New background design...

in honor of the upcoming national holiday of the USA. Although I'm temporarily living in Spain and sometimes say not uplifting things about American culture and what not, I still am proud to be an American. All of us who are natural citizens are very blessed. It was easy for us. It's not easy for those who want to live, work and become residents or citizens of our great country. I always hear preachers and leaders say we are the richest country in the world...well, I don't agree. Yes, maybe national GDP is overall the highest, but lets not forget about our DEBT! National debt, personal debt, you name it. (I am proud to say I don't really fall into that category...I just owe the parents a few grand, without interest-I hope). I think the countries who are the richest are in northern Europe---the Scandinavians...Finland and Sweden. One of those countries doesn't have any national debt...if I remember correctly.

Anyways, happy early 4th of July! Enjoy it and be proud!! :)

and....my good friend Alicia reminded me that I need to think outside of the dollar, she says:

I think that when people talk about American being the richest nation, it goes beyond national debt. I think that it has to do with oppourtunity, religious freedom and other such qualities of life that we have.

Also, july 4th is Jack's birthday too! :)

*She is right! We do have lots of freedom that others don't. And I can't believe I forgot about the all American baby boy Jacks birthday on the 4th! Happy First Year Jack! I didn't forget--just didn't mention it with that post.

Sammy turns 5!

Happy 5th Birthday to my nephew Samuel! How cute is he? I know..super duper cute! These kids just keep getting cuter! He is like a little man. And look at this little sister...what a doll! She was just a baby when I left...now she is a little girl! I can't believe it only happened in 10 months! I can't wait to see them!

Sammy's going to be really good at sports when he is older (cause he is now!)

47 days!

That's how many days until I leave for the good ol' US of A! I'm so pumped to go home. I haven't felt this way...ever. Probably because I've never been away from home for this long. A year is a long time to not see your family and friends. I also think it's been more hard and emotional because there is so much going on within my family...and I'm missing it all-ie: first foster child then adoption of Jasmine, Lauren turning 1, Kendra being pregnant for the first time (missing all sorts of showers for this), Shawn and Kristin getting engaged and married (missing all sorts of fun showers for her). Missing a good friends wedding which I probably would've gone to (Kari and Ray). I guess with all the fun and events I've missed at home I made up for that by doing lots of traveling in Europe. I've realized I can't have the best of both worlds. Speaking of traveling...I'm excited for my next plane ride to Philly then Chicago then Minneapolis! And, I think I'm starting to take traveling for granted. I've had many opportunities to travel, added 8 countries to my list of places I've been to, plus 2 additional countries if you include airports. I still love experiencing cultures, new scenes, people watching, new foods, and taking pics of places I've never been. I admit...I did a lot in the last 10 months, maybe too much. But, I have to take the opportunities when I can...that is a bonus for living in Europe!

Voy a Irlanda!

Yes, I am leaving HOT temps...and going into the chilly rain. But I'll be okay. It will be a good break since I'll be in the hot sun all summer long. I look forward to seeing Emerald Island and hanging out with my fellow MA friend, Bethany!

Mis Amigas

Have I introduced you to Orialí yet? I don't remember. Well, she is my friend who is from an island called the Dominican Republic. She is, or was, a student in Madrid getting her Masters in Communications. Now she is done, except for her "practice or internship" which she is doing at IMM!! I'm so excited and happy that she will be working with us! And, I think she may be moving into the mansion...so I'll have a friend to live with! I've prayed and been praying for some friends in Spain and I know she is an answer to one of those prayers. And now, my Spanish better improve because hopefully we can have Spanish/English classes and what not. :)

Orialí (Dominicana), Séphora (Francia), Cristál (Los Estados Unidos)

10.

i've been doing this thing over here in Spain for 10 months now. the time has actually gone by pretty fast. i'm glad i committed to 2 years, and not just one. because if i was only here a year, i would only have 2 months left...and i feel like i'm just getting started with some things...like learning. i mean, i feel like i've learned a lot-in various areas of life and work, but i hope in the next year, i will buckle down and really try to learn more video editing/creating programs...like motion.

so, in 2.5 months i go home, but only for about 11 days.

thanks to my family and friends who read this and who make it possible for me to be here doing the work God has for me now.