because I wanted to get on Spain's schedule. I called my Grandmom and two of my aunts, and let them know that I was fine.

My flight to Madrid was LONG. Oh my goodness, that flight really tested my patience. I could not for the life of me sleep very well, partly because planes are not built for tall people. And some of my neighbors snored louder than my music on my iPod. I was quite stir-crazy, but we eventually got there. While in Madrid I realized that I still had no way of exchanging money, and therefore couldn't call anyone from a payphone. That worried me a bit, but then I just decided to relax and know that everyone knew when I would arrive and that it would all turn out okay. I DID sleep on the last quick flight to Sevilla, mostly because I was incredibly exhausted.

Traveling is tiring but full of adventure. I was able to meet a young Israeli couple that was heading back home, an older couple (British man and American woman) that live in Panama but that were visiting friends in Spain, a young Texas man that was visiting his American girlfriend that lives in Spain, and another young guy that reminded me of a guy I went to high school with (no relation though).

After arriving in Sevilla I had to praise the Lord, because I didn't lose anything or have anything stolen, and because my suitcase arrived without any problems. I made it through customs just fine and then excitedly walked through the gate and scanned the crowd for my friends. I couldn't find them, so I hauled all my suitcases around looking for a place to exchange money - and there wasn't one. So I gave up on that and finally collapsed on a bench and watched and waited. All of a sudden a girl with blond hair walked through the door at the end of the room and started asking people something, as if she were looking for someone. My first thought was, "That's Lea!" but then I thought, "No, it's probably not her..." When she finally looked my way, I realized, "Oh my gosh, it is her!!" Lea's grin was unmistakable as she ran towards me and enveloped me in a bear hug. That's when I knew that this whole trip was real, that I was back in Sevilla, that I had come back to my home away from home.

Graduation Day

I have not posted on here in a while... But I figured that a momentous occasion like this one merited a few words ("few" is not generous enough... I am far too wordy).

So... I'm graduating in less than 12 hours. Kind of a strange thought. I'm not sure if it has hit me yet or exactly when it will. I do really want to feel something though. I hate it when I miss the good or the bad emotions on a big day just because I feel like I can't take it all in.

Do I look back on this year with any regrets? Well, I always can have done more, but if I look at how much God has stretched, molded, and made me grow, I do not regret one moment. God forced me to step back into the present and not be so caught up in the past. I came back from Spain desperately wanting to stay there, having made many wonderful friends and learned and grown so much. But God, over the next several months, gently but firmly asked me to be here, not just physically but in mind and spirit as well.

The past several months have been very full, ones both of great blessing and growth in my relationship with God, but also ones of wrestling with myself and with God in prayer. I started my job search back in January, praying with each application and interview for God's guidance and clear direction. Time and again He answered me, usually with a "No, this isn't the right direction" (aka I didn't get accepted to anything I applied for or I didn't apply for certain things because they didn't seem like they were the best choice). I have fluctuated between being so thankful and at peace, realizing that God was answering my prayer in a way, and being frustrated that nothing was coming to fruition. But God is so faithful, and He is teaching me patience and trust. I am finally getting excited about something again, and I hope that this opportunity that is in front of me is one blessed by God.

While in Spain, I learned a lot about discipleship from my friends and mentors - especially Martha Moore. She was an example for me, and, after I got over my funk coming back to the U.S. and was able to open up to really getting to know people here, God brought so many new people, especially younger college girls, into my life to minister to and disciple. And they blessed me in return. That is the fruit of my year. I have been able to share the Good News of Jesus with people because I have been taught how, and God gave me the grace and the courage to do so (1 Peter 3:15-18). And I have been blessed with so many awesome life/God conversations this year - I am so encouraged to see God moving and see answers to prayer! I even had a wonderful, real, honest life conversation with two very dear international friends last night (TOTALLY worth staying up really late) - I am so thankful for them, their hearts, and the fact that God brought us together as friends. God also gave me the opportunity to be a part of the youth group at my church, which in turn blessed me with knowing SO many more new people in my church family.

Now that I am about to leave, the thing I will miss the most is living in the E-House with my girls: Chelsea, Dayna, and Nikki (E-House +1... AND our "non-guest" Lydia). These ladies have been the most patient, loving, and just all-around awesome housemates and friends. I felt at home in the Emmaus House, and I will miss that place of ministry and blessing. I will also miss all of the other friends I have made and the professors and staff that I have had the privilege of meeting and knowing.

But in spite of all of this, I rest knowing this: no matter where I go, if I seek God I will find Him, when I seek Him with all my heart (Jeremiah 29:12-13), and He will never leave nor forsake me (Joshua 1:9). AND He is still here at Linfield. I may be leaving, but I trust that He will continue to move and to work here. I am so thankful that HE never grows weary!! (Isaiah 40: 27-31).

Wherever I go, I walk with God, following Him wholeheartedly. He gave everything for me! So I give Him my everything in return. It's you and me, Jesus! Lead the way - on to the next adventure!!

Mi último año en la universidad ha empezado!

Hola amigos! 

Este es mi primer blog en español aquí. Antes escribía en inglés para mis americanos, pero ahora escribo en español (y si tengo el tiempo libre, en inglés también) para mis españoles (y alemanes, americanos, australianos, marroquís.... :)  jejeje ) Voy a intentar escribir aquí por lo menos 3 veces cada semana. Es buena práctica para mí, y en esta manera también puedo mantener más contacto con vosotros, porque todos vosotros y nuestras amistades son muy importantes para mí.

Bueno, ahora las noticias. Mi verano fue muy bien en general. Al principio la transición fue difícil para mí, especialmente espiritualmente. Me adapté bastante facilmente al principio, y me alegraba mucho ver a mis amigos y familia allí. Pero mi tiempo con Dios (orando, leyendo de la Biblia) fue corto y difícil. Creo que eso fue así porque yo sabía que Él quería que yo estuviera aquí en Oregon (no solo físicamente, sino también estar aquí en corazón y espíritu). Esto fue duro porque con mi corazón quería estar allí con vosotros en Sevilla. Pero Dios me recordaba que si me rindo a Él, Él tiene solo lo mejor para mí. Mi hogar no está en este mundo, y aunque me duele despedirme de amigos y tener mi corazón en muchas partes de este mundo (porque las personas que amo están en todas partes), sé que al final mi hogar está con Dios. ¡Qué alegría pensar en estar con Él algún día! (Hebreos 11:13-16)

Mi trabajo en la frutería fue muy bien. Me lo pasé bien con mis compañeros de trabajo, y es un buen lugar para trabajar porque todos son muy amigables. También pude hablar en español con algunos latinos que vinieron a la tienda. ¡Qué guay! La boda de mi padre fue muy bonita, y creo que ahora en general estamos acostumbrados a la situación. Me alegro mucho para él y para su esposa, Lisa. 

Ahora mismo estoy en la universidad! No puedo creerlo, pero mis clases empiezan mañana. Solo tengo una mañana (nutrición), pero todavía tengo muchas cositas para hacer. Me siento agobiada en algunas maneras, pero sé ahora que Dios quiere que yo me relaje en Él y confié en Él y en su fuerza y poder. Tengo tanta visión para este año, y a veces me agobio con tantas ideas. Tengo que recodarme que Dios es la personas que va a hacer los cambios aquí y responder a mis oraciones. Tengo que tomar cada día que viene como un día sólo, ¿sabéis?  

Vivo en una casa de ministerio aquí en Linfield College. Es una casa vieja pero linda, y mis dos compañeras de piso son lindísimas y muy amables. Eran buenas amigas antes, y estamos muy emocionadas vivir juntas y poder compartir nuestra casita con nuestros amigos viejos y nuevos. Cuando termino con las decoraciones en mi cuarto y terminar de deshacer las maletas, sacaré fotos para que podáis verlas. :) 

Bueno, escribiré más pronto, pero por ahora tengo que descansar un poquito. Os quiero y os echo de menos, mis amigos!!

Muchos besitos desde Oregon,

Sierra María

Do I want to go back to Sevilla? You betcha!

Hola otra vez!  

Okay, so this really is the last of my email updates from my time in Sevilla. It's bittersweet, but thanks for reading these, even if you only have read one or two or if you read all of them - thanks for following my journey! It was great to write to you all and hear back from you as well. This has been a good way for me to learn how to express what I was thinking and feeling and be able to share with others even in a small way what it was like for me this past year in Spain. And I absolutely loved being able to share stories of the people that I met and of how God worked in my and their lives!  

On May 17, Monday, I pretty much did nothing other than study. I had three finals that week, so that first day I spent in my house or at tutoring, trying to sit down and focus on doing well on my finals. On Tuesday I had my final for the Mosaics: Jews, Muslims, and the Christian Experience final, which went pretty well I think. It was just nice to get it done. I then took a break and met up with my friends Elizabeth (as it was her birthday!), Andrea, and JoHelen, just to see them. After lunch I also went to the last Bible study of the year and got to share with and hear stories about the year in general. It was really casual and laid-back, and it was nice to see that group one last time. I then took off for my last tutoring session and headed home to study before going to bed. I then got up the next morning, studied some more, and headed to the University of Sevilla for my first final there for my History class. That final will determine my whole grade for that class - talk about pressure!!! Geez. It just makes me appreciate so much more my classes in my program and the ones at Linfield. I felt like the test went pretty well, but we will see how I did. I was pretty stressed before I went there, even crying a bit, which is kinda sad looking back, but I think it was a mixture of stress, pressure, general weariness, fighting a cold and allergies, and trying to cope with the fact I was leaving soon. I'm pretty sure I ran on adrenaline that whole week. I still didn't succumb to drinking coffee though, and I still can't decide if that was a good or a bad decision. haha. But anyway, I felt better after I texted Jake, asking him for prayer, and he responded back with an enthusiastic, "Of course!" He and Martha and Lea and others were a huge encouragement to me that week as I knew that they were lifting me up in prayer.  

Anyway, after my final I went home for a bit to study some more and eat and then headed to the Goodbye Party at my program. Most of the students (minus those of us who had classes in the U. of Sevilla, were already done and were flying out the next day or very soon, so they threw a party for us. I got there quite late because I ate dinner late, but I got to say goodbye to several of the students that I actually met that semester, and it was neat to see a few people before they left. I was sad when I left Sevilla because I didn't get a chance to say goodbye to some of the wonderful professors and staff at CC-CS who had helped me a lot that year, but I hope they know how thankful I am for each one of them. I got to know them pretty well after being there for 9 months.  

On Thursday the 20 I had my last final - Classic Mythology. That final was also in the afternoon, so I had more time to study, but my roommate Emily left at 5 a.m. that morning so I was physically exhausted by the end of that day. I had stayed up late studying, woke up when she got back and couldn't sleep because I had so much on my mind (I actually studied at 4 in the morning, then helped her take her bags down and said goodbye), and I didn't get back to sleep until 6 or so, then getting up a few hours later. I do not recommend that, but at the time I was just so overwhelmed with everything and was still fighting a cold, and I just wanted to study, take the test and BE DONE. The test went pretty well, although I was worried about one part of it, but in the end I took it and finished and now have officially completed three years of college. What a strange thought!  

Later that evening I went over to see Lucía and tutor her one last time in English. I got to say goodbye to her and her family, taking some photos and chatting. They told me that I have a place to stay there if and when I go back to Sevilla, which really touched me. What a neat, loving family! I then went to the last Discipleship Group (for me anyway) and got to hear from David and Martha and the others in the group. At the end I asked if we could all pray as a group, and they brought me to tears because they all ended up praying, most of them praying for me. It meant so much to me that they would do that. Indescribable. Afterwards we hung out there for a bit, and eventually went home quite late. I think I got to sleep in Friday morning, but I couldn't sleep too late because the two new girls, Katie and Christian, were moving in for the month of June, and I had to move all of my stuff to the other guest room and clean up a bit. I spent some time at home relaxing and chatting with my family (as my host parents had finally gotten back from their trip), and then I headed over to Martha's to have a chat time with her (and got to chat with Elizabeth!), which was such a blessing. We then got ready for Charlemos and headed into the center. We had a really good discussion about the Centurion and Jesus and about having faith in God. My friend Leti also surprised me with these two cute bracelets as a gift. We also played this game where we all wrote little notes of encouragement to each other. After Charlemos I was able to meet up with my friend Rosie from Australia and have a really good heart-to-heart with her. Thanks girl!  

My last Saturday in Spain I spent with Inma, Jake, Martha, Hendrik, Maggie and Loida. Inma invited us to go out to her town on the beach and spend some time at the beach and then later at her family's chalet there. We all had fun playing in the water or sitting in the sun (although it was super windy and we got stung quite a bit from all the sand flying around) and watching the wind surfers. We hung out there for a while, and then went and got ice cream before heading over to the chalet. Thanks Martha! When we got there we met Inma's aunt and uncle (Jake and I met her uncle in Semana Santa), and they welcomed us there. It was a neat little place with a pretty garden and ceramic work that her aunt had done. I was impressed! They also had aloe plants that we used for the sunburns that we had accumulated at the beach. I thankfully put on sunscreen, so I didn't get it too bad, but some of the others were pretty red. I hope they healed quickly because it looked painful! Anyway, Hendrik, Maggie and Loida had to head back early, but Martha, Inma, Jake and I stayed for a while before we headed back, stopping in a few stores to shop for a bit. All in all it was a wonderful day. I also was able to get more good "heart conversations" with them, this time without finals looming over my head.  

On Sunday I went to my church in Triana one last time, the church that God blessed me with all the way back in September. I got to say goodbye to the people that I had met there, and I sincerely hope that I can go back and see them again. That church, group of people, is doing great things in their community. I then spent time at home, eating lunch and trying to pack and write letters. I had a bit of a breakdown again just from the tiredness and overwhelmed feeling (and the fact that I was only halfway packed), but I did have some good time to talk with God about it. I finally got out the door and biked over to Sala Encounter, the church out in the Alameda, to say goodbye to the dear people that I had met there. We couldn't stay for the service unfortunately as we had a "See you later" party (for Jake, Elizabeth, and I) to go to, but Jake and I got to go up front and share what God had done in our lives through that church. I'm so thankful for that opportunity. I then took off with Elizabeth, Rosie and Jake to bike over to Martha's house for the party. I took Elizabeth on my bike with me as she didn't have one, and let me tell you, even though she doesn't weigh hardly anything, it is difficult to carry anyone with you on a one-person bike. I gained a lot of respect for Jake and Abraham, who have to do that from time to time. haha.  

Anyway, the party was amazing. Hendrik and Maggie and Martha worked really hard and barbecued some yummy food and decorated Martha's place with balloons and such. A lot of our friends ended up coming (Martha, Hendrik, Maggie, Carlos, Inma, Rob, Jose Maria, Marixu, Carmen, Christy, Rosie, Rob, Thomas, Carlos M., Johnny, Loida, Marina, Yaneri, Nico...) and brought hugs and laughter and food with them. We all just spent time hanging out and talking, eating, writing notes, watching a cool slideshow that Martha made... I felt so incredibly loved and blessed and just wanted to shower all of that back on all of them but all I could do was say thank you and give them big hugs and smiles. I wanted to say more, but felt like I didn't have the proper words - in any language. It meant so much to me that they would take time out of their busy schedules just to come and spend time with us. And Martha and Inma even surprised me with this cute outfit that we saw in the store. It was such a sweet gift from them. It was hard to say "See you later" (I consider goodbye to be a bad word now) to so many wonderful people that night. People slowly left after a few hours, but Jake and Elizabeth and I stayed there for a bit, and Lea and Abraham were able to come over afterwards and hang out (as they were unable to come earlier). I was so happy to see them too, and I got the chance to have a good conversation with Abraham before he and Jake and I left to head home. I had to say Hasta Luego to Abraham then, which was hard, but I was able to head home with Jake (as we lived close together for about 5 days, haha), and it helped a lot to have someone to talk to and that I felt comfortable crying around. Thanks for cheering me up, Jake!  

Monday was my last full day in Sevilla, and boy was it FULL. I got up that morning after not getting a lot of sleep, and then I met up with Lea in the center to go do some last minute shopping and wander that area a bit, talking with her. It was so sweet of her to spend her whole morning with me before work. It was fun to wander into shops with her and chat and everything. Miss you, hermana! I ran into random people that I didn't expect to see while I was out there, which was fun. I also walked over to the University with Lea to say goodbye to Leti and Lucia (from my class) really quickly before we both hopped on bikes and rode over to a different part of town so I could meet up with my friend Laura. She and I stopped at a little cafe to chat for a bit, which was really fun. We then went to Martha's so I could see Hendrik and Maggie and give them hugs, and Martha helped me clear up an issue I had with one of my flights. Thank you!!! I then finally headed home for lunch and got to spend a bit of time with my family. I then spent time packing, but had to run into the center to CC-CS to drop off some stuff and say goodbye to whoever was there. I then raced back home, packed some more, ate dinner, wrote another letter, and left again to go say goodbye to my intercambio and friend Mari Paz. I'm so thankful I got see her before I left. I then went back home, packed some more, and chatted with my host family and the girls and watched a procession of the Virgin Mary from the church nearby pass by on our little street. I'm kinda bummed I didn't get more quality chatting time with Edu and Pepe before I left (although we had good talks throughout the year) but I hope they know I love them and am so thankful to have another family in Sevilla. Before I went to bed, I left the house one more time and rushed over to Johnny's to say see you later to him and to Jake. I had a good conversation with Jake about the year, and it was great to look back and see all that God had done through the Bible study and Connexxion and everything. And then to end my super crazy day, after saying see you later (another difficult one!), I headed back and home and in my exhaustion finished packing into the wee hours of the morning before crashing in bed for a few hours of sleep.  

I got up early Tuesday morning, ate some breakfast, lugged my bags into the hallway (and Pepe helped me carry them down) and then got to hug Pepe and Edu before heading out to meet Martha, who drove me to the airport. She, Inma, Rosie, Elizabeth, and Lea all went to the airport to see me off. I cannot explain how hard it was to hug them all again and then have to walk through security by myself, all the while wanting to turn around and run back. But I just prayed the whole way, knowing that wherever I go, I go with Jesus and knowing that it was time to go back to Oregon. Thanks girls for seeing me off!! I was so blessed this year in all that I learned from a God who really is God of the whole world and who really never leaves us or forsakes us and has plans waaayyy better than ours, and in all of the friendships that with wonderful people that He placed in my life. My flights back (all 4, yes FOUR of them) went well, and I even got to meet up with Fatima in Barcelona and then fly back with her, which was wonderful! I got to Portland quite tired and not a bit surprised that the pilot announced that it was raining outside. Welcome to Oregon!! But it was so nice to see my family and Alex again. And all of you that I have seen so far! Thank you so much for all of your prayers. They mean the world to me. This experience changed my life, and I have learned how to appreciate each person that God brings into my life and blessed me with - including each one of you! I hope you all are blessed!! I would love to catch up with you anytime. God bless you all immensely!  

Con mucho cariño y abrazos fuertes,

Sierra

Last few weeks just flew on by...

Hola todos!

Well, I was planning on writing this before I left Sevilla, but in the end, my last three weeks there were quite busy, so I decided to put this off until I got home. As most of you know, I am back in Oregon now. I got back last Tuesday night really late, and was welcomed at the airport by my whole family (minus Jackson, who is down in Corvallis) and my dear friend Alex Hayes. I got to fly back with Fatima, which was wonderful because it made the flight bearable. Thanks for your cheerfulness, Fatima!! You are like a ray of sunshine. It's INCREDIBLY hard to believe that the time to go back actually came already. The transition back has been good as I have been able to see a lot of you and catch up in one-on-one conversations and/or seen you at graduations. It's hard in some ways though because I still really miss the wonderful people I met in Sevilla. It really did become a second home to me. I am having a hard time accepting the fact that I don't know for sure when I will go back, but God is continuing to bless my life and giving me peace about it. I had the hardest time in the world saying goodbye, as I have made lifelong friends there and fell in love with the city and the people (people in general, don't get any wrong ideas, Salena and Jenna especially!), and I hope with all my heart to be able to return one day.

The last time I wrote to you all was the 1st of May. The day after that I went to church out in Bormujos, a small town outside of Sevilla, with several of my friends. I got to see and chat with my friends Jake, Rob, José María, and Martha. It was wonderful to spend time with them and to hear another message from the Bible - in Spanish! The pastor there's name is David, and he is one of the leaders of my discipleship group here. He and his family are absolutely wonderful people that really live for God in a genuine way. Later that evening, I went to Plaza Nueva to meet up with my friend Inma so that we could Skype with our friend Carolina (who is back home already). It was a lot of fun!! The only bummer was that I was starting to get allergies (or a cold, not really sure which and I had that cold, or whatever it is for about 3 weeks... BIG bummer! ... so I had to blow my nose every five minutes. But we all had a good chat. Inma also gave me a really awesome book that has cool Spanish coloquial phrases in it. I will have to translate some of them for you all when I get back. Some of them are absolutely hilarious!

Anyway, the following week 3-7 was pretty busy with studies. I went to my classes, went to tutoring, and started trying to study for my classes in the University of Sevilla. I also had a presentation in my literature class and had to finish writing a paper for that class as well. But in the end I got everything done and turned in! Whew! One of the highlights of my week was seeing my friend José María. We met up after Bible study and just chatted for a couple of hours. We are both busy with studies, so I really wanted to get a chance to catch up with him before the final exams hit. It's awesome to see how God is working in his life. Bible study went well too! My friend JoHelen shared about trusting in God, and her story was really powerful and touching. She reminded me that I need to remember all the characteristics of Christ and to not forget how great He is.

That following weekend, the 7th-9th, was probably one of the best weekends of my life. I spent the day Friday trying to get some studying done, and then I packed my stuff in my backpack and headed over to Martha's house to meet up with some friends for our last Connexxion retreat of the Spring. There were a 11 of us that went - my friends Martha, Jake, Inma, Lea, Abraham, Elizabeth, Tyler, Daniel, Hendrik, Margarita, and me! It was SOO much fun! We all took two cars and road-tripped it down to Algarve, Portugal, which is only a couple hour drive from Sevilla, and is really close to the beach. That area is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. There are pictures up on my facebook and I will hopefully get a chance to put some up on my blog, but it was one of the most beautiful places I saw in Europe. We drove down Friday night (4 of them went down earlier and got everything ready, including making a really yummy dinner) and we got to hang out and chat that night. The next day, Saturday, we were able to go to the beach, and we had fun climbing up and down rocks, exploring caves, and just hanging out, even though it rained a bit. We also went to the beach on Sunday, before we headed back to Sevilla, and thankfully that day the weather was amazing - totally sunny and perfect for being at the beach. The sand is Sooo soft there and the water is a mixture of beautiful blues and greens. We had fun taking pictures, swimming, playing volleyball and soccer, and just sitting in the sun.

The best part of that weekend though was the spiritual aspect of it. The point of the retreat was to get away and to spend some time with God and each other. We talked a lot about the fear of God versus the fear of man, and how we need to focus on Jesus and value what HE values, instead of constantly trying to please people. This is something that I have struggled with for a long time, and I thought it was appropriate, considering the fact that God has really begun (is continuing to) change me in that area throughout that whole year. I was able to share with the group how God had really taken away a lot of my fears and timidity, especially thanks to the friends that I made in Sevilla, and what God had taught me through them. My friend Abraham also shared a really neat testimony of what God had done in his life that year, and my friend Jake shared a talk about the story in the Bible where Peter walks to Jesus on the water. We talked about the fact that if we fix our eyes on Jesus we can walk on the water, but if we look at the waves, at all the troubles in our lives and focus on them, we are afraid and begin to sink. It's all in our perspective. Martha also shared a great talk on the fear of God, and she and my dear friend Lea organized the entire retreat... it was such an amazing weekend!! It was so nice to just get away from the books and stress of the week for a bit and spend some time with some of my best friends. I thank God so much that I got to do that before I left.

The next week, the 10-14, was my last week of classes. I had to turn in one last paper, go to tutoring, and study for my Literature final exam, which was on Friday. I felt like I did a good job on it though. Wow... that feels like forever ago! I really enjoyed that class, and the professor that I had was the first one that I had back in September, so it was kind of bittersweet to look back. That whole week my host parents were gone on vacation, so it was different around the house, but my roommate Emily and I had a lot to do, and our host sister Alicia took good care of us. I learned a lot from her! The Bible study on Tuesday went well as well. I think that week we all just kind of shared stuff that we had learned, as it was the last Bible study for a few people whose programs were ending. That same night I went out to eat tapas (popular way of eating in Sevilla.... they're kind of like appetizers) with my professors and some of the students. It was a good way to chat with a few of them our last week there. I also got to meet up with my dear friend Inma the next day and chat with her for a bit that evening, even though we were both quite tired. But we are good enough friends that it was okay even to just sit on a bench in Puerta de Jerez and just hang out together.

On Thursday, the 13, I went to Discipleship Group and got to hear from two friends and co-workers of Martha's that work in Spain. It was so neat to hear their stories and learn from them and spend time with some good friends. On Friday I also went to Charlemos, our Bible discussion group, and led that. It went really well, I thought! Afterwards several of us went salsa dancing again. It was bittersweet because I knew it was the last time I was going to go dancing with that particular group of friends, but it was wonderful because there were a lot of people that came, even if they didn't dance: Martha, Jake, Abraham, Lea, Inma, Carlos, Jose Maria, Marixu, Tyler, Elizabeth, Emily, Yaneri.... and more! What a great time. I owe a big thanks to Abraham, Lea, and Jake for teaching me how to dance.... this sounds weird but something as simple as that made me more confident as a person, and it was so fun to go out as a group on the weekends and just have fun, but in a good way, you know?

On Saturday I had to type up a second version of my thesis proposal - oh goody! - and another assignment for Linfield, but afterwards I was able to go meet up with Lea and hang out and chat. We had a good talk and time walking around that afternoon (the weather was gorgeous) and it was wonderful to sit and listen and chat with her, as she has become a wonderful friend and sister to me. She's such an encouragement! We then met up with my new friend from my program, Kendra, and we hung out with her and met up with another girl to then walk into the center and go see the medieval fair. Lea headed off to go eat dinner with friends, and Kendra and other girls from my program and I met up with Jake and wandered around the fair for a bit, chatting and looking at all of the interesting things they had for sale.

That Sunday was a very special one as I went out to the church in Bormujos again. A lot of us met up in Plaza de Armas, and we all carpooled out to the town. It was a big group of us! Abraham shared his testimony in the church service, and Jake shared some of what God had done in his life in the last nine months, and the pastor David gave a good sermon on baptism, as a woman in the church was being baptized that day. After the service we headed outside and watched the baptism in this little, shallow kids pool. But it was a precious, blessed moment to watch a sister-in-Christ proclaim that her life belongs to Jesus and to share that moment with her. We all then continued real church time - fellowship and eating lunch together, sharing stories and wonderful laughter moments. I even got to take some of the videos that Salena had suggested that I take, asking my friends to tell me on video a memory that they had of our time together. It was wonderful! A lot of us then headed back into town and went to the center and then walked to a nearby park, spending time together on a nice day to celebrate Hendrik's birthday and enjoy the good weather. We all had to then say "Hasta luego" to Tyler, who was heading back to the U.S. that next morning. I cried a bit in the park because of all of the emotions that were starting to pile up at the thought of leaving. That whole week I must have hugged my friends dozens of times and we had a lot of good talks and joking around too... just trying to savor the last weeks I had with them!

Anyway, this email is super long, and although I hate to break it into two, I am going to have to do that. There's only a week and a few days that I have left to recount, but a lot happened, and for those of you who are brave enough to read all of this, you may appreciate the two emails versus one that is insanely long.

Ya hablamos (we'll talk again soon)!
-Sierra

Feria and studies - an interesting mixture

Hello!  

Time for another update! Last time I wrote was the 17th of April, I believe, and it blows my mind that that was two weeks ago already. It's been a busy last two weeks! On the 18th I went to my church in Triana in the morning. It was so great to worship with them again! It is a great church full of people that I unfortunately have not had the opportunity to really get to know. I appreciate each one that I have met though, and I always feel welcomed there. In the afternoon that same day, after doing some homework, I set off for another church. Before the service we had time to practice and learn more of the Sevillanas, the dance here that is typical during the April Fair. It was fun to dance with friends, even though I know I looked like a dizzy duck (patito mareado... it's like their saying for dancing with two left feet), and was great to have more fellowship time too.  

That next week, on Monday and Tuesday I had school, but only in my program (not in the U. of Sevilla). It was the week of Feria, and so it was a second week of vacation. Woohoo! Monday night I went with friends to see the Alumbrao at midnight. That is went they turn on all the lights in the fairgrounds of the April Fair. The Portada, or great big entrance, was the coolest sight.. It was fun to walk around and look in all the casetas, or big tents where people eat, drink, talk, and dance! On Tuesday I also had a class in the morning and then hiked my way over to the doctor's for the second time. My foot has been bothering me (probably from walking too much), but I am doing a lot better now and have been trying to take it easier. So no worries! But anyway, after lunch I went to Bible study, and we had a time of worship, sitting on the edges of a dried-up fountain. Several tourists stopped by as we sang worship songs to Jesus, and they started taking pictures of us and with us! Haha! It was really unexpected, but a neat experience! After that, I took off for home, got dressed up a bit in my best feria costume possible (for Feria here the women usually wear flamenco dresses with combs and flowers in their hair, a shawl, big earrings, and a fan. I didn't have the dress, but I had a skirt and all the other accessories... check out my blog later for pictures) and met up with friends. We ended up just going into the public casetas and then wandering through the rides. I only went on one of the Ferris wheels, but it was fun!  

To explain a little more about Feria... the casetas are big tents that make up basically all of the fairgrounds, except for the rides (cachorritos) on one side. Most of them are private and you have to be invited to go, but there are a few public casetas too. Inside the tents there are usually two rooms, one that has table, chairs, a stage, decorations that make it look like a house, etc., and another that has a bar in the back where you can order food and drinks and more room to stand. People dress up every day that they go to Feria (or most do), and the best way to describe it is this (my theory formed from opinions from friends and from what I saw with my own eyes): Feria is like a mixture of a county fair, a HUGE prom, and the 4th of July. But it's totally Spanish! It's really cool to see, especially during the day, when people ride through the streets in horses and carriages or on horses, the men dressed up with a Cordoban suit, as they call it - traje de Córdoba, I believe - and the women riding sidesaddle in their dresses or suits. The typical food is ham (jamon... famous here), tapas, rebujito (which is an alcoholic drink - manzanilla mixed with some type of pop), almonds, Spanish tortilla... the list goes on!  

Anyway, I ended up going to the Feria Wednesday through Friday also. On Wednesday, a girl named Leti from my Mythology class invited me and friends of mine to go to her caseta, where we danced and ate and chatted. It was just a group of girls for a while - my friends Martha, Narjis, Kendra, Lea, and Inma came. What a mix of cultures (U.S., Spain, Morocco, Germany...waayy cool!)! We hung out at the caseta for a while and then walked around the Feria a bit before going home. The next day I stayed home for most of the day to rest and then went out again that night. The Feria is fun at night for a while, but when it gets too late there are way too many people that are tipsy or drunk, and the streets are a lot messier - definitely prettier during the day! But we had fun though, and I really am so thankful for my group of friends, because they are all quite responsible, and I don't have to worry about them. It was nice to hang out more with my friend Narjis too, as she was visiting from Morocco and had to head home the next day. Friday night I met up with a group of girls again, and we visited a few different casetas. In one of them two little girls (couldn't be more than 8 years old) taught some of my friends how to dance sevillanas some more. They were so cute! I have to say that at the end of the week, my abilities in dancing had improved greatly, and although I never quite got all of the steps, I learned how to put some acting into it and just pretend! Later that evening, we met up with more of our friends and continued to wander through the Feria some more before walking home.  

Last Saturday, my day was pretty relaxing, which was good after so much activity during Feria. I went to my Discipleship Group for a few hours, but then stayed home the rest of the day studying and relaxing. The next day I decided to take it easier again, and only went to church in the evening. Some girls that hadn't been to that church before came with me, and it was a good service. The pastor talked about the importance of friendships, and it made me realize just how blessed i am with friends in Oregon and friends here in Spain and how I can be a better friend too.  

This past week has been quite busy with studies and homework. I had two tests that I had to study for, and I now have some papers to be working on (that I need to finish SOON). I am feeling a bit overwhelmed with everything - all that I have to do as far as studying and homework, making sure I get time with people before I leave, knowing who and what to focus on.... I just really need a lot of prayer - that God would give me peace, guidance, wisdom, and the discipline I need to finish strong. But most importantly that He would continue to show me how to love each person that I have met here the way He loves me. If I walk away from here knowing that God has used me to touch someone's life and draw them closer to Him, I will have so much more peace.  

Well, today has been a good day as well. I got some homework done, talked on Skype with my dad and Jenna and later with my good friend Carolina, and ended out the night watching the Time Traveler's Wife (in Spanish) with my friends Lea and Leti. It was fun! I now have to go to bed soon as I have church in the morning and a lot of studying to do in the afternoon. I hope that God is continuing to bless each and every one of your lives. Thank you for reading my lengthy emails and following my crazy adventure! 

Much love, 

Sierra