"OH MY GOSH!!!! OH MY GOSH!!!"

Yeah that's all I could say Thursday afternoon when I looked up expecting to see Asaf and saw Rusty standing outside the apartment door where the Hills were staying. I still can't believe he came without me knowing.

I should be going to bed right now, but I thought I would fill everyone in on my wonderful weekend.

So if you didn't pick up on it or you haven't already heard-either from me or all my crazy friends who can't help but tell all our friends back home and that have to take creeper pics of us all the time, Rusty surprised me by showing up in Spain. Yes, Alicante, Spain. I didn't know. Beth captured it on video, don't worry. "But for real"(yes I used that intentionally), I was in shock. I had no idea. We were all sitting and talking at the Hills waiting on Asaf-someone is always late. Always. I mean we are in Spain. So of course I didn't think anything of it. And I was sooooo excited to see the Hills I really wasn't paying attention to anything going on. Even Beth slipped on the bus that morning "Asaf, you excited to see your bro today?" I heard it and didn't even think anything of it. Haha they had to tell me to get up before I could move. It's hard to process something like that in a short time. You think you would stand up and run, but you have to convence yourself it's real first. Haha. It was probably the best surprise of my life. It's going to be pretty hard to top that.

I can't believe the time has already come and gone. Time is going by soooo quickly now. But recap of the weekend. Rusty got there and we all hung out with the Hills for a while. It was great. We talked ate reese's, took pictures, laughed-then we broke off little by little. The Hills had dinner with Hayley's host mom (they said it went great!), we broke off and went to my apartment and made food and talked with Su (my Korean roomate) for several hours. It was awesome. We learned all about her culture and got to explain differences. She is HILARIOUS. I love her. That was so fun. The next day we all went to cine, even Rusty, which he kept up so well. I have been here almost 3 months and I'm still trying to understand it all. But then after that, yeah of course I skipped my other class, there was really no stopping that, so did Asaf, we took Rusty to el Mercado Central. Our huge farmer's market. We got papaya and some other great fruits and just walked around. We then went back and ate lunch and hung out at my apartment till everyone got done with class. We then proceeded to go to the beach and walk around. We all then met up with some of our Japanese friends (very important to understanding our experience here) and got Pakistani food and gelato. It was a good night. We then went back to Brynn and I's apartment to watch "Nacho Libre" of course. Asaf could literally quote the whole thing. Saturday the bros got a haircut (well Asaf) Rusty had apparently inspired him...I don't know why. ;) While the girls had spent the night with us-in which Beth and Karissa ended up in bed with me before they went home. I love bedroom time. I do miss that from OBU. Waking up in the morning and going into one of your best friends bed after they wake up and talking is just great. I then got to rest and try to get rid of this cold thing I contracted. Then we met up again and went to "il duomo" our cafe and saw Ji!!!! It was crazy, Josh ran out and got him and he and Rusty got to talk. So cool. Ji met up to come to church with us too! :) Rusty seriously got a true Spanish experience (well our Spanish experience). Rusty and I then took off to the castle to watch the sunset and grabbed dinner at an italian place called "Sale and Pepe". Let's be real, I was happy. Any time you stick pasta and bread in front of me, my life is made. After that we met back up to go to Valor with Josh, Asaf, Beth and Karissa. It was so fun hanging out with everyone and talking and laughing. Josh never fails to tell us about his cousin, Jake, it's great! Haha he loves his family. I understand. We finished the day with "Feris Buler's Day Off".  Sunday we all went to church, Rusty even got to play on the piano some after-that's the first time in a long time I've got to hear him play. We then all ate lunch and met up at the beach again. It was a beautiful day, but windy. I'm still getting the sand out of my hair. Haha. We went out for tapas and then came back and facetimed with my Dad and then Karis. Then Brynn came home and her and Su came and talked with us. Monday came and I saw Rusty off at the bus stop.

It went so fast. But it was SO good. I feel so blessed. Not only did he take all the time and money and planning to come here and surprise me, but all my friends kept their mouths shut and worked with him to make it super special for me. Thanks friends! It means a lot.

This weekend really brought this semester into perspective. I am SOO glad I did this. I am sooo glad the Lord gave me the strength, time and provided everything for me to do this. It has probably been one of the most life-changing things I have ever done. I have been stretched. I have cried. I have laughed hard at times. I have grown close with some people from OBU I never would have probably talked with. I have prayed. I have spent so much time in the Word. I have memorized scripture. I have been frustrated. I have been sick. I have been showering a lot less. I have become domestic. I have grown closer with some of my best friends. I have missed some of my best friends. I missed the birth of my nephew. I have seen my family grow. I have seen my friends grow. I have understood that God is the only true faithful and constant, never-failing person in my life. I have met people from all around the world. I have made two great friendships with Americans I never would have met had I not come here. But I think above all, I have understood my purpose more clearly than ever. I am here on this earth for Christ. I am here to glorify Him and share His love with everyone around me. I want to make His name known. My actions speak a lot of my faith, but I have learned the importance of my words. Prayer is powerful and necessary. I have 3.5 weeks left in Alicante. (I am about to head to spring break for 2.5) and the time is rapidly decreasing. It scares me. I know I will be excited to go home, but it breaks my heart to know I may never see most of these people again. I don't want to waste the time I have left. God is SO good and so faithful and so loving. He has blessed me beyond belief. Right now, I am in a place where I can't comprehend how much I've been blessed. I don't deserve it. However, I am grateful for it. Obviously not enough, but I am grateful. I have a wonderful family and friends and I'm experiencing one of the coolest things ever. The Lord has opened my eyes to sooo much.

Well this may be the last one for a while. Spring break starts Thursday. I will go to Switzerland, Austria, London, Edinburgh, and Galway. I'm so pumped. It's crazy! So thanks for all the prayers and for reading this long thing (if you made it this far).

Pakistani with the Japanese, someone has a picture of us all at gelato.  

Asaf's new haircut. They had such good bro time. 

Rusty playing piano for Wilmer. Yeah I think the little girls were impressed. 

Yeah our friends are creepers, but it is pretty cool, I mean we were in Spain. #nbd

Piano, Piano

Welp. I'm back from Belgium and back to class. It was an amazing break from class and seriously probably one of the best weekends of my life. Definitely the best weekend here abroad. We were beyond spoiled. My parents don't even feed that much and give me that many kisses when I'm home. Though I have a feeling when I get back from Spain they might.

The theme of the weekend was "piano, piano" which means slowly, slowly. It was wonderful. We were never in a rush to get some where. We just took our time and enjoyed the company around us. We were with an Arabic family from Turkey who all moved to Brussels as the Lord called them. It's amazing. We went to all of Leyla's sisters' houses and her parents. We had tea and/or coffee every place and something to eat. They never failed to make us feel welcomed. We got to wear slippers every place went or fancy little shoes they just wore in the house. It was cute. Every time we met someone we got about  3 or 4 kisses and a huge hug. This family loved on us. You could tell how happy they were to see Bethany too-you could see the love for her and her family. It was nice to be around such strong Christian fellowship. It's amazing how God loves through people. He provides such a deep love, o and it is soo good.

So one of the first things we did after Leyla picked us up from the airport was go have Belgian waffels. So good. Didn't see that one coming. They don't taste like American ones. They are 100x better. We went around and saw the Grand Plaza and Manekin Pis. Haha so funny and then met up with her sweet niece, Deborah. Goodness, they all just welcomed us with open arms. I feel like I gained another family.

We had Turkish tea and coffee. They even read my coffee grounds. haha They just do it for fun, but it was funny and a little scary. I will never forget Leyla's "reading" o you will be married soon and have twins. AHHHH! Not a funny joke haha. My Grandma was a twin and my sister had two kids unexpectedly. I'm young, I'm going to take it slow, I have time. haha. I turned around and told her the same thing, she understood my fear at that point. May be in 10 years. haha

We met her fiance, Bernard. He was great. He is a 60 year old Belgium man. Kind of big and hilarious. He fed us soooo well. We had what was kind of like cheese fondue with real Swiss cheese and potatoes, a wonderful salad and tomatoes and chocolate mousse for dessert. O it was good. We definitely did not go hungry. It's back to reality is Spain. But it is good to be home.

We saw some beautiful churches and amazing architecture  It was gothic style, so different from Spain, but so cool. I loved it. It even snowed on us. That was cool to see even though it was cold; however, I was at least dressed appropriately this time.

We went to their church Sunday morning. It was their last service in that building. It was so special. It's a Turkish church and literally everyone who goes is related some how, they are at least all connected in some way by family. It was great. We went to the service, sang two in Turkish that Beth and I recognized, listened to a French man preach and the pastor translate, then of course went down after for tea and coffee and talking. I loved it. Such a neat experience.

It was one of the coolest experiences of my life. I experienced a completely different culture within a different culture and it was with believers. It's amazing to see God work all around the world and to see such faithfulness in other believers. O such faith they have. It was so encouraging and challenging. I pray for the willingness they have to follow Christ where ever He leads. I'm realizing how valuable this time I have here is. I will never experience anything quite like this again in my life. I'm trying to soak it up as much as possible. It's quickly coming to an end and it makes me sad. I have met some amazing people here and I don't want to miss out on time with them. I have a new home away from home and although there are things I miss from home, I love this place. It's beautiful and I love the people I've met. I've made friendships I will never forget and have experienced cultures I never would have before. I have class with Japanese, Russians, Americans, Chinese, Germans, Koreans, French and have met people from so many places around the world. Ugh, I can't comprehend this is my life at times. It's a big blessing.

Beautiful Beth in the city.

First cathedral we saw. It was SOO tall.

Yeah this picture does not do this justice. It was ginormous. 

Mankein Pis. Haha Apparently this little boy went "tinkle", as my dad would say, on a bomb and ended the war. It's a huge deal in Brussels. They even dress him up at times.

Beth enjoying her first Belgian waffel before she got sick. 

I love the buildings and then green grass, the snow and the tree in this picture. 

This was the second cathedral we saw. I think I liked t more. The detail was insane. They love to have small statues of all the apostels everywhere through out this church. It's crazy.

Grand Plaza. Again this does not capture the true essence. 

The small building on the left I think was one of my favorite buildings I saw there. It was so cute and quaint. 

A different section of the Grand Plaza.

The Royal palace.

Beautiful street leading to the Grand Plaza.

This was a huge museum there. So cool. So much stuff from the war. It was crazy seeing a different perspective.

Our Japanese friends enjoying their first pie at Brynn and I's apartment. Brynn did amazing!!! Love those girls. 

Welp. I'm tired. So that's all for now.

Pictures!

Love my family! They made my week! 

The Valentine's flowers. I felt special. :)

Il Duomo-my cafe. I love it such good coffee.

Beth we enjoying her GINORMOUS strawberry, she had to take a break with other strawberries before she finished it. haha 

BRITT! She made it! Bedroom!!!!!!

Okay this is just the story of our lives.

He had his first date! Yes. Well, apparently he didn't like it, but whatever.

FaceTiming with the rents! Love them.

Love this girl! We've had some great coffee dates!

Oh, I love this boy.

Yeah! My nephews!!!!! :) Miss them.

Yeah this was when I stabbed myself. It was soooo cool to see how deep it was. I liked seeing all the layers of skin. 

Welp We're Sliding Down.

Well we're already over half way. I started my third term of classes today. I have the same professor I've had for my last two grammer classes, Marina, she's amazing. Seriously. She goes above and beyond the call of being a teacher. Then in my complementary course, I'm in cine, with every student from Ouachita that's studying here and all our Japanese friends. I'm struggling writing english today, the spanish gets mixed in.

I'm literally amazed at the fact that I am on the downward slope. But really, we had 8 full weeks of class (I mean besides the days I skipped) and now we only have six. What?! Where has the time gone? Beth and I are leaving for Belgium in a week and a half. That is surreal because about a week after we get back I'm jumped on a plane to Switzerland to meet my friends for spring break! Bah!! The time is slipping away and I'm realizing how much more I want to take advantage of it. I'm trying not to burn myself out though.

This last was good in many ways, but also hard. I was exhausted, I figured out that I was on the verge of iron deficiency anemia (if I wasn't already there) and had some really rough days in class. My teacher even asked me about it. I love knowing she cares so much and that she's so attentive to what's going on. But I figured it out and am feeling better, gotta get that meat; however, I wish it wasn't as expensive haha I'm a cheapskate. It's nice having energy to do life. I've started running more consistently too. It's great. I forgot how much I loved doing it everyday. I also had some really good days this week. The Lord continues to teach me so much here. For one I got to share more about him with some of my friends, I was so grateful for the opportunities, but it's definitely making me crave the Word more and wanting to really memorize it. I'm realizing how important that is to my faith and sharing with others. I got to sit down with Brenna and plan the second half of our spring break too! We booked our hostels and tickets! AH! So cool, so surreal. I can't believe I'm getting to go to all these places. The UK is going to be so cool and beautiful! Church was awesome, it was one of the first times I really felt encouraged after leaving, mainly because I could understand most of what the pastor was saying. I have gained so much respect here for people who come to America and are basically forced to learn english. It is hard. And it's really intimidating and discouraging to be on the side where you are the minority and can't communicate or understand others. So it was so wonderful to step out of church and feel confident in what I heard. Don't get me wrong, I definitely didn't catch everything, but I was able to fill in most of the pieces.

I got to facetime with all of my family this weekend too, so good. They are beautiful and those boys are growing like nobody's business. I can't believe it.

This weekend Rusty got to meet up with Karis for a week. I'm not going to lie I am a little jealous, I wish I could see my sister soooo badly. Most of my friends have family coming to visit and although I am ecstatic for them, it is a little hard knowing I won't see mine till I get home. But the good news is I will see them when I get home and what a blessing that is. It makes me realize too that the Lord is the only completely consistent being in my life. It makes me rely more on Him and helps put me at ease for whatever He throws at me in the future.

Shout out to Ashley Randels for MAKING MY DAY with her wonderful HILARIOUS email. Girl, I miss you and Sam! Skype PRONTO!

O we got a new roommate! She's Korean and soo cute! I'm still struggling with her name though. It's Sugi or something like that, but for short in the future I'll refer to her as Su, es mas facil. I'm so excited to get to know her!

I'm in Spain. It's normal now, but still a little bizarre when I think about it and think about how normal it is. I know not everyone has an opportunity to do something like this, but my prayer is that people will step out and when opportunities arise they will take advantage of them. My view of the world, my view of God, my view of people has grown so much. I've learned SO much. Most of the things I've learned you can't know until you've experienced it yourself.

I'll attach pictures soon. I have a couple new ones of everyday life.

Booya.