And here it is...the last of my Spain posts!
Home
The first part of the week, it was just me and my host mom, but then her son came home later. So, it was cool to get to know him for a couple of more days before I had to leave. He had a good time in Manchester, and he seemed to have learned a good bit of English. I'd say overall, I had a good relationship with my host mom, and she enjoyed having me at the house. She even took me to the bus station the day I had to leave. Now, the question is whether or not I'll live with them next year...go with something you know will be alright, or take a chance in hopes of something better (and getting to know more people).
School
Final Exams! Since I was lazy during my fourth week, I stressed more than I should have during this week. I knew I could afford to mess up some, but I also knew I couldn't not study. But thankfully, I pulled it off. Most of my classes were great, and I learned a ton.
Friends
Goodbyes aren't fun, but at least we know we'll be back together again next year! (I'm sure some may not come back, including Josh, but I know most will be back.) Although Katherine and I were good all summer speaking Spanish, this last week, especially the last day, we gave up. We were just stressed over exams and needed some English! But hey...a good, solid month of Spanish is good, right?
City
It's funny how small Salamanca is, but how much I still need to see! When my host mom found out that I didn't go to this one museum, she was like, "But that means you really didn't get to know Salamanca at all!" But, I know I'll be back next summer! At least maybe some of this construction will be gone in the historic district...
Language
I've already explained how I gave in and spoke English the last day. During the last couple of weeks, I also stopped writing down new words...I just realized either I won't use them again, or it isn't necessary to know the meaning of it since I can figure it out from context. Yeah...it was laziness. :) But I learned a lot this summer, and can't wait to do it again next year!
Culture
So, the last Thursday we were there, we had a little "graduation," where they gave us a certificate for completing this phase of the Master's degree. Afterwards, they had a reception with wine and traditional Spanish foods. It was all so yummy! I had octopus for the first time! It was so funny...as soon as the servers would bring out a tray of food, it would hardly make it to the table because people would eat it off of the tray. To me, this clearly shows one of the things about Hispanics (probably more specifically, Latin Americans), at least from my perspective. There's really no way to explain it well, but it's some strange mix of resourcefulness, desperation, and a fight for life. It's true that Hispanics take advantage of everything, whether it be an opportunity or an open seat in the metro. They don't waste food. They also take advantage of the opportunity to get on the bus. When the doors open, it's like there's no tomorrow. They all rush, cutting in line, etc. The concept of personal space doesn't exist in Hispanic cultures, so packing into the mob outside the bus door is normal. But why? It's just different... When, in class, the teacher would pass out papers, the people in the back of the room would get up and grab their copy from the stack being passed back while it was still in the front of the room, I guess just to make sure they get their copy. It's this same attitude that, I think, leads them to do things like taking food off of the tray before it gets to the table...can't give up an opportunity now, because it may not be there later. I don't know if this is an attitude that has spilled over from the Spanish conquest of the land, or maybe it's something from the indigenous religions...it's just interesting to watch. I feel like Americans are much more likely to sit back and let things come to us...let the papers get passed to us, let the line go down before getting on the bus, let the food get to the table like it's supposed to, etc. Part of that is the American laziness due to our society of convenience.
So, that's it! I'm currently spending a couple of days with my friend Franziska in Germany (and I also visited France) before heading back to the States. Life is good! Hope all is well with y'all. See you soon!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
España - Week 4
A little late, but here's my fourth week!
Home
So, things took a drastic turn for the worst on Monday. Benno received a call that his brother had been killed in a car wreck back in Germany, so he had to take the first flight out. My host mom and I were in total shock the rest of the day, and we feel very sorry for him and his family. (Prayers still accepted for his family!) So, now it's just me and my host mom, as Esteban, her son, is finishing up his course in England.
School
This was a long week. After midterms, I just haven't wanted to do anything, especially knowing that I can afford to mess up on my finals. So, trying to pay enough attention in class while not thinking about coming home was quite a challenge. Monday and Tuesday were extremely long, as we had our normal class schedule 8:30-7, but then I had my extra cinema class at night, so those days I didn't get home until after 9:00. Uf.
Friends
Josh and I finally realized that we're like brothers...I'm the little brother he never had. He says it's because we bicker all the time about who's smarter, who's the faster runner, etc. And I want to speak English more and more...but I must hold out...
City
Nothing new here...I got to see the Plaza Mayor at 3:30 am on a Sunday/Monday morning. No lights, and only two people...kinda eerie!
Language
Spanish is fine...it's the Portuguese that got me! I spent the weekend in Porto, Portugal and had a blast! The only thing that I didn't like was not being able to communicate effectively! My experiences abroad where I didn't know the language have been very few and far between, so I can definitely empathize more with people in places where they don't speak their language!
Culture
Nothing new with Spanish culture, but it was nice getting to know Portuguese culture a bit. I loved trying new foods...lots of food for not a lot of money! And MEAT! Sausage, ham, chicken, fish...mmm... Go to Porto and try a francesihna...local specialty...toasted sandwich filled with all sorts of meat and cheese, topped with a spicy sauce and a fried egg...mmm...
Again, check out the Facebook for pics! Can't wait to see everyone back home!
Home
So, things took a drastic turn for the worst on Monday. Benno received a call that his brother had been killed in a car wreck back in Germany, so he had to take the first flight out. My host mom and I were in total shock the rest of the day, and we feel very sorry for him and his family. (Prayers still accepted for his family!) So, now it's just me and my host mom, as Esteban, her son, is finishing up his course in England.
School
This was a long week. After midterms, I just haven't wanted to do anything, especially knowing that I can afford to mess up on my finals. So, trying to pay enough attention in class while not thinking about coming home was quite a challenge. Monday and Tuesday were extremely long, as we had our normal class schedule 8:30-7, but then I had my extra cinema class at night, so those days I didn't get home until after 9:00. Uf.
Friends
Josh and I finally realized that we're like brothers...I'm the little brother he never had. He says it's because we bicker all the time about who's smarter, who's the faster runner, etc. And I want to speak English more and more...but I must hold out...
City
Nothing new here...I got to see the Plaza Mayor at 3:30 am on a Sunday/Monday morning. No lights, and only two people...kinda eerie!
Language
Spanish is fine...it's the Portuguese that got me! I spent the weekend in Porto, Portugal and had a blast! The only thing that I didn't like was not being able to communicate effectively! My experiences abroad where I didn't know the language have been very few and far between, so I can definitely empathize more with people in places where they don't speak their language!
Culture
Nothing new with Spanish culture, but it was nice getting to know Portuguese culture a bit. I loved trying new foods...lots of food for not a lot of money! And MEAT! Sausage, ham, chicken, fish...mmm... Go to Porto and try a francesihna...local specialty...toasted sandwich filled with all sorts of meat and cheese, topped with a spicy sauce and a fried egg...mmm...
Again, check out the Facebook for pics! Can't wait to see everyone back home!
Monday, July 20, 2009
España - Week 3
Over halfway there! Here's some thoughts from last week...
Home
Life with Benno (the German kid) is going fine. I don't think my host mom mistrusts him as much, though she still does get mad whenever he wants beer put in the fridge. He also wants to serve himself and start eating before mamá issues the official "Bon Appetit, Buen Provecho, somethingelseIcan'tunderstand" that means we can start eating. But anyway, he's learning well, picking up a lot on TV. Mamá loves to cook fried foods...she's got her own personal mini-fryer, so we have homemade French fries a lot, which are great...and then we have some sketchy fried croquetas, chicken nuggets, fish things, etc. But anyway...it's food, and I can't complain.
School
Yay for no more midterms! I studied pretty hard, and I'm happy to say that it payed off! Three 100% and one 90% (literature). Now, I can relax a bit as we approach finals, knowing I have a little more breathing room. We can make an 85% and still have an A!
My last excursion was on Sunday to Ávila...it's a beautiful city! Check out Facebook for pics.
Friends
I'm really grateful for Josh and Katherine because while there are other gringos here that speak English a lot, the three of us are fairly resolute to only speak Spanish around each other. We've let a few English words come into conversation occasionally, but it's nice to have an outlet to converse, knowing you'll understand the other person in exchange!
City
On Saturday, I went walking all the way up to the Plaza de Toros (bullring). I hadn't gotten to know that part of the city yet, so it was neat to see another side. There's a nice graffiti calling the toreros, murderers. (Ironically, toreros are also called matadores, which literally means "one who kills.") On the way back, I finally got the nerve to ask a restaurant owner if I could have the bullfighting poster in the window. (The bullfight had already passed, and I assume they'd just throw them away.) She didn't let me have the ones in the window, but she did go to the back and give me three others from the past! Score! Free awesome posters!
Language
I'm realizing more and more just the differences in Spain Spanish vs. Latin American Spanish. They use words and forms here that I would never use in Latin America...they're just too formal! Imagine an American/Australian and a Brit...it's kinda like that.
Culture
And again, I say that the days are looooong! It just seems we never stop here! Most of it is that I'm in class all day (8:30-11:30, 12-2, usually 4:45-6:45, and occasionally 7:15-9:15), but still...eating supper so late (10:00ish) and then having to do homework makes for an exhausting day...even more so since everything here's in another language!
One interesting cultural note is that there appears to be a small group of youngsters that want autonomy. I'm in the region of Castilla y León, and apparently, there are people who don't like the Castilla part. There is a lot of graffiti out there touting "País Leonés" and other things like that. Don't know why...but I'm sure I'll look it up one day.
My pictures on Facebook often tell more than I do here, so check them out!
Home
Life with Benno (the German kid) is going fine. I don't think my host mom mistrusts him as much, though she still does get mad whenever he wants beer put in the fridge. He also wants to serve himself and start eating before mamá issues the official "Bon Appetit, Buen Provecho, somethingelseIcan'tunderstand" that means we can start eating. But anyway, he's learning well, picking up a lot on TV. Mamá loves to cook fried foods...she's got her own personal mini-fryer, so we have homemade French fries a lot, which are great...and then we have some sketchy fried croquetas, chicken nuggets, fish things, etc. But anyway...it's food, and I can't complain.
School
Yay for no more midterms! I studied pretty hard, and I'm happy to say that it payed off! Three 100% and one 90% (literature). Now, I can relax a bit as we approach finals, knowing I have a little more breathing room. We can make an 85% and still have an A!
My last excursion was on Sunday to Ávila...it's a beautiful city! Check out Facebook for pics.
Friends
I'm really grateful for Josh and Katherine because while there are other gringos here that speak English a lot, the three of us are fairly resolute to only speak Spanish around each other. We've let a few English words come into conversation occasionally, but it's nice to have an outlet to converse, knowing you'll understand the other person in exchange!
City
On Saturday, I went walking all the way up to the Plaza de Toros (bullring). I hadn't gotten to know that part of the city yet, so it was neat to see another side. There's a nice graffiti calling the toreros, murderers. (Ironically, toreros are also called matadores, which literally means "one who kills.") On the way back, I finally got the nerve to ask a restaurant owner if I could have the bullfighting poster in the window. (The bullfight had already passed, and I assume they'd just throw them away.) She didn't let me have the ones in the window, but she did go to the back and give me three others from the past! Score! Free awesome posters!
Language
I'm realizing more and more just the differences in Spain Spanish vs. Latin American Spanish. They use words and forms here that I would never use in Latin America...they're just too formal! Imagine an American/Australian and a Brit...it's kinda like that.
Culture
And again, I say that the days are looooong! It just seems we never stop here! Most of it is that I'm in class all day (8:30-11:30, 12-2, usually 4:45-6:45, and occasionally 7:15-9:15), but still...eating supper so late (10:00ish) and then having to do homework makes for an exhausting day...even more so since everything here's in another language!
One interesting cultural note is that there appears to be a small group of youngsters that want autonomy. I'm in the region of Castilla y León, and apparently, there are people who don't like the Castilla part. There is a lot of graffiti out there touting "País Leonés" and other things like that. Don't know why...but I'm sure I'll look it up one day.
My pictures on Facebook often tell more than I do here, so check them out!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
España - Week 2
Two weeks down, and here's an update from me!
Home
The family is still treating me well. The German student Benno arrived late Sunday night. As it was late, and he hadn't quite gotten into Spanish mode, I had to translate a lot into English for him. He has improved quite a bit, though. He's here for a four-week language course, because he is coming back within the next year to study psychology, and he wanted to make sure he could understand everything. My host mom doesn't trust him because he has a mohawk, thinking that all those type are bad. It doesn't help that he's German and drinks all the time. :P
School
Everything's going great with school. We have midterm exams starting on Tuesday, so I've gotta study a lot! I have no idea what to expect, except that they're multiple choice, worth 40% of my grade, and the professors say they're easy. (Easy for whom?) This past week, I had a class all about how to approach writing our 40-page "thesis," and my mind is racing. I want to do something related to the evolution of the Spanish Bible, and somehow tie that into the classroom. A tentative title would be something like "The linguistic evolution of the Spanish Bible and the understanding of the various translations by South Carolinian high school students." Who knows? I theoretically have three years to do this, but I want it to be done before next summer.
On Sundays, we get to explore other cities with pre-planned excursions. Last week, we went to Segovia and Coca, and this week, it was Zamora and Toro. It's nice to get out of Salamanca one day a week, except I got sunburnt today. Check out Facebook for pics from these excursions, as well as others from Salamanca.
Friends
Josh and I have been running/exercising at least three times a week, which helps us balance out the mental exertion of our stay here. We study on the weekends, just like any good nerd would do. :P Like I said last week, Josh is in another classroom, but I am in class with Katherine. It's nice to have gringo friends here, but I wish I were also closer to some native Spanish speakers, but it's all good.
City
Foreign invasion! This week was the official first week of summer courses, and that means that there are a zillion (or, a brazillion) more people here. So many more Americans, as well as people from all over the rest of the world. I feel robbed...it's no longer "our" city. At least I know now to soak up the week without the foreigners when I come next summer. Also, I'm starting to get the hang of when to go eat tapas and how to order them. I've found a delicious place for churros con chocolate and other things with chocolate. Yeah, I'm getting to know this place rather well.
Language
Still learning a lot of great phrases. I've tried speaking using vosotros, but it's forced. I do recognize it when I use ustedes that I should be using the other, but oh well. I'm still debating on classroom use of vosotros, as if I teach vosotros, which is purely a regionalism, then why not teach the other different Spanishes that are spoken in the other countries? And if I started doing that, then my students would be super confused. I think I'll use ustedes, but then when we study Spain, I'll tell them about vosotros, just as when we study Chile or Argentina or whatever, I'll talk about their dialect/verb conjugations. (Oh, and for those of y'all who are totally confused as to what those two Spanish words are, they're the words for y'all. It's just vosotros is used in Spain mostly, with ustedes being a more formal way to say it, whereas in the rest of the Spanish-speaking world, it's just ustedes.)
Culture
The days are LOOOONG. You go to class all "morning," eat lunch, sleep, go back to school, hang out for a little, eat again, and then go to bed (or go out, then go to bed). I miss the long periods of time when I could do nothing, like we have in the USA. But, I do love taking walks after supper, not just to help the food go down, but because it's cool out, and all the Spaniards are out, too.
In other news, I just bought tickets to Germany! I'm going immediately after my last exam on July 31. My friend Franziska lives in southern Germany, so I'll go visit her and travel around the Black Forest area...so excited!
So, that's what's up with me! What's up with you?
Home
The family is still treating me well. The German student Benno arrived late Sunday night. As it was late, and he hadn't quite gotten into Spanish mode, I had to translate a lot into English for him. He has improved quite a bit, though. He's here for a four-week language course, because he is coming back within the next year to study psychology, and he wanted to make sure he could understand everything. My host mom doesn't trust him because he has a mohawk, thinking that all those type are bad. It doesn't help that he's German and drinks all the time. :P
School
Everything's going great with school. We have midterm exams starting on Tuesday, so I've gotta study a lot! I have no idea what to expect, except that they're multiple choice, worth 40% of my grade, and the professors say they're easy. (Easy for whom?) This past week, I had a class all about how to approach writing our 40-page "thesis," and my mind is racing. I want to do something related to the evolution of the Spanish Bible, and somehow tie that into the classroom. A tentative title would be something like "The linguistic evolution of the Spanish Bible and the understanding of the various translations by South Carolinian high school students." Who knows? I theoretically have three years to do this, but I want it to be done before next summer.
On Sundays, we get to explore other cities with pre-planned excursions. Last week, we went to Segovia and Coca, and this week, it was Zamora and Toro. It's nice to get out of Salamanca one day a week, except I got sunburnt today. Check out Facebook for pics from these excursions, as well as others from Salamanca.
Friends
Josh and I have been running/exercising at least three times a week, which helps us balance out the mental exertion of our stay here. We study on the weekends, just like any good nerd would do. :P Like I said last week, Josh is in another classroom, but I am in class with Katherine. It's nice to have gringo friends here, but I wish I were also closer to some native Spanish speakers, but it's all good.
City
Foreign invasion! This week was the official first week of summer courses, and that means that there are a zillion (or, a brazillion) more people here. So many more Americans, as well as people from all over the rest of the world. I feel robbed...it's no longer "our" city. At least I know now to soak up the week without the foreigners when I come next summer. Also, I'm starting to get the hang of when to go eat tapas and how to order them. I've found a delicious place for churros con chocolate and other things with chocolate. Yeah, I'm getting to know this place rather well.
Language
Still learning a lot of great phrases. I've tried speaking using vosotros, but it's forced. I do recognize it when I use ustedes that I should be using the other, but oh well. I'm still debating on classroom use of vosotros, as if I teach vosotros, which is purely a regionalism, then why not teach the other different Spanishes that are spoken in the other countries? And if I started doing that, then my students would be super confused. I think I'll use ustedes, but then when we study Spain, I'll tell them about vosotros, just as when we study Chile or Argentina or whatever, I'll talk about their dialect/verb conjugations. (Oh, and for those of y'all who are totally confused as to what those two Spanish words are, they're the words for y'all. It's just vosotros is used in Spain mostly, with ustedes being a more formal way to say it, whereas in the rest of the Spanish-speaking world, it's just ustedes.)
Culture
The days are LOOOONG. You go to class all "morning," eat lunch, sleep, go back to school, hang out for a little, eat again, and then go to bed (or go out, then go to bed). I miss the long periods of time when I could do nothing, like we have in the USA. But, I do love taking walks after supper, not just to help the food go down, but because it's cool out, and all the Spaniards are out, too.
In other news, I just bought tickets to Germany! I'm going immediately after my last exam on July 31. My friend Franziska lives in southern Germany, so I'll go visit her and travel around the Black Forest area...so excited!
So, that's what's up with me! What's up with you?
Saturday, July 4, 2009
España - Week 1
Well, I've been in Salamanca, Spain for one week now. It's kinda surreal, actually. I'm like, "Am I really here? Am I really getting my Master's degree from the oldest university in Spain?" Just for your information, I'll be in class at the Universidad de Salamanca until July 31, and I'll fly home on August 6. Here are some thoughts from my one week here:
Home
I'm living with a host family, which is definitely the way to go when you travel. Yes, you give up your independence, but you gain so much more. My mom's name is Flor, and she has an 18-year-old son Esteban. It's just the two of them here. My mom works as a host mom. :) All of her income comes from my pocket, and the pocket of the other foreign students who come. Tomorrow, a German student will come and live with us, too. (And actually, Esteban flew to England today for a three week stint learning English.) The family is nice, and we live very close to where I go to school during the day. We live in an apartment. I have my own room and bathroom, but I will share the bathroom when the German student arrives. My mom makes the food for all the meals. I have had quite a variety of food, ranging from basic pasta with tomato sauce and cheese, to what I'm going to eat tomorrow, which is crawfish...they were alive and in the sink last night. :P
School
Yeah. The oldest university in Spain. My classroom is in a palace. A palace. It's pretty great. There are four groups in the first phase of this Master's Degree. Each group has their own classroom, and we stay in that one room for all of our classes. I have five classes between 8:30 and 2:00, Monday through Friday:
1) Evolution of the Spanish Language - I LOVE this class. We just started getting into the good stuff on Thursday. We examine different influences that other cultures have had on the language so that we can better understand why Spanish is the way that it is. The professor is very smart and knows a lot about other languages.
2) Contemporary Spanish Literature - Literature is not my favorite thing, and I was disappointed further to find out that this was Contemporary Literature (as I really wanted to read/study El Quijote), but praise the Lord my professor is super nice. She's also the mentor for our group. Her name is Milagros ("Miracles"). Right now I understand it well, and even through my opinion into class discussion yesterday! (The professors love it when we native English speakers give our input, since the majority of the students are native Spanish speakers. The program is for K-12 teachers in the US and Canada, but most of these teachers came to the US from Latin America, and thus have a distinct linguistic advantage.)
3) Contemporary Spanish History - Ok, so the professor totally looks like a teacher from the 1950s with her short hairdo, well-defined eyebrows, and the general stern, strict expression on her face. But she's anything but. It's just funny, because that's how you'd imagine a history teacher to look. The class is nice, but being the third class of the morning right before a 30 minute break, I find myself wandering off... I made the mistake of not reading ahead yesterday and paid for it...fighting to understand the language, to comprehend the material, and to not fall asleep!
4) Spanish Grammar - I walked in thinking it would be cake, and it still is one of my favorite classes, but she's been really emphasizing this rule that not even the native speakers use often. This is definitely the most controversial class! In the end, it might end up being easier for us Anglophones, as we learned Spanish by rules and not social interaction, so adding another few rules to the list shouldn't be bad. The professor loves calling on me (and the other English speakers) just to make sure we still understand, because though we did learn the rules, we don't have the advantage of knowing absolutely what sounds best (all the subtle nuances of the language).
5) Resources for Foreign Language Teachers - This class will change each week, but this week was all about culture, what it is, and how to implement different activities in class. I learned a lot about Spanish customs in this class this week.
I also have afternoon sessions, ranging from going to important places in the city, to watching a movie. (Cinema also has an exam, which will prove to be my Achilles heel, as I really didn't understand the movie we watched this week!)
There's not too much homework, but it is super important to stay on top of the material. Participation is only 20% of our grade. The other 80% comes from either one or two exams. Yeah. Killer.
And just for those who don't know, I will go to class for five weeks this summer, five weeks next summer, write a 40+ page thesis (in Spanish, of course), and fulfill a couple of other requirements, which hopefully will be easy. It really is a neat program, and very cost-effective...only about 1/2 the price of an Master's Degree from the States!
Friends
I realized on the way to Spain that I was going to be gone for six weeks, and I really had no idea who else was going to be there. When I went to Chile for a semester, I at least knew who was coming with me. But this time, I had no idea what to expect. Luckily, the first day, I met Katherine and Josh. Obviously, they're English speakers from Wyoming and Michigan, respectively. I have class with Katherine, but Josh is in another group. Katherine is renting an apartment for these weeks, as her husband is also here. Josh lives with a family right down the road from me. We're all good and only speak Spanish with each other, as we three recognize that we're here to learn Spanish. It's frustrating at times, and sometimes we do have to insert an English word now and then, but it's fine.
City
Salamanca is BEAUTIFUL! Cobblestone alleyways. Centuries-old cathedrals. Cafés serving the best in local Spanish cuisine. So much history! This is very much a college town, and there are many international students. There are also a fair amount of tourists, especially since this is the summertime. You really have no idea what language people are going to be speaking (though Americans generally have a distinct look to them). I feel very safe here, with only two times where I felt uncomfortable, but crisis averted. The city, being an ancient Spanish city, was built around a main square--the Plaza Mayor. I love going here just to watch people. There's such an energy about the plaza that's addicting! Last night, there was a band playing and singing, and on the other side of the plaza, there were people dancing to a flautist/drummer, some of whom had castanets. And there's a great ice cream shop in the plaza, too. :)
Language
The Spaniards love their Spanish! The very first day I got here, my host mom told me that she was going to have to "correct" my Latin American Spanish that I had learned in Chile. Well, I have nothing against learning the Spanish dialect, but to say that Spain Spanish is superior is, well, cuico. :P (Sorry, only you Chilean readers will get that.) It's incredible to hear the vosotros form used all over the place as if it were nothing, but now that I think about it, the Chileans had their own verb form, as to the Argentineans. Vosotros gets overlooked in classes often, but I have never neglected to teach it. I probably will use it more in my lessons next year. I am learning a lot of new vocabulary, slang, and idioms. My professors all speak clearly, but people on the street, the TV, and movies are still often hard to understand. But, you learn to adapt.
Culture
The Spanish have their own schedule, and it's definitely unique! Lunch isn't until 3:00 or so (and that's when the news comes on the TV). Then, you have your siesta, which is the glorious time of afternoon rest after a long morning of class. Then, you go back to work/school for a few more hours, getting finished about 7:00, or even later. Supper isn't until 10:00 in my house. The other night during supper, my mom asked me, "Are you going to go out tonight?" The night is not done after supper! It's normal to stay out past midnight all the time. (After all, that's what siesta is for!) Another good thing about siesta is that it lets you be inside during the hottest part of the day. So, when you go back out, it is still warm, but at least it is cooling down. Here in Salamanca, it doesn't get dark until about 11:00 or so at night. I guess that also contributes to their tendency to stay out all night!
So, overall, Spain is great! I stay pretty tired, but I try to rest when I can. Josh and I go running every couple of days, which is good for the mind and the body. It's just phenomenal how taxing speaking in another language is! It's an experience you can only get, well, if you spoke another language! :P
I hope all is well back in the States. And just so you don't have this misconception...there is July the Fourth in Spain. I'm currently typing this blog on that date. :P Peace!
(Oh, and check the Facebook for pictures!)
Home
I'm living with a host family, which is definitely the way to go when you travel. Yes, you give up your independence, but you gain so much more. My mom's name is Flor, and she has an 18-year-old son Esteban. It's just the two of them here. My mom works as a host mom. :) All of her income comes from my pocket, and the pocket of the other foreign students who come. Tomorrow, a German student will come and live with us, too. (And actually, Esteban flew to England today for a three week stint learning English.) The family is nice, and we live very close to where I go to school during the day. We live in an apartment. I have my own room and bathroom, but I will share the bathroom when the German student arrives. My mom makes the food for all the meals. I have had quite a variety of food, ranging from basic pasta with tomato sauce and cheese, to what I'm going to eat tomorrow, which is crawfish...they were alive and in the sink last night. :P
School
Yeah. The oldest university in Spain. My classroom is in a palace. A palace. It's pretty great. There are four groups in the first phase of this Master's Degree. Each group has their own classroom, and we stay in that one room for all of our classes. I have five classes between 8:30 and 2:00, Monday through Friday:
1) Evolution of the Spanish Language - I LOVE this class. We just started getting into the good stuff on Thursday. We examine different influences that other cultures have had on the language so that we can better understand why Spanish is the way that it is. The professor is very smart and knows a lot about other languages.
2) Contemporary Spanish Literature - Literature is not my favorite thing, and I was disappointed further to find out that this was Contemporary Literature (as I really wanted to read/study El Quijote), but praise the Lord my professor is super nice. She's also the mentor for our group. Her name is Milagros ("Miracles"). Right now I understand it well, and even through my opinion into class discussion yesterday! (The professors love it when we native English speakers give our input, since the majority of the students are native Spanish speakers. The program is for K-12 teachers in the US and Canada, but most of these teachers came to the US from Latin America, and thus have a distinct linguistic advantage.)
3) Contemporary Spanish History - Ok, so the professor totally looks like a teacher from the 1950s with her short hairdo, well-defined eyebrows, and the general stern, strict expression on her face. But she's anything but. It's just funny, because that's how you'd imagine a history teacher to look. The class is nice, but being the third class of the morning right before a 30 minute break, I find myself wandering off... I made the mistake of not reading ahead yesterday and paid for it...fighting to understand the language, to comprehend the material, and to not fall asleep!
4) Spanish Grammar - I walked in thinking it would be cake, and it still is one of my favorite classes, but she's been really emphasizing this rule that not even the native speakers use often. This is definitely the most controversial class! In the end, it might end up being easier for us Anglophones, as we learned Spanish by rules and not social interaction, so adding another few rules to the list shouldn't be bad. The professor loves calling on me (and the other English speakers) just to make sure we still understand, because though we did learn the rules, we don't have the advantage of knowing absolutely what sounds best (all the subtle nuances of the language).
5) Resources for Foreign Language Teachers - This class will change each week, but this week was all about culture, what it is, and how to implement different activities in class. I learned a lot about Spanish customs in this class this week.
I also have afternoon sessions, ranging from going to important places in the city, to watching a movie. (Cinema also has an exam, which will prove to be my Achilles heel, as I really didn't understand the movie we watched this week!)
There's not too much homework, but it is super important to stay on top of the material. Participation is only 20% of our grade. The other 80% comes from either one or two exams. Yeah. Killer.
And just for those who don't know, I will go to class for five weeks this summer, five weeks next summer, write a 40+ page thesis (in Spanish, of course), and fulfill a couple of other requirements, which hopefully will be easy. It really is a neat program, and very cost-effective...only about 1/2 the price of an Master's Degree from the States!
Friends
I realized on the way to Spain that I was going to be gone for six weeks, and I really had no idea who else was going to be there. When I went to Chile for a semester, I at least knew who was coming with me. But this time, I had no idea what to expect. Luckily, the first day, I met Katherine and Josh. Obviously, they're English speakers from Wyoming and Michigan, respectively. I have class with Katherine, but Josh is in another group. Katherine is renting an apartment for these weeks, as her husband is also here. Josh lives with a family right down the road from me. We're all good and only speak Spanish with each other, as we three recognize that we're here to learn Spanish. It's frustrating at times, and sometimes we do have to insert an English word now and then, but it's fine.
City
Salamanca is BEAUTIFUL! Cobblestone alleyways. Centuries-old cathedrals. Cafés serving the best in local Spanish cuisine. So much history! This is very much a college town, and there are many international students. There are also a fair amount of tourists, especially since this is the summertime. You really have no idea what language people are going to be speaking (though Americans generally have a distinct look to them). I feel very safe here, with only two times where I felt uncomfortable, but crisis averted. The city, being an ancient Spanish city, was built around a main square--the Plaza Mayor. I love going here just to watch people. There's such an energy about the plaza that's addicting! Last night, there was a band playing and singing, and on the other side of the plaza, there were people dancing to a flautist/drummer, some of whom had castanets. And there's a great ice cream shop in the plaza, too. :)
Language
The Spaniards love their Spanish! The very first day I got here, my host mom told me that she was going to have to "correct" my Latin American Spanish that I had learned in Chile. Well, I have nothing against learning the Spanish dialect, but to say that Spain Spanish is superior is, well, cuico. :P (Sorry, only you Chilean readers will get that.) It's incredible to hear the vosotros form used all over the place as if it were nothing, but now that I think about it, the Chileans had their own verb form, as to the Argentineans. Vosotros gets overlooked in classes often, but I have never neglected to teach it. I probably will use it more in my lessons next year. I am learning a lot of new vocabulary, slang, and idioms. My professors all speak clearly, but people on the street, the TV, and movies are still often hard to understand. But, you learn to adapt.
Culture
The Spanish have their own schedule, and it's definitely unique! Lunch isn't until 3:00 or so (and that's when the news comes on the TV). Then, you have your siesta, which is the glorious time of afternoon rest after a long morning of class. Then, you go back to work/school for a few more hours, getting finished about 7:00, or even later. Supper isn't until 10:00 in my house. The other night during supper, my mom asked me, "Are you going to go out tonight?" The night is not done after supper! It's normal to stay out past midnight all the time. (After all, that's what siesta is for!) Another good thing about siesta is that it lets you be inside during the hottest part of the day. So, when you go back out, it is still warm, but at least it is cooling down. Here in Salamanca, it doesn't get dark until about 11:00 or so at night. I guess that also contributes to their tendency to stay out all night!
So, overall, Spain is great! I stay pretty tired, but I try to rest when I can. Josh and I go running every couple of days, which is good for the mind and the body. It's just phenomenal how taxing speaking in another language is! It's an experience you can only get, well, if you spoke another language! :P
I hope all is well back in the States. And just so you don't have this misconception...there is July the Fourth in Spain. I'm currently typing this blog on that date. :P Peace!
(Oh, and check the Facebook for pictures!)
Monday, June 15, 2009
I am blessed.
I am blessed.
With our world going through tough economic times, it’s good to take a step back and recognize all that God has given us. (It kind of makes me wonder why people get down when the market’s down. Are we serving God or money?) If God truly is Jehovah Jireh like He claims to be in His Word, then I’ve nothing to worry about. You probably know of my celebrity crush on Nichole Nordeman, and here is yet another quote from her. It’s from her song “Gratitude”: “We are blessed beyond what we could ever dream in abundance or in need.” So, I decided to list out how He has blessed me and provided for me.
First and foremost, He has given me His grace. For some mysterious reason, He chose to extend His love and mercy to this sinner. Without Him, my life would be self-absorbed, and I would miss the beauty all around me. I still choose to make life about me sometimes, and that never ends well. I pray that if you have not received His grace that you would hear Him and accept this free gift.
Along these same lines, He has allowed me to grow up in an area where the name of Christ was very prevalent. My mom, dad, and most of the rest of my family are all Christians and were able to raise me and train me in a way that showed me the love of God. I think of those who are in areas that are not easily accessible and who do not have the Gospel. How will they believe unless they hear? How will they hear unless someone tells them? How will we tell them unless we go? In the United States where we have religious freedom, may we use this as an opportunity to share His name and actually do it, not grow complacent in the fact that we could if we wanted but then never do.
Not only has He allowed me to be surrounded by Christians, He has also given me access to His Word. I don’t know the statistics off hand, but there are so many people out there who speak languages in which there is not a single Bible verse. May God bless those who work diligently translating the Bible into other languages, and may we not take for granted the fact that we have the Scripture in a language that we can understand.
God has also blessed me with readily available education (with which I became capable of reading God’s Word!). Being raised in the United States, I was able to obtain a high school education that did not put me or my family out of every penny we had. I recognize that we pay taxes that go towards schools, but I think of cases like one woman I talked to who had to pay for every worksheet she ever got. (She was not raised in the United States.) I think that many students in the USA take education for granted and do not see its lasting value. Even having that high school education gives you the skills needed to navigate successfully in our society.
Not only, though, was I able to attend high school, but I also went on to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Clemson University. During my sophomore year, God opened the door for me to spend a semester in Chile. It was not a mission trip; however, I know He used me to reach others, and He used others to speak to me. Having to rely heavily on His strength at times, I worked hard and received my degree in Spanish in 2006.
He has also granted me another opportunity to study abroad in Spain starting this summer to pursue my master’s degree. Like in Chile, I will be living with a family, and I pray even now that He will work in their hearts as I bring Christ to them.
I count each time I have been to other countries as a distinct blessing from God. Whether the purpose was for missions, education, or vacation, He has used those experiences to shape my mind and give me a new perspective on the world. Because of this, I know He will be able to use me in unique ways. While I was at Clemson, I participated in FCA’s International Ministry, which sent students out seeking those from other countries. We were to wrap them up, love them, help them, and show them Christ. Having been the foreigner before, I was able to meet them where they were as we built a relationship.
Another benefit to my having been a lot of places, both abroad and in my own country, is the fact that I have been blessed to see so much of God’s creation. I have seen the depths of the Grand Canyon. I have looked down from the top of the Andes Mountains. I have seen so many beautiful waterfalls in the mountains right here in South Carolina. I have watched so many amazing sunrises and sunsets that I cannot count them all. God created all of this! I oftentimes just have to stop and be silent when I see these things. Creation is so beautiful, and that is why I want to do what I can to protect it. (Recycle and turn off your lights, people! ) It’s not that I worship the earth, but I worship He who created it, because since He created it, it belongs to Him. Since I love Him, I want to care for that which is His. And just when I think I have seen the most beautiful thing on earth, I am reminded that even the most beautiful rays of sunshine or the most majestic mountain peak is only a miniscule glimpse of the unsurpassed beauty of our God in Heaven! What a day that will be when we behold Him in Glory!
Throughout my life and especially at school, a lot of things have come naturally to me. I have not had to struggle a lot with many academic concepts. While it may seem weird to thank God for my intellect, it is a part of me that I must use for His glory. It is sometimes easy to sit and bask in the light of my own achievements, but I must recognize that who I am is a direct result of God’s design, so I must honor and glorify Him with all that I am. In this regards, I am able to take my understanding of different things and work with others to help them succeed as well. If they thank me, I need to safeguard myself against grabbing for the glory for myself and rather give the credit to Him. By my interactions with others, I am able to give them a glimpse of the Gospel.
God has not only blessed me with an able mind, but also He has blessed me with an able body. I don’t claim to be a body builder, but I do consider myself to be in good shape. I have tried to eat well and exercise to keep myself like this. Yes, I confess that sometimes I do it for prideful reasons, but if you stripped those away, I also want to stay fit so that I can help people around me. If someone needed me to move things, change a tire, or carry something, then I would be able. No, those things aren’t preaching the Gospel with words, but who ever said you needed words? Serving people is a beautiful way to love people, and it is the kind of love that Jesus Christ showed on the earth.
God has also blessed me with material possessions. I always feel like I need to be careful when talking about possessions, but I think it’s only right to take a look at what we have and give God all the glory. After all, nothing we have is ours anyway. He provided us with the means to obtain our stuff, whether it is a friend who gives us something or a paycheck with which to buy something. We should always be conscientious of the fact that our stuff isn’t ours, and that we should use it for Kingdom purposes. May we use extra rooms in our house to give shelter to those who don’t have it. May we use our cars to transport those who may have no other option. May we use our money to give to those in need. Also, may we use wisely the things that we feel only we will use, such as our food. Maybe our moms were correct when they taught us to clean our plates. I do praise Him that I have never had to go without shelter, food, water, or clothing, but may He strengthen me and give me faith in Him when He may lead me through times when I have to do without.
I thank God for the talents and gifts He has given me, and also for the outlets in which I can use them. My two favorite things are music and language. God has granted me many opportunities to use these in positions that I not only can enjoy, but also give Him glory in the fact that I am using what He has given me appropriately. I love the times I get to play piano in church or translate between an American and a Cuban. If I didn’t live my life using the things with which He has blessed me, it would be up to the rocks and the trees to praise Him. (Hey, He’ll get the glory either way. By my utilizing my God-given gifts, however, I also get to enjoy Him.)
God has blessed me with incredible friends that have surrounded me throughout my life. When I went off to college, leaving my family behind (sorta…I kinda enjoyed going home to do laundry), I met nine amazing guys and girls. We went through awesome times and some non-awesome times together, but we went through them together nonetheless. Not all of them are Christians, and sometimes that has proved to be a source of temptation for me, but on the flip side, I pray that I have shown them the love of Jesus.
God also allowed that I work on staff at Summersalt, a Christian youth camp, for four summers. I know the main purpose of the camp was to reach youth for Christ, and I had a blast doing that, but the most treasured thing that I got out of working there was being surrounded by the other counselors for six weeks. Seeing the 25 of us work, eat, laugh, pray, cry, worship, struggle, and succeed together was such a picture of the early church. I soaked up every moment I had with them and felt so empty on the weekends that I went home and especially after camp was over for the summer. God gave us Christian community, and I really pray that you are involved in a group of people that pushes you deeper in your walk with Christ. In Acts 2.42-47, we see the early church together, and just through their living in one accord, many others were brought to a saving faith in Christ. We were not meant to do life alone, so surround yourself with other brothers and sisters. You won’t regret it!
One of the biggest blessings I have here on this earth is my family. I am blessed to have a large family that is, for the most part, all Christian. When we all get together, we laugh so much, we fight occasionally, we cry sometimes, and we just generally enjoy each others’ presence. One of the most precious times of the year for me is Christmas Eve with my mom’s side of the family. I’ve never gone to church on Christmas Eve, and while that may initially sound weird coming from a Christian, I don’t spend Christmas without worshiping. We have church right there in the den. We read the Christmas story by oil lamp. We grandchildren dramatize the story in what we call the “pageant.” We then spend some time in reflection over the past year, sharing what God has done in and through us. We spend time in prayer. Usually, too, we sing the Hallelujah chorus. (There’s a benefit for being from a musical family!) When I’m with my family, I feel the love of God. I know I can share anything with them, and they will never stop supporting me. I recognize that not everyone has a caring family, and so I especially thank God that He has granted me this blessing.
The final blessing that I would like to mention is my amazing girlfriend Tiffany. I am humbled to know that God has placed such a godly woman in my life. She truly is beautiful on both the outside and the inside. He has orchestrated so many things in both of our lives to draw us together. In our relationship, I have been challenged so much as she has pushed me to be the man of God that He has called me to be. We try our hardest to keep Christ as the focus of our relationship. Through doing this, it really helps us maintain the correct perspective as we try to figure out this thing called “love.” I have grown so much in Christ and as a person through my relationship with Tiffany, and I eagerly anticipate what He has in store for us in the future.
So, that was my dissertation on the many, many ways that I am blessed. I’m sure I could keep typing if I wanted. God has been so good to me, and I know He has blessed you so much, too. It may or may not be in the same way as He has me, but He has blessed you. After all, if you’re able to read this, that means that He has granted you breath! So, I encourage you to reflect on the goodness of God. May you never forget that you are His creation, so never cease to give Him all the honor, glory, and praise.
EDIT: I also just wanted to add that it is a blessing that God has blessed me with a dad who manages his money well and who has taught me those skills. As a result, I am currently living debt-free...no credit card backup, no car payment, and no student loans (but then again, I'm not currently paying rent :P). On top of that, I've already paid for half of my master's program in Spain. It's such a blessing to not be tied down to monthly payments. I pray God will allow me to keep managing my money well so that I can continue to tithe faithfully and use the rest of my money to help further His kingdom on earth.
With our world going through tough economic times, it’s good to take a step back and recognize all that God has given us. (It kind of makes me wonder why people get down when the market’s down. Are we serving God or money?) If God truly is Jehovah Jireh like He claims to be in His Word, then I’ve nothing to worry about. You probably know of my celebrity crush on Nichole Nordeman, and here is yet another quote from her. It’s from her song “Gratitude”: “We are blessed beyond what we could ever dream in abundance or in need.” So, I decided to list out how He has blessed me and provided for me.
First and foremost, He has given me His grace. For some mysterious reason, He chose to extend His love and mercy to this sinner. Without Him, my life would be self-absorbed, and I would miss the beauty all around me. I still choose to make life about me sometimes, and that never ends well. I pray that if you have not received His grace that you would hear Him and accept this free gift.
Along these same lines, He has allowed me to grow up in an area where the name of Christ was very prevalent. My mom, dad, and most of the rest of my family are all Christians and were able to raise me and train me in a way that showed me the love of God. I think of those who are in areas that are not easily accessible and who do not have the Gospel. How will they believe unless they hear? How will they hear unless someone tells them? How will we tell them unless we go? In the United States where we have religious freedom, may we use this as an opportunity to share His name and actually do it, not grow complacent in the fact that we could if we wanted but then never do.
Not only has He allowed me to be surrounded by Christians, He has also given me access to His Word. I don’t know the statistics off hand, but there are so many people out there who speak languages in which there is not a single Bible verse. May God bless those who work diligently translating the Bible into other languages, and may we not take for granted the fact that we have the Scripture in a language that we can understand.
God has also blessed me with readily available education (with which I became capable of reading God’s Word!). Being raised in the United States, I was able to obtain a high school education that did not put me or my family out of every penny we had. I recognize that we pay taxes that go towards schools, but I think of cases like one woman I talked to who had to pay for every worksheet she ever got. (She was not raised in the United States.) I think that many students in the USA take education for granted and do not see its lasting value. Even having that high school education gives you the skills needed to navigate successfully in our society.
Not only, though, was I able to attend high school, but I also went on to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Clemson University. During my sophomore year, God opened the door for me to spend a semester in Chile. It was not a mission trip; however, I know He used me to reach others, and He used others to speak to me. Having to rely heavily on His strength at times, I worked hard and received my degree in Spanish in 2006.
He has also granted me another opportunity to study abroad in Spain starting this summer to pursue my master’s degree. Like in Chile, I will be living with a family, and I pray even now that He will work in their hearts as I bring Christ to them.
I count each time I have been to other countries as a distinct blessing from God. Whether the purpose was for missions, education, or vacation, He has used those experiences to shape my mind and give me a new perspective on the world. Because of this, I know He will be able to use me in unique ways. While I was at Clemson, I participated in FCA’s International Ministry, which sent students out seeking those from other countries. We were to wrap them up, love them, help them, and show them Christ. Having been the foreigner before, I was able to meet them where they were as we built a relationship.
Another benefit to my having been a lot of places, both abroad and in my own country, is the fact that I have been blessed to see so much of God’s creation. I have seen the depths of the Grand Canyon. I have looked down from the top of the Andes Mountains. I have seen so many beautiful waterfalls in the mountains right here in South Carolina. I have watched so many amazing sunrises and sunsets that I cannot count them all. God created all of this! I oftentimes just have to stop and be silent when I see these things. Creation is so beautiful, and that is why I want to do what I can to protect it. (Recycle and turn off your lights, people! ) It’s not that I worship the earth, but I worship He who created it, because since He created it, it belongs to Him. Since I love Him, I want to care for that which is His. And just when I think I have seen the most beautiful thing on earth, I am reminded that even the most beautiful rays of sunshine or the most majestic mountain peak is only a miniscule glimpse of the unsurpassed beauty of our God in Heaven! What a day that will be when we behold Him in Glory!
Throughout my life and especially at school, a lot of things have come naturally to me. I have not had to struggle a lot with many academic concepts. While it may seem weird to thank God for my intellect, it is a part of me that I must use for His glory. It is sometimes easy to sit and bask in the light of my own achievements, but I must recognize that who I am is a direct result of God’s design, so I must honor and glorify Him with all that I am. In this regards, I am able to take my understanding of different things and work with others to help them succeed as well. If they thank me, I need to safeguard myself against grabbing for the glory for myself and rather give the credit to Him. By my interactions with others, I am able to give them a glimpse of the Gospel.
God has not only blessed me with an able mind, but also He has blessed me with an able body. I don’t claim to be a body builder, but I do consider myself to be in good shape. I have tried to eat well and exercise to keep myself like this. Yes, I confess that sometimes I do it for prideful reasons, but if you stripped those away, I also want to stay fit so that I can help people around me. If someone needed me to move things, change a tire, or carry something, then I would be able. No, those things aren’t preaching the Gospel with words, but who ever said you needed words? Serving people is a beautiful way to love people, and it is the kind of love that Jesus Christ showed on the earth.
God has also blessed me with material possessions. I always feel like I need to be careful when talking about possessions, but I think it’s only right to take a look at what we have and give God all the glory. After all, nothing we have is ours anyway. He provided us with the means to obtain our stuff, whether it is a friend who gives us something or a paycheck with which to buy something. We should always be conscientious of the fact that our stuff isn’t ours, and that we should use it for Kingdom purposes. May we use extra rooms in our house to give shelter to those who don’t have it. May we use our cars to transport those who may have no other option. May we use our money to give to those in need. Also, may we use wisely the things that we feel only we will use, such as our food. Maybe our moms were correct when they taught us to clean our plates. I do praise Him that I have never had to go without shelter, food, water, or clothing, but may He strengthen me and give me faith in Him when He may lead me through times when I have to do without.
I thank God for the talents and gifts He has given me, and also for the outlets in which I can use them. My two favorite things are music and language. God has granted me many opportunities to use these in positions that I not only can enjoy, but also give Him glory in the fact that I am using what He has given me appropriately. I love the times I get to play piano in church or translate between an American and a Cuban. If I didn’t live my life using the things with which He has blessed me, it would be up to the rocks and the trees to praise Him. (Hey, He’ll get the glory either way. By my utilizing my God-given gifts, however, I also get to enjoy Him.)
God has blessed me with incredible friends that have surrounded me throughout my life. When I went off to college, leaving my family behind (sorta…I kinda enjoyed going home to do laundry), I met nine amazing guys and girls. We went through awesome times and some non-awesome times together, but we went through them together nonetheless. Not all of them are Christians, and sometimes that has proved to be a source of temptation for me, but on the flip side, I pray that I have shown them the love of Jesus.
God also allowed that I work on staff at Summersalt, a Christian youth camp, for four summers. I know the main purpose of the camp was to reach youth for Christ, and I had a blast doing that, but the most treasured thing that I got out of working there was being surrounded by the other counselors for six weeks. Seeing the 25 of us work, eat, laugh, pray, cry, worship, struggle, and succeed together was such a picture of the early church. I soaked up every moment I had with them and felt so empty on the weekends that I went home and especially after camp was over for the summer. God gave us Christian community, and I really pray that you are involved in a group of people that pushes you deeper in your walk with Christ. In Acts 2.42-47, we see the early church together, and just through their living in one accord, many others were brought to a saving faith in Christ. We were not meant to do life alone, so surround yourself with other brothers and sisters. You won’t regret it!
One of the biggest blessings I have here on this earth is my family. I am blessed to have a large family that is, for the most part, all Christian. When we all get together, we laugh so much, we fight occasionally, we cry sometimes, and we just generally enjoy each others’ presence. One of the most precious times of the year for me is Christmas Eve with my mom’s side of the family. I’ve never gone to church on Christmas Eve, and while that may initially sound weird coming from a Christian, I don’t spend Christmas without worshiping. We have church right there in the den. We read the Christmas story by oil lamp. We grandchildren dramatize the story in what we call the “pageant.” We then spend some time in reflection over the past year, sharing what God has done in and through us. We spend time in prayer. Usually, too, we sing the Hallelujah chorus. (There’s a benefit for being from a musical family!) When I’m with my family, I feel the love of God. I know I can share anything with them, and they will never stop supporting me. I recognize that not everyone has a caring family, and so I especially thank God that He has granted me this blessing.
The final blessing that I would like to mention is my amazing girlfriend Tiffany. I am humbled to know that God has placed such a godly woman in my life. She truly is beautiful on both the outside and the inside. He has orchestrated so many things in both of our lives to draw us together. In our relationship, I have been challenged so much as she has pushed me to be the man of God that He has called me to be. We try our hardest to keep Christ as the focus of our relationship. Through doing this, it really helps us maintain the correct perspective as we try to figure out this thing called “love.” I have grown so much in Christ and as a person through my relationship with Tiffany, and I eagerly anticipate what He has in store for us in the future.
So, that was my dissertation on the many, many ways that I am blessed. I’m sure I could keep typing if I wanted. God has been so good to me, and I know He has blessed you so much, too. It may or may not be in the same way as He has me, but He has blessed you. After all, if you’re able to read this, that means that He has granted you breath! So, I encourage you to reflect on the goodness of God. May you never forget that you are His creation, so never cease to give Him all the honor, glory, and praise.
EDIT: I also just wanted to add that it is a blessing that God has blessed me with a dad who manages his money well and who has taught me those skills. As a result, I am currently living debt-free...no credit card backup, no car payment, and no student loans (but then again, I'm not currently paying rent :P). On top of that, I've already paid for half of my master's program in Spain. It's such a blessing to not be tied down to monthly payments. I pray God will allow me to keep managing my money well so that I can continue to tithe faithfully and use the rest of my money to help further His kingdom on earth.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Wishlist
I had posted this on my Facebook around December, but I've made some additions. This is a general wishlist for me in case you ever felt compelled to buy me things. It's been said that guys are hard to buy for, so here's a fairly exhaustive list of things I like, including some specific things you could get me. Please note that this is not a call for you to buy me things, but rather a guideline (should you choose to use it) if that call ever came. :) And also note that I like everything.
1. money donated to other causes (Heifer International, Blood:Water Mission, local missions, etc.)
2. anything involving beavers (shirts, figurines, etc.)
3. music - contemp. Christian, movie scores, orchestral, classical, world (celtic, flamenco, and all others), new age, Latin, popera, coffeeshop-style (veg-out music), instrumental folk
4. piano books (hymn arrangements, movie scores, classical, new age, quiet stuff)
5. Bible study aids (Greek and Hebrew stuff, exegeses, commentaries, study Bibles)
6. books - thrillers, Christian (I have zero C. S. Lewis), history, informative, poetry, anything in Spanish, South Carolina
7. things related to geocaching
8. dark chocolate (but no other candy unless from another country)
9. hot tea (and any accessories thereof...I also like coffee)
10. any rich, savory, weird, foreign, and/or exotic food (like chocolate infused with chili powder)
11. organic/healthy food, and I also would like more spices (besides the only two I have now, paprika and curry powder)
12. shirts (casual or nicer) (M in t-shirt, M or L in long-sleeve, button-up: 16-16 1/2 neck, 32/33 or 34/35 sleeve)
13. pants (33 or 34 W, 32 L, M if sized)
14. shoes - 12
15. ties
16. atlases, globes, maps (of any kind...ancient, modern, old, new, etc. and if you can score one of those pull-down maps like from high school, you’re awesome)
17. anything related to geography, culture, language, flags
18. things from other places (including and especially food, art, artisanry, etc.)
19. anything related to the Spanish world (books, signs, buttons, music, food, history, artisanry, etc. just not dictionaries unless it's especially unique)
20. stuff for teaching (markers, printer/notebook/construction paper, craft supplies, writing utensils, decorations, etc.)
21. jigsaw puzzles
22. brain teasers (logic, sudoku, word, and anything else)
23. things to help me relax (and that includes massages or any other spa things!)
24. anything that can be collected, classified, and/or organized
25. gift cards: Books-a-Million, Amazon.com, Target, Lifeway, BP gas, Publix grocery, iTunes, Belk, money towards an airline ticket or skydiving
Specifics:
1) Interlinear Hebrew-Greek-English Bible (Jay P. Green has one)
2) Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon
3) Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament
4) Mounce's Basics of Biblical Greek (text and workbook)
5) Pratico and Van Pelt's Basics of Biblical Hebrew (text and workbook)
6) nice watch with the holes in the strap so it is adjustable instead of the fold-over clasp thing that is only adjustable by removing the links (preferrably brown/silver in color)
7) TV
8) electric tea kettle
9) umbrella
10) Amazing Race or Survivor complete seasons
11) piano music for Josh Groban albums (besides Closer)
12) French press (for tea/coffee)
13) Sixpence None the Richer CDs
14) Burlap to Cashmere CDs
15) Mannheim Steamroller CDs (besides Romantic Melodies)
16) Celtic Woman CDs (besides A New Journey)
17) Loreena McKennitt CDs (besides An Ancient Muse)
18) Caedmon's Call CDs (besides Share the Well and In the Company of Angels II)
19) Rodrigo y Gabriela CDs
1. money donated to other causes (Heifer International, Blood:Water Mission, local missions, etc.)
2. anything involving beavers (shirts, figurines, etc.)
3. music - contemp. Christian, movie scores, orchestral, classical, world (celtic, flamenco, and all others), new age, Latin, popera, coffeeshop-style (veg-out music), instrumental folk
4. piano books (hymn arrangements, movie scores, classical, new age, quiet stuff)
5. Bible study aids (Greek and Hebrew stuff, exegeses, commentaries, study Bibles)
6. books - thrillers, Christian (I have zero C. S. Lewis), history, informative, poetry, anything in Spanish, South Carolina
7. things related to geocaching
8. dark chocolate (but no other candy unless from another country)
9. hot tea (and any accessories thereof...I also like coffee)
10. any rich, savory, weird, foreign, and/or exotic food (like chocolate infused with chili powder)
11. organic/healthy food, and I also would like more spices (besides the only two I have now, paprika and curry powder)
12. shirts (casual or nicer) (M in t-shirt, M or L in long-sleeve, button-up: 16-16 1/2 neck, 32/33 or 34/35 sleeve)
13. pants (33 or 34 W, 32 L, M if sized)
14. shoes - 12
15. ties
16. atlases, globes, maps (of any kind...ancient, modern, old, new, etc. and if you can score one of those pull-down maps like from high school, you’re awesome)
17. anything related to geography, culture, language, flags
18. things from other places (including and especially food, art, artisanry, etc.)
19. anything related to the Spanish world (books, signs, buttons, music, food, history, artisanry, etc. just not dictionaries unless it's especially unique)
20. stuff for teaching (markers, printer/notebook/construction paper, craft supplies, writing utensils, decorations, etc.)
21. jigsaw puzzles
22. brain teasers (logic, sudoku, word, and anything else)
23. things to help me relax (and that includes massages or any other spa things!)
24. anything that can be collected, classified, and/or organized
25. gift cards: Books-a-Million, Amazon.com, Target, Lifeway, BP gas, Publix grocery, iTunes, Belk, money towards an airline ticket or skydiving
Specifics:
1) Interlinear Hebrew-Greek-English Bible (Jay P. Green has one)
2) Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon
3) Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament
4) Mounce's Basics of Biblical Greek (text and workbook)
5) Pratico and Van Pelt's Basics of Biblical Hebrew (text and workbook)
6) nice watch with the holes in the strap so it is adjustable instead of the fold-over clasp thing that is only adjustable by removing the links (preferrably brown/silver in color)
7) TV
8) electric tea kettle
9) umbrella
10) Amazing Race or Survivor complete seasons
11) piano music for Josh Groban albums (besides Closer)
12) French press (for tea/coffee)
13) Sixpence None the Richer CDs
14) Burlap to Cashmere CDs
15) Mannheim Steamroller CDs (besides Romantic Melodies)
16) Celtic Woman CDs (besides A New Journey)
17) Loreena McKennitt CDs (besides An Ancient Muse)
18) Caedmon's Call CDs (besides Share the Well and In the Company of Angels II)
19) Rodrigo y Gabriela CDs
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