Closing Time...

There is a Semisonic song that perfectly describes how I feel today, "...closing time every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."

Today I finished my exam and turned in my books; packing is the only thing left (YIKES). Then, on Saturday I begin my travels. Have a wonderful Christmas, family and friends!
Until next time and always God bless!

Ms. Arnold & Ms. Mortenson...

Last weekend was like a breath of fresh air…

It felt so good to be with someone what knew me! Plus, I strolled around with Ms. Arnold, who is quite the gal (Kim is a close friend of the family and kind of my career idol).

But I will begin with getting to Maastricht, Netherlands: Thursday night I took the bus to Madrid (6 hours on a bus wouldn’t have been to bad but the first 3 hours I was stuck sitting next to an older gentleman that didn’t believe in deodorant!) Once I was at the airport in Madrid I took a flight to Brussels. (And now the best part) Kim had given me instructions how to get to her house from Brussels---which trains to take, the departure times, where to switch trains, how to get to her house from the train station---and her phone number. Ironically, I could not get a hold of her so I had to just follow the instructions. (Hahaha) I felt like “such a big girl” figuring it all out alone. And every person that I asked for help was incredibly helpful. In one of the trains I had a great conversation with a Dutch biology teacher (she was in her mid-twenties). So, eventually Friday night I ended up at Kim’s doorstep!

Saturday, Kim and I decided to be adventurous and hit up 3 countries. Kim drove to this famous (and very touristy) park where the borders of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands come together. We walked around in the park and then decided to head to Germany. In all three countries there are “Christmas Markets” and in the Eiffel region of Germany there is a small town with famous Christmas Market. It was something else trying to figure out the road signs in Dutch/German on the way (hahaha)- we were guess which one meant enter and exit! Nonetheless, we made it and the town was so cozy: the buildings close together, a creek running through the center, and at night the whole town was lit up! Kim and I went from shop to shop, drank hot wine (it’s a specialty there), and ate a popular German snack (hot mushrooms cooked in garlic and other spices).

Later that night, Kim and I headed back to the Netherlands and went to the Maastricht center. Until Christmas, Maastricht hosts a Christmas carnival with craft and food stands and a few rides. We ate tons of homemade french-fries and took all kinds of goofy pictures. There were people ice-skating around this gigantic Christmas tree but it was kind of drizzly out and we knew that if we fell our pants would be totally soaked…so we opted to put a rain check on the ice-skating (actually, Kim was probably going on a date there-hahaha) and instead Kim wanted to show me her favorite Dutch venue. Then Sunday was very relaxing: we walked around the town, rode on the Ferris wheel, and ate homemade waffles.

Last weekend revived my spirit: the whole atmosphere, the deeper conversations, and the comfort of being with a friend. Kim and I had all kinds of very random conversations about Sevilla, life, career goals…thinking about them still makes me smile. I honestly am tickled pink with thoughts of traveling with Kelly, Munson, and Emily…I can’t wait.

I have one more week left of school and then I am done for the semester-CRAZY! My prayers and love to you all. I miss you guys so much and can not wait until I see you.

God Be With You All~

Kim and I

This was a the same "3 countries-1 point" park. There was a monument for the soldiers of WW2... Kim and I at the German Christmas Market...
Kim chowing down on homeade french fries...
What can I say, I couldn't get enough of Santa- I was glued to him like bees on honey! 

3 Countries in 1 Day...

Kim and I went to a famous park where the borders of Belgium, Germany, and Holland come to one point! It reminded me of home (*sigh)
Kim and I took a road trip to the "Eiffel" part of Germany. The small town had a creek running through it and a Christmas Market-incredibly cute and cozy!
Until Christmas, Maastricht (Holland) hosts a Holiday festival. At night this plaza is lit up ice skating was offered around this gigantic Christmas tree...
One morning, Kim and I ordered waffles and then went on the Ferris Wheel (the one that was shown above)... 

Last weekend adventures

Both nights in Paris the Eiffel Tower would light up like the above. It was seriously breathtaking and when we were running to it from a distance I felt like a bug attracted to the light (hahaha) Then, the picture below was taken at the Thanksgiving party I went to. Stephanie and I were the only ones there that did not know French...everyone else is studying in France but from other countries...nonetheless it was one of the best nights of this semester...as a close friend once said "...make my world a bigger place"...meeting those people that night, spending more time with Stephanie, and hanging out with Alex and her brother has inspired so many of my future goals...
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A BRIEF SUMMARY
When I walked into my bedroom Sunday morning, I trucking away with POCITO sleep! That is right; around 15 hours of sleep in 3 days! Seriously, Stephanie and I calculated this out…(I was so wiped out this morning that I didn’t hear my alarm clock go off later that morning…crawled into bed at 6:45 am)…

Wednesday night, Stephanie and I hopped a bus to Madrid. (We hardily slept because we were so hyped up with excitement) Six hours later we arrived in Madrid and we waited…and we waited…and waited some more…5 hours until our departure…

I felt like I was living in Seattle, Washington because it rained the entire time we were there! But, rain didn’t stop us from having a good time. I drank way too many cups of coffee and strait espresso, ate too many bars of chocolate, and for some odd reason ate like 6 oranges (still not sure why)…anyways

Thursday night we celebrated Thanksgiving with a bunch of Alex’s (Stephanie’s best friend from college) friends. But before hand, Stephanie and I made a few stops. First we visited the Basilica de Sacre Coeur. The Basilica was incredible: it rested like a fortress on top of a hill- gardens, benches, and stairways totally embellished its beauty-and ‘the icing on the cake’ was the classic carrousel at the bottom of the hill! The, inside of the Basilica was immaculate. I am sure that my jaw was dropped the entire tour. The murals were amazing and way more preserved—compared to the other cathedrals I have seen. Unfortunately, there was a “no picture taking” rule enforced…so the best way to get an idea of what it looks like is by googling it…
Afterwards, Stephanie and I booked it to the Moulin Rouge-we only had enough time to take a picture from the outside. But the walk there was wonderful. Imagine narrow cobble stone streets with cozy cafes, restaurants with outside seating (even in the rain people sat outside underneath canopies), and tons of people speaking in that beautiful French language…that walk was like a movie…an poet stopped us in the street and read us a poem (and then tried getting money from us)…we walked past the studio of an artist (and watched him paint)…so many details…

Once we met up with Alex it was time to celebrate Thanksgiving. After a couple hours of getting lost (meeting up with Alex’s brother, trying to find a supermarket, and then finding the party) we gorged ourselves with a traditional thanksgiving dinner. By 3:30 am we finally called it a night.

Friday we tried to cram everything else in! We toured the Museo de Orsay (primarily art work of the impressionist artists) and The Louvre (that place was overwhelming- next time I go I want to be way more prepared)…walked all over the city and all along the river…saw tons of monuments like the Republica de Francia and the Obelisque (some Egyptian monument that looked like the Washington memorial)…walked past the Notre Dome and the area were all the French politicians work…the night ended well- dinning at an Italian restaurant and walking to the Eiffel Tower! Once again, morning came quickly too soon. Stephanie and I almost missed our bus back to the airport! Over all, the trip to Paris was amazing! Two days was definitely not enough time to take it all in. But I look forward to going back, some day

The 14 hours in Madrid was a little rough. Stephanie and I were incredibly exhausted and it was still raining. I couldn’t store my backpack at the bus station so I had to carry that thing everywhere! Thankfully, the metros in Madrid were easier to understand (reduced the stress).
We spent quite a while at the Prado Museum which was wonderful. I absolutely loved the Prado Museum- way more than the Louvre (I had more background knowledge about the Spanish artists and paintings)! We also walked around the Puerta de Sol; which is the main shopping and nightlife area of Madrid….since it was still raining Stephanie and I definitely took advantage of the American chains like McDonalds and Starbucks in Madrid…and then at midnight we left Madrid and headed back to Sevilla.
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Sunday I took full advantage of the Sabbath: studied for a quiz, visited with my senora and roommate, edited photos, and walked around the city. The best part of my day was my quiet time. I sat beside the river and listened to a Rob Bell sermon. Bell continued his series entitled “Jesus wants to save Christians” and today’s theme (corresponding to the Parable of the Good Samaritan) was ‘who is your neighbor’ and hatred…always so much to think about and reflect on…

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! There are only 2 ½ weeks left of the semester! I can’t believe it…Emily and Munson, I can’t wait to begin our Christmas break adventures!!! And until next time and always, sending lots of love and prayers.
God bless you guys,

MaLeah

14 hours in Madrid...

my favorite museum...

Madrid's Botanical Gardens-we walked around the outside of them but then it started to down pour... the streets of Madrid were decked out for Christmas... 

Paris pictures set no. 2

near the inside entrance of The Louvre...
one of the many monuments surrounding The Louvre courtside/garden area...
my friends Stephanie and Alex standing infront of Notre Dame...
the Eiffel Tower during the night...how romantic! 

Paris picture set no.1

the carrousel in the Square next to the Basilica... a view from one of the gardens along the Basilica...

the Basilica de Sacre Couer... inside the Museu' de Orsay...
 

Ronda trip...

BUENOS NOCHES Crew,

The middle of November is here and the semester is coming to an end. I am always baffled by how fast time goes by…

Since my last post I made the goal to travel somewhere new-at least once-during the weekends; so, either weekend long trips or day trips. Last weekend my friends and I went to some roman ruins outside of the city called Italica. I had a blast! It reminded me of the Mexico Missions trip a few summers ago (Bethesda Crew, remember the Mayan ruins…anyways, ya’ll know what I am talking about).

Then, this weekend I went on a day trip with the school to a town called Ronda. Life there seemed so simple and peaceful. It is one of the most famous towns in Sevilla--- like, Orson Wells. Apparently he was friends with the town’s bullfighter and (I think this is his name) Ernest Hemingway felt inspiration from this town-meaning the guy wrote a book about it, or something. Anyways, the town was incredibly beautiful. The tour guide said a lot of honeymooners visit Ronda. So, for all you married couples out there, check out Ronda (and if you’re worried about not liking the food, they recently added a McDonalds).

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School is going well. Learning another is such a process; but as my dad once shared with me, “…things that are really worth it are usually-never that easy…”Some days I feel like a pro and others I can’t understand...the question or the comment or how to respond…
My relationship with my intercambio is going so well. Esther is quite the gal; pictures of her---COMING SOON. My relationships with the other students have been going really well, too. In the middle of this month, I am going to Paris with a bunch of friends. I can’t wait. Other exciting traveling plans: after the program, my friend Stephanie and I are meeting up with Munson (and possibly Kelly) in Ireland! I don’t even know what is in Dublin-I just know that I bought a plane ticket and am going----so random! Then, right after that, I am going to AFRICA for Christmas! My close Chi Alpha friend, Emily knows a family in Tunis; and so the two of us are going to spend Christmas with that family. After the New Year’s traveling is still in the making; but I’ll keep you all posted…

Until next time, God bless you guys. Once again, thank you so much for all the prayers-comments-and emails…

Abrazo 

Italica day trip...

 

Halloween

I was the CAP-IE-TON Tuesday night; it was a blast!

So, I timed it; it takes me 45 minutes to walk to church! But, it is so worth it. The Iglesia de Cristo is a small church with contemporary Spanish worship. A group of women lead the worship and there are 2 acoustic guitars. When it’s time to sing-EVERYONE sings. If you are not singing loud, you are the odd ball! Singing in Spanish is so hard (but I love it). About 75 to 100 people pack into the church it’s small but beautiful. Throughout the service, the pastor will ask men or women from the congregation to lead in prayer (It reminds me of some of the churches back home, and that always makes me smile). The whole service is in Spanish, so it is perfect practice for my comprehension. (Seriously, when I leave there I am filled with so much joy!) I also connected with one of the families. Last Sunday, Antonio, his wife Lourdes, and I exchanged digits. They also helped me figure out times for the college group/youth service that meets once a week. I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store…please pray for Iglesia de Cristo in Sevilla.

Final Decision...

I am staying for an academic year! Sunday, I found a church PRAISE GOD! And it rocks. This Saturday I am going to college night. I can't wait to meet more Spaniards. I also went to my very first "futbol" game this weekend. It was a blast-minus the rain.

My roommate and Senora

Sevilla vs. Cataluna

 

gente importante

Kristina is my roommate. Stephanie (my close amiga here) and I are making fish lips.
Maggie (aka Southern) and I went to Barcelona together.
Andy is my study-buddy. (FYI: His girlfriend Jamie is super awesome and is in the first set of student pictures)
 

fotos de mis amigos estudiantes...

Christine, Nessa, and I are on a boat. Christine (girl on the far left) and I call eachother "prima" (cousin) because she is Colombian too!
Tonico is trying to lick Ben's ear...haha
Greg is california-surfer boy...as you can see, he is the ladies' man!
(And below) Jesse, Chris, Barbie, Lauren, and Steph are making a toast.