La Buena Vida!

update

2011-03-20T08:02:00.002+01:00

well, since I haven't updated in months, it's about time I do. I'm currently practicing staying up late and trying to get my schedule accommodated to my next weeks schedule as I am working my first week of overnights at Walgreens. Tuesday night I start 1 of 7 days in a row of the graveyard shift. should be fun. so I'm staying up late and sleeping in for these few days off before.

update on Fiance Visa process: the first step FINALLY got approved, after 5.5 months of wondering what was taking so darn long. Now the National Visa Center has our case and will eventually, hopefully soon within weeks and not a month, send it on over to the US Embassy in Madrid, Spain, where Marin awaits, trying to be patient. But can you blame him...while his lovely fiancee is in MN!? I'm also impatient, but just have to TRUST that the timing of this all IS in God's hands! so, we pray for quicker processing and that when his interview day comes that he will pass with flying colors. where did that saying come from anyways?

wedding stuff: bought the final of 3 matrons of honor dresses today. got the last one for 35 bucks!! whoo hoo! momma Roehl is happy! bought a very sexy red dress at my old place of work, the Limited today. Think I'll wear it for the rehearsal dinner! also got some shoes for the big day and they will be good unless I find others that are better. which I'm kinda hoping to find some with just a slight smaller heel, for more comfort and for Marin to be taller by a better amount.

started working on the slideshow tonight. i really wish I had an iMac, or MacBookPro or PowerMac. the audio coming out of FCP is not sounding good at all on my old and hopefully not dying Powerbook G4! and i found out yesterday that Apple requires a minimum of like 16 hours/week to work there, so my hopes of getting a part time like twice a month job for the discount isn't going to happen! :(

that's about it for now. if you read this post all the way to here, thanks, friend.

please keep Marin and I in your prayers as we wait for our case to process and are going on 4+ months apart. :(

A New Year!

2011-01-22T19:55:00.003+01:00

I've been quite busy in the freezing north. I found a background that will take me through various months so I don't have to keep feeling the pressure of updating it. I don't even know if anyone reads this, I guess there are better ways to keep in touch these days, which is fine. Besides looking for jobs and working a lot at Walgreens since I've been home, I haven't had anything to exciting. And now that I finally was offered a full time job that will pay decently (Assistant Manager at Walgreens, somewhere in the S/SW Suburbs of the TC) I can focus on other things. Like....honing my skills (or learning) how to keep up with media stuff. I hope to self teach website creation and maintenance. I have to apartment search. Lots of things. oh, and planning a wedding!! :) Just waiting for USCIS to get off their butts and approve my petition and give Marin a date for an interview! What the heck. Why is it taking so long?! My pobrecito guapo fiance is sad and wants to be with me! That's it for now.

End of 2010.

2010-12-28T04:01:00.002+01:00

I haven't been keeping up on my blog recently because I guess I've just been busy and there isn't a whole lot of exciting stuff to blog about. I've just been home, working at Walgreens (again) but this time a new store. My old manager took me back and it's been great because I really need the income and I've worked almost full time hours every week since I've been home. Christmas was great, chillin with the fam and eating yummy food. I really wish Marin could be here though. I think about how great it will be when he is here, experiencing the Roehl Family traditions and getting a taste of MN living. I don't feel settled because I won't be until I get a full time job I want to do for awhile and until I marry Marin, I'll be living with family and not in a place with myself, which is fine because I need to save money by not paying rent until needed. I hope in the next months I'll land a job that is decent pay, something that utilizes my skills/experience/degree and that I at least somewhat enjoy. Is there a job out there for me...we'll see. Saturday starts 2011. Maybe then I'll write about great things that happened in 2010 and great things that are yet to come next year!

Home. MN. Cold. Winter. Sick. Family. Friends. Marin.

2010-11-23T17:46:00.003+01:00

Those are a few words that describe my life these days. I'm back at home in MN, enjoying my family and seeing some friends. My 24 hours of travel got me sick with a cold. Jet lag with the cold makes me tired all day long. I can't stop thinking about Marin and wish he could just be here with me or that we could talk more easily/cheaper. He needs to get internet so we can Skype. It's actually hard to believe I'm back. Doesn't really seem real quite yet. It's going to take months to get in a normal feeling mode. I look forward to Thanksgiving with all the great food and company and playing games. Why can't we just have the best of both worlds. Maybe I can once Marin gets his sexy booty over here!

2 weeks...and counting!

2010-11-09T16:37:00.002+01:00

Who can believe that in exactly 2 weeks I'll be somewhere in the sky, flying over the Atlantic, on my way back to the land of the free and home of the brave!

It's hard to believe this chapter of my life at IMM is coming to an end. I know "once an IMMer, always on IMMer" will be a part of me, but I won't actually be here doing the IMM stuff. I'll be...doing something else. In the near future, planning a wedding and trying to land a job I enjoy and that pays the bills!

However, as this chapter ends, yet another one opens! And one that is sure to be exciting, adventurous, a learning experience, lovely, happy, stressful and fun! Of course, you all know that I'm talking about.

Until my next post...have a great day!

PORTUGAL=AMAZING

2010-10-29T15:10:00.002+02:00

When Christina and I decided to venture our way on over to my neighboring country of Portugal, we mostly wanted to go because "it's another country to add to our list" and "we've never been there" and the beach! We did not expect it to be as great as it was. Really, almost everything was great. Everywhere we went-stores, restaurants, hostel--everyone spoke English! Portuguese is a Latin language, but somethings are quite different from Español and we may have not understood if they didn't speak the great international, business language of English.

The beach--best part. Thanks God for giving us PERFECT weather! The forecast said it would rain Saturday, but it didn't! Good memories made on the sand. Relaxing time. People watching. Picture taking. Taking in the sun!

This cute beach city was easy to navigate. We found our way to the beach/city centre from the bus stop-without a map, without directions, just following another couple, reading signs and using our great sense to find our way!

Many great photo ops here. Loved it!

Albufeira, Portugal, I don't know if we'll meet again in this life, but know that you were the perfect last hoorah with Christina as we bring our European travels to an end.

I'll miss....

2010-10-11T16:54:00.002+02:00

this guy and the beauty of España! Olive and sunflower oil. The warm weather. But I'll mostly miss Marin while we are apart.

2 Años en España!

2010-08-13T23:03:00.002+02:00

August 1 was my 2 year anniversary in Spain. Whoohooo!! I'm late blogging about this but that's cause I have more important and real life things to do. It's good when real life has more things for me so I'm not wasting my time doing internet/blog/fb things. But of course those still take up hours of my life every week.

A few things I WILL NOT miss about Spain when I leave:

1. everything is so SMALL here....roads, parking spaces, elevators...

2. the non-customer service you get when at stores

3. the euro stealing 26-50% of my money!!

4. how things/people work and think in Spain. I won't be saying "this is Spain" much when I'm in the US.

A few things I WILL MISS about Spain:

1. MARIN until he gets to MN!!

2.the awesome fruit and veggies, and Friday market to buy these

3. working at a job that I love (mostly cause it's ministry and going to touch lots if lives, but the whole editing for 8 hours a day thing--I won't miss that too much for a while)

4. diversity

5. my great co-workers

6. my sweet and short commute to work...I'm going to miss this A LOT!

who wants to lose weight...?

2010-07-20T23:56:00.002+02:00

in my first year living in spain, i lost about 10 pounds. i guess from walking (yes, we walk in europe, we don't have the luxury of driving door to door to every place we want to go), eating healthier--fruits and veggies are amazing here and i don't really buy pre packaged and ready to go food. i think last summer helped shed some cause it's soo HOT here and i just don't eat as much when it's HOT. so, i just weighed myself today to see where i am... 57.5 kilos (approx 127 pounds)! that's, if my memory serves well, about 19 pounds smaller than when i left mn for los hueros. i put that exclamation point not for excitement but for shock! i'm actually not too thrilled that i keep losing weight. my pants seriously are not fitting me, i have to wear belts with everything except my shorts that have ties or elastic! i don't have money to buy a new wardrobe! i guess the surgery and not eating for a day then being sick last week and not eating and puking up acid and saliva is the cause of this most recent loss of fat. i hope my muscle isn't going away. my butt doesn't seem smaller, but i guess it is since my pantalones are sagging on me. let's just hope my breasts don't deflate into nothingness. i need what i have to fill out my wedding dress next year!! :)

moral of the story: move to spain if you are in need of shedding some pounds or kilos.

Some nasty pics of me ears...

2010-07-16T23:42:00.002+02:00

Last Thursday, I had a stapedectomy. Here are some pics that represent my life in the last week. This first one is my ear with the drops just sitting around because it cant' get through the packing that's in there.

Here's my ear after it's been cleaned with alcohol by my Mr. Piper. Nasty, huh.
In one way, I look forward to getting this packing stuff taken out of my ear cause it's quite annoying...the feeling of your ear being plugged up for 2 weeks. Annoying it is. But I can also imagine it will not be pain less when the doctor pulls this thing out. I hope it is quick!And here's me laying on the couch in Barcelona for 3 days post-surgery, in a non AC'ed apartment. Not fun but I survived.
Keep praying for my recovery. It's been quite the week as not only did I have this major surgery, but before the surgery I had a slight cough, I still have the cough and today I got my period and it was a bad time, I pretty much wanted to die. I guess all the pain I've been through is prepping me for some babies in the future, eh?!

I'M GETTING MARRIED!!!!

2010-06-23T19:51:00.003+02:00

Thanks Marin for proposing to me (for real, this time with a ring) last night, June 22 in Spain! Te Queiro mucho!!

June!

2010-06-03T15:44:00.002+02:00

I think I've had my start of months messed up. I think June 1 was start of month 23 at IMM. Anyways, I've been here for 22 months now. It's gone by pretty fast I must say. I've experienced a lot in the last almost 2 years....mostly all good things. Met great people. Made new friends. Learned. Worked on a project for thousands of hours that will hopefully be put into many many languages in the years to come and seen by millions of people who need to hear of Jesus or who need to be encouraged in their faith!

My parents come 5 days to visit me!! yippy. the first and only of my family to visit me. Good thing I had my 3 girls come and also my friends living in Europe the same time as me. God has truly blessed me during my time in Spain!

Hugs and kisses from Madrid.

20.

2010-04-01T22:03:00.002+02:00

Start of month 20 at IMM in España. cool. times gone by pretty fast. I've done lots of fun things a lot of people don't get to experience in life. i feel like i'm in college again at times...it's Thursday night at 10 pm (the start of a 3 day weekend for Semana Santa (Easter) and I'm still working. We have a big, huge project due on dvd by next Monday night and my part of it is just taking way longer than I hoped. Always things to fix and challenges to work through in video production (actually, in all things in life that are worth the time and struggle). I don't really want to work much this weekend, so I'm trying to get lots done tonight! And, I want to sleep in and enjoy some on the decent, but not really really nice weather we have finally, this weekend. If I only I got paid for overtime...nah, this is missions!! But, I'm super excited for when this project will be DONE because 1. I've been working on it for over a year and 2. our first foreign language is African French at the end of April! 3. it's a sweet production with a story and message that changes live!

march madness!

2010-03-23T20:19:00.003+01:00

it's true---this month i can easily call march madness! once i get time to upload pics of my fun activities from the weekends with my housemates (including some very spanish cultural things) you'll see how the madness has occured. then there's the thing that takes up more of my life...work at imm. we are coming close to the deadline of the open the bible: gospels project...por fin! but we have been encountering challenges as we like to call them! lots of work. lots of working a bit of longer hours than normal. stress. headaches. lower back pain. edititis (a new word cheree made up. it's the problem of the pain i have from editing too much, sitting in the same position too long and using the mouse the same always!!) so, with that, there's also other issues in my personal life and the issues that come with living with other people who don't exactly know how to clean up after themselves the greatest and leave left overs in the fridge far too long since they never go back to eat it! then it becoming very nasty and smelly around my food! and what not. then there's the taking an online course in spanish and having to write a 4 page paper in spanish by april 20. oh, and also having a passion to make a human trafficking awareness video and really really need the help and guidance of God to make it work because i need Him! getting tax stuff ready to send with someone to the states. making cards for my friends who've had great events happen lately and getting those ready to send. trying to convert a pal timeline to ntsc but having issues (that's what i'm doing now as i write this). constant IT problems that slow me down at work. just straight up stress, annoyance, busyness, not being able to fall asleep when i lay my head down. this makes me a bit on edge and perhaps my housemates have felt or seen it. sorry gals. not to mention missing my super adorable nieces and nephews that i see pics of on fb. that' s it... only pics. no vids. :(

so, please keep me in your prayers because i need it!

month 19 almost over. month 20 on it's way. good thing I'm extending til november, because thinking of leaving in 4-5 months would be crazy!!

*listen, i know my life is greatly blessed and so much better than about 97.9% of the worlds, i'm just in need of venting and happen to be doing it on here so alicia and christina can read it because they are the only 2 people who regularly read this. and if you're not one of them, please tell me so i can be surprised!

Start of Month 19!!

2010-03-01T22:02:00.004+01:00

Did I count that right? I've been here since Aug 1 of 2008. I think 19 is the right number. Wow. Who can believe it? These months have gone by pretty darn fast! 2010 has already flown by. It's so weird to think that this is the year I'll be moving back to the states. It's probably not going to be at my official 2 year mark which would be Aug 1. I'm thinking of staying just a bit longer because there is a lot of transition and staff changes this year and I think my boss will appreciate me staying...well, I know he will, he's hinted at having me stay longer!

This month is March Madness! No, I don't care about college bb. My housemates only have 5 weeks left and they have a list of things to see, places to go, and what not...so we have many weekends booked for fun events! This Saturday-a Flamenco show!! Our friends found it--it's a not too spendy and looks really good! Other things on the tentative schedule: a Jazz club, the Rastro - huge market, Monet museum and a girls slumber party... which is also happening this weekend!

To add some fun content to this blog and break up the text, here's an adorable image of Alexandra. I had coffee with her mom and my friend Tiffany the other weekend. Lexi is seriously the most precious and adorable baby in Spain! Her daddy is a Spaniard and her mommy American. She's like a precious moments doll. Her eyes, that curly hair....too cute!!

What will I do when Cheree and Julie leave? It won't be as fun. I'm sure more peeps will come to visit--we have 2 interns this summer, so I've heard. A bunch of MA's are in the works, but who knows when they'll get here.

Another reason for March Madness: countdown to the Open the Bible: The Gospels project is due!! April 1 baby! I'm juggling various projects at work. Taking an online course (in Spanish) on intervention of prostitution and human trafficking-which is basically research for a project I feel I need to do while I'm here...an awareness video for human trafficking. There are a few parties lined up in March for co-workers leaving and co-workers adding a baby to their family! Oh so much to do and seems like not enough hours in a day--especially when I like/need to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night!

And here's Plaza Cervantes in Alcalá de Henares! I love this place. Just gorgeous. This was taken last week on my phone...not bad huh? Oh my-I'll miss Spanish plazas when I leave this country.

Weather or not...

2010-02-03T14:29:00.002+01:00

I guess comparing the temps in Madrid to the temps in MN usually puts a smile on my face and a thought "I'm so glad I'm not there right now". I know this type of thing will only last so long, so while I'm living in Sunny Spain--I'm going to milk it!

Next winter, I'll be back in the frozen tundra, chillin' with the fam, looking for a job and trying to readjust to a new culture once again. In some ways I look forward to it and in other ways not. So for now I'll look forward to the warmth the sun down here brings!

Almost the end of the month blog.

2010-01-21T18:04:00.002+01:00

There's only 10 days left of this month. That is crazy. Where do the days go? Well, I know recently since I don't blog as much it doesn't go to blogging and wasting my time because I know not many people read this. A lot of communication seems to happen via fb. And that is where a lot of my time goes...to wasting time looking at peoples pics and seeing what's going on in the lives of those I went to high school and college with. I admit...I feel like I am on it too much, because an hour or 2 goes by before I know it. It's addicting, I say. With 4 new people living in the IMM apartment-mansion, my nights have been filling up with community dinners, girl chatting and showing them the ropes of being an MA with IMM-particularly being a tour guide. It's all good though, I'm happy to have chicas to hang out with and when I need to be an introvert I just go to my room and close the door and hope no one knocks. ;)

Tips for the new year...

2010-01-08T23:42:00.004+01:00

I got this off of Christina's blog. I thought it'd be good for me to do a check of what I need to work on, and I think it's going to be a lot. My thoughts are in parenthesis, and what I need to work on is in pink.

Health:

1. Drink plenty of water

2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar (good advice, but sometimes not possible, dinner is usually my biggest meal)

3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants (living in Spain helps a lot, so I already do this!)

4. Live and express yourself with Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy

5. Make time to pray

6. Play more games (now that my house is full I’ll have more people to play games with…well, card games because we don’t have too many board games to play L

7. Read more books than you did in 2009 (I don’t really like reading, but I know I should read more)

8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day

9. Sleep for 7 hours

10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:

11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about. (it’s hard not to compare my life to friends….most of them are happily married and starting or continuing to grow their families, but they aren’t traveling Europe and Spain!)

12. Don't have negative thoughts of things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

13. Don't over do it. Keep your limits.

14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.

16. Dream more while you are awake. (is dreaming the same as thinking way too much about the future!?)

17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner of his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness. (if only I had a partner I could remind)

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.

20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

23. Smile and laugh more.

24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree... (this is good)

25. Challenge yourself to listen more if you're a talker and to talk more if you are a listener.

Society:

26. Call your family often. (how about the other way around, my family should try calling me too)

27. Each day give something good to others.

28. Forgive everyone for everything.

29. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6. (I wish I could spend time with my nieces and nephews, I hate that I am missing so much of their lives!)

30. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

31. What other people think of you is none of your business. (Only God's opinion truly matters)

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch. (this I do all too well, it’s green because I have some people in my live who need to hear this!)

Life:

33. Do the right thing!

34. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

35. Remember GOD and TIME heals everything, not me.

36. However good or bad a situation is, it will change. (keeping it real this way)

37. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

38. The best is yet to come. (I will try to wait, as patiently as possible, although I’ve had some of the best experiences in my life in the past year or so)

39. When you wake up alive in the morning, thank GOD for it. (I'm not much of a morning person)

40. Always exude joy.

2010

2010-01-03T23:46:00.003+01:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR! FELIZ AñO NUEVO!

Who can believe it's already 2010?! I can't. wow! Let's make it a year to remember!

Feliz Navidad!

2009-12-24T21:41:00.001+01:00

Hola Los Canarios!!!

2009-12-12T00:22:00.004+01:00

These are the cute kiddos I'll be holidaying with. I am super excited to play with them, hold the little girl Amanda, and just have some good family time with Christina's Swedish fam!

Here's the lovely, super nice family that is allowing me to stay with them in the Canaries during their family vacation. It's a privilege, honor and pleasure to be able to meet them in the island! This is who I was with last year for Christmas as well, but I won't be celebrating actually Christmas day with them, I'm flying out the 26th.
And this is la playa in Lanzarote. I don't know if I'll be able to go to this particular one...I wish because look at it...a Minnesotans paradise!

This is where I'll be in the world. Dec. 26 - 31! So close to Africa...maybe I'll take a swim on over to Morocco or Western Sahara. or not. Oh, and closer to the equator which means WARMER!!

And this pic I below I believe is the Sports Resort we'll be at! Well, what can I say. The announcement that the Johan and Anna Maria are allowing me to come has made me so happy and now I'm about 100 times more excited for my holiday time off than I was before. Really, Christina...I feel so happy inside! Thank you!

Weather comparison

2009-12-09T18:10:00.002+01:00

I admit....I miss the beauty of snow and frost. But I don't miss the freezing, freezing coldness that makes you have to start up your car 20 minutes before driving. My car, I mean bus, is always warm when I get in. It's just that I have to walk to and wait at the bus stop on average 20 minutes every time. Qué divertido!!

Thanks CBN Christmas Radio!

2009-12-04T15:55:00.003+01:00

I am happy to of had this site sent to me because it's constant Christmas music, and the music on cd's I had my mom send me last year, I thought I saved the files on my hard drives, but I couldn't seem to find them. So, this is a life saver!!

Man, I wish I could work for CBN WorldReach...anybody know someone who can hook me up with a job next year?!?! (hint hint)

Thankful for....

2009-11-26T00:32:00.002+01:00

so many wonderful blessings in my life! I am not going to take time to name them all because it's late and I need to sleep. But, I'm so thankful for God's mercy, grace and love for us and for me, because we don't deserve it but He is still there for us, forgiving and loving us and wanting a great relationship with him even when we mess up. Family. I think I love my family more than any other family (but I'm biased) and miss playing games with them, and miss playing with my siblings kiddos! I didn't choose my family, but wouldn't want to be a part of any other! Friends. They are the family I choose. (Thanks Em, for that quote you wrote in one of the bridesmaid gifts you gave). Really, I'm very blessed with some of the great friends I have. The ones who have known me since Prims and the ones I've only known since being in Spain. I'm thankful for the convenience of things in America, and do look forward to that day when I get to enjoy it again. I'm grateful, blessed and thankful for always having everything I've ever needed or wanted, really. And I'm thankful for the internet and vonage.

cooler weather

2009-11-14T01:58:00.002+01:00

The last few weeks have actually started to feel like fall weather. I know, it's crazy. Mid November and during the day (when it's sunny, which it usually is in Spain) and I'm getting hot and a bit sweaty...well, just walking to the weekly Friday fruit and veggie market! It's very cool in the morn and when the sun goes down...but I love the days...and would love them even more if I wasn't working inside a dark, editing suite all day, it's like a dungeon in a mansion! I have worn my winter jacket a few times, but just for short walks to the bus station. When I do go out when it will be dark and cool, which isn't too much, I've been trying to wear my amazing Italian made and bought, wine colored leather sexy jacket! I love that thing!

Another thing I've enjoyed this fall is that my housemates and I have been rotating making dinner for each other. So, there are 3 of us, but not for long because Brent is leaving in a week...sadness. But, one week I cook dinner, the next Clarisse and the next Brent. It's good to have a night off...although we helped Brent this last time...otherwise we would've been eating at 10 pm like the first time he cooked us a meal. I've been able to enjoy some French cooking/baking as well...mmmmm!! The sad thing is...listen to this Emily...the first time Clarisse made crepes, they were amazing! I could eat them just plain and yummy. In the recent weeks, she's attempted and they just are not working out. She thinks it's the flour she's using. Cheap flour from Aldi's not good for crepes...I don't know. Doesn't make sense....but seriously...so sad. And I don't mean they don't taste good...we just can't even eat em because they are sticking to the pan, not able to flip, not cooking properly...just a sad sad few attempts. I think she's given up until she goes home for Christmas to bring back some flour from there for us. I can't wait until next year. Em, I think of you every time we had or tried making crepes. you'd love it!

15.

2009-10-31T23:52:00.005+01:00

Today is my 15 month mark. It's been a great 15. Here's some highlights from fall.

October has been a good month. First...it's been super warm here. In the 70's to be exact. But fall/winter is here because in the evenings when the sun is down, it's definitely cooler. Now I can wear cute jackets and boots! Also, my European travel buddy, Christina, traveled to Spain with her friend, Julia. They flew into Madrid, so for the afternoon/evening I went into Madrid to spend some good time with them. Christina also got to meet my cute Romanian friend, Marin. Good thing he came with...we had a photog for the pics of us 3 girls. You can see more on FB.

For Spains national holiday on Oct. 12, we went to Cuenca! Tiffany, Moises, Marin and I. Cuenca is a beautiful city, that is built on cliffs. It was a gorgeous fall day with summer temps! We hiked on the path to this bridge that had a great view of the hanging houses!

A couple of Sundays ago, we went to a park so I could take new missionary card pics for Denise and Kerry, pictured below. I LOVE this pic of them! My Fav!!

Last night the missionary kid school here had a Fall Festival. I rented a table for the "craft fair" part of it to sell my jewelry--which I spent the last straight 2 weeks making during my jewelry making marathons! So, this pic if you can tell, is of some guys jumping over this massive bonfire! Locos! I think one guy was Spanish and the others are some guy mk's.

One of the 'games' was to pay 1 euro to get 5 hits with a sledge hammer to these beaters. I passed, but kinda wished I would've done it. Good way to get aggression out.
I was happy near the beginning of the festival just to watch the sunset. So magnificent!! Colors were much better in real life. My camera phone doesn't do justice.
Here I am at my table. I guess my eyes are closed...silly me. So, I had lots to sell and had decent expectations since I didn't think they were priced okay. But, I left dissappointed because I only came out 7 euros ahead. sadness. Lots of labor. Not much success. But now I have pre made gifts! I still was hoping to make at least 50 euros. ah well.
At the beginning of October I went to a Romanian Young Adult conference with Marin and our friends from the Romanian church here. On the way home Marin, Dani and Lavinia stopped to pick some grapes from the fields. I guess it's okay because they were just left overs from the season. They were tasty!

Below is the barbacoa we had the last night of the conference. The people we stayed with (about 15-20 of us in a house) invited all their friends over. We had MANY people there. It was fun.
And this guy below is Brent, my new housemate for Oct and Nov. He's here for 2 months as an intern, checking out IMM and seeing if media missions if for him. He's like my little brother, he's 22. He makes me laugh just like my silly bros do. I don't have a pic of Clarisse yet, my French African housemate. I'll post one when I get one. But, us 3 have fun living in the mansion. We each have taken turns to cook for each other.

14 month post...a little late

2009-10-08T17:38:00.005+02:00

First, this was on Foxnews.com headline today. Yes, the Muslim world is expanding, growing and stretching across many nations, not just the Middle East. We need to continue praying for a Holy Spirit breakthrough in their lives. Also, pray for IMM programs that are and will be broadcast into nations where we are not allowed into physically. God does use media to get His message out, then He is the one to touch their hearts! Amen!

Now, it's been 8 days past my 14 month anniversary here at IMM. Here's some of what I've been a part of this summer and fall! Have I ever posted about things I actually do at work? Maybe not...here it is!

This shot was difficult...a trucking, camera move shot that required me and Kerry and many many tries. This was for the Mark and Peter shoot.

Me with my director, producer, boss man, Christopher Gornold-Smith...in costume for the first time in many years...so I hear. I honestly did not know it was him when he walked onto set!

Yes, I do audio for some shoots. Even with my near deaf ear. Nice of them to trust me. Look at that cute extra behind me...um, the one with black hair :)

I miss Ori!!

Oh yeah....we all have our times of acting at IMM. This was a first for me, in costume anyways. I got the privilege of being an extra market woman for the story of Ruth.

Do I look like a water fountain?

Our friends wedding

2009-09-23T22:36:00.002+02:00

This past Saturday, I had another wedding to attend. And since I can never figure out how to upload the pics in the correct order, I have to talk about what we did after the wedding. Marin and I went into Madrid because I wanted to see Templo de Debod, pictured below. It's a place I've heard about but never been to. The people taking our picture posed us like this...kinda funny but sweet of them.

Emil and Anca are friends from the Romanian church. She's so cute, and she speaks English so she's a friend I can actually have a decent convo with! The couple was sooo happy and giddy, just like little kids in love! I'm so happy for them!

It was my birthday weekend, so basically Saturday was when I got to do fun things. My 27th birthday was the next day, Sunday, and the Helin family had me over for lunch after I went to church with Tiffany. Michael grilled some BBQ chicken...so yummy! Dawn Marie made huge baked potatoes and baked beans, and my requested Red Velvet cake for dessert! Then I spent a couple hours with Marin, he gave me flowers and we called my parents to wish them a happy anniversary and my twin, Shawny, to wish him a happy birthday! We called Amanda too, to leave a birthday message on her phone, but it never worked. So many wonderful things to celebrate on Sept. 20!!!

Marin & Ambra Sing

2009-09-15T22:14:00.003+02:00

This past Friday night, Marin and his daughter Ambra sang "Solo Cristo" at the young adults service at the Romanian church. They are both talented...more talented than I when it comes to anything music! Ambra has a really good voice, although this video and audio is poor quality from my phone, so you can't really tell.

It's been....

2009-09-09T20:54:00.004+02:00

a month since I last blogged. Wow! Well, those few of you who read this, know what's going on in life. I've been busy---with getting ready to go home for a little bit, then coming back to Spain and having jet lag and falling asleep at the computer. Then I got permission to date someone whom I really like. He treats me well. He's cute. He is unselfish. He is generous with the little he has. He cares about and loves his family. He tells me I'm pretty all the time. He prays a lot. He makes me smile. Okay, I don't think I need to say all the reasons why I like him, so I'll stop at that. Lots of things keep me busy these days. Since I think the only people who keep up with this are Alicia, Christina and maybe my family....why do I blog? I keep ya'll updated through emails and calls and let's not forget facebook. Sometimes I get annoyed with facebook. I feel like we all just want people to comment and compliment us on our lives...however boring or fascinating they are. I admit, I love being able to keep up with friends or not so much friends and see what's happening in their lives. Anyways, it's a love-hate relationship.

Alcalá festival!

2009-08-08T11:23:00.003+02:00

This weekend there is some festivities going on in Alcalá. I went last night with some friends. The one thing I absolutely love about Spain and am going to miss so much when I move back to the states is being able to walk around outside, visit parks and plazas and people watch! They are everywhere here and I love them (the parks and plazas--not the people)!

It was a Roman theme...I think it was for the Alcalá holiday called Santos Niños. Anyways...they had a crepe stand...so Orialí and I shared a banana chocolate crepe! Mmmmm.

There was a concert at 10. We stayed for a few songs. I really really like they way they play the Spanish guitar and sing. This video is pretty poor..it's from my phone. I bought this guys CD for 5 euros because I feel like I should have real Spanish music.

OnE yEaR-pArT d

2009-08-03T23:19:00.002+02:00

More places I visited!

Venice. I know, I already included Italy on one of my blogs...but I had to include some Venice pics because I loved that city. Here is one of me doing my favorite thing in Italia...eating gelato!! It was so cheap in Venice too...cheaper than Florence, but wait...Bellaria was even cheaper...so never mind about it being cheap in Venice.

I must say...I love cities on water!

And, one other country I missed---while in Italy, we took at day trip to the Republic of San Marino! I know...I'm spoiled and lovin' it!

And my most recent visit to a new land was in June when I visited Emerald Island. My MA friend, Bethany, was the person to visit in Ireland! Everything was green, or tinted green...seriously. It was crazy man. I think little green guys lived through this gate.

Beth and I taking a Sunday afternoon stroll in a park in Dublin.

So, I guess that's it. I think all my new countries visited are in these blogs. I'm very blessed to be in Spain working at IMM. I've been put to work with my editing skills...my fluency in Final Cut Pro is better than a year ago. I know more shortcuts and fun stuff like that. I've learned Color, DVD Studio Pro and some Motion-but I hope to become better skilled/fluent at these and more! I know a little more about compressing and all the various QT settings--but there are so stinking many, that it's hard to know what's what. I've used Photoshop a bit. I know how to transcode and use all the machines in our TOC. We have a great team at IMM and it'll be growing in the coming months and years. God has something big in store for us and for the ministry and for those who will view our programs!

Speaking of fluency a few sentence ago: mi español es mejor. Hablo español con amigos a veces pero necesito hablar mas y con mas personas. Yeah, my Spanish is better than last year, but still needs major improvement. But, I can say THANK YOU in lots of languages (spelling may be wrong): gracias-Spanish, danku bell-Nederlands, Dutch, danke shan-German, kiitos-Finnish, tack tack-Swedish, grazie-Italian, mutlumesc-Romanian, thanks a million-Irish English. Que bien!

My favorite language to listen to is ITALIAN!! They are so passionate. It's similar to Spanish so maybe I could understand something, probably more in reading it though. When I travel to other countries and come back to Spain I feel like its home, because the language isn't so foreign to me. I also like that I feel like I can recognize various languages being spoken-in Spain and other places. I may not understand what's being said, but I can usually know which language it is (okay...not all but some). Yeah for culture and new languages!!

one. year. part. c.

2009-08-03T18:13:00.005+02:00

My European Christmas Vacation added many countries to my list of countries, including:

Denmark. I had a layover here on my way to the next country. But I don't have any photos to prove it. oop.s

Finland. I celebrated with Christina's (my friend from college) au pair family. The parents of the family she works for live in Helsinki, Finland. I experienced and enjoyed my first Swedish/Finnish traditional Christmas. For Christmas eve dinner, pictured here, we ate lots of varieties of seafood, which I usually don't like much, but this wasn't so bad. We had many sorts of salmon and caviar!! Yep, probably one of the most expensive meals I have and will ever eat!

Sweden. Christina and I enjoying the yummy yummy Swedish meatballs at one of her favorite cafes in Stockholm! We spend about 3 days in Sweden after Finland, then headed south.

Latvia. Our layover from Stockholm to Munich was here. Yes, we actually walked on the ground, outside when we had to get on a shuttle bus.

Germany. Land of my ancestory...but didn't find (or look for) any. Here we are in Munich.

Austria. New Years eve was spent in the land of the "Sound of Music." This is us on our tour of the sound of music. This is the gazebo used in the famous "16 going on 17" song!

There ya go. After Austria we crossed the border again to Germany and went to Fussen (where the famous Neuschwanstein and Ludwig castles are). Then up to the medieval town of Rothenburg and I flew out of Frankfurt back to Spain. This is was jam packed 13 day trip semi-across Europe. It was great! Fun! Lots of new language and culture! Yummy food! Great photos ops! Good times with friends!

1 Año. Part B.

2009-08-01T00:09:00.004+02:00

Seriously...ever since I've been getting older, time seems to fly by. A year is like a snap of a finger. That's crazy man!

More fun traveling pictures: this is me at a windmill park in Holland. I spent a long weekend there over Thanksgiving to be with "family," the Thomassens-good family friends of mine and fellow missionaries. Yes, I love this picture of me.

This is me in Italia!! This is one of the countries I definitely wanted to visit while living in Europe and I actually got to go--work related! We had a Southern Europe Missionary retreat in Belaria, Italy. I took a couple days of vacation to visit Venice before, and Florence after (pictured below, me on the Ponte Vecchio).

Here are some more Spain images. This is me with Alexandra, a baby girl I often see at get togethers of friends from the church. She is adorable! Mmm. Her daddy is a Spaniard and her mommy is from Chicago. Her parents say she always seems comfortable around me and that she doesn't go to people she doesn't know very well....but I what can I say...I'm Auntie Crystal!! I love getting my baby time with her when I can since I'm so far away from my own!!

And these lovely ladies are Sephora and Orialí, my friends from France and Dominican Republic respectively. Sephora was here for May and June for an internship. Ori was studying in Madrid and was sort of an intern here, she's leaving at the end of August to go home :(

It makes me sad-because we have fun together and I can practice my Español with her. She'll be missed. But now I have a reason to go to the Dominican!!

One of the highlights of the year, truly, was having my 3 good girlfriends from home visit me for a week of fun in Andalucia, the southern part of Spain! Angela, Amanda and Emily flew over for a little spring break and to visit me of course! They were the first of my friends/family to visit me all the way from the states! We had a great time. It was so great to have close friends to talk with and just have fun! Thanks girls for coming!

At the end of my 1 year blogs, the first person to know (and tell me) how many new countries I've been in (including airport layovers) gets a big Spanish beso from me next time I see them!

1 Year part A.

2009-07-31T00:07:00.004+02:00

A year ago today, I was flying on over to España. Can you believe it? Neither can I!

My one year blog will have to be in parts...because there is so much to say and so many pics to show that I just can't do it all in one. Let's start with fun times and highlights in the country of my current residence (not really in any particular order, just however they upload): SPAIN!

I celebrated my 26th birthday in Segovia.

Erin introduced me to cafe y helado (I always say cafe con helado) at good ol' McDonalds! It's usually only 1 euro! I love it!! And I think they use good, Spanish strength coffee, not watery American style. This is one of my favorite things to get when I'm near a McD.
A hike near Los Hueros (the pueblocito I live in) with my friends, Dulcenea-the dog, Denise, Marin and Kerry! It was a great day and so beautiful and reminded me of Colorado!! I'll have to go again when it's not so stinkin' hot outside.
Girls weekend in Chinchon and Aranjuez with Denise and Sephora. Day trips are great in Spain!!! So many places to see, so little time!
My first running of the bulls! I watched...didn't run. This was in the bigger town near mine, called Villabilla. Pomplona isn't the only Spanish city with bull runs...almost every city has one during certain festival times!
more to come.

Teaching English.

2009-07-17T17:36:00.005+02:00

Some friends of my friend asked me if I could teach their girls English this summer, while they aren't in school, a couple times a week. I was surprised they asked me--in Spanish, by the way, and I understood. So, I told them I would start in July and do it 2 days a week. Here are the girls, all Romanian.

L to R: Amy, Ambra (this is my friend Marin's daughter, who is here for the summer), Emy and Mary.

They get a bit ansy, so we stick to about an hour and a half each time. I don't really know what I'm doing when I'm "teaching" but I think they are learning and enjoying it. I'm happy to help out. They all know words and of course the oldest one is more advanced than the youngest. I think they mostly need to just practice speaking English. These girls are going to be so smart (and already are), they speak Romanian, Spanish and are learning English.

After one of the English classes, they had a music class. :) So cute to see kids worshipping God!

Bienvenido Abram!

2009-07-13T13:18:00.003+02:00

Abram Hans Roehl was born last Sunday, July 5th! He is my 2nd nephew. Look at the proud parents in this pic. I can't wait to meet him in less than 5 weeks!

what a doll!

THANK YOU KYLE!! A picture of the cousins and all of my sobrinos (nephews and nieces!) I miss them so much!!

11.05

2009-07-05T22:56:00.003+02:00

11 months. 5 days. There are many things I enjoy about living in Spain. It's beautiful scenery, nice weather all year long (except the scorching HOT summer days, but the shade is a good place to be then), some of the food, language, people, close proximity of other cultures/languages/customs, etc. I guess the thing I like about it most is that I know this is where I'm supposed to be at this point in life. I'm happy IMM is in Spain. The northern countries of Europe are too dark, cool and rainy which equals depression. Well, more in the August 1 blog. That may be a big one. Although the people who read this I usually talk to or email on a pretty consistent basis...so maybe I don't even need to blog so much.

In other news: my 2nd nephew is going to grace my family with his presence this week!!

New background design...

2009-06-29T18:13:00.003+02:00

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!

2009-06-23T21:07:00.002+02:00

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!

2009-06-21T22:00:00.002+02:00

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!

2009-06-11T10:42:00.003+02:00

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

2009-06-08T23:18:00.002+02:00

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.

2009-06-01T22:57:00.002+02:00

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.

What I miss...

2009-05-31T01:40:00.002+02:00

yes, them. This pic was taken at Kristin's bridal shower. I would've been there, but I'm thousands of miles and an ocean and expensive plane ticket away. Don't ever let anyone tell you being a missionary is glamorous or easy. It is wonderful and a blessing...because I know I am called to be here right now. However, sometimes it's really hard. People give up a lot when they decide to work in ministry, especially in another country. I've had an emotional week. I easily start to cry when I think about Kendra being prego and me missing this important part of her life (and I can't talk to my nephew and feel him move inside of her), and when I realize I'm missing all the planning and anticipation of a family wedding and upcoming birth. Yeah, it's hard. I guess I just felt like being transparent on this blog entry. Pray for me!! Thanks.

Happy Birthday Jasmine!

2009-05-28T17:10:00.002+02:00

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY to my niece Jazzer! She's getting so big...I can tell even in the pictures of her, since I haven't met her in person yet. :( But, in just 2.5 months I'll be home holding her and her new baby bro (he arrives in July)! :)

American Swordsmen and Rent a Sword!!

2009-05-26T21:41:00.004+02:00

This past week we have had about 15 college students and post-college age people here to check out IMM for a week during our media encounter called Go Borderless!

It has been a very busy month preparing everything for this and the week has been busy too! But so much fun! Everyone has meshed really well together and it seems like we've all known each other for a long time. There are a few people within the group who know each other from college or other things, but mostly they all came separately and met up here! On Sunday night, some of us decided to have some fun on the blue screen with swords they all bought from Toledo. The pics are not in order here, but we first did "Rent a Sword" commercial, then "American Swordsmen".

These guys were the judges: Deanna, Danny, Scott and Jerry.

Here's Jason, Jarret and Sephora: "Rent a Sword" yeah!! This screen grab is taken from our Canon Mark D II HD camera! Sweetness!
Sephora slicing Matt with her Samurai sword.
Here's me...I did a cheer for swords as my audition for American Swordsmen.
Jarret's sword (he's on the right) is amazing! It's so hot, seriously. He bought the sword that is a replica of one in "Lord of the Rings". I think it's the sword Aragon gets from someone...I don't remember exactly. Anyways, it's so sweet! I love it!
That's it for here. You can see more pics on FB here http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2018900&id=110400910&l=7648d54d82

Pray for Alex!

2009-05-17T22:56:00.002+02:00

Alex is 11 years old. His family are good friends of my family. In the last week his life and his families life has been completely changed and shaken. He was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in his blood and lymph nodes. He has a tumor the size of a football in his chest. They can't do surgery to remove it because it's too close to his heart. He will be on chemo for 8 months, then radiation to try and shrink the tumor and kill off the cancer cells. Please pray for healing, peace from God, and their faith to be strengthened and sustain them through this horrible, scary mess. Thanks.

Meet Sephora...

2009-05-17T22:31:00.003+02:00

our new intern at IMM for 2 months. She comes to us from France. She has been here for almost 2 weeks. We had a welcome to Spain party last Saturday night and played Guitar Hero at the Godwins home. I've never played before, but now I love it! Sephora was really really good at it. I think the best out of all of us expect Kerry.

This past Friday was a holiday for Madrid so there was all kinds of stuff going on downtown. We went to see what we could do. People were everywhere! There was dancing going on near a garden, so we went, we danced, we had fun!

We are going to have fun together the next months. This week and next we will be very busy with our Go Borderless: Global Media Encounter fastly approaching. Students arrive in 2 days!! I won't be blogging because this event is going to keep us all busy and tired. But it'll be great!
Kids and adults were dressed up. So fun! All in celebration of San Isidoro...still don't know who that is and why she is so important.

Read this...

2009-05-07T17:23:00.001+02:00

http://www.radiantmagazine.com/2009/04/what-we-expect-in-missions/

sweet video on fb

2009-05-07T15:54:00.000+02:00

http://www.new.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1138580980102&ref=mf

straight up sweetness.

ITALIA!!

2009-04-27T20:00:00.002+02:00

I couldn't believe it...I just received an email from RitzCamera and they always have mystery postcards at the end of the emails...this weeks is no mystery to me because I'm leaving for VENICE on Wednesday! Yep yep! All of the AGWM missionaries Portugal, Spain and Italy have a retreat in Bellaria, Italy! I'm flying into Venice and out of Florence (with 2 days of vacay in Florence!) I'll be traveling with my house mates, Vino and Erin, as well as my new bosses, Jerry and Gwen. Should be fun as long as Vino doesn't pick on me too much! If he does...oh well...I'll just eat more gelato! Ciao!

2009-04-27T19:57:00.001+02:00

New Beautiful Walls!!

2009-04-16T21:03:00.003+02:00

As I promised a month or so ago when I blogged about my new art in my bedroom, here is what Erin and I did to make the living area/dining room wall more like home. It all started with a trip to Ikea, which is how all of my "making home more homey" projects start. After picking out 3 frame shelves and various frames, I had Erin help me decide how and where to put everything (and she did most of the grunt work-she's great and so good at this!). We started, or I should say she, by laying out the design on the wall with masking tape. We needed to know what it would all look like and these were great guides as we put holes in the wall! {I'll admit, I laughed at Erin as she went tape crazy!}

Her is the lovely lady using a power tool! She's an expert at this!

More of Erin measuring, lining up, etc. It's already looking so great!!

And the finished master pieces!! I've always wanted to frame my own photographs as art for my home, but thought I'd have to wait until I got my own apartment or home. But, our new director said "make this place look creative!" So we did!

I just LOVE IT! This wall finally makes me so happy! All of these pictures have been taken in Europe over the last 8 months! A lot from my Christmas travels to Sweden, Finland and Germany. Of course I didn't leave my country of residence out...a few images of Spain also grace my wall! Ahhh...I do love it! And seriously, it makes me happy! It's much better than the mintish green walls in this commons area, and the art will look even better when we get to paint the walls a new color!

Weather....

2009-04-15T21:55:00.003+02:00

the last couple of weeks in Madrid have not been too nice. Look for yourself...it's way nicer in MN this week! The dark, rainy days aren't very nice and don't get me outside exercising, but this weekend I think the sun may pop through!

I won't complain too much because in 2 weeks I'll be walking the streets of Venice, Italy! All of the southern europe missionaries have a retreat in Bellaria, Italy. So, me and some co-workers/friends/housemates of mine are flying into Venice and out of Florence! I've always wanted to see Italia...and now I get the chance too! Being away from family and friends is sad at times...but traveling within Europe because it's close and cheaper is great!!!!

I have a photo album from my spring break with my girlfriends here! Enjoy!!

A little taste of Andalucia!

2009-04-06T18:50:00.009+02:00

Last week I had three good friends (Emily, Angela and Amanda) come over to visit and travel with me in southern Spain (Andalucia). It was such a great week! I am so happy and blessed that they were able to come over for the week. This makes me miss them even more! They were with me on my 8th month of being in Spain. Wow...time has flown by! I took lots of pics, of course, and will upload them to a Picassa web album sometime, but not all of them (sorry Alicia). I recorded some not so high quality video with my phone, but am glad I captured some good moments of life, not just with still images. Here is the story of "Emily and Crystal in the Orange Tree." This takes place in Málaga at Alcazar.

Enjoy!!

My adorable kids and babies back home...

2009-03-24T19:37:00.007+01:00

I miss them so much, and even miss the ones I haven't met in person. The video on this link http://fedellhouse.blogspot.com/2009/03/little-bit-of-laughing-for-auntie.html will make you smile, laugh and wish you had your own little one to be around when they are funny like this. It's a short video of Jack Fedell...my Alicia's little man in VA Beach.

And this little girl is Jasmine. She is the newest addition to our family. I have not met her yet. I will in August and am very excited! Kyle and Kendra are in the process of adopting her!

And my second nephew is still growing inside of mommy Ken Ken! Baby Roehl is due in July! I will get to meet him and hold him and kiss him when he's a month old.

I'm sad that I'm missing all the new additions and growing process of my nephews and nieces, but it's a part of life, especially when you live across a really big ocean!

I got NEW things!

2009-03-18T22:05:00.005+01:00

Yesterday, I got a new cell phone because I joined IMM's plan and needed to get a new phone and number. So, I paid 20 euros and got an fancy dancy LG phone, well, it's not really fancy, however, it has many more options, like a phone (only 2 mp, so I won't really be using it much), which I didn't ever have in the states. This phone plan should be much better because pay as you go is not very good.

Here's a self portrait with my new phone. :)

And today...I got this!

Yes, I now have my official Spanish residency card! It all started with my paper work and 2 trips to Chicago to get this guy.

Erin and Vino need to pick there's up too. This is us waiting in line. Erin and Vino will be going back because they didn't bring their passport, which they needed in order to get it. But, I brought mine!!!

After our adventure to the police station, Erin came with me to go to pick up my CAT Scan pics (I got this because I wanted to see if it would help diagnose the Otosclerosis, which the doctor here says I have in my ears) and to my doctors appointment. I'm not very happy with the results...because the doctor said those images do not show the tiny bones that the Otosclerosis is in! It is too microscopic he says. Well, I read that getting a CT scan would possibly help diagnose it. Erin says I shouldn't believe everything I read on the internet. She might be right. I really did it because I just wanted to actually "SEE" that I had this ailment. I just can't believe that having a hearing test could be all the doctor needs in order to do surgery inside of me! Anyways, enough about this for now. I'm annoyed at this entire situation and all it entails trying to communicate effectively and trying to get answers that I trust. I will be contacting nurses and hopefully doctors in MN that I can tell my situation to, and then in August possibly have some more tests or whatever done when I visit a doctor who can completely understand me, vice versa, and who cares about helping me! If my expensive CAT scan pics don't really tell the doctors in the states anything...I guess I have some interesting images of my head, which the doctor says is fine.

Me Amo El Sol!

2009-03-17T11:46:00.002+01:00

The month of March has had very nice weather! It makes me happy to sit outside and enjoy the warmth of the sun! I'm already starting to see my white skin become less white...and that's only from eating lunch outside a few times and taking walks! I would brag about the 60 and 70 degree weather here, but I see on my desktop weather and have heard that Minnesota is having a nice week in the 60's. I'm happy for you guys too! Winter should always end in February and March like it does here!

Some art for my bedroom wall

2009-03-14T23:46:00.003+01:00

I've wanted to have artwork on my bare wall in my bedroom for a while, but never knew what to put there. A couple of weeks ago, Erin helped me make some decoupage art. That is a picture I took in Sweden or Finland, it's a close up of a lamp. I made it black and white to go well with my room. Each shoe box cover (which is what we used for the canvas) has about 6 pages each of my picture printed on it. After lining up all the images (it's like a puzzle) we taped the backs so it would be easier to put onto the box. With a few coasts of Mod Podge, we created this! Thanks Erin http://erinrodriguez.blogspot.com for being a great, creative help and inspiration!

When our next project is completely finished, I will post pics. I'm very excited to share how I've greatly helped my living area to be a lot more homey and fun!

Siete Meses!!

2009-03-01T14:16:00.005+01:00

Today is March 1. I've been here for 7 months. For the past month (because spring is already here, at least the kind of weather I consider to be spring), I've been taking walks up and down the hilly streets of this little pueblo I live in. I'm trying to get somewhat into shape and tone up this body (for the beach!) of mine for my spring break trip with my girlfriends who are coming at the end of the month!!

A couple of properties down from my house is this property, no one lives here, I don't even remember if there is a house. I think there is a small cottage type thing. Anyways, everytime I walk by, I think "wow...this would be such a great place to get married." Of course it would have to be cleaned and primped some, and imagine it without the ugly stairs and building type thing in the background. Imagine white lights strung around the trees, the bride walking up the path to the top of the stairs. It just seems like a romantic, little, Spanish wedding spot.

If you had a hard time imagining what it would look like with out the ugly stuff in the background, with my not so good photoshop skills, I modified the image....does this help you?!

Below is a view of Alcalá de Henares. We have some great views of the city and mountains in the backdrop from the hill we live on. I love mountains. They make me happy.

The past 2 weeks, the weather has been fantastic, in the high 50's and 60's during the day...and sunny! This week doesn't look so good. But it's still on average 10 to 20 degrees warmer than Minnesota!

Quick Hola!

2009-02-27T10:16:00.002+01:00

Wow, it's been 3 weeks since I've updated. That's good...it means blogging isn't taking over my life. Although I have taken pictures recently that I have been meaning to post on here, so maybe this weekend I'll get around to it. Or tonight, I tend to stay up late Friday nights. Usually because I know I can sleep in super late (or into earlier afternoon) and I don't feel too guilty about it, like I once did. I know, I'm 26, I shouldn't have to sleep in late, but I LOVE IT! I love being in my bed, more than anywhere else in this mansion I live in. Speaking of the mansion, the pictures I've taken are around the pueblocito (little town) I live in. I want you all to see what I see when I take walks up and down the steep roads around my house. One of the streets,calle Goya, is really really good for the buttox! Until then...please remember to say a prayer for my hearing and ears. The doctor says I have Otosclerosis. :( The ear pain and lack of sound waves operating correctly in my right ear, is very annoying. And surgery (with a 3 month recovery period) does not sound fun, actually is scares me.

6 Months!

2009-02-04T18:37:00.003+01:00

Does time go by just as fast for all of my blog readers out there?! I have been in Spain for 6 months and 3 days today! That means, if I was only here for a 1 year commitment, that I would be half way done! Good thing they ask production peeps for a 2 year commitment. So, my time here is only 1/4 done, but still, that means I only have 18 months left! I hope to make the best out of the next year and half. I feel like I've had a good first 6 months, but I know there is so much more I could and should be doing to make the most of my time here. For example, it's pretty pathetic on my part, that I am still so non-confident in my Spanish speaking abilities. I really need to just get over myself and speak when I'm around my friends who are speaking Spanish. *Please pray for this, mostly just having confidence and not being shy! But, on the brighter side of things...I am able to comprehend and get the main concept of what people are talking about, or what the pastor says in church (if I go to a service that is not translated into English, when there is translation, I usually don't pay as much attention to the Spanish as I should). Other exciting things: had 2 friends visit and have been able to travel to various places in Spain and Europe! I've made some friends here, I pray for more close friends, although it's not easy for various reasons. I've been cooking and baking more. I made a yummy potato soup 2 weeks ago. I've been making my mom's recipes of some of my favorites that I've never had to make myself, because I lived with her for so long!

I've also done a lot of thinking and contemplating various things in life. I knew my 2 years here would impact or change my life somehow, and that has begun. I hope I continue to learn things about myself and grow to be the woman of God that he has called me to be! I also hope to somehow impact lives (for the good) here. Since the ministry of IMM isn't really "personal," (but I know it does make a huge difference and impact for the Kingdom) I desire to make personal connections with friends here.

Highlights of my European Christmas Vacation

2009-01-27T20:02:00.002+01:00

Favorites/Best:
Free thing-sauna’s and huge bathtub in Finland and Sweden
Place stayed-Rothenburg hotel because it had a tub and I relaxed in it for 2 hours! Also because the bed and bedding here was amazing!! I slept so well!
View-the mountains during our drive to Austria, then to Fussen
Meal-chicken sandwich of some sort in a café in Stockholm
Dessert-dessert platter in Munich, included apple strudel, caramel ice cream, and cinnamon filled puff balls
Most authentic meal-bratwurst and sauerkraut in Rothenburg, Germany
Best purchase-wool mittens in Finland, they kept my fingers from freezing and my hat from Stockholm which helped my ears and head to stay warm
Coolest person met-Raja from Geinburg Suites, the hotel we stayed at in the middle of nowhere Austria.
Most touristy thing we did-Sound of Music bus tour in Salzburg, Austria
Best short flight-Helsinki to Stockholm (a 45 minute flight and they gave us a drink a little sandwich that was really good)
Best long flight-Frankfurt to Madrid, I flew with Lan air, which I thought would be a smaller plane without food. But they surprised me, I flew on a nice sized plane, got a meal, and had a video screen in front of me. I could choose from movies, tv shows or music. I decided to watch the E! True Hollywood story on Charlize Theron, I think she is one of the most beautiful people in Hollywood and I learned that she took Flamenco dance classes when she was a teen. After that, I watched some tv shows. And this flight was great because I was on my way home after a long, chilly vacation. I was ready to stop living out of a suitcase.

Worst/Least Favorites:
Moment-driving to Frankfurt, missing our exit to downtown Frankfurt then having to drive about 30 more minutes before finally turning around, then not finding the correct roads to our hostel for a while, and going into the hostel and our room smelling smokey

Did the most walking-we walked soo much everyday, but I think Christmas day in Helsinki, Finland we walked for 4 hours straight. Thank God for one coffee shop being open near the harbor.

Felt independent once again while I drove on the open highways of Germany!

Most expensive meal (that I didn’t have to pay for)-Christmas eve dinner, we had various types of salmon along with two types of caviar! And I ate caviar for the first and probably last time in my life (it was good because they put it on toast with some sort of sour cream and onions, so I didn’t even taste the caviar). In the airport I saw little jars of caviar for quite an expensive amount (between 100 and 400 euros!!)

What I would’ve liked to purchase-most of the home décor and dinnerware in all of the Finnish and Swedish stores. They have some great designers!! But it was all way too expensive and I didn’t need it.

Fly For Good!

2009-01-20T19:55:00.002+01:00

www.flyforgood.com

Wow, AFC Travel (who I have used many times for purchasing my plane tickets to go on missions trips and come to Spain) continues to come up with amazing ideas and ways to allow others to serve the world for less cost! Fly for Good is their newest program, which is focused on "Voluntourism," a fast growing industry that ties together being a tourist, but also giving back and getting involved in the community you vacation in! This is so cool! How come I didn't come up with that idea?!

In other news: we have a new president. May God guide President Obama and his administration through this difficult times. And, I made the last step in getting Spanish residency today by going to the police station to get my fingerprints taken. In 40 days or so, I will have my official card!

2 Years!

2009-01-18T20:50:00.004+01:00

Today is the 2 year anniversary of the day that the Lord gave me the sign I asked him for about what to do with my life. At the Chi Alpha SALT conference in Rochester two years ago, I talked with missionary John Koeshall at a seminar. He gave me a missionary card of John Merrell, the director of IMM at the time, and said the Lord told him to keep it because he would be giving it to someone in Rochester who would be going to IMM! That person was me! I am so thankful and blessed for this confirmation in my life! I asked God to give me a "really clear sign" and He did! I think it's very cool how the Lord uses various people in our lives, whether almost strangers, friends or family, to speak to us.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asked receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8 NIV

Of course, we also need to remember to ask for His will to be done in our lives, not what we want. He knows much better than we do, even if it's difficult for us to see how any other way than what we want is better for us. I'm thankful today that I serve a Lord who is gracious and loving and wants us to talk to him in all circumstances in life, not just when we are down and need help.

The last 2 years have been challenging, exciting, faith building and very busy. Now, I've been working at IMM and living in "Little America," Spain for 5 1/2 months. The last 5 months have gone by SO fast. In just 2 weeks, my time here will be one fourth over, with only 18 months left! That is so crazy to me. I'm happy that they request I come for 2 years instead of a one year commitment, which I originally thought about. More about what I've learned and other things on my 6 month blog.

Video and more photos

2009-01-17T11:46:00.004+01:00

First, check out this video by clicking on the link http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=6504959

this is what Christmas (and every day of our lives) should be all about. It is a video about how we all can make a huge difference by giving through charity's like World Vision. This talks about their gift catalog, which I have purchased some items from because it is the gift that keeps on giving.

Also, I uploaded 2 more photo albums from my recent travels, see the links to the right.

Links to photos

2009-01-14T13:19:00.002+01:00

There are 3 new links for photos of my trip (on the upper, right of blog). I still have a couple of albums to upload, but so far Christmas in Finland, Weekend in Sweden, and Munich/Austria New Year's pictures are ready for you to view! These are just a sampling of my images...I took over 1000 pictures! Enjoy!

Christmas Eve in Finland!

2009-01-12T18:31:00.006+01:00

In the morning, Christina and I went into Helsinki (the capital of Finland) for a couple of hours to walk around and see if any markets were open. Some were, and I made one of the best purchases of my trip—wool mittens! Those mittens kept my little fingers from freezing! After that, we went to the aunt and uncles house (of the kids Christina nanny’s for) for some traditional Christmas Eve porridge! The tradition is, whoever gets the almond in their bowl of porridge will supposedly get married next! Christina and I were both hoping for the special almond, but we didn’t have luck. It ended up being in one of the boys’ bowls. Oh well, better luck next year. After lunch, the kids and some of the adults had a sing off on their Wii to the soundtrack of "Mama Mia." The girls were really good. I was tone deaf! The Lord did not bless me with the gift of singing...oh well, I take great pictures! Here's the porridge.

Here is a small taste of my Swedish/Finnish Christmas Eve celebration. I wanted to upload more photos but I'm having issues and it's taking so long. I will just upload some of them to my Picassa Album, it's so much easier.

Here are the kids singing the Lucia Christmas song. Traditional Swedish!

Santa even came to hand out gifts.

Me with baby Amanda. She is a darling! It was good to get a little bit of being with kids since I don't get that here and I miss my nephew and nieces!

Christina y yo.

Our Christmas Eve dinner, course 1: seafood. salmon. caviar-yep, I ate caviar! It was actually not bad because they eat it on toast mixed with onions and sour cream. I will probably never eat like that again, because I saw the price of caviar on the airport and it ranged from 100 to 400 euros! I know airports are over priced, but wow!! That's a lot of hard earned money!

Dinner, round 2 was ham with about 5 different sides like sweet potatoes, veggie casserole thing, potatoes with anchovies, etc. Round 3 was my favorite: cookies and dessert! That's all for this blog. I think I just need to work on getting a whole Christmas photo album put together, uploading them separately is time consuming and annoying after a while. Thanks to my Swedish friends (and Christina) for the great Christmas! I will always remember my Swedish Christmas in 2008!

Snow in Spain!!

2009-01-10T23:05:00.004+01:00

I thought the only "winter" I would get while living in Spain was during my recent Christmas vacation to Germany and other countries (and there wasn't even much snow in the places I traveled to, only in Bavaria, Germany). However, Friday morning I woke up and opened up the persianas (shades over the windows and doors) and to my surprise saw that it was SNOWING!! I could not believe it! This never happens (so I've heard). At least it never snowed so much that it stayed. I wanted to and still want to go play in the snow since this may be my only chance to, but was not feeling well this weekend. And, I don't really have any playmates because Vino and Erin didn't want to go sledding with me (if I had a sled to go sledding, that would also be nice!) Plus, Friday afternoon, Vino hurt his ankle while walking to the store, so now he's gimpy and can't do anything!

I guess it was an okay weekend to be ill at home, sleeping and watching movies. The buses didn't come up the hill (to the little town I live in) Friday and I don't know about today, so I couldn't go anywhere if I wanted to. Watching it snow reminded me of being back home, in MN during winter. How nice. But I still enjoy the a lot warmer than MN weather here!

Christmas letters!!

2009-01-05T15:18:00.002+01:00

Yeah! IMM just got a big pile of mail, and in it were 8 letters for me!! 7 Christmas greetings from friends and 1 letter about tax preparation...it's about that time again. Well, thank you to those who put a little extra postage on the letters to send me some friendly greetings! I love hearing about your lives and seeing pictures!

Christmas...

2008-12-27T00:27:00.003+01:00

this year has been so different than any other year. First of all, it is the first Christmas I have been away from home. I am really far away from home...was in Finland for Christmas eve and day. I had the privilege and honor to experience a traditional Swedish Christmas, in Finland. I ate the most expensive thing I will ever eat in my life...CAVIAR!! I was scared, but always enjoy trying new foods. And it wasn't bad because we ate it on top of toast, mixed with sour cream and onions...so those two things help mask the taste of the fish eggs. good thing too. I also ate Salmon and Salmon pate, not sure if that is spelled right. anyways, now I'm in Stockholm, Sweden at Christina's house. Her mom flew in today also and tonight we went into the city to walk around. It was very beautiful with the city lights reflecting on the water. It was much colder than I'm used to in Spain, but much warmer than the frozen tundra of MN! So, the next 3 days we will be exploring Stockholm and eating yummy Swedish food. One thing I was dissappointed in was the Christmas porrage had an almond in it and whoever got it in their bowl would have the luck of getting married next. I didn't get it. Neither did Christina. I think Alex, the 2 year old did. He's darling, he won't have problems getting a lady when he's old enough. Oh yeah, I also really enjoyed playing with the kids...there were 6! My favorite of course were Christina's 3 kids that she nannys for. I got to be auntie Crystal for a while and hold baby Amanda and play with the boys. What a great treat!! okay, I better go. Maybe before we leave for Germany on Tuesday I can write, if not, you'll hear from me next year!!
Happy New Year!!!! I can't believe 2009 is almost here!

Christmas Vacation...

2008-12-27T00:27:00.000+01:00

this year has been so different than

Brand new YouTube Videos!!

2008-12-22T13:51:00.001+01:00

Yes, I finally have some videos that I made especially for Christmas for my friends, family and supporters! Check it out...www.youtube.com/user/CrystalLeigh7

Christmas Decor!

2008-12-17T19:17:00.004+01:00

This is what I came up with for decor during the holidays. My lights really make me happy when all the other lights are off. It's so pretty and festive!

Sad...

2008-12-17T17:42:00.002+01:00

because the strength of the DOLLAR continues to weaken! In the last week or so, it has gone from 1.28 to 1.409! That's a loss of over 10 cents per euro I take out or spend! Man, this means my Christmas holiday vacation is going to be more expensive for me! Sadness. I pray the Euro gets weaker and the dollar gets strong, like it once was!

Happy...

2008-12-16T10:06:00.002+01:00

Wow! It's so hard to believe that today is the 16th of December! Where have the days gone? I'm happy to be in warmer weather right now. I have Minneapolis' weather on my desktop just so I know what I'm missing, and just to give you a feel of the difference in weather, this Saturday shows it we will have a high of 56 degrees and Minneapolis is 11 degrees! And right now it's -10 degrees (although it's in the middle of the night) in MN and 37 here!! It does get chilly when the sun goes down...but not so cold that my nose and boogies freeze up! :)

I am also excited to have a WHITE Christmas, at least, I'm assuming Finland and Sweden are going to have snow! I want to go sledding with the kid's Christina takes care of!

Red, Hot, Holland Shoes!

2008-12-11T21:37:00.002+01:00

Okay, so I know I've made many posts today, but while I remembered I wanted to post the pics of my new shoes! Yes, I got them in Amsterdam! They had my size (it's harder to find my size in Spain, and they were a good price!) I wore them on Sunday and felt so good in them! What do you think?

A picture is worth a thousand words!

2008-12-11T20:33:00.001+01:00

It's true...check out my three new photo albums at the links to the right. I posted Holland, Romanian wedding and Bethany's visit pictures.

Letters are ready...

2008-12-11T17:08:00.002+01:00

This week I've been working on getting my newsletters and Christmas cards written, typed and printed. I'm finally done! My hand is sore, I hate writing and I have horrible penmanship! Plus, lately my pointer finger on my right hand has been sore. I think something with the joints..I don't know. I hope it gets better before too long. I have a lot of traveling coming up, which means lots of pictures to take! I also have Christmas gifts ready to be sent with someone who will be able to fit them into their luggage. I know the load for my family is going for sure with Kerry this Saturday, but I don't know about the packages for my friends. Sorry guys, some may not get sent until the end of December. I hope at least I can have them all sent with Michael by then. If not...we'll see. Shipping things from here is ridiculously expensive (I hear) and would probably take awhile.

New Header...

2008-12-08T16:16:00.002+01:00

who likes it?! I took the picture last night at our IMM Christmas Party! Yeah for Christmas! Thank you God, for sending your one and only son to be born and die for us. We so do not deserve it! (But are more than happy to accept it and hopefully live our lives to glorify you in all we do!)

Memories of the past 2 weekends!

2008-12-02T17:47:00.008+01:00

Me in the Dam Square.

In the Dam Square, there were sooo many pigeons/birds and as Alicia and I ate our fries, they seriously hovered us. I felt attacked. They would fly up close to our heads...I was freaking out!

Typical Holland architecture, buildings and city layout.

We took a ferry to a Windmill Park. It was super cold (not freezing like MN, but much colder than Spain), as you can see we tried to stay warm.

Working it with my cute, new hat in front of the windmills!

LEKKER!! Stroopwafels! Or in English, syrup waffles...so yummy! I ate 2 that day!

Two weekends ago my friend Bethany flew down from Ireland. We took her to Segovia. Below is Moises and Tiffany, my friends here.

Segovia is famous for it's suckling pig, pictured below. Moi ate it for lunch. I tried a bit, it was actually good.

Me and Beth in Plaza Mayor in Madrid.

4 months!!

2008-12-01T12:15:00.002+01:00

Wow! It is hard to believe that I have been working at IMM and living in Spain for 4 months! This means I only have 20 months left! Time flies when you get old and are trying to have fun. Well, I have had fun here. I enjoy the peeps I live and work with. My friends from church are nice. I'm going to be in a Christmas play with the young adults at church....I'm kind of nervous...I hate being in front of people and we haven't even practiced yet (not to mention I am not fluent in Spanish, and I need to memorize lines)!! I was blessed to go to Holland for Thanksgiving weekend to be with family friends. The weekend before my friend Bethany flew down from Ireland! I got to show her around Madrid and we went to Segovia with two other friends of mine. It was a great weekend! I'm tired now. By the way, stay tuned for pics of my weekend with Beth and Holland, I will try to get them up here this week. I have so much to do though: unpack, laundry, clean, decorate for Christmas, get ready for the IMM Christmas party this weekend, work on a family Christmas letter and picture collage, try to plan and book hostels for my Christmas break travels with Christina, finish buying Christmas presents and package them to get ready to send with my friend to mail in the states, etc. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention...it was snowing this morning!! It wasn't much and didn't stay, but it was hard to believe snow flakes in Spain! Welcome December!!!

A fun weekend and leaving on a jet plane!

2008-11-25T14:48:00.002+01:00

This past weekend, my friend Bethany who is an MA in Ireland flew down to spend the weekend seeing Spain with me! She got a super cheap flight...lucky! We met a year ago at PFO-our orientation for missions. It was great to see her and show her where I live and take her to Madrid and Segovia! She also got to meet some of my friends here. Pictures will have to wait to be posted because tomorrow I am leaving for the Netherlands to spend Thanksgiving with family! George, Muriel and Alicia Thomassen, family friends from home are missionaries there. I'm excited to see a new country/city because I've only been in the Amsterdam airport. It will be good too hang out and meet the people they work with as well. I'll be super busy when I get back trying to post pictures of my two fun weekends! I'm so blessed to be here. Being in God's will and doing what he wants me to do at IMM is awesome, and getting to travel and experience new places/cultures is a fabulous bonus! Good thing I worked a bunch of jobs and saved money before coming here, so I'm able to do this. HAPPY THANKSGIVING! If you are reading this, you are probably one of my family members or friends, and I'm thankful for you! Dios le bendiga! Ciao!

I've been meaning to...

2008-11-19T20:03:00.006+01:00

post these pictures, here they are finally. The first few are of my new winter coat (that I love so much, it's so cute and fits so good!), and my two new pairs of boots, a black and a brown pair. I got them for a pretty decent price too!

It's sunny in Spain!!

Hello!!

I love my boots and skinny jeans!!

These guys are: (L to R: alien monster dude from Emily, Gnomie, and another alien monster guy from Emily). I'm supposed to name each one of the monsters to be me and one Em, so I'll say the shorter guy is Emily and the one with 3 eyes is me! They were a part of my birthday package from her! Thanks Em!

Romanian Wedding Experience!

2008-11-10T21:42:00.008+01:00

(Sorry, this is super long, but it’s worth reading)
A couple of weeks ago, my friend, Marin, from the church I go to here asked me if I would go to a Romanian wedding with him (he’s Romanian, by the way). I was like, “yeah, that would be awesome!” You know me…I love new cultural experiences. It was this past Saturday, and the bride and groom must have been praying for some great weather…because it was an absolutely gorgeous day! It was probably around 65 degrees, maybe even in the 70’s—and this is on Nov. 8!! Needless to say, I didn’t need my new winter jacket that I wore, but it was useful when the sun went down. Oh yea, the ceremony was outside too! So, I actually got to enjoy basking in the sun! The ceremony lasted maybe 7 minutes. The dad walked the bride up the aisle, then gave her over to the groom. We all clapped. The pastor then welcomed us to the ceremony and proceeded with asking the bride and groom how long they planned on being married, they both said “my whole life” and that was it! Then we clapped again. Well, that’s all the Marin translated for me. But I don’t think much else happened. It was so short! No candles, no special music, nada. Not even a “you may now kiss the bride.” I don’t even remember if they kissed up there. After the ceremony they served appetizers while everyone got their picture taken with the couple. We also took lots of pictures because this wedding was at a beautiful site! It was a restaurant that was also a golf course, so I guess sort of like a country club in the states. Marin’s friends were so nice! And the girls always included me in on their pictures together and they are just so darn cute! Then we went inside to have the meal. This was a 4 course meal: cheese with jamon serrano (some nasty cured ham that Spaniards think is good for them, but it’s super fatty and just not good), sarmale (which is really good Romanian food! It’s meat with rice wrapped in cabbage leaves), chicken with potatoes and mushrooms, then really yummy cake with ice cream in a chocolate cup and coffee! In between meals, we wandered outside for some more pictures in the gorgeous landscaping! Once the wedding reception was over, we went to some of the girls apartment to hang out for a bit, then they all decided they wanted to see a movie. So about 10 or so of us went to see “Mama Mia.” I was happy that they kept the songs in English with Spanish subtitles. But the rest of the movie was in Spanish. And I guess since we are young and were having so much fun already, we went to play some pool at the nearby game place! One of the most memorable things about that day was that I taught one of the girls how to say “How are you?” and “Do you speak English?” in English. The entire day…she kept saying “How are you” with her cute Romanian accent! She is just hilarious! I laughed so much! She did a lot of other funny things, but I guess you had to be there. Basically, she’s crazy fun! Although I couldn’t communicate with anyone, really, except Marin, I still had a great time. (well, they could’ve spoken Spanish and I would’ve understood, but I don’t expect a bunch of Romanians to speak their non native language with each other). I will always remember this day, because I got to experience a new culture, meet new people, eat good food, dress up and be treated nicely!

*Some of the pictures from the day are in the next blog. Soon, I'll make a Picassa Web album then you can check out more!

Happy Birthday Kenny!

2008-11-07T10:16:00.005+01:00

God knows...

2008-11-04T23:23:00.002+01:00

who the next president of the United States of America is going to be. We do not need to worry if the person we voted for does not make it in. What we need to do is pray for that leader and pray for a unity in America, a unity and strengthening of the church in America. There are still a hours left for the polls being open. I haven't even thoroughly checked on the internet to see what the east coast states are predicated to be blue or red. I care, but just say "Lord, have your will be done in this election!" The only difference we can make is by voting (which I did), by praying for our leaders, and by standing up for what God cares about and what we should also care about. May God bless America (even though we hardly deserve it!)

3 months!

2008-11-01T11:27:00.002+01:00

Today is my 3 month anniversary in España! It's been a fast but good 3 months. I've been to a few different cities in Spain and have already had one friend from MN/Sweden visit me! In 3 weeks I have another friend coming down from Ireland! And the weekend of Thanksgiving I'll be going to celebrate with "family," the Thomassens, in Amsterdam! I haven't felt too homesick yet. I do miss the conveniences of everything in the states. Spain isn't the most convenient place to live, but I do like some things here and think we should adopt them in the US. For example, you can park on the side of the road, facing either direction. Like if you are driving on the left but see a good spot on the other side, you can park there even though your car will be facing the opposite way of the traffic flow. One reason I am sad...is that I miss my kiddos! Samuel, Lauren and the newest addition that I haven't even met yet, Jasmine. I strongly desire to give them kisses and hugs and watch them grow and become smart! Good thing I get "Spanish kisses" from my non American friends here to sort of make up for not being able to kiss the kids! :)

21 months to go....thanks for friends and family for supporting me in this experience! It's where I'm supposed to be!!

Chilly in Spain...

2008-10-28T13:48:00.003+01:00

yes, it's raining today. It's really windy and I'm chilly sitting in my living room. Yesterday was gorgeous!! In the mid or high 60's! So nice! I sat outside for lunch. Sunday was amazing too! After church I felt like I could lay outside in my pool if it was outside still and get a tan. Instead I took a nice 3.5 hour nap because I really needed one! It was a crazy weekend with 2 late nights (I'm a party animal!!! hahaha. not really.)

Speaking of parties...the term for "party pooper" in Spanish is "aguafiesta" translated it means "someone who puts water on the party." I learned that a couple weeks ago from someone else who had just learned it.

New curtains!!!

2008-10-23T20:46:00.004+02:00

Here is what I did with two purchases from Ikea (that I bought over a month ago!) I wanted to cover up my ugly shower and sink area in my room, so during my Ikea mission to buy things to spruce up my home and make it more mine, I looked for curtains to put in my room. I think I found what I was looking for! I finally took the time and energy to put it together tonight! {click photo to enlarge}

One of my favorite things God gives us...

2008-10-22T19:59:00.005+02:00

This was taken tonight. I ate dinner while watching the sun set and make a beautiful skyscape! I had to take a picture, I just couldn't handle watching this not photographing it!

My birthday photo

2008-10-21T16:51:00.002+02:00

Erin made me a chocolate with peanut butter frosting cake for my birthday! yeah! It was a month ago, but I just remembered I did not share this yet. It was also the first time I wore my 5 dollar dress I got in MN before I came.

Christmas Vacation!

2008-10-19T22:39:00.004+02:00

For my blog readers who don't have facebook, and may not know....I bought my ticket to fly to Finland on the 23rd to spend Christmas eve and day with Christina's (my friend who is an au pair in Sweden) host family! Well, it's her host dad's family. I'm really excited to spend Christmas in a new culture, with Finnish traditions! I also bought my ticket to fly from Finland to Sweden for the day after Christmas! Then, Christina's mom is coming in also, and we plan to possibly go to Norway then Germany, the land of our ancestors!

Tropical Thunder...in español!

2008-10-19T19:11:00.002+02:00

Last night I got out of the IMM/America bubble :) and met up with another fellow American girl Tiffany (not a missionary, she married a Spaniard). We went to the mall for an hour or so then her husband and cousin picked us up and we went to the cine. First we ate at a Doner Kebob, a turkish/middle eastern restaurant--it's good, because the movie didn't start until 10. Anyways, another friend came with too, so the 5 of us went to see Ben Stiller's movie Tropical Thunder. Yes, it was in spanish, so it was not as funny as it would've been with the regular actors voices, because that's always one of the things that make movies funny! And, no I did not understand much of it. However, since it was an action movie, you don't really need to know much of what is said to get the point. I could tell some bad words were being said. It was kinda a gross movie at times too. But, Tom Cruise was in it, and I didn't know it was him until my friends figured it out. Deborah, said she knew his voice sounded familiar, because they always use the some dubbed voice in Spanish for actors in movies. They did some good special makeup and making him fatter in the movie, it was pretty funny to see him like that! And Matthew MC, was in it....he's always so good looking. He had nice curls in this movie, which I am biased about! So, Tiffany and I told our friends that it would've been better in original voice. The two Spaniards and one Romanian didn't like it. Oh well, I guess some humor only Americans can appreciate....or something.

Lauren turns 1!

2008-10-17T15:26:00.007+02:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY PRECIOUS NIECE LAUREN!

CUMPLEANOS FELIZ A MI SOBRINA PRECIOSOS LAUREN!

It would be nice to celebrate with my family this weekend, but I cannot be there. It makes me sad. I really want to snuggle with my babies and give them kisses! Hopefully there mama and daddy can take video of her birthday and post it on their blog for me to see (hint, hint)!

stay tuned....

2008-10-10T01:13:00.003+02:00

I'm working on getting my videos pieced together and uploaded. I'm home alone for the next 10 days, so I should be able to catch up since I have no house mates (and am saddened by that!)

Race for the White House

2008-10-08T15:18:00.004+02:00

This is what I think: I'm SO GLAD that I am not in the U.S. right now, because I HATE every political commercial that is aired, all the time, on the tv. I didn't watch much television back in the day living in MN, just a few select shows, but I still hated hearing and seeing all the bashing the other candidate, pointing fingers at the other's problems, etc. It's so annoying! I feel bad for you because you probably are stuck seeing those dang commercials. Anyways...

To try and be a good American, I have been watching the debates of the VP's and Pres. candidates on YouTube. I'm currently watching, actually listening to while I work, the debate from last night at Belmont (props to Angela for attending Belmont!) From the debates/forums I've watched/listened to: I'm sick of hearing the word "fundamental" and am annoyed at the fact that these politicians seem to just point fingers at the other (some I feel more than others). Please, why can't they just be REAL and answer the question posed and tell us what THEY think and what THEY will try to do. Stop telling us what the other person has done or thinks about the issue. Tom Brokaw didn't ask you to point out all of the issues that you and you're opponent disagree on!! Out of what I've seen, I feel like Sarah Palin has been the most real and to the point (during the VP debate). That's what we want to hear!

One more month until the most important election of my time! (I still haven't received my absentee ballot in the mail...Benton county better get the move on, my vote counts, and there may be a possibility that MN will win the electoral points for same candidate I vote for! Wouldn't that be amazing!)

Making home more homey!

2008-09-29T21:21:00.005+02:00

I want to share with you, my faithful blog readers, what I've done to my home (so far) to make it more homey and personalized! A few weeks ago I went to Ikea with Denise, in the hopes of finding a few good priced items to makeover some areas of my living room and bedroom. First, you must know that all of the walls in the "MA living area" are mintish green. I don't think they were expecting it to be as minty as it turned out, but it is, and I guess they didn't want to redo it. It's fine...after a while you don't even notice, but it would be nice if my furniture didn't clash with it! Yes, I have forest green couches, that IMM has had forever!! I saw them in a program from back in the day when IMM was located in Belgium (in the 80's and 90's). I also have a nice burnt brown/goldish recliner that looks like something I would've seen at my grandpa's house. At least I have a brown toned rug to tie everything in that area together. Anyways, after a missionary garage sale, an afternoon at Ikea and an afternoon at the Rastro (a huge market Madrid is known for), I was able to do a small makeover in my living room area. Click on the photos to enlarge them so you can read what I wrote.

Pictures from my bedroom soon to come, once I put it all together.

Sunsets...

2008-09-25T20:14:00.004+02:00

I love them! Here's some captured images I want to share with you. The first two are from my birthday in Segovia. I love how in this first one, there are light beams that come out and are so noticeable.

A full moon (with a lens flare).