Starting to Reflect

Below I am going to tell you about some of my struggles and share with you some of my reflections on my time here in Spain. These are my answers to some of my debriefing questions:

What were you most challenged in this summer?  

I was most challenged in self-control. I had to learn how to control how I felt in certain situations and try to see things from God's perspective, while continuing to show love to those around me. 

Culture Shock In...

Murcia: language class, connecting with Spaniards, a lot of language difficulties, the time differences (eating, the lack of schedules, etc.), never knowing what was coming next, and street evangelism. 

Granada: not having a lot to do around the Irwin's house, talking with strangers in another language (sometimes rejection), having to learn how to adjust to different people's learning styles, and trying to fit into a new culture with a new 3rd culture missionary family.

Madrid: having to learn how to present my faith in a very skeptical and searching environment, plus having to learn how to go about speaking English or Spanish in a very bilingual environment (where English is sometimes look down upon). 

Before ( B ) and After ( A )

Tastes

B: I liked to try new things and have new experiences.

A: I have realized I really like Horchata. Also, I have realized I will never like olives. 

Lifestyles

B: I was growing strong spiritually through some difficult trials and learning more about who I am created in Christ.

A: Throughout this year and this experience, I feel stronger in who God has made me as a person and I feel very firm in my foundation in Christ. I also feel more peace in uncertainty.

Job

B: I quit my job before I came and was uncertain about what to do next.

A: My future is still uncertain but I feel more comfort and peace in letting God direct my ways. God has helped me realize I need more training before I go onto the mission field, whether that is in the states or overseas I am not sure.

Interests

B: I love to learn new things, meet new people, read, and travel to new places.

A: My interests are the same but my desire to learn Spanish is stronger. 

Hobbies

B: Reading, playing with kids, and working with at-risk kids

A: My hobbies stayed the same but I do want to try walking more places, it is a lot more fun :-)

4 Phrases that apply to me (picked these out of a list)

My world has been expanded

My heart has been broken for lost people

My mind has been instructed 

My spirit has been set on fire and is running free.

3 New commitments or changes

Perspectives:

  I have realized the importance of being well trained and learned ministry can take place no matter where you are. My commitment is to doing more training before I head out into full time cross-cultural ministry.

Loyalties:

 My commitment is to being more intentional in relationships (Christian and non-Christian) and be more committed to my own personal devotion time. 

Priorities:

 God always comes first.

Well that is just a bit of my debriefing sessions. God has stretched me in many different ways this summer and though it was not always easy I love it. I will miss this team and place deeply, but I am so excited to get back and continue on the journey I feel God putting before me. Thank you so much for all of your prayers and continued support! 

Please keep in your prayers my family, we lost a close family friend, Gina, to cancer yesterday. My mom is very upset and it is hard for me to be away from them during this time. Also, please pray for Gina's family: Bill, Leah, and Brian as they have just lost their loving wife and mother. Please continue praying for the team as we are all starting to become restless and ready to leave. Pray that we would continue to rejoice and enjoy the short time we have left here and have a safe travel back home. 

I will try to write one more time before I leave :-)