Home again

I arrived back safely last night. It was nice to be at home again and to have a piano to help me unwind. Although my trip hasn't been packed with events, it has been very full and informative.

Spain is a spiritually barren place. So many people without hope, without God. The believers I met are a strong testimony of God's grace enabling them to endure. There's one thing I'll not forget in a hurry. I went to a prayer meeting the night before last. I met a young couple who had just had an incredible conversion experience. Ricardo was listening to a Christian CD his wife had picked up from a friend, when the Holy Spirit touched him. The presence of God was very strong. He read a small portion of Scripture in a booklet, and they both spent some time praying with the pastors before committing their lives to God. When I looked at their faces, they were radiant!

Yesterday, I met Judith Bates in Madrid. She's a friend from my church and has been teaching in Madrid for over a year. She has a real heart for Spain and went there in faith, trusting God to provide contacts and open the way fully for her. I thank God for her example.

Aside from the damp England I returned to, there are some pluses in being back. For one, no more kissing for greetings. Even though I expected it, it came as a surprise sometimes. There is also the pleasure of eating food and knowing what's in it. Of course, the greatest bonus is being with my family again even if it's only for a couple more months.

I'll keep you posted on any new developments (such as: I've decided to go to Spain). Thanks for your prayers.

Las cosas claras y el chocolate espeso

¨Things are clear (uncomplicated) and the chocolate is thick." This is a new Spanish expression I learned today after having a hot chocolate which is basically melted chocolate in a mug. However things don't always seem clear to me! Today has been my second full day in Navalmoral de la Mata. I´m very glad I´ve had time to chat with various people, get to know the town and generally to feel quite at home.

My journey here was three hours through very picturesque surroundings - mountains, lakes and a surprisingly verdant landscape. I´m staying with Paco (Frank if you like). He is an older gentleman with the best English of anyone I´ve met in the town. This is definitely God´s grace as my stuttering Spanish still is a struggle. About an hour after I arrived, the lady who wants to set up the academy came to interview me. Her English is on par with my Spanish. Later I explored the town. It´s quite quaint with lots of tiny streets and bars of all types.

The vision of the academy is to teach people a variety of languages and so enable them to find work. This is to be done in a good environment with Christian teachers. Their plan is to use language software on computers and also have two teachers for classes (me and Pamela). They are extremely keen for me to come.

This morning, I went for a jog/walk. There was a fantastic view looking out across the town, the plain and the mountains. If I get a bicycle I´ll definitely cycle there. There´s no way I´ll drive a car here. It rained today and somehow 15º seems freezing to me. I guess I must have acclimatised. However, my body is a bit overwhelmed with the eating times here. Lunch at 2 and dinner as late as 10.

Thank you all for your prayers. I´m back in England tomorrow. Hooray!

Last day in Badajoz

It's been a good few days in Badajoz. I spent most of Saturday walking! In the morning, I went to town and was told to catch the bus home later. The only problem was I hadn't a clue which stop was right. Neither did I have any phone numbers to call. So I looked for the church.... Three hours later I found it, found a number to ring and found my way home. I am now familiar with the centre of Badajoz.

In evening we had a meeting for 'los jovenes' - the youth. We had a time of worship and testimonies, and then we prayed in groups. One girl said it was the first time she'd been able to pray. She'd never felt God was interested in her before. It was great to meet an old friend, Pablo Delgado, who led the worship. Even with my limited Spanish, I was able to arrange to see him on Sunday. The day ended as it had begun - another hour or so of walking.

Sunday morning we went to Comunidad Cristiana. A few people recognised me but most have come since. There were around 70 there. It's fantastic to see the building filled with Christians praising God. About 15 people received certificates marking the occasion of their baptism.

In the evening, I visited the Delgado family. It was a bit of a strain on my brain having to communicate entirely in Spanish for a whole evening. We watched the Grand Prix which led to heated discussion. I quite enjoyed being a Hamilton supporter though. But as they said, "Ni Hamilton, ni Alonso". Victory for Finland.

Today I'm going to Navalmoral de la Mata. Please pray for my journey and my time there. That it would leave the right impact on my life. That God would order my steps.

Thank you

Having arrived

Yesterday was pretty tiring. Hopping from bus to bus to plane to train etc. Thankfully, with only a couple of minutes to spare I caught the bus to Badajoz. I started the day freezing on a coach with no heating and ended it baking on a coach with no air con.! Thanks to God for the travel arrangements fitting together so succinctly.

I´m staying with Desmond and Caroline - a lovely couple who have been my main contact in Spain. Today I met Anthony, an American who helps in the church and lives with the pastors Az and Abby. They´re moving house so I helped put together some IKEA furniture. I ate lunch with them and their two young children.

It´s been good to hear from people how God is moving in the city and the region. Anthony was telling me about a time of street evangelism 2 weeks ago where the presence of God really came down. Tomorrow I´ll be at a youth event, which will build upon that.

I´ve also been encouraged to hear from people who have come out here with little Spanish and now speak fluently. So far I´ve felt very limited! And I´ve forgotten my dictionary, but with the right attitude, I can learn another language.

Buenos noches

Spain

The journey to Spain is beginning. For many years, I've hoped to live there and wondered how things would work out. Well, what God puts in someone's heart, He puts there for a reason. Next week I'm going for a reccy to Badajoz and Navalmoral de la Mata. I'll be leaving on the 18th and visiting old friends at the weekend. Then I'll be meeting the couple in whose English Academy I may work (hence my attempt to be grammatically sound).

I feel a bit like Joshua and Caleb - sussing out the promised land. They went with hearts open to God's purpose. Please pray that I would do the same. Unlike them, I can't see myself staying more than a few months/years, but who knows?! I don't expect to meet any giants, but I'm looking forward to the grapes and the pomegranates!

Maybe I should give a little background on my Spain links. I know several people in Badajoz from the school mission visits I've been on. They have a tremendous burden to share the Gospel of Jesus with the people of that region. It has always been a privilege to visit and work with them.

Please pray that:

1. I would get everywhere I'm supposed to be and at the right time
2. I'd be encouraged to learn the Spanish language well
3. the people I meet would hear from God regarding if and where I fit in
4. I would know very clearly whether I should (or shouldn't) go to live in Spain

Thanks a lot.