1 Day Before Spain

We leave tomorrow!!!  It is hard to believe it is finally here.  I was talking with a friend this morning about our trip.  It is a strange kind of one.  Doesn't feel like a vacation.  Doesn't feel like a mission trip.  The closest thing I can remember that felt the same was when we were moving to Michigan.  

We accepted a job in Michigan during the last month of my pregnancy with Hannah.  Scott had traveled to Michigan from North Carolina and met the people, toured the area, and looked at houses.  I stayed at home too pregnant to travel.  He then moved to Michigan when Hannah was a couple weeks old.  I finally followed for a house hunting trip about a month later.  We knew we were moving there, that decision was already made. I was just finally getting to see my new homeland.  This trip kind of feels the same way.

We know we are going there and we are just finally getting a picture of where we are going.  Difference is - all of us are walking into the unknown.  We are all excited and not in the least bit nervous (other than being worried I forgot to pack something).  God has been so very gracious in that respect.

Alex is probably the most excited.  If he sleeps at all tonight it will be a miracle!  If we are all sane by the time we arrive in Spain it will be a miracle!  This is like Christmas for him.  One more thing I am praising God for - He didn't call just Scott and I, God called us all to this journey and the kids are enjoying the ride just as much as us.

Pray for tomorrow morning as we try to remember all the last minute stuff.  Pray for great flights and connections.  And yes, keep praying about the house - 2nd showing had great feedback, still waiting for feedback from the 1st showing.  God's perfect timing.

Next post will be on our way to Spain.  Join us for the journey!

2 Days Before Spain

Two more nights in my own bed and we leave for Spain!  I am soo excited!  I handled the end of the logistics today, I think.  Getting ready to put the end of the laundry in the washer (although I expect tomorrow there to be a load that resurfaces).  Groceries bought for Zach.  Two days seems like forever now.

This morning I received an email about a family I have had a part in ministering to.  The family is Muslim and are in the United States as refugees.  They have been targeted by a gang because of some gifts they received.  Please stop and pray for them today.  Pray for their protection.  They speak no English so reporting the incident and protecting themself is difficult.  Pray for those who will continue to minister to them - for wisdom in how to minster and protection.  Pray that as Christians continue to reach out to them they will want to know why.

Even though I am excited about Spain I pray that I not miss a single opportunity in front of my eyes.  There are lost in my own backyard.  There are international opportunities right here in Greensboro.  May I not be so focused on the future that today leaves my sight.

Interesting Facts - Part 1

As the reality of our trip gets closer and closer I find myself wanting to learn more and more about Spain.  Thought I was share some of the interesting facts with you...

• Greeks saw Spain as the land where Hercules' gold apples grew and the Arabs saw Spain as the ground floor heaven.
• From 1492 - 1975 Spain had almost a 100% homogeneous culture - in ethnicity, religion, and culture.
• Population of Spain is approximately 46 million - a little less than the population of California and North Carolina combined.
• Spain is approximately the size of two Oregons - or 20 Spains could fit in the United States.
• In the 1970's the birth rate was on average 3 babies/woman - it is now 1.5 babies/woman - one of the lowest birth rates in the world.
• There are 4 official languages and 7 dialects spoken in Spain.
• Spain regained its democratic style government in 1975.
• There is proof of civilization that is more than 800,000 years old.
• After Switzerland, Spain is Europe's most mountainous country.  Madrid (the area we will live in) is at 2165 ft, slightly lower than Pilot Mountain.
• Spain was predominantly Christian by AD 325.
• By AD 714 Muslims had taken primary control of Spain and maintained control until 1492.
• When "Christianity" regained control of Spain, the Spanish Inquisition occurred - trials that searched for false converts to Catholicism.  If found guilty they faced imprisonment, beheading, hanging, or burning at the stake.

A very interesting country - more facts to come in the coming days.

Muslim and Geography in a Spain Classroom

One more reason why Christians are needed in all of Europe....

Muslims find 'ham' comment hard to swallow

an article regarding a recent incident in a geography class in Spain

Host a Night of Tapas

What are tapas?  According to Wikipedia "Tapas (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈtapas]) is the name of a wide variety of appetizers, or snacks, in Spanish cuisine. They may be cold (such as mixed olives and cheese) or warm (such as chopitos, which are battered, fried baby squid).  The serving of tapas is designed to encourage conversation because people are not so focused upon eating an entire meal that is set before them.  Also, in some countries it is customary for diners to stand and move about while eating tapas."

Over the past few months we have been inviting our friends and family to our house for a sampling of Spanish cuisine and to hear the story of our journey to Spain.  As we continue to pray for 50 partners at $50 per month to enable us to be at 50% by Christmas we are inviting you to pray about hosting a night of tapas for your friends.  Would you consider opening your home sometime in the next month for a night of tapas and the journey?  We'll bring the food - all you have to do invite friends/family.  No high pressure sales or arm twisting - just an evening of great food, conversation, and sharing the exciting journey of our new ministry.

If evening doesn't work, Scott or I would love to meet with you and your co-workers at lunch or Cindy loves to meet with ladies on Friday morning. 

We look forward to filling our calendar and meeting your friends and family.  It is so much fun getting to know new people!