Pequeños momentos

Life is made of the little moments. 

My life here probably sounds like one big fiesta where I get to travel every weekend and hangout with my friends and Spanish family during the week. And although this is true, my life here is still made of the little moments. I do get to go on amazing adventures to other cities and countries, I do get to learn a new language, I do get to live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but I also still do normal life here too. Here's a list of some of my favorite little moments that I get to experience daily in Sevilla...

-when I come home from a long weekend of traveling and as soon as I open the door I am greeted by "HANNA/YANNA" and a big hug from my nine year old sister Nati.

-when I learn a new word in class from my professors and that same afternoon when I get home my Señora says it and I can understand it.

-every morning when I turn the corner on my way to school and the view of the sun shining over the river takes my breath away.

-when my sister crawls up on my lap and reads the Bible to me out loud in Spanish.

-wearing shorts and a t-shirt while I run along the river and through the parks.

-every afternoon when I hear the little steps of my fifteen month old sister running to my room to blow me kisses and try on my shoes.

-getting to go and sit by the river while I read my Bible and soak in God's beautiful creation.

-when I get an e-mail, letter, facebook message, or skype call from one of you. Your support means so much to me and I love hearing about everything going on in your lives back home!

-when someone stops and asks me for directions in Sevilla (which is strange because I am usually asking directions), and I can tell them exactly where to go in Spanish.

-sitting around the supper table with my family while we talk, laugh, and cry together, make fun of each other, and share about our days.

-sitting by Manuel at the nursing home every Tuesday and watching him draw, hearing about his life, and learning from his wisdom.

-Bible study every Monday night with some great Christian girls in my program. It's so wonderful to have a support group here where we can dive into the Word and keep our semester centered on serving God.

-when I'm doing my homework before supper and numerous members of my family come to tell me that my Señora is making my favorite supper for me.

-getting to sing praises to God in Spanish and English every night at Encuentro (our praise and worship service led by people in the program).

-living with four personal tutors. It's so nice to come home from school and be able to ask everyone in my family for help on things I don't understand about the Spanish language.

-getting to practice Spanish at school, at home, in restaurants, and walking around the streets. Sometimes I can't believe how blessed I am to have this opportunity to learn Spanish. 

-going for chocolate and churros, chocolate triangles, hot chocolate, chocolate cake, or chocolate gelado with some great girls on the program and getting to share our struggles and joys about our time in Spain. (we all really appreciate the company and the food :) )

 -sitting on the couch and watching movies in Spanish with my family.

-talking to the professors and the other staff members at school every Monday night before flamenco class and getting to know them better.

-when Nati comes into my room everyday after school and takes off a clip to count down how many days until JT comes to visit.

-walking everywhere I go everyday and never having to drive.

-learning that love can speak louder than any language.


Praying you are all enjoying the little moments of your days wherever that may be.

Love,
jana



P.S. This isn't an everyday thing, but I had to mention it......CONGRATS SW EAGLES ON A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP! :)