Days 65-70:

A dark, dirty, and unfamiliar bus station is hardly the Spain we had envisioned when we sat those six hours on that bus, dreaming of the adventures Seville might bring. It was six in the morning when we arrived. The sun had not risen and neither had the city, it seemed, so we waited anxiously in the bus station for the sun to shed some light on the world. We had no idea where we were or where to go or even what to do, but that was the best part about being there.

Armed with a map and a few shots of espresso from the café in the bus station, we set off to find something to do. Watching the sunrise on the river, we stopped at a kiosk that was legendary in Seville for its churros (words of the tourist map of all things Seville). I will tell you now that churros are not the same in Spain- no sugar or cinnamon, just fried dough. As we sat at our table picking at our 'churros', a man and his friend who were behind us in line approached us and handed us some dipping chocolate. He insisted that churros had to be eaten with chocolate and, as drunk and somewhat vulgar as he was, he was right. We were happy to have the chocolate and we were happy that his friend, Joanna, was keeping him somewhat contained in his thrashed state. I remember Makenzie and Meghan and I were all nervous and slightly irritated when he pulled his chair up to our table...

Long story short- you never know with whom or where you will get to give a witness. This was our vacation, he was a drunk man from Whales who had a sailor's mouth and bought us chocolate so he could try and have a conversation with us. What started out as a dreaded, "so what brings you to Seville" wound up turning into a beautiful discussion on God, creation, faith, purpose, suffering, death, and hope. An hour and a half, six churros, a few tears, and a handful of scriptures later, we said our goodbyes to Danny from Whales and Joanna from Poland. Danny said he had witnesses come to his door on multiply occasions- all of which he rudely sent them away. Yet, here he was accepting our literature ands telling us how beautiful Revelation 21:3, 4 were. Just goes to show that there is still time for people to make their mind over. Spain started with the best discussion we have ever had with strangers.

 

 


Seville's Famous Churro Kiosk



After our breakfast, we set off to find the Plaza de Museo for a market that local artists go to on Sundays in order to display their work. It didn't take long at all, but we had a couple of Italians approach us on the street and give us directions. The rest of our two days in Spain were filled with food, shopping, sight seeing, boat rowing, and sleeping in a lovely little 'hotel' in the town center. It was so nice to have a vacation in Europe. Yes, we came here to serve and help, but having a little fun was a good way to recharge as we push through our final weeks.

The bus ride back was an adventure. Midnight, hot and humid, dirty, bus ride with some stranger reclined in your lap and no sleep. I think we laughed more on that bus than we did at any other point of our trip.

 

 


The Art Market at Plaza de Museo

 

 


Random University

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spain, greeting us with horse-drawn carriage

 


Metropol Parasol-the largest wooden structure in the world. Said to resemble a mushroom



Rowing a boat... in Spain



 

My first Sangria. So refreshing on a hot day

 

 

 

 

 

Crazy cramped bus ride back to Lisbon

 Something about packing up from Spain to Lisbon broke my heart a little. I think I realized then that going home is really happening soon. This whole time has been like some kind of extended slumber party with spiritually strong girls who just encourage and build up one another and support one another and make each other laugh. It's great to be here, having this adventure, with my friends and I don't want that to end.

Back in Campolide, it took us a day to rest and get to feeling normal again. A few days ago, a couple of pioneer sisters from Oregon showed up to serve here in Lisbon English for six months. Claudia and Gloria joined us for a day of field service as we showed them the ropes, so to speak. It's kind of endearing to be the tour guide this time around- the one giving pointers and tips. Anyway, we really like Gloria and Claudia and admire their zeal. They both have had opportunities open to them that allowed them to pack up and serve here and are looking forward to hopefully joining the School for Kingdom Evangelizers in the future.

Today, service once more. Makenzie and I headed to a few return visits, making sure they got their invitations to the upcoming memorial. Afterward, we studied in our favorite café that only has coffee and chocolate cake on the menu. This evening we headed over to sister Decker's apartment for dinner- it was so much fun. I have had such a wonderful past few days getting to know those who are related to me in the faith better than ever. Let the adventures continue.



 Out in service with Claudia and Gloria

 


Going to miss studying in the hidden treasures of Lisbon



Positives of the Past Few Days:

So much...

Spain! amazing witness and discussion at a Kiosk

Tried all the traditional foods- sangrias, tapas, paella, orange wine

Saw so many beautiful sights

Had a blast with two of my wonderful roommates

Got some sun

Been out in service finding so much joy in the fruitage of the territory as well as in the company of my brothers and sisters

Memorial is so close!!!!

I am finally blogging after a long break.... sorry about that