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| Just want to let you know that our video shoot went well! Again, if you're interested in watching a trailor for the program we were working with, originally called "People Who Met Jesus," follow this link: Kirsten, a fellow worker here has written a description of what this kind of video shoot is like, and it's a great read! If you're interested, follow this link to her entry: After a couple pics I'll paste some more about the shoot from the last update I emailed out (so you may have already read that). I'm still learning what's secure and not secure to post, since some of our work is sensitive, so maybe after I get some more input I can post more pics than this. And I had to stand on a little chair. I didn't find it easy to control something bigger than me! But it went ok. ;) I was thankful for the bits of experience from Founder's Week and the b-ball tournament that I got as a video student at Moody. Oh, and the thing sticking off the front is a teleprompter - so our presenter can read the script/text, but still look like he's just talking to the camera. Kirsten and I were the camera operators. From Thursday, March 27 We're between episodes of shooting for a series called "Back to the time of Jesus." MMC bought the rights to this program, originally titled, "People Who Met Jesus," from International Media Ministries. This series has dramatized episodes featuring significant encounters that Jesus had with people. There is a presenter who introduces each episode and comments throughout. He discusses the significance of the encounter and addresses what it means for us today. It is a wonderful tool for us as we can use their footage and dramatic production but use our own presenter - a native of North Africa, speaking Arabic. He has tailored the scripts to speak to a Muslim audience, defining terms and answering tough questions. | | |
| In Spain the week before Easter, Semana Santa (or Holy Week), is a time of celebration and reflection. In Malaga, every night of the week there are processions of robed adults and children, various bands, and many elaborate, heavy "thrones" (like a float, but made of real stuff - metal, wood, etc. vs. paper/cardboard - and carried by up to 100 men). It is an interesting cultural time, but also kind of disheartening to see so much emphasis on Mary, as well as to think that most of these people don't know Jesus personally, but just know about Him. So they take a week to be penitent... Some of them think they are atoning for their sins by taking part in the festivities - like helping to carry one of the thrones. Please don't take my statements as fact - I'm certainly just a bystander, and most of the things I've gathered are from watching, or hearing other peoples' opinions here and there. I'll post a few of my pics here, and if you want you can read another description of Semana Santa in this region (called Andalucia) here: www.donquijote.org/culture/spain/fiestas/semana-santa.asp 
This is one of the "thrones." See all the men carrying it?? They are more than 5 across... It's probably more than 100 men. This throne shows the three crosses and the men on them, and Mary is standing in the corner. 
Some of the dress/costumes are a little frightening looking, like this white, hooded one. It might make you think of the KKK, but this probably came first. | | |
| As I reflect on my weekend, I’m beginning to wonder if some of you are praying for me. In my last email update I wrote, “Please pray that I will continue to adjust to so many new, stretching things with God’s help. Pray that I will grow in relationships.” FRIDAY: In the evening I got to go with some new missionary friends to see a cultural Spanish “Flamenco” dance. I enjoyed getting to know my new missionary friends Matt and Rachel and their 2 kids, and got to speak some Spanish with some of their friends at the event. I have the Moody and Chicago connection (Moody Bible Institute) with them, as well as a church connection (we share a supporting church and even some friends)! SATURDAY: In the evening I attended the youth meeting at my Spanish Church, Renacer. The lesson was about prayer, and after that we celebrated one of the girls’ birthday. I got to chat a bit with a couple girls I feel like I might be able to actually kind of get to know. We played some rousing hands of Uno! …in the language where “uno” actually makes sense. ;) (Here the youth group includes a much wider range of ages – anyone from Jr. High age to the upper 20s, so it’s a great place for me to plug in. I’m 25.) SUNDAY: I went to church in the morning, and spent more time than usual chatting in Spanish with people before the service. I’m starting to feel more comfortable there. I talked some with one guy from the youth group: “Hola, que es tu nombre otra vez? Antonio?” (Hi, what’s your name again? Antonio?) And in Spanish he said, “Si! Antonio Banderas!” (Did you know that Malaga is where Antonio Banderas is from?) And then he said his name was actually Ivan. Sunday afternoon/evening I had been invited (with the rest of the youth) to go bowling to celebrate that one girl’s birthday – Sabrina’s. I was almost planning on it, then as I was getting directions I started to feel a little overwhelmed and decided I wouldn’t go. Well, Jamie, one of my fellow staff here at MMC called me and said he was going. I said I was thinking about NOT going and he said, “Ok…But I think they’d really appreciate it if you went.” And I said, “Really?... ok.. when are you going?” So I went downtown with Jamie and we hung out with about 6 people from our church. We bowled and then went to Sabrina’s house for snacks and birthday cake. It was a long, full weekend, but it was so beneficial in the way of getting to know people and getting to practice Spanish! I don’t even think Jamie gets/reads these posts, but thanks to him for encouraging me out of my comfort zone! I really starting to feel much more comfortable at my church in general. And I actually feel like I’m friends with at least 2 of the girls. | | |
| It's March 10th - two months since the day I arrived in Spain! Wow, that feels like a mile stone. I'm feeling very comfortable and cozy in my Casita (little house) with stuff on the frige, things on my walls, and all. I originally hoped I would have a roommate - I have never lived alone before - but I have been enjoying living alone and doing whatever I feel like when I am at home. One thing it gives me freedom to do is talk to Bill whenever we get the chance (without disturbing a roommate). Something I'm not so comfortable and cozy in is Spanish! I'm taking one lesson a week one on one with a woman named Maricruz. I'm learning a lot, but I feel like it's all stuck in my head and doesn't know how to come out of my mouth! I'm encouraged that I am understanding more and more, but I'm hoping my speaking will progressively improve as well. Generally speaking the first month was ok - lots of new stuff, but I felt like I was coping. It was ok to be new. Most of the second month was HARD. Full of missing Bill, feeling isolated and lonely, feeling out of place and incapable to communicate in Spanish, being overwhelmed with many things I was adjusting to well as working at the media center and managing personal responsibilities. I felt totally out of control and hopeless at times. It's been a time of tears and stretched faith, and I have had to go to the Word of God for encouragement and guidance. God has been faithful to encourage and sustain me, and as the weeks are passing I think it's starting to get easier here. I have had some pretty good weeks recently - about 3 of them in a row! Praise God! There are still hard things and will continue to be, but I feel more able to cope. And I have been reminded of James 1, which explains how "trials of many kinds" are a reason for joy! Here's paraphrase of James 1:2-4 that my dad sent me when we discussed this: My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble.
You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested.
But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. My desire is to continue leaning hard on the Lord for my needs and for the joy of knowing Him. I love Him because He loved me first, and He never stops. And I thank you, my friends and supporters, for your prayers and encouragement! Happy 2 months! 
At work! 
Beautiful homes and flowers. 
Not my Casita. ;) | | |
| I really like working here at MMC. There are times that are hard about living in a new place away from people that I've known and loved - minutes where I cry over my lunch or before I fall asleep. But even after times like that I am just amazed to keep finding that I love it here. I love working here, I love the people here, I love the experiences here and the nature, I love learning Spanish... I'm privileged to be helping people who are making a spiritual and emotional difference in the personal lives of N. Africans. I receive heavy doses of humor and laughter every day from my co-laborers... I hear the bass beating through the wall on my left and know that a pretty amazing youth discipleship project is being created and edited. I know that people are on the floor above me producing radio programs that teach and explain the life giving truth of God's Word in languages their hearers can take to heart. Every week I hear fresh feedback from recipients of our media, thanking us for our work and asking for prayer for protection, comfort, and contact with other believers. I am invited over for a Valentines Day lunch by friends.
God gives me hope and energy for each new day. And he does not just renew my hope daily - he does it by the moment. I am thrilled and content to be here. (You'd like it too...) | | |
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