The City of Gaudí

The past few days have been a whirlwind of adventure.  Barcelona is a GORGEOUS city full of art, history, lots of beautiful architecture and a dynamic culture.  I've been to a show at the Magic Fountain, seen many monuments and landmarks, and spent some time relaxing on the beach.  I got to spend time with friends, and I feel very encouraged.  Barcelona has been fantastic.

The thing that has impressed me the most is the identity of the city.  From my perspective (which is limited to "tourist perspective"), there are two things which define the city: Gaudí and FC Barcelona.  

Gaudí's works and designs are all over Barcelona.  They're intriguing and have a way of pulling you to them. They also connect the city.  While you're at La Casa Batlló you remember Parc Güell, and while at Parc Güell you remember La Sagrada Familía.  Gaudí has such a distinct style that you automatically know which designs are his, yet no idea is ever repeated.

FCB is everywhere in Barcelona.  I don't know if this is because the club is such a huge part of the city or if it's because the city is such a huge part of the club.  All in all, it's all about being Catalunyan.  The museum and stadium are magnificent.  The club really makes it's visitors feel welcome and at home.  Even though I'm not a fan of FCB (just an admirer), visiting the stadium hit deep for me.  It's evident that there is a lot of heart invested in the club.

Back to the states in two days.  See ya then!

 

It's not forever.

Me: Gonza, this is the last time that I'm going to see you.
Gonzalo: No, you'll see me next summer.
Me: That's a long time away.
Gonzalo:  It's not forever.


Alvaro: What do you not like to eat?
Me: Fish.
Alvaro: Well tomorrow I'm going to bring you some and you're going to eat it.
Me: Tomorrow is Saturday.
Alvaro: The next day.
Me: Alvaro, camp is over.
Alvaro: In September.
Me: I won't be here.
Alvaro: October then.
Me: Alvaro, I won't be here.  I have to go back to the states.  The earliest I can be back is next summer.
*After this Alvaro's face fell and he went silent.  He wouldn't talk to me or look at me for several minutes.*

Goodbyes are so hard.  Somehow I manage to block the pain of the last goodbye out of my mind, and because of this, each new goodbye catches me off guard.  Saying goodbye to two seven year olds this morning was heart wrenching.  They've been a fantastic source of joy and love for the past few weeks.  I'm very grateful for the time that I got to spend with them and look forward to seeing more of them in the future.

To leave off on an optimistic note: I'm heading out for Barcelona in less than 48 hours! I'm going to spend a few days up there sightseeing and making new friends. :)

I'm looking forward to seeing you all soon!

The best disguise is no disguise

Quick story before I dash off to work:

Yesterday on my way to work I spotted two Spaniards in the Metro completely decked out in Olympic gear from head to toe.  I'm talking shorts, shirts, bags, shoes, everything.  Now it's possible that they could be fans, but from my personal experiences of traveling with a team I don't think so.  They looked like athletes headed out to the airport for team travel.  And they happened to be heading to line 8, the airport line.  I haven't figured out who they are yet, but I'm working on it.

<3

Me encanta fútbol

Since the last time that I wrote I have been to two, yes two, football stadiums.  Breath taking!  This was my reaction even though neither is the stadium of my football love, Liverpool.  On Thursday I toured el Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.  I was awed by the history and success that comes from Real Madrid.  I'm not a fan of the team but I respect their greatness in football.  I also respect how you can feel the positive atmosphere in the Bernabeu even when it's empty and there's no one on the pitch.

Today I went in the opposite direction: to el Estadio Vicente Calderon.  The story of Atleti is very different from that of Real Madrid but not any less moving.  Seeing the love that the people have for their club is fantastic.  I can't wait to visit more stadiums (with Anfield occupying the number one spot on the list)!  Hopefully there will be a least one other opportunity before I leave Spain... :)

Possibly the most important thing that I've done in the past few days was help teach some friends how to eat fries like Americans: dipped in ice cream.  The lesson was a success.  They caught on quickly.

Mucho amor a todos!

Settling In

I'm starting to settle in now in Madrid.  I can get around by myself and I have a place to call home for the next two weeks that is filled with three awesome girls who are very encouraging.  I'm also getting back to talking in Spanish.  At the camp I wasn't allowed to.  Now I'm facing my fear of appearing foolish and attempting to seize every opportunity to speak in Spanish.  I find it very interesting that it's very difficult to switch languages when talking to a person.  What I mean is, whichever language I first talk to someone in is likely to be the language that I will always talk to them in.  For the three girls that I am staying with I: speak in Spanish and am spoken to in Spanish by one, speak in Spanish and am spoken to in English by another, speak and am spoken to only in English by the last.  I doubt that this will change.  The best part is that it's not confusing trying to figure out which language to speak.  It all comes very naturally.

About two weeks until I return to the states and get to see many of you! :)

Intense in tents

We're leaving Guadarrama this evening.  It's been a fun two weeks but I'm looking forward to heading back to Madrid. :) 

I'm going to miss being with these kids.  I will be working with some of them again at the school in Madrid for the next two weeks, but most of them are done with their English training for now.  The high point for me was when I had all five of the little boys running to the classroom.  Usually they dilly-dally and take their time.  Not last night.  I didn't have to drag any of them in to watch a movie.  They ran eagerly.  I did have to carry two back to the tent, though.  Sleeping children are not so easy to carry.

It'll be nice to not sleep in a tent tonight.

I miss you all!

"To live would be an awfully big adventure"

Exciting news! (But maybe not really.  It depends on whether or not you find languages fascinating).  Yesterday I had my first conversation completely in Spanish, by myself, without a translator, with someone I don't know.  I had to ask the kind lady who works at the front desk if I could use her printer and then had to explain why.  I was not very eloquent but the lady was very patient and understanding and I managed to complete the task that I needed to do.  Yay!

I have found a movie that is currently competing with Pride and Prejudice at the top of my favorites list: Peter Pan (the 2003 version with Jeremy Sumpter and Olivia Williams).  I've watched it 1 1/2 times in the past two days and I'm contemplating watching it again today.  The first time I saw the end I had to hold back my tears because I didn't want my campers to see me cry.  But the second time there was no holding back.  Peter knew true love and then he lost it! How tragic!  It got me thinking.  Which is worse: knowing true love and losing it or never knowing it?  Thankfully I'll never have to find out because I'm blessed to love and be loved by the Lord.

Much love!

The Name Game

Names are very special.  You can communicate a lot of love when saying a name or even when just writing/typing it in a note.  I love to hear people say my name.  I haven't figured out which love language this falls under; maybe it is its own category.

Throughout my life people have had many names for me.  The majority call me by the name my parents gave me: Lauren.  In high school "Millsies" became common.  In college I grew into my last name: Mills. 

At camp, mis chiquitos call me "Lorena."  I love it.  It's the translation of my name into Spanish.  It sounds pretty, yes.  But this isn't the reason that I love to hear it.  I like it because it's spoken with love.  They only call me "Lorena" when they're pleased with me or need me to help them.  It always puts a smile on my face to hear it. :)

I wish I could write "I love you" to each and every one of you individually, but that would be a LOT of typing.  So here's what I'll do instead: (Insert your name), I love you.  Just know that I'm thinking it and sending love to you.

Football

"No hay dos sin tres" was the motto of the tournament for the supporters of La Selección.  And with a squad that plays as well as that, how could it not be true?  The Spanish team was stunning against Italy.  It was definitely a showcase piece for the tournament and a well deserved win for Spain. 

I got to watch the game on a TV here at the camp in Guadarrama with all of the people who are camping here (a large crowd).  The joyful celebrations that followed each goal and at the final whistle were awesome.  Everyone was living the game with the team.  When they say "Somos tricampeones" it's because they are a part of the team as well.  They can claim a part in the victory.  The team is inseparable from the people and the people are inseparable from the team.  I love the unity.

Continuing on the subject of football... I learned yesterday that the best way to make friends with seven year old boys is to play football with them.  The boys that are camping with us always want to play football: before breakfast, before class, instead of swimming, before lunch, after lunch until dinner, when it's dark and cold, etc.  Yesterday they dragged me into goal.  With much coaching from them I was at least able to stop a few shots and make some friends.  The patience and love of these kids challenges me to grow in these areas.  I am inspired by them and can't wait to see what else they teach me.  I can't believe I've only been at camp for 48 hours.


<3

¡Vamos España!

4 hours until the kickoff of la final de la Eurocup!

I see Spain everywhere.  That's kind of a "no duh" statement but it's true.  Red and yellow hangs from every balcony.  There's excitement, hope and passion up and down every street.  The anticipation is fantastic!  The whole nation is preparing to live and breathe the game with the team.  And this panda has chosen the best team to support tonight:

The funniest thing that I have found so far is that I could survive in Madrid without speaking Spanish.  Many people speak English (I haven't actually practiced my Spanish very much) and if not, communicating with hands and facial expressions is perfectly acceptable. 

Today we traveled out to Guadarrama.  Say "Guadarrama."  It rolls around in my mouth and is so satisfying to say.  I love it.  We'll be out here for two weeks camping and teaching English to seventeen kids.  It's going to be great! :)

More pictures are up on Facebook.

Vos amo.

¡Viva la furia roja!

It might be a little bit early to claim a complete victory but I am definitely beating jet lag right now.  And it's not because I slept on the flight over here.  There's just too much to do and see to be tired.

After landing yesterday, Elena and I went grocery shopping.  Later we walked around the touristy area near La Plaza del Sol.  My foreignness didn't stick out quite so much amongst all of the other tourists.  After some exploring, we went to the Madrid church's midweek service.  Everyone was extremely welcoming and loving and super patient.  They let me practice my Spanish with them, which is at a much lower level than their English is.  I'm very grateful for their encouragement and kind corrections when I speak.

Today was a full day as well.  I got to spend time with Sandra, Andrea, Carlos and the other Carlos.  We hung out in El Parque de Juan Carlos I, a beautiful park.  I had great conversations all day and Carlos even gave us a little lesson on Philippians 2:13-14.  I enjoyed getting to know these awesome people. :)

Now I'm preparing to watch the game tonight: the Iberian derby.  It's going to be so fantastic!! ¡Viva la furia roja!

Sending love from Spain. <3


P.S. The first batch of photos are up:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150877004861669.402012.563956668&type=3&l=98dceda3be

Is this real life?

Writing a blog is kind of intimidating.  These words are available to be read by an infinitely large audience.  That's a lot of people.  But if they can encourage someone, somewhere, at some point in time then I'm happy to write them. :)

Nothing interesting travel wise to report.  I'm packing and still can hardly believe that I'll be in Madrid in just over 29 hours.  It all feels like a huge sleep adventure (aka sleep walking) right now.

Prayers for safe traveling tomorrow would be awesome.

Love you all!