'You are good, always, always' are the words of a song I'm listening to and as simple as they are it is perhaps the most powerful thing a Christian can say. And we don't have to wear blinkers to say it. We can look at our circumstances and thank God that 'the testing of our faith develops perseverance.'
Well, I've been here for a little over two weeks and experienced a number of quite new things. Number 1 has to be the language: I answered the phone once in Spanish (it was a lady I knew) – it must have seemed so unbelievable that she promptly put the phone down! Another time, I was having a conversation about motor racing with a girl at church ('Lewis Hamilton will win'; 'Alonso is with a bad team'... such was my contribution). She kept asking me a question about 'Fisiquela'. I said 'Fisiquela (it must mean 'physically'), Hamilton is stronger. When it finally dawned on me that she meant 'Fisichella' – one of the other racing drivers I was rather embarrassed.
Number 2 is the life of a young single guy who must fend completely for himself. My first shopping trip was a bit of a disaster, though I only realised this when it was late one evening and I had nearly a whole iceberg lettuce but nothing much else to eat. I ate it all. I've decided to eat out more often than not – it's pretty cheap here (€5 for a meal). Last weekend I was very blessed to be invited to eat with the Hobbs, Willy & Deanna and the Delgados (see photos).
Last Sunday I played the saxophone in church. Finally, one language I speak. At my flat (in Badajoz), I admitted once again to the man that yes, I was cold. He called me a 'friolero' (not sure if there's an equivalent in English but basically, 'one who feels the cold'). I'm likely to be moving soon though not because of this particular incident! I need to be in a house with people who are more available for chatting in Spanish.
I have about 20 students in the language school now - most of whom are beginners. A Brazilian lady from Uberlandia, nine or so children (the youngest are 3 or 4 so it's a bit like being in a nursery) and a few teenagers. I'm finding it difficult to keep changing hats especially to assume the role of exuberant and inspirational teacher of children who, as yet, haven't even learnt the imperative: 'say'. It's going pretty well overall though.
Points for prayer (please!):
1. For diligence to learn and confidence to speak the language.
2. For clarity of mind to prepare curriculum and lessons. (lots of decisions seem to be mine)
3. For good communication with other staff
4. For Pako's health (my landlord/friend struggles with low sugar count and mobility problems.
5. For openings to be an example/witness of the power and love of Jesus
This hasn't been an easy week. I've been spending a lot of time preparing lessons and also writing down some necessary changes for the academy. If you happen to read this before this evening, please pray for my meeting with the lady I work for - that we'd make real progress. If I can make some things sufficiently clear for her, my job will be a lot easier!
good reason. For instance, I was telling someone that it is much easier to live as a single in Spain (financially). Actually, I said 'easier to be simple'. No wonder they looked bemused.
