Monday, April 30, 2007
I wrote a new song today and it's a song about something I've been experiencing as of recently. I don't write many, but this is a song that I'm proud of. Will you hear it? I guess you'll never know...;) All I know is that song writing has been therapeutic in a sense for me as of lately. I want to write songs that anyone can relate to. I want people when they hear a song that I've written, to be able to put images of their own in conjunction with every word.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Today, we discussed the idea of intentional as in relation to the bible and our lives as followers of Jesus. We discussed the ideas of what are some ideas of intentionality and what we thought intentionality means in our lives.
In my life, I would have to say intentionality is enriching those around you with truth and the Love of Jesus while keeping your focus on what it should be; that in hopes that one day that the enrichment of the gospel that you pour into them will show them they should turn to Jesus as their savior.
I left the study with the one question in my head, "Is what I am doing intentional towards the end goal or am I doing things with other intentions in my mind?" The bible says we have to take capture every thought and to test everything. I find myself constantly testing whether what I am doing is leading to the big picture, am I doing a bunch of random things for the sake of a project, or am I making a person a project in my own life?
Me and my boss discussed today that in your face sharing, we feel, treats people as projects and not as people. I feel the turn or burn philosophy has become an impersonal, condemning way of sharing the gospel with an individual rather than being what the gospel should be...and that is sharing life with people and welcoming in the sick and sore and wounded and sharing with them in their sufferings and showing them that there is a hope in this world.
Am I saying that you should not share your testimony up front and tell people that you are a follower of Jesus? Not at all! What I am rather saying is share your faith up front, but continue to share life with them and be a friend to them and wait on the Lord to provide you with opportunities to pour truth into their lives. The one challenge of this way of sharing is that it challenges you to live the example out instead of just saying a bunch of words or spiritually throwing up on people (gross visual image...I know).
The question I leave everyone is this. If you were on the other side of the fence, would you want to be treated as a project or a person? The choice is up to you. I'll leave you to answer that for yourself. My prayer is that people would stop sharing and then leaving, but rather sharing and then keep walking with that person or with the people.
In my life, I would have to say intentionality is enriching those around you with truth and the Love of Jesus while keeping your focus on what it should be; that in hopes that one day that the enrichment of the gospel that you pour into them will show them they should turn to Jesus as their savior.
I left the study with the one question in my head, "Is what I am doing intentional towards the end goal or am I doing things with other intentions in my mind?" The bible says we have to take capture every thought and to test everything. I find myself constantly testing whether what I am doing is leading to the big picture, am I doing a bunch of random things for the sake of a project, or am I making a person a project in my own life?
Me and my boss discussed today that in your face sharing, we feel, treats people as projects and not as people. I feel the turn or burn philosophy has become an impersonal, condemning way of sharing the gospel with an individual rather than being what the gospel should be...and that is sharing life with people and welcoming in the sick and sore and wounded and sharing with them in their sufferings and showing them that there is a hope in this world.
Am I saying that you should not share your testimony up front and tell people that you are a follower of Jesus? Not at all! What I am rather saying is share your faith up front, but continue to share life with them and be a friend to them and wait on the Lord to provide you with opportunities to pour truth into their lives. The one challenge of this way of sharing is that it challenges you to live the example out instead of just saying a bunch of words or spiritually throwing up on people (gross visual image...I know).
The question I leave everyone is this. If you were on the other side of the fence, would you want to be treated as a project or a person? The choice is up to you. I'll leave you to answer that for yourself. My prayer is that people would stop sharing and then leaving, but rather sharing and then keep walking with that person or with the people.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Today I did a whole lot of napping and recovering from the lack of sleep I've had the past couple of days. Things have been fun though for me and interesting all at the same time.
I bought a brown jacket from ZARA the other day. That thing cost me an arm and a leg to get...It was rediculous. Needless to say, this jacket I will be wearing for years and years.
Coffee here in Spain is so good. It's not that sweet Starbucks dessert coffee, but coffee in its purest form. I go for either the Café Cortada or the Café con Leche...Good Times.
I had some Milanesa tonight for dinner for the first time in 14 or 15 years. It brought back some good times growing up in Argentina. I also found out that there is an Argentine Steak place that is not far away from where I live... ;)
I'm beginning to learn that Spaniard people drop a lot of F-bombs, which is something different for me. They openly talk about sex and stuff along those lines here which is different. Needless to say, friendships here are a lot more open to discussions of a large variety of topics.
Here's some pictures of some other super cool buildings in Barca. All these buildings are no more than 5 blocks away from where I live...enjoy:
I bought a brown jacket from ZARA the other day. That thing cost me an arm and a leg to get...It was rediculous. Needless to say, this jacket I will be wearing for years and years.
Coffee here in Spain is so good. It's not that sweet Starbucks dessert coffee, but coffee in its purest form. I go for either the Café Cortada or the Café con Leche...Good Times.
I had some Milanesa tonight for dinner for the first time in 14 or 15 years. It brought back some good times growing up in Argentina. I also found out that there is an Argentine Steak place that is not far away from where I live... ;)
I'm beginning to learn that Spaniard people drop a lot of F-bombs, which is something different for me. They openly talk about sex and stuff along those lines here which is different. Needless to say, friendships here are a lot more open to discussions of a large variety of topics.
Here's some pictures of some other super cool buildings in Barca. All these buildings are no more than 5 blocks away from where I live...enjoy:
Friday, April 27, 2007
Today was an a-mazing day. I went out with two of my friends to eat and the place we wanted to eat at was closed sadly. Instead we found another place to just get something to drink at. While there, I got to share my testimony with them. Pray for these two individuals, that I will be able to live out the life that the father would have to me to live in front of them so that they will want what I have in their own lives...that they will not see me, but see Jesus in me.
I also got to go see an American movie in Spanish called Sunshine...I understood most of it, which rocks. The movie, however, wasn't very good or realistic. So if you plan on seeing a movie, don't go see that one. I am bonding a great deal with the people here. Pray for them, that they will realize how much they need Jesus in their lives.
A good friend reminded me today at how much I don't want the typical American dream. We waste our time on so many things that don't matter in the scheme of eternity. When will America wake up to the fact that live is not about us as individuals, but it's about giving glory to God? I pray that we remember this in each of our lives.
I want to know what it's like when I say that it's God who saves and not myself. I think this adventure that I am on will teach me just that in my life. Things work very slowly here and it can be frustrating to some, but I see that as not only leading people to salvation, but at the same time it is enriching their lives and showing them that God's word is still applicable today in our lives. That it's not just a book of dusty old principles, but it's the living word of God.
Until next time Friends and Family.....
Oh can't you see what love has done to me?
I also got to go see an American movie in Spanish called Sunshine...I understood most of it, which rocks. The movie, however, wasn't very good or realistic. So if you plan on seeing a movie, don't go see that one. I am bonding a great deal with the people here. Pray for them, that they will realize how much they need Jesus in their lives.
A good friend reminded me today at how much I don't want the typical American dream. We waste our time on so many things that don't matter in the scheme of eternity. When will America wake up to the fact that live is not about us as individuals, but it's about giving glory to God? I pray that we remember this in each of our lives.
I want to know what it's like when I say that it's God who saves and not myself. I think this adventure that I am on will teach me just that in my life. Things work very slowly here and it can be frustrating to some, but I see that as not only leading people to salvation, but at the same time it is enriching their lives and showing them that God's word is still applicable today in our lives. That it's not just a book of dusty old principles, but it's the living word of God.
Until next time Friends and Family.....
Oh can't you see what love has done to me?
Thursday, April 26, 2007
So I got asked by my friend at the resi today if I liked Bush. I told her I didn't like his foreign policy and his education policy. So I guess in a round about way, I didn't answer her question and yet I did answer her question.
Anyways, I opened up a Spanish Bank Account today and bought some hangers for my clothes. I know that sounds excited to all of you out there. Tomorrow I'm going to walk around my neighborhood and pray for it and also do a profile on the neighborhood as well.
Today was a fun and yet productive day. Next week I start my Spanish classes, which should be fun. I'll let you know how the weekend goes. Until next time people.
Anyways, I opened up a Spanish Bank Account today and bought some hangers for my clothes. I know that sounds excited to all of you out there. Tomorrow I'm going to walk around my neighborhood and pray for it and also do a profile on the neighborhood as well.
Today was a fun and yet productive day. Next week I start my Spanish classes, which should be fun. I'll let you know how the weekend goes. Until next time people.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Well today was another busy day...NOT! I met with Matt to buy fruit at the market and to buy the girls some roses in honor of the Day of Sant Jordi. We talked about assignments that we had going on. After that, I went with Haley to a non-profit meeting in which I almost fell asleep at the meeting. There's something about a comfortable chair in a warm room that makes me want to sleep.
After that, we met up with Matt and Aaron and had some Durum and patatas fritas and talked for a while about our plans for the weekend. It looks like a weekend of watching The Office and Heroes is in store.
One thing I learned today is that the people here are so full of life but don't like to talk about spiritual things a lot. I already love the people I live with and want to get to know them on a personal level. I hope I get to know them a little better during my time here. Until next time friends.
After that, we met up with Matt and Aaron and had some Durum and patatas fritas and talked for a while about our plans for the weekend. It looks like a weekend of watching The Office and Heroes is in store.
One thing I learned today is that the people here are so full of life but don't like to talk about spiritual things a lot. I already love the people I live with and want to get to know them on a personal level. I hope I get to know them a little better during my time here. Until next time friends.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Well I moved in to my Residencia today and it has been good so far. My roommate's name is Jose and he's from Mallorca. I found out that he is a Boca Juniors fan as well as a Barca fan so we'll get along just fine...;) I think we're going to go see a Barca game together sometime soon. As for tonight, we're going to watch the movie 300. It will be in Spanish, but nevertheless it will be fun.
Here are some pictures of my residencia:
My Bed...
My desk...
The View from my room...
The closet space...
Here are some pictures of my residencia:
My Bed...
My desk...
The View from my room...
The closet space...
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Today was a great day. I got to go to a Church with Haley in which the service was entirely in Catalan and I even got to sing in Catalan a little. I got to introduce myself to the church and I got to meet the pastor and his wife as well. It was a sweet moment. Then, we went to this festival near the docks that was hosted by Oxfam. I got to have some Salteñas Bolivianas and Empanadas Argentinas, which were both so delicious. Then we went to the Park, where they were having an Earth Day celebration. Then I came back with Caleb to his place and I took a mad nap and took it slow till Supper time and worship with the team.
In worship, we talked about what the word blessing really means. I came to the conclusion that the word blessing means being filled by the Lord in our lives. Blessings cannot be measured in finding money or someone doing an act of kindness, but rather in the Lord filling us with His spirit on a daily basis.
Tomorrow, I move in to my residencia, where I will hopefully get to build relationships with some Catalanes and refine my Spanish a bit. I'm excited, nervous and scared. I know with all my heart that the Lord will be with me and will never leave me. Peace out peeps.
In worship, we talked about what the word blessing really means. I came to the conclusion that the word blessing means being filled by the Lord in our lives. Blessings cannot be measured in finding money or someone doing an act of kindness, but rather in the Lord filling us with His spirit on a daily basis.
Tomorrow, I move in to my residencia, where I will hopefully get to build relationships with some Catalanes and refine my Spanish a bit. I'm excited, nervous and scared. I know with all my heart that the Lord will be with me and will never leave me. Peace out peeps.
- Some amusing differences between Spain and the U.S.:
1) You get no free refills on drinks in Spain.
2) Food portions are smaller here.
3) Things are more expensive here.
- I got my first Euros yesterday...it was exciting.
- I dreamed about the people from orientation...How I miss them.
- I love my team...they are great.
1) You get no free refills on drinks in Spain.
2) Food portions are smaller here.
3) Things are more expensive here.
- I got my first Euros yesterday...it was exciting.
- I dreamed about the people from orientation...How I miss them.
- I love my team...they are great.
Friday, April 20, 2007
So I have noticed that a lot of people here have dreadlocks and I have always thought that they were so cool. This being the case, I have decided to grow my hair out long and get dreadlocks. I am not going to get the big ones, but rather the small, neat looking ones. My mom would be so proud to hear that I'm doing this (I love you mom).
Today, I got to help escort a little old Catalan lady down a street, which my team tells me that it is rare to do something like that. She was 85 years old and such a sweet lady. I couldn't just leave her because I would feel like I was leaving my own grandmother. She asked me to go into a bakery with her, where she proceeded to buy me 13 euros (17 dollars) worth of cookies and sweets. She even invited me and my teammates to eat lunch with her at her home, but we graciously declined because we had work to do.
I still don't have pics of the city yet, but they will be coming soon...I promise.
Today, I got to help escort a little old Catalan lady down a street, which my team tells me that it is rare to do something like that. She was 85 years old and such a sweet lady. I couldn't just leave her because I would feel like I was leaving my own grandmother. She asked me to go into a bakery with her, where she proceeded to buy me 13 euros (17 dollars) worth of cookies and sweets. She even invited me and my teammates to eat lunch with her at her home, but we graciously declined because we had work to do.
I still don't have pics of the city yet, but they will be coming soon...I promise.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Well I have made it safely to Barcelona...It's one heck of a beautiful city...Beautiful beaches, great food, great architecture, but more importantly I can't wait to get to meet the people here.
Meanwhile, I have some pictures from my trip to the Georgia Aquarium (it's what I did the day before I left to come here to Barca).
Meanwhile, I have some pictures from my trip to the Georgia Aquarium (it's what I did the day before I left to come here to Barca).
Monday, April 16, 2007
I officially have 48 hrs left before I leave the country for two years on my exciting new adventure...WOO HOO and HOLY CRAP all at the same time....lol. The feeling of "What am I doing?" has officially begun to kick in. I'm really excited, but at the same time kind of nerve wrecking. Did I mention that I hate packing?...lol
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Packing has never been so stressful before. How do you pack everything you need for two years in just three bags? It's craziness. However, I do have the two footlockers packed and am working on my suitcase.
I keep waiting for the feelings to hit me...the feeling of "HOLY CRAP! I AM MOVING TO ANOTHER COUNTRY FOR TWO YEARS! WHAT AM I DOING?!" I keep praying that it will just go ahead and hit me now so I can get my crying over with.
I will miss these people.....
I keep waiting for the feelings to hit me...the feeling of "HOLY CRAP! I AM MOVING TO ANOTHER COUNTRY FOR TWO YEARS! WHAT AM I DOING?!" I keep praying that it will just go ahead and hit me now so I can get my crying over with.
I will miss these people.....
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Well today I drive to Atlanta to spend the night with my brother and then fly to Miami and back tomorrow to pick up my visa for Spain (EXCITING). I'm so excited that the whole visa process has gone so well. It's definitely a blessing to have that go so smoothly. Looking forward to that adventure tomorrow. Another exciting moment is awaiting around the corner. ;)
Friday, April 06, 2007
As I am back at my house on 2603 Camellia Drive in Tifton, GA, I am full of so many mixed emotions about things. It was hard waking up this morning and not waking up in my twin bed in quad 5B and not hearing Pey Pey greet me in the morning. It was weird not seeing Dan and us two just goofing off like we usually do. It was weird and sad not seeing my two best friends in club 9a again.
However, as I have been back in Georgia, I have come to really ponder what the word "home" really means. Me being the English type major that I am, I looked up the word Home in the dictionary. I came upon several definitions, but this one definition stuck out the most:
the place in which one's domestic affections are centered.
I miss my home...the place I spent 8 weeks growing with people that I grew to love so much and to be so comfortable around. The place where people got to see me at my best and at my worst. The place where people got to see the goofy side of me, yet the quiet side all at the same time. Virginia has been my home for the past 8 weeks.
However, my new home awaits in 2 weeks. I will get on a plane and head to Barcelona, Spain, where I will get to share life with people and get a chance to love people and be loved back all the same. I will get to experience the same things I did in VA.....happiness, laughter, sadness, pain, suffering, but most importantly JOY. I will learn there as well what it means to live by faith and not by sight...to hold unswervingly to the hope that I profess, and to know what it means when it says that love never fails.
To my friends in VA, I love you guys so much and think about you guys all the time and pray for you guys. To my roomie Pey Pey and my friend Dan, you guys are wonderful young men and I'm humbled that you guys love and respect me so much. To my friends in Quad 9, I love you all more than you'll ever know and more than any word I could ever say.
However, it's time for us to move forward. It's time to break camp and go to war where we are suppose to be. Go with your Armor and be barbaric and have faith, hope and love. Blessings to all.
However, as I have been back in Georgia, I have come to really ponder what the word "home" really means. Me being the English type major that I am, I looked up the word Home in the dictionary. I came upon several definitions, but this one definition stuck out the most:
the place in which one's domestic affections are centered.
I miss my home...the place I spent 8 weeks growing with people that I grew to love so much and to be so comfortable around. The place where people got to see me at my best and at my worst. The place where people got to see the goofy side of me, yet the quiet side all at the same time. Virginia has been my home for the past 8 weeks.
However, my new home awaits in 2 weeks. I will get on a plane and head to Barcelona, Spain, where I will get to share life with people and get a chance to love people and be loved back all the same. I will get to experience the same things I did in VA.....happiness, laughter, sadness, pain, suffering, but most importantly JOY. I will learn there as well what it means to live by faith and not by sight...to hold unswervingly to the hope that I profess, and to know what it means when it says that love never fails.
To my friends in VA, I love you guys so much and think about you guys all the time and pray for you guys. To my roomie Pey Pey and my friend Dan, you guys are wonderful young men and I'm humbled that you guys love and respect me so much. To my friends in Quad 9, I love you all more than you'll ever know and more than any word I could ever say.
However, it's time for us to move forward. It's time to break camp and go to war where we are suppose to be. Go with your Armor and be barbaric and have faith, hope and love. Blessings to all.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
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