Dogs

Spiritually: Spain has been a great time to really think about a lot of things. I find myself in the mornings feeling much less stressed and able to read and really devote myself to God, to what is most important. I am going through a Beth Moore series on David which is really teaching me about waiting for what the Lord has for me. (1 Samuel, story of Hannah)

Physically: There are some ferocious dogs here in Spain. It has taken me everything in the past few days to get up to run. I am still on VA time because I have been staying up until 2 am to make phone calls since that is when everyone is up on the other side of the world. So getting up has been 11 and 12 o'clock, and then reluctantly I have been trudging along for a morning jog. The other morning, Michelle (the brave girl I traveled to Spain with,) and I were on a morning run and a woman was walking her dogs. Before we knew it, the ferocious one (the tiny dog, it's high pitched voice was charging at us) but...so was it's brother a rather LARGE, HAIRY black dog. Michelle and I decided to power walk hoping that this would slow the dogs and it did for a second or two. Next we decided to stand there and I turned to Michelle kind of laughing and then I felt a pinch...the big dog had bit me right on my behind!

That has not stopped the morning runs, but it has made me more aware that dogs really will bite...

This morning I was running a large pack of cyclists rode by me, it made me fell so good seeing others on there bikes getting out in the fresh air. Also this morning I looked around me as I was running up a hill (that's right running up the hill-- some of you will get that :-) and it was rather beautiful. There is a set of mountains that I am dying to go to called Monsarat.


Socially: This week has been a lot of fun. Michelle and I ventured to Barcelona again. It was busy as usual and we decided to take a bus tour. SOOOOOOOOO boring that I decided to sleep for the last hour of it. A waste of 20 euro and with the dollar being 68 cents to the euro, that was one expensive ride. After the boring ride we went to the Hard Rock Cafe' and I ate a veggie burger, mmmm. Although that was tasty, everyday our host family, who own a restarant cook us paella, a typical dish or some kind of fish. I love the food but sometimes it is hard for me to eat because many things are fried. Also I do not eat cheese so that has made things a bit interesting at times. My one desire that I have not restrained though is DESERT. "Postres..." are fantastic. I'm posting a picture so everyone can see more of what I mean.

Start classes coming February 4th. That means I will be taking an intensive Spanish course and taking my biology online at the same time. A bit nervous about this.....

Emotionally: It has only been a week here but many times it feels longer. I guess I am really used to the routine at home and being away is hard. I miss Panera, long runs on Saturdays, even Olive Garden sometimes. It is a great culture change, and although I am getting used to it, it is hard not to want to know everything all at once. I realize so much that I want to speak the language but it is not coming as fast as I had hoped. I know all will go well in time. Miss you all.

Krista

Spain....

Friends and Family... I miss you so much! I made it to Spain! Just to prepare you, this blog was started a few months ago and this is the first post since Spain. You are welcome to read the rest, however this is the most current and each time I post and send you an e-mail it will be the most recent post.

NEW ADDRESS: Olga Roca c/o Krista Meisch
Carrer del Cadi num. 4
08739 Urbanizacion Casablanca
Subirats, Barcelona
Spain

PARTY: Well before I left, my friends threw me a great going away party! Heather was in charge, so everything was place and set to go. I walked in to many goodies, and some great authentic Spanish food. (see photos below.) It was so much fun and it was one of the only times recently when all my friends from Bible college (www.missionbaltimore.org) have been together and it was not a wedding. Jessica was there, I was so happy to see her from her wedding, as well Mike her husband. Johnny was there just relaxing as usual but relaxing in his new home Lynchburg. Alicia stopped by after her time at reboot, and then Zimiri graced us with his presence although he was not taking pics :-) Thank you to my wonderful roommates and a GREAT thanks to Heather for throwing everything together. Julie came her two friends, Frank and Karma. After a while, Jason put on a video from a corny video from Bible college. Wow how time have changed, I was dancing on the video and so shameless :-) ANYWAYS, it was a lot of fun. Especially the portion with the pinata.

AIRPORT: After Saturday, I headed home to N Va. It was fun seeing my family before I was off to my world adventure. I got to sleep in everyday and I def. neglected to run although I know I should.... On Tues I headed to Michelle's (friend from Haiti accompanying me in Spain) where we left for the airport Wed afternoon. We must have said 'Spain," a 100 times before it was all over... At Dulles in DC there were so many people. Many were flying internationally and it was at this point where I really started to miss home. I mean home as in Lynchburg. (It is so calm and small and friendly and every time I go somewhere there is a face I am familiar with...) Anyhow we headed on the plane. In most places I pass out because I am so tired, yet having not run for a few days I was awake so I studied for my favorite new online class... biology. (Hee, hee) With an hour left I decided to nap, well after at least three really loud announcements during my one hour nap, we were in the UK. London! What a fun time. I felt like such a dork just listening to everyone speak, but the accent is so fun. In the airport in Dulles, Michelle and I had met a girl from Clemson who was traveling to Seville. She was fun girl and told us a bit about her upbringing in a strong Christian home which was comforting, and the three of us chatted for a bit. Before long, it was time to get on our flight. PS- restrooms there are known as TOILETS.

On the last flight, I was out! As we arrived in Spain, the view was so complex. Tons of buildings, the Mediterranean, and MOUNTAINS. :-) It is six hours difference so by the time we reached it was 12:25 Barcelona Time, 6:25 am in EEUU (United States.) I was tired but we grabbed our 6 bags and were happy to see Ainhoa's mom, and family there picking us up in Barcelona. I guess after trail running, I have this thing for mountains. There are incredible in Barcelona. Not only had we seen them on the flight but as we drove they surrounded us. We arrived first at Ainhoa's mom's restaurant and ate paella (the famous Spanish food) and enjoyed the company of Ainhoa's dad who had also picked us up. He is so sweet! After eating we traveled to the grocery. Ainhoa's mother is so patient with us but my Spanish and well as Michelle's is progressing. We ask her things she translates and then repeats, repeats and repeats. At the grocery store it was so fun. The "carrittos" and so small and the aisles are much less condensed, as well you buy produce at a produce store. The vegetables here are so flavorful! MMMM....

This morning we woke up at 10:22, I remember, then I thought how in the US it was 4:22 am, I was sooooo tired, but I revived for a trip to town. Did I say I love love love Spanish all the time? I fear I am not improving but we have learned so much vocab so far.

Tomorrow is the first day into the BIG city, Barcelona. I am very excited! Pray all goes well. Love and miss you all so much. Please write,

Krista