Strawberry Cake

Growing up we only visited my father's side of the family once or twice a year because of the distance from our home in Florida to their homes in SC.  Every time we went, however, I was guaranteed a strawberry cake - regardless of the time of the year.  My Great Aunt Wanetta would often even make two cakes - one to share with everyone, and one for me to take with me.  Come to think of it, I have a lot of food memories associated with our visits to SC - pound cake, Chicken and Dumplings, Biscuits, Bar-b-Q,...

However, there is no cake that compares to her strawberry cake.

2 sticks butter
1/2 c Crisco
3 c sugar
6 eggs
3 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 c evaporated milk

Cream butter, Crisco, and sugar.  Add eggs, one at a time.  Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Finally add vanilla and milk.

Bake in 3 layers for 20 minutes at 350 degrees or in a 9 x 12 pan at 300 degrees for 1 1/2 hours.

Layer cake with fresh strawberries and cool whip.  Ice the entire outside with cool whip as well.

(In Spain there is no cool whip, so I am using fresh whipping cream in place.  YUM!)

Driving Again - But Time it is the Practical Part

Tomorrow is the day.  Here is what it will look like - nothing like the way it was in the states!

I have to be at the driving school at 8:10 (thank goodness it is later than I originally was told!).  It will take about an hour or so to get there (yes, I'll drive myself - isn't that crazy!).  

When I arrive I will meet the teacher and 3 more people - a chinese man who is taking the test for the 4th time, a spanish man who is taking the test for the 2nd time, and a spanish woman who is taking the test for the first time.

We will all, including the teacher, climb into a small car.  Each of us will drive for 30 minutes.  That means 1 1/2 hours in the backseat of a small car with other new drivers.  So prayer request #1 is that I don't get carsick.  I never ride in the backseat of a car because I ALWAYS get carsick.  

After 2 hours of the four of us driving for 30 minutes each we will arrive at the driving test center.  I am #4 and my instructor thought the chinese guy (who is trying for the 4th time to pass) is #3.  That means, he and I will sit on the curb for an hour while #1 and #2 take their exams.  (Prayer request #2 - pray for warm, dry weather). 

Then at 11:00 #3 and I will get in the car - he driving, me in the back seat again - see prayer request #1.  He will take his exam, and then finally at 11:35ish I will get to take my exam.  

It will last for 30 minutes and I will know immediately at the end if I pass.  My instructor seems confident, but I am a little nervous - no fear, just a healthy dose of nerves.

Spring Break Pueblo Hopping

Although the weather was cold, wet, and dreary through much of spring break, we did squeeze in one day of pueblo hopping - our favorite past time here in Spain. My tutor had recommended two towns - Chinchon and Aranjuez. They were both incredible.

Chinchon is known for it's round Plaza Mayor. Bull Fights and other performance actually still occur in the middle. There are lots of cafes that line the edges that are just calling our name to return on a warm sunny day (although, have no fear, we did squeeze in a coffee stop and a pastry stop in this town).

Then we traveled to Aranjuez - allowing the GPS to direct our route - it claims these roads to be the fastest route, but I'll leave that to your own calculation. Most of the roads were about 1 1/2 lanes wide - but I got to use my new driving law information when it came to who had the right of way on narrow roads.

This town has an incredible palace that we toured. The entire town is filled with gardens and in another month or so will be the location of more strawberries than anywhere else in Spain. We stopped in a "hole in the wall" for lunch and ate so much I was miserable for the rest of the day.

I didn't think Avila could be replaced as our favorite town so far, but these towns did it. Combined, they are a perfect day - especially if we could have a little more sunshine to go with them.

Semana Santa

 .. or Holy Week began last Friday and continues through tomorrow, Easter Sunday.  The celebration of Easter looks very different here in Spain than what we are accustomed to seeing and hearing in the states. There are no Easter Egg trees, or pretty pastel baskets, or even egg dye kits to be found.  In a few stores you may find some Easter candy, but this is just becoming a little more popular - it is definitely not the norm.

Instead Semana Santa is marked with processions.  There are processions nearly every day for the entire week, and on some days more than one.  The processions, or parades, are religious in nature and are very solemn and serious.  Each day the procession will mark a different moment in the ministry of Jesus.

On Monday we attended a procession here in town.  The processions here are small compared to some of the towns with great marks in religious history, but it was large enough to begin to get a feel for them.

When we arrived at the procession the biggest crowds were at the beginning - at a Catholic Church.  It was important to see the people and floats emerge from the church.  After a considerable wait you began to smell the incense and the ringing of the single bell and then the crowds grew silent.  The only noise in the crowds were the occasional sound of a baby or a camera clicking.  Imagine being at your town's Christmas parade and when it beginning the crowds growing completely quiet.

Toward the beginning of the procession were a few children who walked along the edge of the crowd collecting an offering.  Immediately after them were members of a "brotherhood,"laypersons in the catholic church who perform religious acts of service.  These people were in a robe and hate that will cause Americans to draw a comparison to a non-religious group in history, however there is no connection in their meaning.

There will be elaborate floats that are carried on the shoulders of many men.  There will often be a band at the end of the procession as well.

It was incredible to watch and experience this procession.

We were told by one person that to be part of the procession is a tremendous honor in the Catholic church as well as, in a sense, a way to gain favor with the church.

Interestingly, another contrast is that by far the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday processions are of the highest importance.

In reaction, the evangelical church in Spain chooses to do very little celebration of Easter.  The meaning is talked about in the church and the spirit of celebration is there - but again, in a very different way than our home culture.  It is small, quiet, and personal to each church and congregation.

And the results are in....

... no more driving exam posts for me because I PASSED!!

A God Size Answer

If you have read any post here lately you know that today I took the theory part of my driving exam.  I really have no idea how I did, but the results are for another post (you find out the day after the exam). But, as I promised God, HE alone gets the glory, regardless of my score.  And HE answered one of today's prayers in a way bigger than I ever imagined.

Let me back up and explain today's process...

.... first I took Alex to the train station with me this morning.  He doesn't have school at all this week and Scott and I have school today and tomorrow.  God graciously  presented an opportunity for Alex to spend the day getting to know a team member better, allowing both Scott and I to focus on the task at hand without worrying or guilt about Alex.  Thank you to this family for being the first answer to many prayers!

.... then I got on the train (going in the opposite direction of Alex) and rode into Madrid - about an hour ride. 

... then when I got off the train I searched for where I would catch the bus to the test center - but the map that the lady at the driving school drew really didn't make sense to me, but no worries, yet - I was headed to the driving school and would ask again. 

... walked 10 minutes to the driving school and paid for my bus ticket, asked again about the bus stop and she showed me the same map with the same directions, so figured I must have just missed something and prayed a quick prayer that I would find it and not miss the bus.

... studied for an hour more at the driving school - doing practice tests.

... 30 minutes before time for bus I packed up and made a bathroom trip at the driving school (yes, that is an important detail to this story!)

... as I was coming out of the bathroom a Spanish lady was coming in.  She asked if I was going to take the exam and I replied yes.  She asked if I wanted to walk to the bus stop together.  Uh, yes... especially if you have a clue where we are going!  Thinking this was the end of my answer to my prayer I waited and we began to walk together.

... as we were walking and conversing in Spanish (thank goodness she was very patient) we asked the normal get to know you questions - where are you from, how many times have you taken the test, are you nervous, ...  then came the question that I always wonder exactly how to answer.  Do you work in Spain?  My answer today was "not yet, I am learning Spanish (and she smiled - probably meaning I surely hope so!), but when we master a little more language we will be working with the evangelical church."  Her entire demeanor changed.  Her face lit up.  She says "you are a born again believer?  I am too!"  Then she tells me she speaks English!

... remember, we work in an area where less than 1% of the population is evangelical - so you tell me the odds of running into a lady in the bathroom of the driving school that speaks English, is heading to the same bus stop I am, and is an evangelical believer. 

... We talked the entire time we waited on the bus (not where I thought it was supposed to be), the entire hour trip to the bus stop, and the 30 minutes while we were waiting on the test.  After the test she met me back on the bus and we talked about God being in charge of the results - we did our part in preparation and He would handle the rest, regardless of the score.

... She was getting off at an earlier stop for an appointment, but before she got off she asked for us to exchange numbers and wanted to know if I would like to get together again to practice Spanish because missionaries were needed in Spain and practicing would speed up our opportunity to share.

Now how is that for an answer to a quick little prayer breathed in the moment of worry?  God gets the glory for today's encounter and tomorrow's scores - regardless!  (but I am still praying that I passed).

Out of Left Field

Today we celebrate living in Spain for 6 months.  There are days that it feels like we have been here for an eternity, whereas other days it feels like it has passed in the blink of an eye.  Everyday things feel a little more comfortable, but then there are days where life is still difficult.  There are times when we know a hard season is ahead of us and we prepare - draw a little closer to each other, put up some walls of defense, and set aside time to process the emotions - however, there are times that life seems to be sailing along ok and bang!

Out of left field some emotion reaches out and slaps you in the face.  There's no time to prepare for the surprise and life keeps on going, leaving you standing there wondering what just ran over you.

Last week I spent a wonderful week in Germany with nearly 50 other women who serve with SEND throughout Europe.  The speaker was encouraging, the fellowship was warm, the time to rest was wonderful, and of course the late night game time was filled with laughter.  It was all in English!  I had no decisions to make, no stores to navigate, no driving, just pretending life was simple and stress free.

As we were saying our final goodbyes at the airport and I hugged a dear friend goodbye it hit!  She was heading to the states, everyone was talking about going "home," and I was going somewhere that I wasn't sure what to call.  I wanted to cling with all I had to this friend and beg her to let me go with her to the states and yet I knew I couldn't.  Teammates around me were asking if I was ready to be home and yes was my answer, but I wasn't sure where that was.

Everyone says it is normal - but I sure much prefer the times when I can prepare in advance.  I like surprises, such as gifts, trips, dinner, new outfits, and more... but emotions, no thank you.

This week is filled with my driving test, waiting on the results, catching up with Spanish language lessons, laundry, college paperwork, and hopefully some time to explore some new pueblos around here.  Praying that there are no hidden emotional bombs set along the way!

Driving, One Last Time...

Monday afternoon I take my theory test so this weekend has been filled with cramming for the exam (as well as a 20 kilometer bike ride).  I spent 5 hours in front of the computer at the driving school yesterday taking practice tests and just had to do one more "Can YOU pass the Spanish driving test?" post.

These are exactly as they were on the test - I promise.  The typos are not mine, it is exactly how they were!  Enjoy studying with me.

1.  Traveling on a heavy congested road...

A.  delays the appearance of fatigue.

B.  is not a circumstance that affects fatigue

C.  benefit the appearance of fatigue

2.  A contributing factor to driver distraction is...

A.  high ambient brightness

B.  low ambient brightness

C.  exceeding straightforward traffic situations

3.  Must you switch off engine when you get out to unload luggage?

A.  no, only leave the hand brake on

B.  yes, and besides you must also disconnect the starter or contact system

C.  no, not necessary if it is a brief period

4.  Not exceeding the 50 km/h speed in town is important?

A.  no, especially in wide streets and avenues

B.  yes, in case a pedestrian is run over he/she is more likely to survive.

C.  Yes, but only not to be fined for over speeding

5.  What makes breaking distance increase?

A.  speed only

B.  Disc brakes

C.  snow or ice on road

6.  Main cause of accidents produced by mechanic failure in the vehicle are:

A.  steering malfunction

B.  tyres malfunction

C.  braking malfunction

7.  As speed increases

A.  the visual field decreases delaying fatigue appearance

B.  the visual field increases bursting out fatigue

C.  the visual field decreases bursting out fatigue

8.  When experimenting symptoms of tiredness/drowsiness the drive should...

A.  drive faster in order to reach destination as soon as possible

B.  take stimulant substance and keep on driving until he/she reaches destination

C.  park vehicle and rest as long as necessary

9.  Is stopping at a junction on an urban road not allowed?

A.  yes, always

B.  yes, when vehicle cornering is hindered

C.  absolutely not

10.  Where should pedestrians cross squares or roundabouts?

A.  along shortest path

B.  bordering them

C.  perpendicular to road's axis

11.  What is a detention?

A.  stop for any reason

B.  Stationing without getting out of the vehicle

C.  immobilization of vehicle because of traffic

12.  Is a motorcycle allowed to ride on a hard shoulder?

A.  no, never

B.  yes, but cannot ride side by side with other vehicle

C.  no, he/she must go on the road

Answers:

1.  C

2.  B

3.  B

4.  B

5.  C

6.  B

7.  C

8.  C

9.  B

10.  B

11.  C

12.  C

Watch Out Moldova!

Hannah and 12 other high school students and two adults left this afternoon for Moldova.  They will be working with an orphanage, mingling with a youth group from a local church, doing community evangelism and outreach, and ending the week by spending time with other missionary kids.  The mime team will have many opportunities to perform an evangelistic skit.  Hannah is playing the lead character in this skit.  Below is an outline of her schedule - please keep her and the rest of the team in your prayers!

Friday, MAR 30

• Depart Madrid; fly to Bucharest, Romania

Saturday, MAR 31

• Drive vans to Zirnesti, Moldova (5 hours)

Sunday, APR 1

• Worship in local churches, visit local orphanage, meet with local youth from churches for games, activities

Monday, APR 2

• Work teams on projects (one major project will be the demolition of a decaying building on a neighboring piece of property from the orphanage)
• Outreach and Evangelism

Tuesday, APR 3

• Work teams on projects, visit local town of Cahul for outreach and evangelism

Wednesday, APR 4

• Work teams on projects, youth meeting with youth from the local churches

Thursday, APR 5

• Drive to Bucharest, Romania
• Connect with students from Bucharest Christian Academy
• In homes of BCA students

Friday, APR 6

• Sightseeing in Bucharest
• Depart Bucharest and return to Madrid

Easing Into It

Been awhile since I wrote an update post.  So much so far has had to do with driving that I bet you think I am doing nothing except studying for my driving exam... well, you are close to right, but life does continue regardless.

This week brings major changes in our life, but major changes are becoming the norm.  I never thought I would say that!  I have always been one to fight change.  But oh well, at least with change we are never bored.

But life is allowing for me to "ease" into this change.

Today is a day for chilling and laundry - both figuratively and literally.   The temperatures have dropped and the wind has picked up.  Definitely hoping the warm weather returns soon!  It's Dia del Padre so no public schools.  Alex and I are watching movies and having a laid back kind of day.  Even have left over chicken and dumplings to make it a little more comfy kind of day.

Tomorrow I will go to the formal language school (where Scott has been going since we arrived) to take a placement test.  Beginning on Wednesday I will join Scott as a full time student, or almost.  The language program offers 3 classes per day, I will only be taking two, whereas Scott will continue to take all 3.  I am a little nervous about the test, but more nervous about the change in schedules this will require.

We will then find out on Wednesday what our schedule looks like.  We could both go to school in the morning or one of us in the morning and one of us in the later afternoon.  We are trusting God to provide the best schedule - whatever that might be.

In the first 9 days of class I will miss 5 classes.  I just pray I can keep up - with the schedule, class, and driving.

I am going to Germany in one week for the SEND Europe Women's Conference.  I am looking forward to the chance to experience fellowship and refreshment.  I am also praying it is only four days, however, the day we are to fly back to Spain the Transportation Unions of Spain have declared a strike - still waiting to see how that affects our flights home.

And then the next Monday (April 2) I will take my written driving license exam.  I am praying that I pass on the first try, but if that happens it will truly be a miracle!

And just to ease a little more, Spring Break comes right after that.  However, come April 9 I am in for a rude awakening!  No more easing into it - it will be full time.

Right of Way

Yep - still studying for my driving license....

1.  

On this narrow stretch with no right of way signaled, when there is a doubt as to who entered it first, which of the following vehicles would have right of way over the others/

a.  A car
b.  An animal - drawn vehicle
c.  A bus

2.

Should we cover the injured in a traffic accident?

a.  Yes, as a general rule, to prevent them sweating

b.  Only in the summer

c.  Only in the winter

3.

What air pressure should the spare tire have?

a.  The highest pressure setting recommended by the manufacturer.

b.  The pressure recommended by the manufacturer for spares.

c.  The same as the rest of the tires.

4.

On a one-way carriageway with no road markings, how many lines can exist with an eye to their use?

a.  As many lanes as there are lines of automobiles able to travel in parallel, depending on the width of the carriageway, and not including motorcycles.

b.  It depends on the width of the carriageway, remembering that each lane has to have a width of at least 6 m.

c.  Only one lane, regardless of the width of the carriageway.

5. 

What should I do in this intersection?

a.  It is obligatory to stop at the stop line.

b.  Stop before the transverse line to yield way if a vehicle is coming from the right.

c.  Continuing driving because the road marking gives me the right of way.

Answers
1.  b, 2.  a (I promise this is the right answer), 3. a, 4. a, 5. b.

Read Carefully

Here is what the driver's book says about this picture:

Series of bends, first to the left

Danger due to the proximity of a series of bends (curves), first one to the left.

Now answer this question:

This sign indicates danger because you are approaching

a.  a series of bends close together, the first one to the left

b.  two bends close together, the first to the left, the second to the right

c.  a dangerous bend to the left

If you chose "c" you are correct.  But why not a or b?

a.  "close together" - the information regarding the sign says that you are in the proximity of the bends, but not that the bends are close together.

b.  "two bends" - it doesn't tell you there are only 2

c  yep - that's it - not a complete definition but nothing added to the definition so that makes it right

So are you praying a little harder for me as I study for this test now?

Driving Test

After an 18 hour theory class I am now studying for my driving exam.  It is a very different process than the tests in the United States - covering a lot of information we are not required to know.  In addition, the questions are worded in such a way that you have to read slowly and carefully.  You get 30 minutes to answer 30 questions.  Over the next couple of weeks I will post some of the more "interesting" questions as I prepare to take my theory exam.  I am praying to be ready to test the first week of April.

1. If you remove the key while the vehicle is in motion, what happens?

• a.  Only the engine turns off.
• b.  The engine turns off and the steering wheel locks.
• c.   You save fuel.

2.  Are you permitted to drive a farm tractor weighing over 3,500 kilograms of maximum authorized mass with a class B (that is what I am trying to get) driving license?

• a.  No, because it exceeds the 3,500 kilograms of maximum authorized mass.
• b.  Yes, if the maximum authorized speed does not exceed 40 kilometers per hour.
• c.  Yes, if it is carrying fewer than nine people, including the driver.

3.  When changing direction at a junction you come upon a flock or herd crossing the carriageway.  there is no animal crossing sign posted.  Who has the right of way?

• a.  I do, as no animal crossing is posted.
• b.  The livestock.
• c.  It depends on whether they are on my left or right.

4.  What does this sign indicate?  

• a.  A level crossing with or without barriers, for more than one train track.
• b.  A level crossing with barriers, for one or more than one train track.
• c.  A level crossing without barriers for more than one train track.

5.  You should not take alcohol before driving because, even in small quantities, alcohol can cause, among other things, ....

• a.  reaction time to increase, while not reducing the distance covered in that time.
• b.  reaction time to decrease, as well as the distance covered in that time.
• c.  both reaction time and the distance covered in that time to increase.

Answers:  1.  b, 2. c, 3. b, 4. c, 5. c

Texas Sheet Cake

My favorite chocolate cake - simple and delicious!

Cake:

2 sticks butter
1 c. water
4 Tbsp cocoa
2 c. flour
2 c. sugar
1/2 c. sour cream
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp soda
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs, beaten

Put butter, water and cocoa in saucepan.  Bring to a boil.  Take off heat and add remaining ingredients.  (I use a hand mixer to blend it all together, but you can do it by hand as well)

Grease and flour 9 x 13 pan.

Bake at 350 for about 35 - 40 minutes or until center is done.

Icing


1 stick butter
4 Tbsp cocoa
6 Tbsp canned milk
1 box powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Combine butter, cocoa, and milk in saucepan.  Bring to a boil.  Take off heat and add remaining ingredients.  Pour over cake while cake is hot.

Still Wanna Cook with Cindy?

This post might be enough to make you rethink the idea of cooking with me.  But let's start with the good part first  -

- on slow Saturday mornings our tradition has become to go for chocolate and churros as a family (although Hannah chose to sleep in this morning). The chocolate is a thick dark chocolate served in a coffee cup.  You dip your churros or porros (deep fried dough) in the chocolate and eat.  When the churros are gone you eat the chocolate by itself.

On the left are churros and on the right is a porro - they will cut
it into sticks about a foot long

After chocolate and churros I headed to the fish store and then the meat store and shopping got a little "fun."  A husband and wife own a fish and fruit store (yes, they are often in the same store).  I always buy fruit/vegetables but never fish.  He began to tease me a few weeks ago that I didn't like his fish.  So today I decided we would have fish tomorrow.  I have a recipe (shared by Marsha) for a lemon Dijon baked fish.  It calls for a white fish.  So I told the fish man (all in Spanish remember) I wanted some fillets of a white fish that was good for the oven.  He gave me 3 choices (all which were whole fish at the time - I of course was wondering what was wrong with the fillets that were in front of me) and I told him I didn't know the difference so what was his favorite.  He chose one (thank goodness the cheapest) and scaled, gutted, cleaned, and sliced it for me and then wrapped it up in two packages.

STOP - a culture lesson - when you buy meat/fish they weigh it first and that is what you pay for.  So my fish was weighed whole and unclean.

Since I was paying for the whole fish, I got the whole fish - one package was my two nice long fillets

The second package, however - was the inside of the head and I think the backbone (does a fish have a backbone?).  Can someone tell me what I am supposed to do with these parts?

Since the meat stores are closed from siesta today until Monday I had to buy for the whole weekend (and I usually buy for Monday too) I then went to the meat store.  I got ground beef (which is actually have beef and half pork - beef is way too expensive).  Then I told him (again, in all Spanish) that I wanted the meat required to fix white beans like in Avila (a beautiful town nearby known for their big whites beans - they are fabulous!).

He spread out a piece of paper and got started - first a pork bone - he says full of flavor.  Next some ribs (just a couple) - they have a different flavor.  Now he added a piece of chorizo (Spanish sausage).  Then he asked if I wanted the black sausage too (usually black sausage is blood sausage so I said NO - but who knows if it was blood sausage or not).  Then he picks up this long piece of meat and says this is what will give you the most flavor.  I could tell it was pork (it was on the pork shelf) but I didn't recognize it so I asked what part.  He turns around makes a tail motion.  It was a pig's tail!

From left to right - ribs, chorizo (redish piece), pork bone, and
finally the pig's tail cut into 3 pieces.

Then I asked what am I to do with all this.  He says put it all in the pot with the beans and let cook for many, many hours.  We'll see - it's in the crock pot - tail included.  Watch back tomorrow for a report.

Still want me to share my recipes with you?

Clemson

Decisions, Decisions..... Prayers, and Prayers

Hannah found out at the end of last week she got accepted into the Genetics Program at Clemson University in SC.  As we celebrate the accomplishment we also begin to pray through the decision as to which college to attend and how to pay for them.

Necessary Characteristics of Life in Spain.... Part 3

In case you forgot the first two...

#1 - Ability to Laugh at Yourself
#2 - Strong Legs

This weekend #3 jumped out at me - Ability to Celebrate the Little Accomplishments!

I am not very gifted in regards to foreign languages.  Don't believe me?  Just ask some of those who have traveled with me on short term trips.  My attempts at language were often the humor needed to get through the rough days.  And now, God has moved me to a country that doesn't speak my native tongue, and although they speak Spanish (a language I heard a lot of in NC and even studied a little in high school), they speak a different form of Spanish than is commonly heard around "my neck of the woods."  Add to that that I am not as young as I used to be and that somewhere along the road of life many brain cells have burned up and language is slow going.

It is easy to get discouraged and frustrated.  It is easy to think I'll never learn enough to minister (forget ever being considered fluent).  And often the only things that jump out in your mind are your mistakes.

For example - now get ready to laugh, it's ok!  Last Sunday we had the pastor and his family to lunch.  I served a Citrus Salad for the first plate.  The wife asked (all in Spanish of course as they speak very little English) what all was in the salad.  With confidence I began to answer.... lechuga (lettuce), cebolla (onions - they were little green onions but didn't know how to differentiate), naranjas (oranges), fresas (strawberries), and alemans.  She smiled and said "alemans?"  I said yes.  She asked one more time... "alemans?"  I figured she didn't recognize what they were because I had candied them so this time I answer "si, alemans con azucar." (with sugar).  And she asks one more time, but before I could repeat my answer again her son speaks up and says (thank goodness he speaks much better English) "do you really mean you put Germans in this salad?  with sugar?"  The entire table cracks up laughing!

For you see - "alemans" are germans and "alemendras" are almonds.  Refer back to lesson #1.

But back to #3.... here are a few of language celebrations -

• Last week I sent a Spanish friend a text message saying I could not meet her to go to the library because I had 6 young people in my house - the text was all in Spanish and I didn't have to use google translate - and better yet, She understood it!
• We went to Valencia (a town on the east coast of Spain this weekend for some family time - where, by the way, they speak even another version of Spanish).  When I was checking into our hotel the gentleman asked whether I wanted him to speak English or Spanish.  I said English (shoot when available and it deals with money/rules I'd just as soon be sure what he is saying).  However, he started into his spiel in Spanish and I never stopped him and actually understood what he was telling me - including directions as to how to get there!
• Our new car has a GPS in it.  I have set it to Spanish trying to get used to the commands I might hear when I take the practical part of the exam in Spanish.  Here's the cool thing - so far I haven't gotten lost due to lack of understanding the Spanish (note - I didn't say I hadn't gotten lost, however).
• We went to an aquarium in Valencia today and saw a presentation on penguins.  It was all in Spanish and I understood a good deal of it - including the fact that one of the youngest penguins has decided it much prefers to spend time with humans instead of other penguins and therefore has kind of become an outcast in it's penguin community (now I am sure penguin vocabulary is going to benefit me greatly as some point in my life here in Spain).
• We stopped at a gas station (where, by the way, they still come out and pump the gas for you) this evening and had to stand in line to use the bathroom.  I carried on an entire conversation with this older lady in line about the noise young children make in the car on long trips and how she was grateful for the long line at the bathroom because it gave her a break from the recorder playing (yes, they have those here too) her granddaughter had been doing for the last hour.  I told her the 3 teenagers I had in the car (no - we didn't pick up an extra child, we have one of Hannah's friends for the weekend) all either had electronic games or computers and my car was totally silent.  She asked if we had room for her.
• I have memorized John 3:16 and Romans 3:23 in Spanish.  Now on to Romans 6:23.

 So, none of these are life changing conversations - but hey - they are using language and I'll celebrate whatever I can find to celebrate!

What Am I Reading?

At most times I have several books going at once.  There is always something that I call "brain wasting," in other words just a book to read for the fun of it.  In this category I am presently reading Sands of Time by Susan May Warren, the 2nd book in a series of three.  The series is set in Russia and the characters are missionaries and part of the Russia's equivalency to the FBI.  They are light reading and great for when I want to turn the brain off.






Then there is the other pile I am reading.....

....  Simple Church by Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger.  I know, this book was popular months ago, but I am just now getting around to reading it.  Knowing that when we finish language school we will begin the process of planting a new church in an area without an established church.  I am beginning to question and evaluate everything I have always done in church to determine what is the real purpose of the church and what is the best way to meet that purpose.  At one point the authors are discussing the Bible story where Jesus cleansed the temple.   They then say "Jesus is adamantly opposed to anything that gets in the way of people encountering Him."  The book is not calling me to follow some prescribed church model, but to instead sit back and through prayer, Bible study, and even discussion with other team members to evaluate what parts of a church draw people to encounter Christ and what parts stand in the way.  What better time to evaluate these things than when starting a brand new church?

.... Pursuit of a Thirsty Fool by T J MacLeslie.  This book is a biography.  MacLeslie tells his story from childhood to adulthood - through the trials of a not so perfect childhood, making a profession in Christ, then pursuing his own desires and plans.  The book is a testimony of God's pursuit for one of his children and what it took for MacLeslie to turn back to Christ.  The book is a wonderful encouragement to those of us who may have someone in their life who know Christ but have veered off track.  It is a beautiful story of God's love and protection and how God can take the messes we make of our own lives and turn them into His beautiful creations.  (In December you could get a free kindle copy of this book at http://www.thirstyfool.com/)

.... Spiritual Warfare For Women by Leighann McCoy.  Let's face it - we don't do a lot of talking about spiritual warfare in the church.  But whether we want to talk about it or not, it exists!  I've read a few books about spiritual warfare in the past, but this one has caused me to stop and really mediate on it.  Now I am not sure whether it is because of our new ministry, all the changes in our lives, God's desire to get me focused, or the quality of this book - but it has made me think and pray and study.  She got my attention when she wrote:  "But somehow we miss the truth of battlefield living, don't we?  During my years in the ministry I've had the privilege of participating in think tanks with women's ministry resource developers.  I've often been frustrated by the focus of our discussions. Most often we venture toward what women need.  And that discussion leads us to begin to assess the damage the Enemy does in the lives of women, but we never talk about the Enemy.  Women need to know how to have good marriages. Women need help parenting their children.  Women need to overcome depression , fear, anxiety, poor self esteem... the list goes on and on.  After many years of developing, writing, teaching, and selling these great products, we still find that women need something more!  Could it be that we are focusing our attention in the wrong direction?  Perhaps rather than helping her create a spa or coffee house on the corner of the battlefield we are careful not to mention, we ought to train women for war.  Spiritual warfare is real!"

Spinach Salad

I have always loved salads with fruit, especially spinach.  Yesterday I tried this recipe and repeated it today.  It was a huge hit!

Ingredients:

• Dressing:

• 1/4 c orange juice (fresh or store bought)
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar (although I used apple cider vinegar cause it is what was in the frig)
• 1/2 tsp Dijon style mustard
• 2 tsp honey
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• salt
• pepper
• Salad
• 3 - 4 oz baby spinach leaves (however, baby spinach was not available today so I used romaine lettuce and it was good too)
• 2 large navel oranges, cut into segments
• 8 oz strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 c toasted almonds (or pecans)

Hints:

• To Segment Oranges - Use a sharp knife to cut off the top and bottom of both oranges; stand each orange on an end.  Working vertically around the oranges, one at a time, use a sharp parking or serrated knife to cut away and discard the peel and white pith.  Working over a bowl, slice between the membranes to remove all the orange segments.
• To toast the almonds - be sure your skillet is completely dry.  On low heat, add slivered almonds and sprinkle with sugar.  Keep stirring - they will burn if you let them sit still.  Stir until they are well covered with melted sugar and are a toasty brown.  Let completely cool before topping salad.

Eggs

Another different thing here for this "city girl" is that we get fresh eggs.  Usually this just means they haven't been refrigerated, however tonight, it meant a little more....