never a real reason to worry

When I began this journey I truly had no idea what I was getting myself into. All I knew was that I had this ache in me to travel and explore and Spain seemed like a good idea. The rest really fell into place. There were a lot of doubts... like was this program legit? Was I going to fly into Spain and be kidnapped? Were the families going to want me in their house as one of their own or was I going to be that awkward guest that lived in the room next to them? Were the kids going to understand me or even want to learn English from me? Did I know how to teach a language at all?

(Still wondering about the last question)

The whole time before I arrived, I sent many silent prayers to ask God for guidance and to let Him know that I was trusting that all of this was going to work out. Of course I still worried and the anxiety that hit me (especially when my mom and sister flew home) was like a giant ton of bricks.

Every minute I was getting more anxious about the next step. When I first arrived to the hostel in Barcelona, I was sure I had made a mistake. But then I made a friend, or two, who also was in CAPS and I was put at ease again. The three of us had a chance to explore Barcelona before everyone in the program arrived the following day. Meeting everyone was natural, or as natural as it can be when you're meeting tons of strangers who are all in this weird situation together, and things seemed right again.

THEN I had to become anxious about meeting my family. This family volunteered to take me in, only knowing I had passed my background check and I think they got a picture and whatever information I gave during my Skype interview... After one email from my host family a week before I arrived of the family, I was SO jittery and anxious.

But of course Jesus had everything under control and not even just under control. He went above and beyond with this family!!!!! Immediately after walking up to them and getting hugs and two kisses on the check from everyone, I felt at home. This family is much like mine at home. They enjoy being around each other, the kids are snorkus's* to one another (like I am to Alexis), they are active, enjoy snacking and wine, and made me feel as if I was just arriving back home after college after knowing them for maybe 20 minutes.

This past weekend we have been to families houses in the mountains, to a port town to watch my host brother sail and a family friends house for a Spanish BBQ!!

White water rafting rules are the same in English and Spanish
Patata Brava's are my favorite and highly resemble french fries but better!!!
Siesta is necessary and I am so thankful this is a napping country
Spanish BBQ's are very similar to Texas BBQ's minus the cream corn and BBQ sauce
Everyone associates Texas with cowboys and rodeos and I am ok with that
I am so so appreciative for family friends treating me like family as well