The Perfect Trio

What better combination of food can there be than banana, chocolate, and peanut butter.  To me any recipe that combines those three flavors gets a thumbs up.  In fact, I like that combination enough to part with my "beloved JIF Peanut Butter."  We can get some Spanish varieties of peanut butter, but nothing like JIF.

Tonight, in need of using some very ripe bananas and in need of a brunch food for a guest coming tomorrow, I googled those three ingredients and came across a muffin recipe.  I heated up my kitchen (yes, it was 80+ degrees and we don't have air condition but I turned on the oven anyhow - thank goodness for the kitchen door that blocks all the heat in the kitchen!) and tried out the recipe.  They were fabulous!  They are definitely a make again recipe!

(taken from www.noblepig.com)

Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins


2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed, golden brown sugar
1 Tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2-3 large, ripe bananas, mashed-enough for 1-1/4 cups banana
1 cup milk
3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
3 Tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 large egg
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

In a large bowl, sift together (make sure to sift), flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt and the cinnamon; combine.

In another mixing vessel combine mashed bananas, milk, peanut butter, egg, oil, and vanilla; mix well.  Add this to the dry mixture previously prepared; mix just enough to combine.  Stir in chocolate chips.

Spray muffin tins with cooking spray, if you are using liners, spray those too, and fill tins 3/4 full.  This will make 18 nicely sized muffins.  You can double the recipe if you need more.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Different, yet Alike

As I walk this crazy life I am now living there are days where I think I must be the only crazy person here.  I want "my readers" (those few of you crazy enough to keep coming back here) to experience life here, yet it isn't so easy to find a way for that to happen.  How do you explain the crazy experiences in such a way that someone not here understands?  How do you explain with laughter and acceptance the way things are done here?  How do you celebrate the small accomplishments and yet understand how monumental they are? 

Yet, every now and then you come across a like soul, someone walking just a few steps ahead of you that helps you realize, oh wait - I am not the only one walking these exact same steps.  Maybe we are taking a little different path, but you are reminded that you are a lot more alike than diffent.

Shar Carlson is a middle school English teacher at Hannah's school.  She celebrated her one year of life in Spain anniversary this week. She wrote a blog post that had me rolling in laughter and a few tears rolling down my cheeks.  She lives in a neighboring small town, is single, and is here for a two year term, yet in the midst of those differences there were so many similarities I had to share it with you.  It is a little long, so pull up a comfy chair, get a cup of coffee (or iced team for me), and enjoy the laughter as you read her account of her first year in Spain.

Won't Find Me In Any Book

Yesterday I had a break from ordinary life and got to spend a couple hours sitting on a park bench chatting and sharing a chocolate Neapolitan (ahh - one of my favorite things in Spain) with a co-worker and friend.  We were sharing the triumphs and the heartaches of our lives during the past couple of weeks.   We were mourning the loss of a common friend and discussing the possibilities of our futures.

Somewhere the conversation turned to some heartaches we had both seen on the mission field and the question arose as to where many get their "picture" of mission work.  Many have a glorified vision of the field, while others see it as an escape from the problems in their homeland, and others believe God must be more present to those serving in foreign fields, and most (including me) have some warped picture.  But where did these ideas come from?  In the end, we decided books.

I love to read the stories of the spiritual warriors that have come and gone before me.  I love to read how men and women gave up everything and moved to the ends of the earth and saw great movements for Christ.  I marvel at the courage of those who boarded a boat, forsaking all that was being left behind, and moved to a forgotten place in the world, knowing their lives would be lost at that moment.  I find encouragement in reading the stories of those who, through serving in the jungle without running water or indoor bathrooms or being imprisoned, grew so close to God that the giving of their lives was a gain.

But you know what, I think those people are the exception.  There isn't much about our life that I would say was glamorous.  There isn't much that I would even say was earth shattering.  Even less, I can't say that I am one of those with the courage to forsake it all (yeah, I moved to Spain and sold all my worldly goods - but I have Internet and re-bought a lot of material things once arriving here).  My life is ordinary.

I don't live in a country without running water or indoor bathrooms (although we don't have air condition and summer is fast approaching).  I don't have to walk miles to the nearest market and I don't fear death for carrying a Bible.  I doubt anyone is ever gonna write a book about my life as a missionary.

But this is reality - there are thousands and thousands who have accepted the privilege of serving Christ in a foreign field.  For most their stories will never be written.  Only a small percentage will face death as a result.  But for the majority of us - reality is still hard at times.

The reality is that this life is tremendously lonely - we left our friends and family and skype just isn't the same.  We have teammates, but our job is not to spend time with our teammates, it is to get to know the nationals.  The nationals all speak a different language.  Last Saturday as I stood at a field day event I was reminded that it is possible to be in a crowd of a couple hundred and feel completely and utterly alone.  Life is hard - even with modern day conveniences.  The processes for everything is different and there are so many unwritten rules to how to do things that we may never figure it all out.  Church, a place where I always found hope, refreshment, and fellowship, is now a place of work - work to just understand what is being said and why something is being done the way it is.

We live in a country where "progress" is slow.  Following Christ comes with a cost and that cost is calculated and considered for long periods before someone is ready to pay the price.

My life isn't glamorous and I am pretty sure it isn't novel worthy, but it is reality.  And most days, I am thankful for the privilege of this reality, but then there are others where I yearn for what has been written in the books I love to read, and if I can't have that - then I just yearn for simple and familiar.

A Lo Pobre

I just love when I am reading about Spain and it all of a sudden comes to life!

I am reading the book Driving Over Lemons, by Chris Stewart, a book that tells the story of a British couple who move to Andalucia, the southern portion of Spain, in the post-war period of history.  The area they have moved is dreadfully poor and a very common dish is Potatoes "A Lo Pobre."  The author describes it as a pan of potatoes, garlic, oil, and a few veggies, with an occasional side of meat - if the budget allows.

And, knowing my love for cooking, I am following a blog entitled My Kitchen in Spain, written by Janet Mendel.  So far it has been fun to read, but I had not found any recipes I wanted to try - until this week.  Guess what her recipe is!  Yep, Potatoes "A Lo Pobre."  I fixed them and they were fabulous - both yesterday and today as left overs.  We will definitely be cooking these again.

3 pounds potatoes, peeled and sliced ¼ inch thick 

1/3 cup olive oil    
2 teaspoons salt1 onion, sliced1 green pepper, cut in strips1 large tomato, quartered and sliced3 tablespoons chopped parsley3 cloves garlic, chopped¼ teaspoon crumbled dry thyme (optional)1 teaspoon pimentón (paprika)1/3 cup white wine1/3 cup water

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Place half the oil in a 3-quart cazuela or other heat-proof casserole. 


Arrange half the sliced potatoes in the casserole and sprinkle with half the salt. Top with half the sliced onion, green pepper, tomato, parsley and garlic. 

Add remaining potatoes, sprinkle with salt and remaining onion, pepper, tomato, parsley and garlic. Sprinkle with thyme and pimentón. Pour over remaining oil, wine and 1/3 cup water. 

If using a heat-proof casserole, place on a medium heat on top of the stove until the liquid begins to simmer. Then cover the casserole with a lid or foil and bake until potatoes are fork tender, about 60 minutes.

Let rest 10 minutes before serving.


(copied from http://mykitcheninspain.blogspot.com.es/2012/05/potatoes-lo-pobre-are-classic.html)

Economy

Ask anyone in my family and they will tell you that I have no idea what is happening in the government or economy here or in the US.  I know the big things - Spain has an economic crisis, US is preparing for the election of a new president, NC just voted to amend the constitution,... You know, the big things.  Scot tries to talk to me about some of these issues, but I get that glazed look in my eyes and he usually just gives up.

But, in several recent conversations with friends/family from the states I have been asked how the economic crisis is going to affect us and our assignment.  The glazed look just doesn't go over too well, so decided to do a little research.  Before I know how it is going to affect us, I guess I should understand exactly what the crisis is.  I did a lot of reading this evening and came across this list of "22 Signs That The Collapsing Spanish Economy Is Heading Into A Great Depression." ( I even understood most of them) 

What does this mean for us?  We are waiting to see.  We are being wise with our money - both what we keep in our Spanish account and our American account.  We are being wise with our spending as there is no predictability as to what will happen with the exchange rate.  But more than that, we are praying that this crisis may open doors for relationships and conversations that would have never occurred before.

I figure I cannot be the only one out there who gets the "glazed look" so I thought I would share the list with you.

#1 The unemployment rate in Spain has reached 24.4 percent - a new all-time record high. Back in April 2007, the unemployment rate in Spain was only 7.9 percent.

#2 The unemployment rate in Spain is now higher than the U.S. unemployment rate was during any point during the Great Depression of the 1930s.

#3 According to CNBC, some analysts are projecting that the unemployment rate in Spain is going to go above 30 percent.

#4 The unemployment rate for those under the age of 25 in Spain is now a whopping 52 percent.

#5 There are more than 47 million people living in Spain today. Only about 17 million of them have jobs.

#6 Retail sales in Spain have declined for 21 months in a row.

#7 The Bank of Spain has officially confirmed that Spain has already entered another recession.

#8 Last week, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services slashed Spain's credit rating from A to BBB+.

#9 The yield on 10-year Spanish bonds is up around 6 percent again. That is considered to be very dangerous territory.

#10 Two of Spain's biggest banks have announced that they are going to stop increasing their holdings of Spanish government debt.

#11 Of all the loans held by Spanish banks, 8.15 percent are considered to be "bad loans".

#12 The total value of all bad loans in Spain is equivalent to approximately 13 percent of Spanish GDP.

#13 Of all real estate assets held by Spanish banks, more than 50 percent of them are considered to be "troubled" by the Spanish government.

#14 That total amount of money loaned out by Spanish banks is equivalent to approximately 170 percent of Spanish GDP.

#15 Home prices in Spain fell by 11.2 percent last year, and the number of property repossessions in Spain rose by a staggering 32 percent during 2011.

#16 Spanish housing prices are now down 25 percent from the peak of the housing market and Citibank's Willem Buiter expects the eventual decline to be somewhere around 60 percent.

#17 It is being projected the the economy of Spain will shrink by 1.7 percent this year, although there are some analysts that feel that projection is way too optimistic.

#18 The Spanish government has announced a ban on all cash transactions larger than 2,500 euros.

#19 One key Spanish stock index has already fallen by more than 19 percent so far this year.

#20 The Spanish government recently admitted that its 2011 budget deficit was much larger than originally projected and that it probably will not meet its budget targets for 2012 either.

#21 Spain's debt to GDP ratio is projected to rise by more than 11 percent during 2012.

#22 Worldwide exposure to Spanish debt is estimated to be well over a trillion euros.

(source:  http://blog.alexanderhiggins.com/2012/04/30/22-signs-collapsing-spanish-economy-heading-great-depression-127491/)

Only in Spain

I know you must think I have fallen off the edge of the earth since I have been so slack about writing lately, but I promise I am still alive and well, just incredibly busy.  And at times life seems so ordinary that I figure you might not be interested in reading.  But today, well I was reminded I don't live in NC anymore.

I have a break between my grammar and conversation class that lasts for about 30 minutes (well, on paper it lasts for that long - but we never get out of grammar right on time and the teacher doesn't usually come to conversation right on time - she has to have coffee in a local "bar" between classes too - so that 30 minutes is pretty fluid).  I usually use that break to do an errand, grab 2nd breakfast, do my grammar homework, catch up on facebook, ...  Today I decided to grab 2nd breakfast "to go" and bring it back to the classroom to do my homework.  (I always was the studious one :) )

A specialty here is a bowl with french fries on the bottom, then a meat (chorizo, ham, or bacon), and then topped with a fried egg.   It is one of my favorite dishes.  So I ordered that to go (the lady at the restaurant knows me by now cause I usually go in once or twice a week and get a sandwich mixto (a grilled ham and cheese).  A little while later out comes my food and I glance in the bag to be sure I have a fork and there isn't one.  I ask for one and she says "we don't have forks to go, only ones for in the restaurant."  My brain starts swirling - how am I going to eat this in the classroom without a fork?  But then she says "but you can have one of these forks (holding up a real one) and just bring it back to me tomorrow."  Ha!  I am definitely not in NC anymore.

And yes, it tasted delicious!  And since I have to take the fork back tomorrow, perhaps I will need to have a 2nd one - but this time I will have a fork in my bag.

Two Successes and a Failure

So I guess you call the day a success if you have more successes than failures.

So first the successes...

1)  My regular fruit and fish store has closed (product of the economic crisis) so I have had to go to a new one lately.  A couple months ago I had bought cucumbers from this place that were the best we had so far, so I returned to them.  It's a little further away, but can be on the way home from school if I want.  Today I stopped for a long list (hint to self - next time list is this long go home and get rolling cart first - it is a long way to walk with lots of stuff).  About a month ago I bought Pink Lady Apples there but they have not had them since.  The kids keep trying other types, but so far nothing they really like as much.  Every time I go in I ask for Pink Ladies and he tells me no, they have such and such type.  Today, I asked again and he says "tomorrow, for you, because you keep coming back and are such a good woman I will have them, for sure!"  I keep going back because they are patient with teaching me language, reinforce me when I say things right, and speak slowly enough I can understand them.  Now I will keep going back because he is getting the kids the apples they want.  Success #1.

2)  After the fruit store I headed to m my favorite meat store.  I have used the same one since arriving and you have probably read many of the funny stories of my buying meat from them.  Today I used the right vocabulary for everything - even the pork chops that he didn't have and the new type of beans I was buying.  The butcher made me day when after each item I ordered he responds with "perfecto."  At the end (cause he says perfecto not because my words are right but because he is giving me what I want) he says "tu espanol es muy bien - very good."  Ahh - progress!

And then there was the failure....

Last night I put black beans in to soak for lunch today.  This morning I put them in the crock pot to cook while in class.  Unfortunately, I forgot a very important part of cooking in a crock pot - plugging it up.  So the beans are soaked - really well, but not cooked.  Thank goodness for a pressure cooker!

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