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!