I have to admit I have one week left and I am ready to be going home! God has provided so much to me in the past week. Last weekend my family came from England and I gave them a semi- tour of Barcelona. We had such a fun time. We stayed in the Marriott BCN, it was so nice! My aunt and I had a special night when we went out without the three boys (not that we didn´t want them to come but just that we wanted some girl time)... well we ate at a really nice restaurant with 7 courses! It was such a treat! We started off with spoons of tomato paste--then appetizers, they served the main meal, dessert, coffee... you get the idea

I have to admit also that I really miss England. It was so nice getting to see my family and honestly it was the first time anyone from my family had seen an aspect of me at school. Neither of my parents have seen Liberty University but my aunt Renee and uncle David and boys were able to see my room, the restaurant I am interning at and the city I live in. Well after they left, it was back to work. During last week Michelle went to France so I had the opportunity to go to Barcelona. I planned a beach day and then sat and enjoyed the sun, caught up on some reading, (I have had amble time for that) and had a fat free sorbet on my way home. This weekend Michelle and I worked.. and now I feel as though I am just waiting to go home. I also thought of the 50k that I ran last year that was this weekend, I will be really excited to start competing again! I am looking forward to two special races this fall. I am posting a video this week I found on YouTube of last years race. Just as my aunt got some insight to the things going on in my life, here is a post to one of the most special things to me. (I am in the video at one point when the author sees three girls and says we are right behind the second place girl which is my friend Sarah!)

I miss you all dearly and am awaiting my arrival in the States. I have one week and then it´s work, school and US life again. Praying for you all
Krista
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U458TlKo03I

England

This week has been a breath of fresh air. I have had a lot to think about in coming back to the US and this week has been a blessing! I have already had the opportunity to see the first Capital of England, (Winchester), seen London (been on the London eye), seen Buckingham Palace (Queen was there!), and been to an island here in England. Tomorrow I am headed to a 17/18 mile trail which I will run in the am. Super excited! Also this week I know that God has provided for me a place to live and a job. So many things are working out. (Rom 8:28)

Being in England is a new site everyday. My cousins prefer the dungeon as my aunt and I call it, but it is really just Wii 24-7. My aunt and I have had a lot of quality time together and twice this week we have gone to Jane Austen's house. Her life is so much like her books. Her house is so quaint as well as the town she lived in. Upon going there twice, Renee and I rented Pride and Prejudice and it just made me want to fall in love. We are going to watch another one tonight! (Becoming Jane)

The end of this weekend, my family and I are headed to Barcelona. It should be a lot of fun. We are staying near the airport and my cousins are excited because it has a pool. Hope to take them to Sagrada Familia, (Gaudi), and to eat the best dish in Catalonia, Paella! I will be home in 22 days...wow See you all then much care, love Krista

The U.K

I have learned a lot these past two weeks. There have a lot of ups and downs. I must confess I have made decisions I should not have and I have made decisions that will forever change my life in a positive sense. I guess there are things that are not a big deal until you have a large enough dose and then once damage is done you realize the caliber. Once in Barcelona last week I was standing on the street with my friend Ainhoa's grandma and a ray of sun shine caught my attention. I looked into the sky and saw how BLUE it was. I also noticed all these Spanish style balcony's, all these people's clothes drying just a sense of life from analyzing a different view I rarely take time to see. It was so beautiful to take everything in, the sky, the culture. I realized that I miss so many things because I do not look up enough. As I chewed on that this past week I realize I don't look up enough but with God's grace I want to start looking up more in all areas of my life.

I am closing out my time here in Europe. I say Europe because this week and the next I am in England! The UK baby. When I left Barcelona I was wearing flip flops. When I was in the airport I started chatting with a young man from England and he informed me a buddy let him know that it was snowing. On the airplane I was chatting with two young cyclists and they informed me of all their adventures in Spain and how they could not believe that it would be snowing when they got back home to England. When we to England, it was rather chilly for my flip flops but I thought it may warm up. I woke up today--just out of curiosity I opened the shade and it was snowing!!! And so hard. I decided what a better time then to take a run. So that's what I did, 10 miles this morning in the cold snow, but I found a variety of trails. (And I got to speak to a few people on the way... I LOVE the accent!!) I also got to go to church this morning and help with a bake sale raising funds for missions in Venezuela. Made me think how little I have been doing lately, gotta get on the ball!

I am starting to enjoy Europe so much. I really am thinking of coming back. I could see myself here at least one more year.

This week I am scheduled to go run an 18 mile trail yeah, go to London Tuesday and Saturday, visit Stonehenge and go to Jane Austin's house. (I'm such a romantic) When I return from London I will have two more weeks in Spain. I will soak up what I can and then be off! When I get home everything is up in the air. Have no clue for a job, a car. I am truly stressed but trying to trust everything will work out! It always does, just have to remember which direction I am looking in-- UP.

Heart-- Kristada

I can't believe I spelled Fruit wrong

I think I know Josh a lot more than before....

This week has been craaaazy! It is the week of vacacciones, and my life since last Saturday wow! At first it seemed like time was going so slow..but now these next six weeks are going to FLY BY!

Ok let's start with Monday, my only running day... I have been sick all week! Then later this week, since my aunt in England has been e-mailing me... I have been really thinking of going to the UK! Well I bought my ticket and I will be there 12 days in April! I am so excited! I cannot wait to see London! Soo.. I have two more weeks at school and two weeks in London (well 12 days and then my aunts and nephews will stay in Barcelona in a hotel for 2-3 days), then two more weeks and I'm home!

So this week was mainly homework and visiting with family, but also I have been expecting a friend from the states, Josh! I was so excited that he was able to come... Upon his arrival in Sants Estacio, (Means Saints Station in Catalan), it's a metro station, we headed to Barcelona. Barcelona in a day! How fun, but how crazy! We left the station and I learned that he had lost his luggage a day before. He is traveling on a euro pass so he has a schedule to keep so after being stranded in Malaga, S. Spain, then heading to Madrid where he stayed with Kate, a friend from work we both no, he was ready to see Barcelona.

First thing we headed to eat, a local pizza place. (Pizza here is a lot different, for instance mine had no cheese, thin layer of bread I watched the guy make, and fresh tomato sauce, yummy!). Josh had his first experience of "no free refills" Also there's no free water.... everything costs. Well since he had lost all his things, we headed to El Corte Ingles, to buy some things for him... oh forgot...it's Good Friday, EVERYTHING is closed! Upon reaching the conclusion Josh would have to trust God was going to provide for him through snowy Germany without a clean anything or tennis shoes (he was wearing rainbow flip flops... the American way!) We saw the Picasso museum, Sagrada Familia and Las Ramblas. I think I liked Picasso best... yesterday was the first time I saw the general collection of his works and I felt so inspired. I want to paint now. On that note I bought a post card "paint it yourself Picasso" that I intend to water color and put in my scrap book with a pic from yesterday.

Before he left we both got to talk about what God is doing in our lives. It was such a breath of fresh air to me. There is so much need in Barcelona. Just thinking about how many Christians there are here is disheartening. But we confirmed we would pray for each other and I thanked God for great, Godly guys (so few), great Godly friends. After hours of walking... we headed to eat. After eating at what I am sure if the only buffet in Barcelona, we headed to drop him off so he could see Paris! It was a lot of fun and I included a pic.

Well after we dropped him off the real fun began... Michelle and I saw a train that was headed to St. Sadurni (that is close to where we live, but one hour away from Barcelona.) Well It was not going to get there until 11 so we figured trying going on a different line and sure enough, there was a line 30 min earlier... so as fast as we could... we got on line 10. WRONG! We realized it was the "same line" but in a "V" So in reality it was going to the same place but all the stops were different. To make a LONG story short.... we were asked by an Arab to marry him, we were locked out of the station and the only thing to do was call a taxi.... What a great idea except it was Good Friday... and the pay phone would not take our money! We eventually got a taxi and made it home! Wow, what a long day. (God Provided big time! we finally made it!)

Today at work the highlight was a guy asking me in English to go out with him to Barcelona... oh dear. I did appreciate him attempting English tho. Also I have been super sick this week. (Super is so Spanish, it's super everything...)

Also I titled this one fruit because as you all remember Josh without tennis shoes in Paris just remember all he has to eat today is fruit -- as well one of the sites we visited (Sagrada Familia) had these amazing fruit structures it made me think of Fruit of the Spirit. Gal 5

Miss you all! See you soon!

The Price is Right?

Since arriving here, there have been a lot of headache days. Transitioning into a different culture for example is a bit complicated. Also most days after class in Barcelona, I come home and eat and then just study because there is nothing to do in our little town. However the past few weekends have been a lot of fun... so this blog with start with the weekend...

Ines: Ines is a wonderful girl i have had class with for the past six weeks. She is from Tawaiin. She has been studying the language for a year and has also studied in England. We have gotten really close. This weekend I went with her to her apartment in the middle of Barcelona and we went to a production called, Bollywood and later to the beach. Tonight we are going to "27 vestidos" or twenty seven dresses, we are both really excited. She is a lot about "romance." She is actually 27 and not married yet and for me, well I think it will be a rather fitting movie.

Family: I have been thinking a lot about my family here. I don't have my cell phone to just pick up and call everyone so I have especially thought of my grandma Iris, my uncle Brad and sisters. My grandma because of a lot of artsie things including Picasso muesem. Also walking in downtown Barcelona today Ines and I encountered a authentic restuarant and I ordered a salad with goat cheese. Whenever I visit my uncle Brad I always have such a great time and the last time I was there I ordered a very similar salad and since I usually don't eat cheese he encouraged that I did at least try it. I really didn't enjoy it that much over Thanksgiving break but today I really enjoyed the goat cheese. Even more so because I know it's low in fat. My sisters-- well I always miss them however this week I have really missed my nephew Aiden.

** Culture Lesson: This week in class I learned why everyone here greets with a kiss-- do you know why? A P. h. D, our professor-- told us that this is a relatively new cultural thing. The reason is is because of the tv series from the US, the price is right. I was shocked-- I thought it was this antique, classic european thing and it's from a dumpy show!

This weekend I also went to the beach for the first time~~ classic. A bit cold but still to embrace the beauty of the sun, the ocean waves, people-- I think of all God has created and I cannot hold it in! (JER 20: 9-- "And I can't stop, if I say I'll never mention the name of the Lord, it burns in my like a fire, I am weary of holding it in")

Upon arrival: I have been thinking about my arrival back to the states since it is but 7 weeks away. I have a lot to consider, my job, car wow! Pray for me if you remember.

I am thinking of you all. Miss and care for you

Krista

Dreams

Hello all!

Castellano: This week has been one of my favorite weeks. I feel like I am starting to grasp Castellano, and I even dreamed in Spanish the other night! I woke up and felt so happy. Also this week, in class I got to share a little bit about my running, it was interesting trying to tell my class that I have run a double marathon distance. Each student is assigned a section of the newspaper. The past few works I intently studied "Barca" the most famous futbol team here. (soccer) They are quite amazing. In case you are wondering about Messi, Eto'o, Ronaldhino... I can tell you much... Anyways this week I am studying Culture and it is really cool to hear about the cultural aspects of this country. There has been so much talk about there elections here. The sad thing is is that there are two opposing parties and if you ask almost anyone, (I have asked my family, my professors, and fellow Spanish citizens on train rides etc,) and nobody likes their candidates. I am thankful for our elections, that even though we don't believe EVERYTHING at least we can have credibility in much of our government. We have a system that works.

Also this week in class, we were discussing holidays, and traditions. Each student is encouraged to talk, and as they speak, everything they say, which is wrong, is corrected. (Intimidating huh?) Well the question was "What traditions do you have in your country that you feel are losing what they once stood for?" I spoke of Christmas and what it is commonly recognized as and what I believe it should stand for. My teacher looked at me and asked if I was "religious?" I answered yes because I knew that was the best way to describe what he was seeking, and he then asked if I was "Protestant." I also answered yes... this may seem so small but I was thankful that God opened a door for my teacher as well as my classmates to know I was a Christian and hopefully I am shining bright so that they may know the love of the Lord.

Culture: This week = Culture. In my previous class we had a woman from Germany. She is great, 33 and an architect living in between Spain and Germany. She is very smart and cultured. She took me and another American around Barcelona and explained so many of the streets. It is really cool because even the tiles on some streets are decor and the design of such brilliant minds such as Gaudi. Also in pic above, there is me, Zoe (GA), and Katarina, the intelligent and cultured architect. We are standing in front of the Sagrada Family. (Google it) Also, today I went to the Picasso museum. It is rather interesting because it is literally tucked in to this small street in Barcelona.

Cumulation: I have had a lot of alone time this week, but it has been great. I was on the metro by myself the first time this week. Michelle and I go together always, but I was on the metro in the middle of Barcelona and got to figure me way around... Also this week I have been trying to be just as studious as when I started here. This Friday I am excited because I will get to go with a friend to the gym in BCN, and then we are going to see "27 Vestidos." (27 dresses, as in bridesmaid dresses) As in a girl has numerous occasions of being the bridesmaid but never the bride. Sounds familiar. I struggle with waiting for the right one. I know God has a plan it's just difficult to see many, many, many people you love and care about all get married and wonder why that type of love has not come?

I thank God for the opportunities that I have to travel. I have even secretly hoped that I can go away next spring. That would increase my level of Spanish so much. Well adios, espero que tengais una buena semana, con todo mi amor.

This week has been a week of reflection. The picture this week was taken in Charlottesville 4 years ago. I am with a girl from Venezuela. (So there's still the Spanish theme), just thought a past picture was most appropriate this week.

In the mornings on the way to school, Michelle and I have an hour and 10 minutes of seeing the beautiful Spanish countryside before we arrive at uab. www.uab.com Anyhow it has been for me a really needed time of reflection. At home I find myself so busy I hardly have time for sleep. I have reflected in these past few weeks on my childhood, on my family members, of my time in Bible college. So many times when things are over, I find myself tucking them away in a compartment with a label from that time in my life. For example Bible college. I bring it up here and there but that was the BEST time of my life. I traveled to Maryland, South Dakota, the Bahamas, and many other places with a group of people that I love dearly. It was a time of growth spiritually as well as figuring out what direction my life was headed. I doubt so many things in my life but when I think of where I want to go it is to be a Spanish teacher, this is the one thing that I know. Also as far as people in my life, it is so important to stay in touch but when I cannot stay in touch with everyone like I want I find myself tucking my experience away. I want to make sure I take the most of every opportunity in life, I am trying to do that in Spain.

Oh Spain... School has been hard this week. We are going over verb tenses that refuse to stay in my head. I have had a great four weeks in classes, I go for two more, then "vacaciones," (during which time a friend from states is coming), then two more weeks of school, a week in France and London, two weeks and then I'm home. I am really enjoying it here but I am excited to get back and hit the trails! I hope to take a road trip this summer....and much more.

This Friday I am going to the Picasso museum, I am really excited. Also I had my first day at work today... lots of fun speaking to tables in Spanish but intimidating.

How are you all? Miss you~ hasta luego...

Krista