Immersion

Go where the tourists don't.

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Wednesdays are great days. I only have one class in the middle of the day, so I'm able to do homework on campus rather than at home. This last Wednesday I was sitting on one of the couches in the student lounge, just doing homework, budgeting, you know, the works, and a random guy comes by and sits next to me. I didn't think anything of it because that's normal. However, about 30 minutes later, a large group of Spanish students showed up and sat with him, so I was surrounded by Spanish speakers. I sat with them for a bit just doing my work and a few times they apologized for intruding on my study time. It was an interesting experience because I actually understand what they were saying and I got a lot of their jokes. When I left, they even said bye. I felt very immersed in the group even though I wasn't part of the conversation.

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This week has been EXHAUSTING. I stayed up late on Sunday talking with Audrey (one of my best friend in AZ). Audrey has very much been my debrief buddy, which I really need. On Monday, started the day at 9 am as normal. After my first class, I used my break to do all the homework I forgot to do over the weekend. Then right before my next class, I ran into a friend I made during orientation. After the second class, I had a quick lunch with Ryan because we were in the same class. Then when I went back home, I took a nap but didn't wake up until 1 am. On Tuesday, I slept in, went out to dinner with Armana and in the evening I went out dancing with Armana and Natalia (last row, far right). On Wednesday, I had one class and then Chris and I went to the church in Getafe. The church was... interesting. The people were super friendly and inviting, but the service was different. Some of the things the did and discussed were not what I was used to. I felt comfortable in the small group setting but not during the large group part. On the other hand, Chris liked it and he thanked me for inviting him. On Thursday, I had three classes but I skipped my last class (it was a magistral session) so that I could go to a language exchange event. On my way to the event, I saw one of the girls in my class headed the same direction so we ended traveling to the center together. The language exchange was super cool! I met a lot of people from all over the world. After the event, Ryan, Christine, Armana, Natalia, and me got froyo from a popular chain in Spain. I stayed the night with Christine, Armana, and Natalia because I was flying to Mallorca at 6:55am, so I couldn't take the metro from my apartment. When I walked to the bus station for the airport, I was surprised by how safe I felt at 4 am. The flight to Mallorca was good. I slept for most of it. I did have a window seat so when we were flying over Mallorca I got to see the mountains, and I have never felt more at home. Mallorca is GORGEOUS! It has everything! The mountains, the beaches, the people. I spent the first day with Tía Vane (fourth row from the bottom, far right). We went to LLuc, which is a monastery in the mountains and we visited Palma with Aker and Pollux (fifth row from the bottom, far left, in order left to right). Then we went to the movies to watch the premiere of the Lego Movie 2 (the first was better, but it was still good). The next day, I spent the day with Tío Gustavo and his family (bottom row, far left). Isis and Cale (second row from the bottom, far left, in order left to right) showed me around Alcúdia, which is a pueblo in the north of Mallorca, and the beach near their house. I ate very well too because Tía Isis cooked chicken, rice, potatoes, arepas, and brownies. I also got to see Tío Gustavo play rugby! I really wish I could have stayed longer with everyone, but that just means I have to go back to visit! ;) On Sunday, I slept in so I wasn't able to go to the church here in Getafe, but that evening I went to Hillsong Madrid. WOW! It was amazing. The people were super friendly and I felt right at home. The order of the service was a little different, but not awkward. The two speakers talked about how the church is not the building you sit in, but a movement you join. They both discussed how the people in the church need to love others, be intentional with others, and bring God's kingdom into our day-to-day life. It really hit home. I plan to attend Hillsong regularly. All in all, this week was good but I am most definitely tired.

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This week, please pray for contentment and comfort. Homesickness is setting in a little bit, especially after visiting family. Also, please pray for rest as I have not been doing a good job of self-care. I almost broke down crying on the metro yesterday because of exhaustion, homesickness, and just everything. Thank you so much for all your support and prayers!

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Until next time!