The Adventures Begin...

I made it, I'm with my host mom, in Segovia. Even with the hills, roman aqueduct, and Spanish speakers all around me; it's hard to believe I'm here. A little less than 48 hours ago, I was still packing frantically and dwelling on so many "what if's". I was really worried about all the snow delaying our flights. However, God is good and he got us here safe and right on time!-No pasa nada- no worries. :)

It was hard to say goodbye at the airport. There were lots of tears and uncertainty, but we had to press on through security. It was great to have Teddi and Sam there with me. It would have been a lot harder traveling by myself. Our first flight to Filadelfia (that's how they spell it here)was short. I read my notes from friends and family, which was so encouraging. I'm so thankful I have all of you. I miss you all already. I'm so glad I'm not alone. God is my strength and my shield through these lonely, scary times.

We didn't have much time to get to our flight to Madrid. It was a huge airport so we ended up having to run! When we got settled, I was by Sam and a window. We watched a movie and tried to sleep, but there was no comfy position- and I tried multiple. Sam and I probably got a total of two hours of light sleep. We had dinner on the plane, but it seemed like it was time for breakfast right after dinner. One minute I was looking at the moon out my window and the next I was seeing the sunrise. It was gorgeous, but I was too tired to welcome the sun. When we were an hour from landing, we could look out and see Spain. It's very hilly with mountains here and there. The land is dusted with snow right now. It's beautiful! This world seems so overwhelming and huge to me, but in reality we are so tiny. And God cares about each of our tiny selves. That's a huge comfort to me. :)

When we got on our bus to Segovia, I met most of the other students. Everyone seems like they're in the same boat-very excited/nervous and clueless about a lot. I tried my hardest to stay awake on the ride, but failed. However, what I did see of Madrid looked very modern and crowded. The city is huge with many apartments. There are not very many people here who live in houses. When I woke up, I felt like I was in Narnia. There were snowed covered pine trees and huge hills surrounding our bus. If I could compare it to a state in Los Estados, I would say it's kinda like Arkansas or Tennessee. (Big hills, rocky in some places, and I feel like it might look like a desert without the snow and pine trees.) I love it. (If you know me, you know I love mountains. Why do I live in Indy!?haha) I didn't let myself fall back asleep after seeing that.

When we arrived in Segovia, we met up with our host moms right away. Even though I was excited to meet Julia,it was intimidating, especially since we were separated from the others. When I met her we did the traditional kiss on both cheeks, and I think I passed that test. I guess it's not that weird. Although, I would like to teach them a hand shake. (those who know me, know I'm not a touchy feely person:) I had my huge suitcase and we had to walk 20 min. to Julia's apartment or floor as she calls it. I was struggling up many hills. I have a feeling I'm going to get lots of exercise.

Julia lives in a 4 bedroom floor with 3 bathrooms, a living room, long hallway (which is scary at night), porch, and kitchen. It's very nice and clean. Everything sparkles, but that's probably because her kids are all grown up. Her mom lives with her as well. She doesn't really say much except for "AY madre mia", which I take as Oh my. At first, we didn't talk much, but when she asked me questions for the most part I understood. I just have trouble asking her questions and answering. I wonder what I sound like to them. hah

Julia got to meet my sister, Chris, through Skype and she told Chris she would take care of me like I was her own. It was very comforting to hear, and I think that's when I started getting comfortable with her. There have been exciting and hard times already. It's hard to be alone, but I know I can always depend on God. 2 Corinthians 2:9-has been an encouragement to me these past few days. I love you and miss you all.-If you read all of this-WOW-Thanks! Take care en los Estados :)