Wow, what a crazy few weeks it has been. I understand why so many people come back from vacation more exhausted than when they left. Since I left the USA on September 15, I have been to Finland to visit Tuomas and Family, to Cartagena to find a room to rent, then to Murcia, Spain to get my NIE (Foreigner Identification Number, to Santiago de Compostela for a fantastic wedding, then back to Cartagena with my friend Tuomas, and then back to Murcia for a work meeting. I am a bit confused myself...
But God has been walking me through all of this and taking care of me through all of this travelling and moving and stress. As long as I look to Him everyday and keep Him as the center of my life, I have much more peace and am ready for the trials this life throws at me.
Even though things have been busy, I have been able to do such much because of Him. In finding an apartment, I did what most people would consider dumb: I saw one apartment in Cartagena and chose it because I felt the holy spirit leading me there.
It is in a wonderful location about 50 meters from the main plaza and a minutes walk from the port. I have a wonderful roommate Jesus, who is studying architecture; and just yesterday got another roommate, Sandra, who is studying businesss. By the end of the week, I should have one more Spanish roommate to fill up the piso (apartment.). I am excited to start cooking with them, going out with them, and learning about them. Already, my Spanish has improved so much.
It is in a wonderful location about 50 meters from the main plaza and a minutes walk from the port. I have a wonderful roommate Jesus, who is studying architecture; and just yesterday got another roommate, Sandra, who is studying businesss. By the end of the week, I should have one more Spanish roommate to fill up the piso (apartment.). I am excited to start cooking with them, going out with them, and learning about them. Already, my Spanish has improved so much.
Like anything in Spain, Getting your NIE or what amounts to your social security number which is necessary for me to stay here in Spain for the next 9 months takes time. You have to go to the office of the Foreigners and wait in lines, then go to a bank and pay a fee, and then come back to get another appointment date, etc. Well, God took care of me and in one day, less than 3 hours total I was able to get my NIE. Incredible!!! All my auxiiliar friends were shocked. What normally takes days with man, took God a few hours.
And his blessings just keep coming: I was able to spend time in Santiago de Compostela, where I studied abroad. I saw former classmates, hung out with my bf from Finlnd, and my Church family. Not too mention got to See two great friends get married at my first Spanish wedding (don't know if you can exactly call it Spanish though as Kuralay is from Kazakistan and Martin is from Bulgaria). Spanish weddings rock by the way (more to come in another blog post).
And his blessings just keep coming: I was able to spend time in Santiago de Compostela, where I studied abroad. I saw former classmates, hung out with my bf from Finlnd, and my Church family. Not too mention got to See two great friends get married at my first Spanish wedding (don't know if you can exactly call it Spanish though as Kuralay is from Kazakistan and Martin is from Bulgaria). Spanish weddings rock by the way (more to come in another blog post).
Tuomas (bf from Finland) and I then returned to Cartagena together where he helped me get my apartment set up. We got to go to our favorite store, IKEA, together in Murcia, and get all the free caffe lattes our hearts desired (It pays to be a member in 4 countries). O, and I bought a few things for the kitchen.
Finally, I was able to take a nice easy weekend here in Cartagena. I got my room all in order, the kitchen set up to my likings, and was able to enjoy the weather. It is such a beautiful area I live in and a gorgeous city. I am so excited for the everyday adventures- finding the local herb shop and buying fresh honey, going to a hueveria to buy eggs, and spending time with fellow believers and nonbelievers alike.
Finally, I was able to take a nice easy weekend here in Cartagena. I got my room all in order, the kitchen set up to my likings, and was able to enjoy the weather. It is such a beautiful area I live in and a gorgeous city. I am so excited for the everyday adventures- finding the local herb shop and buying fresh honey, going to a hueveria to buy eggs, and spending time with fellow believers and nonbelievers alike.
Everyday is a gift from Him, and I will take full advantage of each day that I still have breathe and still am walking (which I do a lot). Trusting in Him for everything, including that bike which I need to get to school on Wednesday. And something I can't forget is my true job, yes I am here to teach English, but I am always a fisher of men as Christ calls us to be. I was reminded of this as I entered church on Sunday.
The Craving Conn,
Andrew
The Craving Conn,
Andrew