sometimes i forget to remind myself that life is good. living in spain is cool. having a year abroad is excellent.
so, in no particular order...
1. spanish. yes, even though i am still yet to enjoy a coherent conversation without feeling really awkward, i do actually love spanish. this is why im here, this is why im studying it, this is why im frustrated because im not fluent yet. and even though im two months into my year abroad and i cant see a vast improvement, i still dare to hope that at some point in life i will achieve near native fluency, and i still believe by the end of this year i will be reaching it, and by the end of my degree it will be within my grasp.
2. church. i love church. and im blessed to have the opportunity to be part of the newfrontiers church plant here. its already been a massive blessing, knowing some like minded people who are also struggling to get to grips with the culture and the language and how to proclaim the name of Jesus in this nation. im blessed that this year is not just about me learning spanish, its about getting stuck in to God's plan for the city of Madrid. wowza.
3. school. i really enjoy my job, which is almost a surprise to me. im seriously considering doing a pgce after uni now, with the aim of teaching french/spanish at secondary school. i enjoy a job where i am around people all day. i enjoy my cute 1st ESO (year 7) classes where we learn how to say Juana is opposite Raquel. I enjoy my humourous 2nd Bachillerato (A2) class where we have debates about whether sciences or humanities are better. I enjoy being surrounded by spanish conversation at break time and await the day i can work out what theyre saying quick enough to contribute a witty response. i even at times enjoy the 40 minute bus journey as we pass mountains and villages and i just get to relax and contemplate life for a while.
4. knowing myself. i think being thrown into a different culture with no friends and family and a lack of fluency in the language is definitely a challenging thing, but with challenge comes the opportunity to grow. outside of my comfort zone, i find i am realising things about myself, about God, about life in general that may usually pass me by in the busyness and ordariness of life.
5. friends. as the year goes on, i hope to make more friends and deepen friendships, and i have already met and got to know two lovely housemates and my super friendly language exchange partner and incredible people from the church plant and one of my best uni friends is only a short train ride away.
and this is by no means the end of the things i enjoy about life on my year abroad in españa, but i must admit, im absolutely buzzing to go home for christmas! i guess there is really no place like home. great britain for the win.
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