Apologies and Blessings

It occurred to me after I posted yesterday that I probably shouldn't let myself blog when I am so upset. I apologize to all of you who would rather not hear me complain about everything. I would also like to apologize to those of you who are inclined to worry about me a lot when I post discouraging things like that. Sorry. Sometimes I forget that what I post there is all you will see of me for a while, and you can't tell that I don't feel entirely wracked with misery all the time. I still feel a lot of the same things that I felt yesterday, but it is not as intense. And I have receiving assurance that these feelings are normal. Also, I GOT TO TALK TO MY FAMILY YESTERDAY!!!!! It was awesome.

Yesterday afternoon when I was feeling down, I remembered how this past semester when I would be upset about things, Wolfie always told me to make a list of blessings in my life. I started to do that yesterday, and it did help me feel better. I could only think of 11 things to put on my list of things that are good about Spain, but that's a start, right?

1) The Estufa under the table: Awesome for when we come in from the cold. I think we need one in our kitchen at home.

2) Walking everywhere: I like walking. I've especially enjoyed walking places by myself recently. It feels like good exercise, and I've enjoyed seeing all the sights. It is beautiful here.

3) Crusty bread: Everyday for lunch and supper we have that same crusty bread. Ah, que bueno!

4) Hot chocolate: Another delicious thing...every morning for breakfast.

5) Making my own breakfast: The past couple days I have had to be at school early so Carmen leaves stuff out so I can make my own toast and hot chocolate. I enjoy being the only one up in the house and eating a meal with a newspaper instead of the television.

6) Erin: I could not have asked for a better roomie. We are so much like and can definitely encourage each other. We pray together often. And we even wear the same size pants!

7) Sarah: Sarah is another friend I am getting to know. She is from a suburb of Chicago and goes to Cornerstone. We have several classes together, and this afternoon we are going together to get our Spanish library cards!

8) Dictionaries: Buying those dictionaries seriously cheered me up. That's a good life tip...whenever you are sad, buy a dictionary.

9) No freezing coldness/ice: I've been looking at the weather at Taylor, and all I see is snow, snow, snow. I am not very sad to be away from the blizzards and the icy sidewalks of death.

10) No dry skin: Since it isn't so cold, my hands are not all cracked and bleeding. (Well, they still bleed, but that's normal! Good thing I always have bandaids!) However, I have still been finding lots of opportunities to wear my happy mittens! :)

11) My sweet hot pink slippers: I guess I could wear these in the States too, but I bought these hot pink slippers specifically for Spain, and I love wearing them in the house. They aren't as cute as my monkey slippers, but they are fun.

So you see, things aren't all bad here. I'm still terrified. 4 months still seems somewhat like an endless prison sentence. But I'm not mad at Jesus anymore. And I am going to make it. There are a lot of things to look forward too. Tonight we are going ice skating! And tomorrow is a school trip to Cordoba to see a mosque. Saturday is a Skype date with Lauren and Wolfie (Ah! CAN'T WAIT!) And Sunday is a Skype date with my family. Erin and I are talking about going out to watch the Super Bowl in the middle of the night, but we shall see. I love you all. Thanks so much for your prayers!