Yeah!

I know I don't write like Bethany and may be I share a little more frequently, but hey you don't have to read it and I know my parents appreciate it, so here I go again.

What a beautiful day in Spain. It had to be the warmest day yet, for once I wasn't cold...may be inside, but because the buildings are freezing here because they are all tile and have to heating. This week has been so good. I definitely feel like I'm finally adjusting. It's becoming home and days are becoming more regular. I even found a cafe, well Hayley and I did. It's now become a group favorite, so just out of independence I'll probably find another one too. I want to make real Spanish friends haha. But hey if I've got a good cup of coffee, my day is made. If you know me, you know that's true. I went 10 whole days without it though. It has to be a record. But class is good and I'm making new friends, which I absolutely LOVE! God is definitely working through that.

After class today we went on an adventure. We went to the Valor Chocolate Factory with Hayley, Asaf, Ellen, our new friend, Brenna, and myself. Let's be honest, we really just went for the free chocolate samples and not the tour, but they were definitely worth our wait and goodness did it smell GOOD. We could literally smell it 5 plus blocks from the factory. Ugh, heaven in our noses. The ride there was beautiful. We got to see so much more. We saw the mountains and more of the beach and some picturesque towns. Beautiful. It's still crazy to think I live here.

 I'm not going to lie, I'm pooped. We've already been here 2 weeks. I took my first midterm today, rocked it and although we haven't traveled much yet, I feel like I've done so much. I can't believe how fast time is going. It's good in some ways, makes me feel better knowing I will see others again before I know it, but then I don't want my time to just slip away. I have to admit though, I feel like these two weeks I have had some of my best and most intimate times with the Lord. He's revealing Himself to me like crazy. I have craved time in the Word so much and have made time for it everyday. I've realized what a necessity it is. I've been reading this book on ministry as well. It's so awesome to read. I feel like it's another confirmation to my call to ministry. I was reading today and I came across a statement that I felt related to Spain so much. One of my biggest fears when coming was that I would get caught up in what I'm missing out on: the birth of my new nephew, my parents, my friends back at OBU, a certain guy like, not being there for my sister, my youth group and others. But my fear is that I would get so caught up in these things that I would miss out on the opportunities Christ gave me here to share the gospel and set my mind's attention and my heart's affection on Christ. I didn't and don't want to waste my time here because I'm focused on myself. When reading this book I came across this passage,

"...'Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!' (Psalm 139:23-24). An ideal time for such examining is before we got to represent God in ministry. I have found that before I preach, I often get hit by this desperation about making sure that nothing is going to hinder God working through me."

Desperation, I could not have thought of a better word. There is no desperation in me greater than that of glorifying God through all that I do and making His name known. I've realized that if that desperation is real, it takes some discipline and courage and time, but with Christ living inside of me it is possible. He is the one that uses me, He is the one that gives me strength, He is the one the gives me comfort, He is the one that gives me boldness--I can't do any of this but HE can! I'm realizing that, I alone can not, but He can. It's so exciting to see Him work. It's a blessing to be apart of that work. I don't know if I've ever been as excited as I am now. I literally feel like exploding with joy at times, joy that only comes from Christ. My deepest desire is that God will be glorified and those that I am able to give everything I have for Him and the Kingdom's cause. I want to only boast in Christ.

Sorry for my novel. I'm just excited to see what God is doing.