Tengo tos

A bit under the weather, so I've been resting most of the day. The day stretched on, as I was without sun but with tissues. However, this day has turned out to be one of my favorites, thanks to small adventures, experimental cooking, and great film.

The adventure: I hope I haven't led you to think that there is some sort of magical adventure that I went on. Or maybe that is closer to the truth than I think. Every outing is an experience. I needed some medicine, so I wandered to a few locations where I thought there was a pharmacy. A man taking the same path as I to avoid a family taking all of the sidewalk, a little unleashed dog that ran ahead (only to be scared by very large men walking by), sounds of a private party in a closed pizza shop, and old men sitting around a table, playing poker with coffee beans as chips.

The cooking: I made some elbow pasta, and topped it with a sauce that sounded delicious. Cooked some freshly-diced garlic in olive oil, then added a can of tomato paste. Added pepper, green onions, a bit of ham, and more garlic (can never get enough). With a corner of a baguette, it turned out to be quite a feast.

The film: The Lives of Others. A german film about an official who gets involved with the people he's supposed to be keeping tabs on. I won't say any more than that, because you must watch it. (That means I highly recommend it. Highly.)

Well, back to tissues and John Galt's speech. Great way to enter into dreamland.

The footsies above

So aside from living at Jester for my freshman year, this is my first time living in a place with people above and below me. It's an interesting thing, being aware of the ruckus of my neighbors. I know that there is at least one child above me, because I occasionally hear a light and quick poom poom, poom poom. And usually, the mother wakes me around 9am with her push-vacuum cleaner. Perhaps it's the novelty of it all, but I rather enjoy the creaks and clamors. I wonder if my neighbors are aware of us in the same manner.

Today, I made two more inches of progress with my course registration. Basically, that means that I'm going to be somewhat okay with missing a few days because some courses have already started. What kind of school system is this?? Oh well. As I was returning home, two Polish girls, Monika and Ola, stopped me because they had no idea what to do for registering. I showed them what I did, and told them about how much I don't know, and we ended up walking to the historical center of town for a bite to eat. They asked if I was from California.

I parted with them to catch up with a bunch of hostel friends & new friends at the beach. Still nippy, but warm enough to wear a tank top. I think I got a good hour of sun, so that should boost my vitamin E levels. It was fun flopping around and attempting to play soccer, and then playing volleyball with a ball that nearly bruised all of us. Mediterranean: until we meet again.

Update on internal journey: "And to love [God] with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbors as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." Mark 12:33 I'm positive that almost everyone is struggling with this concept. It's been sitting in my lap most of my life. He wants my trust, not my works; my broken and contrite heart, not my sacrifices; my faith. It's much more that doing. It's loving, submitting, and trusting that He will meet my needs and satisfy me with his steadfast love.

Goooooooaaaaal

Just went to my first soccer game here in Spain. It was Giacomo's team against some other club team. I think I was the only spectator. Probably because the game was at 10:30PM. I really enjoyed myself. Brisk night, lots of movement, and one goal scored--only, the goal was scored against Giacomo's team. Pobrecito. Apparently it was his fault. I think I heard the players shout "vale" about 300 times.

Today was really great. I made some headway on finding classes, and I got to talk to some very good friends. Even this far away, I'm getting some great truth and wisdom from my loved ones. I feel cared for, really.

Two things: One, I'm going to the beach tomorrow to play beach volleyball. I'm very excited, because it's supposed to be somewhat warm. Two, I had a pizza today, and it was topped with jamón serrano. I don't know why that isn't a staple in the US. It's probably the most delicious meat I've ever had. Also, it was one of those store-bought pizzas, and it was one of the best I've had. And trust me, I've had good pizza.

Two more things: One, happy birthday Ingrid. I can't express how much I enjoy watching your video blogs. Two, I've been writing more. Progress.

G'night

Rainy Day

Tunes: For You & Fix You by Coldplay

I've been motivated by reading a friend's blog to open up a bit more. I can honestly say that the closest friend I have here is God. Such a bold statement, isn't it? This is a difficult thing to say, because I wouldn't even say to myself that I let him be close to me. I read so many statements of how God wants intimacy with me, but when I can't hold it in my hand, it seems to flutter out of my grasp. God has been giving me this opportunity to 'lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and run with endurance.'

I have a great task in front of me: embrace this time for personal growth and learning. Yes, I am in a breathtaking city, but I sometimes find myself seeing a spectacle, and wishing that I could appreciate it more. It's as if all of the drastic changes in my life recently have left me with a boundaries on my heart.

As I have been reading in Matthew & Mark, almost every time Jesus heals someone, he makes a note that he did it because of their faith. Faith first, healing after. That's a scary thing to trust.

I have been keeping a count of the number of times I find "steadfast love" in Psalm. The count is getting pretty high. You see, I believe with my mind, that this is who God. It makes sense. However, I don't think my heart has fully grasped on. This is why I have had so much difficulty recently. This experience of being abroad has put a magnifying glass over my life.

Back to the whole trust thing... I think it's coming, but it's taking quite some time. Time that I am not comfortable with, and change that I don't understand. I have seen some progress with my heart. Yesterday, for the first time, I wrote a poem about God. I've thought about doing it before, but nothing of that sort has left me through the tip of my pen.

I thought about apologizing for the seemingly debbie downer-esque entry, but I find that it's only fitting and proper. You have seen the pictures and landmarks of my exterior. These are the pictures and landmarks of my interior.

Chest out, eyes looking up

Jackpot & People

Tunes: The Decemberists' album Picaresque

I went on a long walk today, and wound up in a big shopping mall. I didn't bring much clothing, because I wanted to only have one suitcase. SO, I wandered and wandered until I found some spamtastic deals. T-shirts. Nice ones. 1.99 euros each. That's $3/per t-shirt. Gift from God? I submit, yes.

I'm really enjoying my walks. If I wanted, I could take a different street every time I go out. Always different people, different styles, different buildings, and different parks. I'm finding beauty in may different ways here. One of my favorite things has been seeing the old man friends walking slowly together and talking up a slurred storm. I think I saw 3 such pairs today. They move at their own pace, and stand to me as candy for my soul. I think I might start taking pictures of them.

Some other things that have been noteworthy are the big, old doors, a younger man tossing the ball for his two dogs, a park playground that was overflowing with people, another park that had so many pigeons that you couldn't hear the outside world, and the sandwich I made for lunch. I challenge you, reader: This week, walk with your eyes up, and heart open. Wander too much, and don't pay attention to your gait. See what happens. See what your Father will show you.

It's 1:09AM here. Early night. Tomorrow, I plan to get some sort of course schedule banged out. Vamos a ver.

Blankets and Full Stomachs

We celebrated Mateo going away last night with 3 lasagnas, many new wines, and lots of old punk rock music. I know, you're like 'did he say punk rock?' Yeah, I said punk rock. Apparently Giacomo really likes old punk rock and ska music, so he blasted our ears with it for quite some time. Back to the food: I made guacamole because only one person had ever tried it. Apparently, it was "de puta madre," and that means "good."

I'm really just waiting around right now, until school starts. Yesterday consisted of eating, reading, grocery shopping, reading, getting the Spanish version of hot chocolate (very good), reading, working out, making guac, then Mateo's dinner. Today, I'm not sure what I'll do. I want to find the campus gym.

Oh yeah, when I came into my room last night, there was an extra blanket on my bed from Bea, that said "Para que no tengas frío." She's so sweet--we don't have a heater, and I've been sleeping with one sheet two small blankets, and a sleeping bag. Needless to say, I slept in a warm bed with a warm heart.


G'day

Vale

Tunes: ZzzZzz

Today, I went to the beach. There have been many times that I felt closed off, due to language barriers or lack of companionship, but today I experienced freedom. It was 55ºF, so definitely not swimming temperature, but perfect for a jacket, scarf, rolled pants, and sandy feet. I must've walked for quite some time, because I listened to the waves for a long spell, then a 45-minute sermon by John Lynch, then two of my favorite albums (Aha Shake Heartbreak & Fever to Tell).

I didn't have anywhere to be, anyone to see, or anyone to watch. Today was a gift from God. This sort of solitude is quite amazing. I feel like my eyes have been opened to seeing the opportunity that it contains. I take today, and put it in my pocket.

I'm about to hit the sack, but I'm excited about tomorrow, so I wanted to share. One of Giacomo's friends, Mateo, is leaving to Italy tomorrow. So, Giorgia (italiana, who's mom is a professional cook) is going to cook Lasagna for everybody. My favorite food. Mom, I preemptively apologize if I return and say that hers is better than yours. We will see. I'm going to make guacamole, because they've never had it before.

Bed.

Love and licks,

Josh