Thoughts on Spain

Many thoughts fill my mind as I think about the last three weeks of my life. I have wanted to sit down and write about our time in Spain but I just don't know what to write. Spain holds so many wonderful memories in my childhood and teenage years and it is still very much a part of me now that I am an adult.

I love Spain and the people of Spain.

This trip to Spain was not only a vacation, but also a time to visit people - a time to encourage people in their walks with God and to continue pointing those who do not know Him personally in His direction. Before we left, Michael and I asked God that He would lead us as we spent time with these precious people that are such an important part of our lives. God blessed us in more ways than we could imagine. We were able to have wonderful times around the dinner table and in doing so, share about God and what He has done in our lives. I am awed that God always exceeds our expectations and gives us more than we could ever imagine.

Having both grown up in Spain, Michael and I have always thought that moving back to Spain would be a great move! Being there brought back so many happy memories. In many so many ways, Spain is like home. While there, someone asked us why in the world we would ever consider moving back to Spain. Why would we move across the world - away from family, away from a good job, away from "home". Here in the US we look like we fit in, but on the inside we are very different from everyone else. Growing up in another country shapes you in incredible ways. When we are in Spain, we stick out like a sore thumb. We are blond, speak rusty Spanish (it sure does get rusty after not speaking it for several years!) and dress like Americans. We stick out and everyone knows it. It's like it's almost easier to live in place in which you stick out rather than trying to conform to everyone around you and be exactly like them.

Who knows how God is leading us or where He is leading us to. It has reminded me even more that my citizenship is in heaven and that I am never going to feel at home in anywhere here on earth. I heard someone say that our time on earth is like a vacation. We are just passing through. One day we will go back home and and be completely at peace.

Thanks to those of you that emailed while we were gone and kept up with us through the blog. It was always nice to read about what was going on back at home (see I am really confused about where home is now!) in the US. I promised I'd upload some pictures. These are just a few highlights of the different places we visited. Michael has some pictures uploaded also on his Flickr account (see Michael's pictures under "links"). I love my photographer!

I'm sure I'll continue to write tidbits about Spain here and there. It was a wonderful trip but we are glad to be back!