Seeing ministry in all aspects of life

Ministry can often look like a bible study, an outreach, running a weekend camp, ext. But it also often occurs when a person is willing to look for  God in everyday moments and be used by him. We got to go on a hike in Asturias (Northern Spain), and while this was a time of rest for us, we found ourselves walking and talking with this spanish girl and her dad for about 2-3 hours sharing about our lives and why we were in Spain. Often you don't hear or see the fruit from these moments in life but we know God works in them as we remember the ways He spoke to us through seemingly 'simple' encounters with those who are willing to be used by Him.

Cultural Diversity in Spain

We were able to visit a medieval festival in Sigüenza. As we learn more about Spanish culture, we have been amazed to see how diverse and different each region of Spain is. Often when people think of Spain, they think of the flamenco, bull fights, seafood etc. Watching this video, you would think these people were representing Scotland or Ireland, but their bagpipes and costumes are actually representing the time when the Visigoths controlled much of Spain during the 6th to 8th century. As well want to connect, love and reach out to these people we are learning how important it is to learn more of their past and the impact it has made on who they are today.

(little did I know that they would stop and surround me right where I was videoing!)

Praying in the Darkness

We have slowly been able to explore Spain, seeing the beauty of this country but also the spiritual darkness. Many of the towns we drive past have no testimony of Christ. The longer we are here, the more we see the needs and feel the urge to pray.

(music typical of Northern Spain).

Dreading the telephone ring!

We know that almost everyone has their fair share of having to call companies to fix incorrect bills, and we all know how much fun that is. So we have included here a bit of what its like at this point for us as we try to fix a bill regarding our internet. As you will notice in this video, They love to talk a lot and fast! This allows very little chance for Ang to say anything even if we did understand half of what was being said to us which...we don't. You can't hear much on there end but whenever Ang does say something, they pretty much ignore her! 

These facial expressions are common place as we journey through language learning,

Enjoy!

Basketball tournament

Ang and friends working the refreshment booth

Last Saturday we were invited to help at a basketball tournament put on by Athletes in Action in connection with two churches in the Madrid area. It was an incredibly hot day, but we were blessed to be able to work in the shade as we helped keep the players hydrated and fed. A short term team from the states was also there helping and put on a drama very similar to one of the gospel dramas we used to do while on the dance team, Refined Undignified.

(Since arriving in Spain I had thought Spaniards to be average height, but this tournament sure proved that there are some very tall Spaniards around too!)

SPANISH CULTURE

It is been fun learning about Spanish culture and trying to adapt to it. There are lots of differences but here are a few that have stuck out to us the most:

MEALS: Most people eat what we call "1st breakfast" around 9:00 and later on "second breakfast" around 11:00 then lunch at 2:00, a snack at 5:00 and supper between 9:00 and 11:00. Tonight we ate supper at 12:00...that has been our latest meal so far!

TRAFFIC LIGHTS: In some cases red traffic lights seem to be a suggestion out here. We have seen many people stop at a red light, check to see if anyone is coming and then run the light!

INVITATION: We have learned that when a Spaniard invites you over for lunch it does not just mean for lunch...it means for the whole day (unless they let you know otherwise). The first time we were invited to a Spaniards house for lunch we did not get home until 11:00 that night!

HEAT: It is beginning to get quite hot here already. Today was 34 C but they say July and August are the hottest months with temperatures reaching around 45 C. Cooking can make the house too hot so we are learning to plan meals that don't require the oven...just boiling water seems to heat up our house.

FOOD: The food here is delicious! We have enjoyed some traditional spanish meals such as Paella (rice and seafood dish), Cocido (chickpea and meat dish) and Fabada (white bean and sausage dish). Many things that come on our plates have eyes...that has taken some getting used to! We have also had our share of blood sausage. At first it was quite difficult to eat but now that we have had it a few times it doesn't seem so bad anymore...it can be quite tasty!

Cocido

Fabada

Paella

Want to hear some Spanish....

Ok ok, she has a lot going for her and not only that but she's beautiful too! We are learning multiple monologues and dialogues that we are attempting to use on any unfortunate soul that is willing to listen. The actions you see us doing are used to help us memorize. I am just glad we can both have fun and laugh during this time. I pray it continues.

-Adam