First "Encuentro"

Día 3

            A typical school day lasts from 9am-1pm with a break from 11 for 30 minutes.  I’m studying Spanish culture and how the Muslim, Christian, and Jewish religions shaped the history and contributed to the current identity of Spain.  My professor reminds me of my Uncle Keith with his big eyebrows and “Thomas Family” looks.  His sense of humor and constant enthusiasm are refreshing for the moments when we zone out and cannot think anymore in Spanish. 

            After school we walk 15 minutes back for a hot lunch from our señora and a long siesta.  Days are long and warm, but full of friendly gossips, always excited to help us find our way.  When we ask for directions, it seems like the whole street or store joins in to help – feels like a movie. 

            After the siesta, some girls and I walked around a few shops to see what there is to see.  A place called “Lefties” is a store that sells “Zara” clothes for less, other stores and boutiques line the streets.  We pass about 25 tapas bars on our way to school, and that is just along one ro

ad!  Tapas are like an appetizer-sized plate with a variety of things from snails to oiled sardines to chicken kabobs and much more.

  Hannah’s dad joined us for gelato at Mama Goya’s before heading to our first “Encuentro,” the worship time every Wednesday led by Julie Anne Burrandt for us students.  Jillayne and I bought 2 gelato for our friends who were already at the church, but by the time we walked there it was half melted… it’s definitely summertime here.  Encuentro was a neat series of Spanish worship songs, testimonies, and encouragement for our time here.  Julie Anne pointed out how so often as tourists or visitors of a foreign country we tend to become selfish and frustrated if things don’t work according to our expectations.  Yep, that’s about right.  Us being foreigners for a time here brings to life Jesus’ command to live as citizens of another place, being heaven for our time here is so short.  Finding simple opportunities to serve the Sevillians is challenging but rewarding.  Whether it’s making señora smile or talking to a stranger for directions or paying a talented flamenco dancer in the street, those exchanges give me another chance to die to my pride and love like Christ.

            Before returning for dinner, we got directions to a bar to watch the fútbol game of Barcelona vs. English Manchester for the World Cup.  The majority of

people in the bar were men and for some reason they thought I was going for England (maybe b/c I’m white), so I got some weird looks.  It was the first soccer game I saw all the way through – I have much to learn. 

            That night we walked around and were in awe of how beautiful Seville is at night.  The buildings are lit up and reflect upon the river under a partially full moon.  We felt pretty safe, especially since there was a boy with us.