By the time this post is published, I will most likely be high in the sky watching the stars from a huge aeroplane window.
Yep. I'm flying back to Europe.
I can't believe my four month trip is almost over. I have one week in Holland left, and then I'll be home again. Home! I haven't been there for such a long time! I can't help but being excited about seeing my family again and walking among the vineyards once more, even though I am very sad I have to leave the places I've visited during this time. But... there's a time for everything, right?
I would appreciate your prayers as I will struggle with jet-lag!
By the way... aren't scheduled posts useful? ;)
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
Wisconsin, Wisconsin
I'm saying goodbye to Wisconsin! But hopefully, not for long. =) I am flying tomorrow so please pray for safety.
But until I come back (for I hope to one day), I will say farewell to all the beauty of this state, and to my favourite horse, Amigo. =) Cantering with him was amazing.
But until I come back (for I hope to one day), I will say farewell to all the beauty of this state, and to my favourite horse, Amigo. =) Cantering with him was amazing.
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
This New Hat Of Mine
I find myself sitting on a huge rocking armchair, with a nice black laptop on my lap (heh. You wouldn't think a laptop would be on my head, would you?), and most of an afternoon before me, without much to do - except writing!
By the way, I still find myself in the U.S. of A, in case you didn't know. I've spent almost two months and a half here, and I still have three weeks (more or less) left in this place people like to call America. But - where to start? I have had "writing on my blog", or "writing a general e-mail to all the people" in my mind for quite a while (a.k.a., a thing called newsletter), but somehow I never got around to do it. Don't ask me why.
Why?
Told you not to ask. But in case you're expecting an answer... whoa, I don't know where to start. The list of reasons is endless. I will tell you I was too busy taking walks with my friend from South Carolina, taking along our cameras, and capturing the beauty of a magnolia flower. I will tell you I was too busy visiting a donkey farm with the said friend, and getting all covered up in dust because of the donkeys' affections. I will tell you I was too busy going to Greenville's Zoo and trying to take a picture of a lion who would fall asleep with its back at us. I will tell you I was too busy visiting Biltmore House (that was exhausting!, but enjoyable, of course!) I will tell you I was too busy playing basketball with my friend's little brother, or too busy attending a puppet show, in Texas. I will tell you I was too busy marching up and down the streets chanting Left! Left! Left, RIGHT, left! with them. I will tell you I was too busy watching a musical called Texas!, and visiting Palo Duro Canyon, staying overnight at a motel during a terrible thunderstorm. I will also tell you I was too busy tubing in the river five minutes away from here in Wisconsin. I will also tell you I was too busy tenting with friends, or playing volley-ball for a whole afternoon, or swimming in a lake for a whole day, or even, jamming around a campfire late at night. I will also tell you I was too busy laughing endlessly (take that literally) with three other girl-friends, scheming and conspiring in the darkness of the parking-lot after a very much enjoyed Wissmann concert. I might also tell you that I was too busy playing with three certain little (and believe me, active!) kiddos, or talking for hours with their mother, back in Nebraska.
What!? I told you the list was endless! I could go on and on, and I wouldn't be able to finish till tomorrow at sixteen minutes past three o'clock in the morning!
And are you wondering about the title? Yep, I have a new hat. And it's adorable!
By the way, I still find myself in the U.S. of A, in case you didn't know. I've spent almost two months and a half here, and I still have three weeks (more or less) left in this place people like to call America. But - where to start? I have had "writing on my blog", or "writing a general e-mail to all the people" in my mind for quite a while (a.k.a., a thing called newsletter), but somehow I never got around to do it. Don't ask me why.
Why?
Told you not to ask. But in case you're expecting an answer... whoa, I don't know where to start. The list of reasons is endless. I will tell you I was too busy taking walks with my friend from South Carolina, taking along our cameras, and capturing the beauty of a magnolia flower. I will tell you I was too busy visiting a donkey farm with the said friend, and getting all covered up in dust because of the donkeys' affections. I will tell you I was too busy going to Greenville's Zoo and trying to take a picture of a lion who would fall asleep with its back at us. I will tell you I was too busy visiting Biltmore House (that was exhausting!, but enjoyable, of course!) I will tell you I was too busy playing basketball with my friend's little brother, or too busy attending a puppet show, in Texas. I will tell you I was too busy marching up and down the streets chanting Left! Left! Left, RIGHT, left! with them. I will tell you I was too busy watching a musical called Texas!, and visiting Palo Duro Canyon, staying overnight at a motel during a terrible thunderstorm. I will also tell you I was too busy tubing in the river five minutes away from here in Wisconsin. I will also tell you I was too busy tenting with friends, or playing volley-ball for a whole afternoon, or swimming in a lake for a whole day, or even, jamming around a campfire late at night. I will also tell you I was too busy laughing endlessly (take that literally) with three other girl-friends, scheming and conspiring in the darkness of the parking-lot after a very much enjoyed Wissmann concert. I might also tell you that I was too busy playing with three certain little (and believe me, active!) kiddos, or talking for hours with their mother, back in Nebraska.
What!? I told you the list was endless! I could go on and on, and I wouldn't be able to finish till tomorrow at sixteen minutes past three o'clock in the morning!
And are you wondering about the title? Yep, I have a new hat. And it's adorable!
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
Friday, 9 July 2010
Wet Curls And Pixie Hoods
It was raining outside. The girl watched the tiny drops trickle down the huge windows in the waiting area, and thought about the tears she's seen in her mother's eyes when they had hugged goodbye. They had touched her and had almost made her cry, too. Saying goodbye to one's baby daughter must be hard, she reflected.
Nevaeh took a deep breath. She was leaving home for four months. No turning back now, for it was too late. They'd already opened the gate, and people had started to step out in the rain. Ugh!, she thought, the rain will probably ruin my hair! She pulled her hood over her head and tried to hide as much hair as possible inside the thick jacket.
The dancers behind her started to push, but Nevaeh couldn't move forward without bumping on the person in front of her, so she turned around and raised an eyebrow at the Dutch dancers, asking for patience with her look. Everyone would board the plane eventually, she thought to herself. No need to worry about that.
The flight attendant started indicating that the way was open, and people ran towards the boarding stairs that went up to the plane. It was still pitch dark, although the hour was near seven in the morning; the flight attendants wore orange reflective vests that could be seen a mile away. Nevaeh wished she had one... she had always liked them. She liked them better than the yellow ones Spanish people usually used.
The stairs were were wet, and slipped under her feet. Nevaeh grabbed at the rail and tried to wait patiently under the rain as the slowly climbed up the stairs into the back of the plane. She didn't succeed in that, so Nevaeh decided to wait impatiently under the rain instead.
This was the second time she flew with that company, the second time she flew on her own, the second time she flew to Holland! Nevaeh felt a thrill at that thought, and for a moment didn't mind the rain spoiling her hair.
After what had seemed like five minutes but had really been... five minutes, Nevaeh was able to show her boarding pass to the flight attendant and step into the security of a roof over her head. Forgetting that she still had her hood on and must look like a ridiculous tiny pixie, Nevaeh anxiously looked down the aisle to spot an empty seat on the right side, and by the window, and not too close to the wing so her view wouldn't be spoiled.
And she found it! Nevaeh barely found time to walk to her seat. Suppose someone in front of her stole it? She squeezed between the line of people in the aisle and the row of seat, and let herself plop on the prized seat with a triumphant air, thumping her bag under the seat opposite her. There, she was ready for the flight.
The engines started and the plane got taxied to the taking off area. Excitement bubbled up inside of her once again as the engines roared and the plane started to run powerfully. Nevaeh watched breathlessly as all of a sudden the plane took off and bit by bit the ground looked more and more distant.
She couldn't take her eyes off of the view outside. Such a thrill rushed inside of her every time she realized that this was real! She was flying, and she was going to Holland. With eyes full of tears Nevaeh gave thanks to God for this dream come true. She did not know what awaited her over there, but she was sure it would all be wonderful.
Nevaeh settled as comfortably as possible in her seat. A two hour flight stretched before her, and she considered the possibility of sleeping a little bit. She'd only slept three hours that night; but sleep avoided her and soon she came to the conclusion that she was too excited to shut her eyes, so out came her MP3. She would listen to music and stare out of the window instead.
The flight proved to be a boring success. Her excitement wouldn't let her concentrate in her reading, nor would let her write. The view outside was an endless prairie of white, shapeless clouds, so she wasn't able to enjoy that, either.
She didn't find her friends either. Nevaeh had hoped that a flight assistant whom she had coincided with and who had complimented her on her English would be there, but obviously wasn't. Plus a fly she had met last winter and had named Tapio wasn't there. Nevertheless, she did meet a friendly ant running on the seat opposite her. Was it a Spanish ant flying to Holland, for free, or was it a Dutch ant returning to its home after a brief visit to its relatives?
The ant, which she decided to name Hilda, wasn't the most interesting conversationalist she had met, so after a few unsuccessful attempts to chat, she gave up altogether and resigned to her fate: her flight would be boring, no matter what.
Two hours of flying that wouldn't fly by. To her, the time seemed to drag by, and Nevaeh became more and more impatient the more she thought about her best friend waiting for her at the airport and the amazing month they would spend together. If only the flight would end...
FINALLY!, and as all other things, the flight found its end. Nevaeh was beside herself with excitement. Even though Holland welcomed her with overcast skies once she stepped outside the cabin door onto the stairs, she was happy to be there. Happiness meant being there, hugging Amice and hopping into the car with her family at that moment. ^^
Nevaeh took a deep breath. She was leaving home for four months. No turning back now, for it was too late. They'd already opened the gate, and people had started to step out in the rain. Ugh!, she thought, the rain will probably ruin my hair! She pulled her hood over her head and tried to hide as much hair as possible inside the thick jacket.
The dancers behind her started to push, but Nevaeh couldn't move forward without bumping on the person in front of her, so she turned around and raised an eyebrow at the Dutch dancers, asking for patience with her look. Everyone would board the plane eventually, she thought to herself. No need to worry about that.
The flight attendant started indicating that the way was open, and people ran towards the boarding stairs that went up to the plane. It was still pitch dark, although the hour was near seven in the morning; the flight attendants wore orange reflective vests that could be seen a mile away. Nevaeh wished she had one... she had always liked them. She liked them better than the yellow ones Spanish people usually used.
The stairs were were wet, and slipped under her feet. Nevaeh grabbed at the rail and tried to wait patiently under the rain as the slowly climbed up the stairs into the back of the plane. She didn't succeed in that, so Nevaeh decided to wait impatiently under the rain instead.
This was the second time she flew with that company, the second time she flew on her own, the second time she flew to Holland! Nevaeh felt a thrill at that thought, and for a moment didn't mind the rain spoiling her hair.
After what had seemed like five minutes but had really been... five minutes, Nevaeh was able to show her boarding pass to the flight attendant and step into the security of a roof over her head. Forgetting that she still had her hood on and must look like a ridiculous tiny pixie, Nevaeh anxiously looked down the aisle to spot an empty seat on the right side, and by the window, and not too close to the wing so her view wouldn't be spoiled.
And she found it! Nevaeh barely found time to walk to her seat. Suppose someone in front of her stole it? She squeezed between the line of people in the aisle and the row of seat, and let herself plop on the prized seat with a triumphant air, thumping her bag under the seat opposite her. There, she was ready for the flight.
The engines started and the plane got taxied to the taking off area. Excitement bubbled up inside of her once again as the engines roared and the plane started to run powerfully. Nevaeh watched breathlessly as all of a sudden the plane took off and bit by bit the ground looked more and more distant.
She couldn't take her eyes off of the view outside. Such a thrill rushed inside of her every time she realized that this was real! She was flying, and she was going to Holland. With eyes full of tears Nevaeh gave thanks to God for this dream come true. She did not know what awaited her over there, but she was sure it would all be wonderful.
Nevaeh settled as comfortably as possible in her seat. A two hour flight stretched before her, and she considered the possibility of sleeping a little bit. She'd only slept three hours that night; but sleep avoided her and soon she came to the conclusion that she was too excited to shut her eyes, so out came her MP3. She would listen to music and stare out of the window instead.
The flight proved to be a boring success. Her excitement wouldn't let her concentrate in her reading, nor would let her write. The view outside was an endless prairie of white, shapeless clouds, so she wasn't able to enjoy that, either.
She didn't find her friends either. Nevaeh had hoped that a flight assistant whom she had coincided with and who had complimented her on her English would be there, but obviously wasn't. Plus a fly she had met last winter and had named Tapio wasn't there. Nevertheless, she did meet a friendly ant running on the seat opposite her. Was it a Spanish ant flying to Holland, for free, or was it a Dutch ant returning to its home after a brief visit to its relatives?
The ant, which she decided to name Hilda, wasn't the most interesting conversationalist she had met, so after a few unsuccessful attempts to chat, she gave up altogether and resigned to her fate: her flight would be boring, no matter what.
Two hours of flying that wouldn't fly by. To her, the time seemed to drag by, and Nevaeh became more and more impatient the more she thought about her best friend waiting for her at the airport and the amazing month they would spend together. If only the flight would end...
FINALLY!, and as all other things, the flight found its end. Nevaeh was beside herself with excitement. Even though Holland welcomed her with overcast skies once she stepped outside the cabin door onto the stairs, she was happy to be there. Happiness meant being there, hugging Amice and hopping into the car with her family at that moment. ^^
Saturday, 12 June 2010
Nevaeh
Nevaeh had the thought of picking up her pen for the umpteenth time that day, but somehow something finally made her decide against it. After all, she was trying to sleep, and it was past midnight.
Why on earth wouldn't she write, she wondered to herself. She had so much to write about, so much worth penning down. Nevaeh thought about that for a while... pick up a pen to pen something down. Interesting.
But after all, what was the use of spending four months away from home if she didn't write about it? All the experiences and adventures lived would be only known to herself and her memory, but...
Were they really worth the effort? Were they worth sharing with, say, the closest acquaintances? She thought, suddenly, of the thrill someday, if it happened, her daughters would feel when reading a certain small, red book of hers...
So she picked up her pen, after all.
Why on earth wouldn't she write, she wondered to herself. She had so much to write about, so much worth penning down. Nevaeh thought about that for a while... pick up a pen to pen something down. Interesting.
But after all, what was the use of spending four months away from home if she didn't write about it? All the experiences and adventures lived would be only known to herself and her memory, but...
Were they really worth the effort? Were they worth sharing with, say, the closest acquaintances? She thought, suddenly, of the thrill someday, if it happened, her daughters would feel when reading a certain small, red book of hers...
So she picked up her pen, after all.
Tuesday, 1 June 2010
Remembering A Forgotten Blog
A month has come and gone in Holland. In two days I catch a fligh to the United States of America! I am very excited about that flight. I enjoy flying in general, but whoa... flying to the States! o.O
I am a bit at loss at how to write this post. I don't know where to start, nor what to write about. Time in Holland has been a very busy one, full of outings and meetings with friends I met last time I was here. I admit I should have written on this blog before, but I lacked time and motivation. When I though, Oh, I have to write on my blog! the computer wasn't available, and if, by any chance, it was, I procastinated and told myself I would write whenver I felt like it.
Well, to be honest with you all, this is not the time. I am quite lost; I have what most people like to call writer's block, or should I call it blogger's block? Whatever its name, I do NOT feel like writing right now, but I feel I must write. So here I am, sitting on a chair and facing the screen, with my fingers on the black keyboard.
And a blank mind.
Nevertheless, I want you all to know that I am flying in two days, so I would appreciate your prayers for safety! Pray especially for my sense of direction... I have this feeling I will get lost in the layover airport. :P
And so, beloved readers, here I leave you, until I have a little bit more of inspiration.
I am a bit at loss at how to write this post. I don't know where to start, nor what to write about. Time in Holland has been a very busy one, full of outings and meetings with friends I met last time I was here. I admit I should have written on this blog before, but I lacked time and motivation. When I though, Oh, I have to write on my blog! the computer wasn't available, and if, by any chance, it was, I procastinated and told myself I would write whenver I felt like it.
Well, to be honest with you all, this is not the time. I am quite lost; I have what most people like to call writer's block, or should I call it blogger's block? Whatever its name, I do NOT feel like writing right now, but I feel I must write. So here I am, sitting on a chair and facing the screen, with my fingers on the black keyboard.
And a blank mind.
Nevertheless, I want you all to know that I am flying in two days, so I would appreciate your prayers for safety! Pray especially for my sense of direction... I have this feeling I will get lost in the layover airport. :P
And so, beloved readers, here I leave you, until I have a little bit more of inspiration.
Monday, 26 April 2010
Countdown
The title doesn't really have much to do with the real subject of this post, but it explains the reason.
Long, long ago (76 days ago) my best friend and I started the countdown. Today, we're down to 8 days for my summer trip to start! I've started calling it my Summer Tour...
Anyway, as the day gets nearer, the usual dummy-funny-noisy-crazy me turns in to reallydummy-reallyfunny-reallynoisy-reallycrazy me. I can't help it. If I didn't go wild, I would completely burst inside.
Therefore, I have more fun than usual with my little (taller-than-me) brother. I mean, we laugh at anything, even the most stupidest, nonsensical thing. This afternoon, while having our afternoon break, I had some of my delicious Bio Soya and Chocolate Milk. My bro and I were laughing at something so while I poured some of my milk I spilt it a little over the table. What did I say?
"Woops! I missed!" *looks awkwardly at the table* "And I messed!
Whoa, my brother and I just started laughing so hard!
Five minutes later, I started talking about my trip *brother rolls eyes and sighs thinking, again!* and I suddenly exclaim,
"Wow, I'm gonna miss you so much!"
What does brother say?
"I'm gonna mess you so much!"
*Laughs and laughs and laughs and laughs*
Sorry for this weird piece of my life! I wanted to write it down. (= Don't give me up! :D
Long, long ago (76 days ago) my best friend and I started the countdown. Today, we're down to 8 days for my summer trip to start! I've started calling it my Summer Tour...
Anyway, as the day gets nearer, the usual dummy-funny-noisy-crazy me turns in to reallydummy-reallyfunny-reallynoisy-reallycrazy me. I can't help it. If I didn't go wild, I would completely burst inside.
Therefore, I have more fun than usual with my little (taller-than-me) brother. I mean, we laugh at anything, even the most stupidest, nonsensical thing. This afternoon, while having our afternoon break, I had some of my delicious Bio Soya and Chocolate Milk. My bro and I were laughing at something so while I poured some of my milk I spilt it a little over the table. What did I say?
"Woops! I missed!" *looks awkwardly at the table* "And I messed!
Whoa, my brother and I just started laughing so hard!
Five minutes later, I started talking about my trip *brother rolls eyes and sighs thinking, again!* and I suddenly exclaim,
"Wow, I'm gonna miss you so much!"
What does brother say?
"I'm gonna mess you so much!"
*Laughs and laughs and laughs and laughs*
Sorry for this weird piece of my life! I wanted to write it down. (= Don't give me up! :D
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
*Sighs*
This session has been somewhat melancholic. It's my last session. It finishes today, and they have been three days of sighing and thinking "This is the last time I do..." such and such.
It twelve days I leave Spain, and start a whole new year. The day after I leave I will turn 17 years old. And my first four months will be spend abroad, without my family, but with my friends, friends I haven't seen in a long time, or friends I haven't met at all. It's going to be such a great experience, such an opportunity! I thank God for this.
I would appreciate your prayers for this trip.
And for now... this is the last time I get on a computer at work. ='(
It twelve days I leave Spain, and start a whole new year. The day after I leave I will turn 17 years old. And my first four months will be spend abroad, without my family, but with my friends, friends I haven't seen in a long time, or friends I haven't met at all. It's going to be such a great experience, such an opportunity! I thank God for this.
I would appreciate your prayers for this trip.
And for now... this is the last time I get on a computer at work. ='(
Friday, 9 April 2010
Weapon of Prayer
This is a song I really like. Everytime I listen to it, I get chills up and down my spine, and goose-pimples. The message is so true! I just hope I will never have to sing it.
*************************************
In that land across the sea
There's a job for you and me
Though our presence there may not be found
We must stay standing there
On the battle lines and pray
We must never lay our weapons down
We don't have to be a soldier in a uniform
To be of service over there
While the boys so bravely stand
With the weapons made by hand
Let us trust and use the weapon of prayer.
Many thousands miles away
Someone shed their blood today
With a heart so true and brave they're gone
To a war that's yours and mine
Let us join the battle line
With a weapon that will save our home
We don't have to be a soldier in a uniform
To be of service over there
While the boys so bravely stand
With the weapons made by hand
Let us trust and use the weapon of prayer
And when the planes and tanks and guns
Have done all that they can do
And the mighty bombs have rained and failed
Still the helpful Hand above, on the weapon made of love
And against Him none on earth prevail
We don't have to be a soldier in a uniform
To be of service over there
While the boys so bravely stand
With the weapons made by hand
Let us trust and use the weapon of prayer.
*************************************
I just listened to it, and had to share it with all of you.
*************************************
In that land across the sea
There's a job for you and me
Though our presence there may not be found
We must stay standing there
On the battle lines and pray
We must never lay our weapons down
We don't have to be a soldier in a uniform
To be of service over there
While the boys so bravely stand
With the weapons made by hand
Let us trust and use the weapon of prayer.
Many thousands miles away
Someone shed their blood today
With a heart so true and brave they're gone
To a war that's yours and mine
Let us join the battle line
With a weapon that will save our home
We don't have to be a soldier in a uniform
To be of service over there
While the boys so bravely stand
With the weapons made by hand
Let us trust and use the weapon of prayer
And when the planes and tanks and guns
Have done all that they can do
And the mighty bombs have rained and failed
Still the helpful Hand above, on the weapon made of love
And against Him none on earth prevail
We don't have to be a soldier in a uniform
To be of service over there
While the boys so bravely stand
With the weapons made by hand
Let us trust and use the weapon of prayer.
*************************************
I just listened to it, and had to share it with all of you.
Thursday, 8 April 2010
Untitled
My life is a happy life.
That said, I am alive. Otherwise, my life wouldn't exist because it wouldn't be a life, because a life exists when you live. So, I repeat, I am alive.
Unfortunately for my blog, I am incredibly busy these days. Besides the fact that work fills my days from six thirty a.m. to eleven p.m., something else (which I may add, is VERY exciting, and coming up really fast!) is also taking up a lot of my time every day.
WHAT! You haven't guessed what that something else is?? You don't know already?? Goodness, child, where have you been hiding? But I'll tell you.
I have to wait 25 days till my four month summer trip starts.
I have said(written) that in a very calm kind of way... no "!!", no italics, no CAPITAL LETTERS, etc. BUT! You will never guess how excited I am. You'll never guess how my insides move when I think about the trip; when my Mummy and I start discussing which skirt I should sew first, or what shoes I should buy; when I receive an e-mail from a friend confirming something for me; when I receive an e-mail from some airline confirming my flight purchase. It is really very exciting!
I will be going to Holland, South Carolina, Texas, Wisconsin and Iowa, Lord willing. I am amazed at how smoothly everything is going on, and I am very grateful for everybody's help and collaboration.
As for my current life... well, it couldn't be better. They have me taking pictures of people smiling and having fun while they attend a workshop; they have me designing and printing posters to hang all over the walls, and that is so much fun!; they have me taking pictures of white boards and editing them on Photoshop so they have a white backround; I am learning so many new things! I will quote one of the movies they play: "My job, which isn't really a job, because I enjoy it so much... (...)"
Tomorrow is going to be an awesome day!! My old class mates organized a fashion show to collect enough money for their end-of-year trip. I attended last year's fashion show, and it was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! To me it was like a professional event. They go around the local clothes shops (formal, wedding, casual, etc) and ask for them to collaborate with the show. They even get professional hair-dressers! I am so excited about it. They asked me to be the "photographer". I'm not sure I'll do OK (I will just go there to practice), but if the pictures turn out fine, I will be sure to post some!
This is it for now! Have a blessed weekend, all of you!
That said, I am alive. Otherwise, my life wouldn't exist because it wouldn't be a life, because a life exists when you live. So, I repeat, I am alive.
Unfortunately for my blog, I am incredibly busy these days. Besides the fact that work fills my days from six thirty a.m. to eleven p.m., something else (which I may add, is VERY exciting, and coming up really fast!) is also taking up a lot of my time every day.
WHAT! You haven't guessed what that something else is?? You don't know already?? Goodness, child, where have you been hiding? But I'll tell you.
I have to wait 25 days till my four month summer trip starts.
I have said(written) that in a very calm kind of way... no "!!", no italics, no CAPITAL LETTERS, etc. BUT! You will never guess how excited I am. You'll never guess how my insides move when I think about the trip; when my Mummy and I start discussing which skirt I should sew first, or what shoes I should buy; when I receive an e-mail from a friend confirming something for me; when I receive an e-mail from some airline confirming my flight purchase. It is really very exciting!
I will be going to Holland, South Carolina, Texas, Wisconsin and Iowa, Lord willing. I am amazed at how smoothly everything is going on, and I am very grateful for everybody's help and collaboration.
As for my current life... well, it couldn't be better. They have me taking pictures of people smiling and having fun while they attend a workshop; they have me designing and printing posters to hang all over the walls, and that is so much fun!; they have me taking pictures of white boards and editing them on Photoshop so they have a white backround; I am learning so many new things! I will quote one of the movies they play: "My job, which isn't really a job, because I enjoy it so much... (...)"
Tomorrow is going to be an awesome day!! My old class mates organized a fashion show to collect enough money for their end-of-year trip. I attended last year's fashion show, and it was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! To me it was like a professional event. They go around the local clothes shops (formal, wedding, casual, etc) and ask for them to collaborate with the show. They even get professional hair-dressers! I am so excited about it. They asked me to be the "photographer". I'm not sure I'll do OK (I will just go there to practice), but if the pictures turn out fine, I will be sure to post some!
This is it for now! Have a blessed weekend, all of you!
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Mr. March
Ladies and gentlemen!
I would like to introduce all of you to...
Ain't he cute? ^^
I would like to introduce all of you to...
Mr. March!
Ain't he cute? ^^
Snow!!
I can't believe I'm writing this: it's snowed!!
In Spain. In March. How ironic is that?
I woke up to my Mamma opening the blinds up and excitedly exclaiming, "Get up, girl! It's snowing like crazy!" And sure enough, once I'd jumped off my bed and peeked out of the window I saw that it was snowing!! Yay!! Big, fat snowflakes, falling down as thick as anything! I was able to take a couple of pictures:
I don't know if it's seen on the pictures, but I'm tellin' you, it was snowing thick! I had the time of my life watching during different times of the day. It first snowed lazyly, the big, plump snowflakes floating in the air. Then it started to snow more fierecely and thicker. Finally, a strong wind started to blow hard, and it was almost like being in a blizzard!
SNOW!
In Spain. In March. How ironic is that?
I woke up to my Mamma opening the blinds up and excitedly exclaiming, "Get up, girl! It's snowing like crazy!" And sure enough, once I'd jumped off my bed and peeked out of the window I saw that it was snowing!! Yay!! Big, fat snowflakes, falling down as thick as anything! I was able to take a couple of pictures:
Morning! Just about nine a.m.
The mountains, in the morning. Same time.
Ditto...
This were how our windows looked in mid-afternoon. Already a car with loudspeakers had gone around advising for all of us to stay at home unless strictly necessary, and providing emergency phone numbers.
I don't know if it's seen on the pictures, but I'm tellin' you, it was snowing thick! I had the time of my life watching during different times of the day. It first snowed lazyly, the big, plump snowflakes floating in the air. Then it started to snow more fierecely and thicker. Finally, a strong wind started to blow hard, and it was almost like being in a blizzard!
SNOW!
Thursday, 4 March 2010
The King's Singers
So, what do you think? These are just my two favourites, but you should check them out because they have many other awesome videos!
Sunday, 28 February 2010
Dutch Stories: Madurodam
...continued. For previous posts click HERE and HERE.
Visiting Madurodam was very impressing. And fun. Madurodam is like a museum which shows Amsterdam in miniature. That was something I don't think I've ever seen before, and it was definitely quite striking.
The day started being lots of fun. After having breakfast, we set out for a long two-to-three-hours car ride. With us came S(oldest), I. and his son. At first, the car ride promised to be boring. Sonia and I were very tired, and planned to try and sleep in the car. But it didn't work... it did for T., though!
It didn't turn out boring because out went our MP4's and we started to sing along with all the songs that played. It was so much fun!!, although I'm sure S(oldest) and I. didn't think the same... =S
It was freezing cold once we got there, but we soon warmed up walking. In Madurodam that's basically what you have to do... walk. And look and take pictures, of course. But you have to walk a lot. So you better be rested and with a mind to walk if you have to visit it! (Which, by the way, we didn't have xD)
Amazing, really. There were models of every building in Amsterdam. There was an airport. The palace. The economy street.
The tower. The sports' center. Marketplaces, rivers, bridges, boats, aeroplanes, people. All done with such detail! Every small bit was perfectly built and painted, streets represented; there were even street lights!
The funniest part of Madurodam, though, and my favourite, was "The Clown" episode. When we took a break to eat lunch, we went to an inside building, obviously (lotsa snow and cold and rain!! Brr!) It was huge, with a very tall ceiling and fans on it. Turned on. Don't ask me why, though.
(Useless bit of information, but curious, nevertheless).
Anyway, there was this puppet show for the little kids going on, and I tried to understand what the "puppeter" was saying (just invented the word, don't worry!). Obviously, I didn't understand a single thing, because it was in Dutch (duh!), but we kidded around with Sonia and laughed a bit about it, whispering funny comments about this puppet with a huge nose or whatever. You know... laughing because. Best friends together, Double Trouble! What do you expect?
Soon enough the show ended, and from behind the scenario a jolly clown appeared. He was one of the talles men I've ever seen in my life. 7 feet 6 inches, at least! (a weee exaggerated...). But definitely more than 2 meters in Spain.
He had this chubby rosy cheeks and red nose, both fake, obviously, and he was dressed in blue, white and red. I thought him pretty funny, and most of the kids did too, but T. was scared of him.
After the show he started blowing balloons up and turning them into shapes, like hearts and swords and butterflies. Sonia and I started to tease each other to go ask him for a balloon for us two, faking to be little girls. Of course, we did no such thing, but S(oldest) did ask him for a balloon for T.
The clown was hilarious. He blew a balloon, and then it "accidentally" pulled off, flying around the room. Then the clown would either pull up a surprised or a sad face, which made the little ones crack up. He would also trip over his huge shoes, and did several tricks. He was a nice clown.
Then I casually/teasingly suggested to Sonia that we should take a picture of us two with the clown (I get the craziest ideas... -.-') and the crazy girl liked the idea! So she asked Samuel to ask him if he would mind to pose with us. (I was quite embarrassed, you can imagine! What started as teasing turned out reality!)
He agreed! Sonia smiled at me mischievously, and I laughed inwardly.
The guy was so tall Sonia reached his chest. And she's a good head taller than me. So laugh if you want to, but since I'm quite short I appeared even more pettite by his size! (EMBARRASSING!)
The picture is great, though. It's very funny, and it's one memory more to laugh over with Sonia. During my time there, that's all I had in mind... create special moments, build memories that we shared, because... who knows when will the next time I see her be?
I enjoyed my time in Madurodam so much. Sonia and I shared a Mars Bar, and took pictures together on the buildings's reflecting windows.
It was really a great, wonderful day. =)
For the story's pictures, click HERE.
Visiting Madurodam was very impressing. And fun. Madurodam is like a museum which shows Amsterdam in miniature. That was something I don't think I've ever seen before, and it was definitely quite striking.
The day started being lots of fun. After having breakfast, we set out for a long two-to-three-hours car ride. With us came S(oldest), I. and his son. At first, the car ride promised to be boring. Sonia and I were very tired, and planned to try and sleep in the car. But it didn't work... it did for T., though!
It didn't turn out boring because out went our MP4's and we started to sing along with all the songs that played. It was so much fun!!, although I'm sure S(oldest) and I. didn't think the same... =S
It was freezing cold once we got there, but we soon warmed up walking. In Madurodam that's basically what you have to do... walk. And look and take pictures, of course. But you have to walk a lot. So you better be rested and with a mind to walk if you have to visit it! (Which, by the way, we didn't have xD)
Amazing, really. There were models of every building in Amsterdam. There was an airport. The palace. The economy street.
The cathedral.
The tower. The sports' center. Marketplaces, rivers, bridges, boats, aeroplanes, people. All done with such detail! Every small bit was perfectly built and painted, streets represented; there were even street lights!
The funniest part of Madurodam, though, and my favourite, was "The Clown" episode. When we took a break to eat lunch, we went to an inside building, obviously (lotsa snow and cold and rain!! Brr!) It was huge, with a very tall ceiling and fans on it. Turned on. Don't ask me why, though.
(Useless bit of information, but curious, nevertheless).
Anyway, there was this puppet show for the little kids going on, and I tried to understand what the "puppeter" was saying (just invented the word, don't worry!). Obviously, I didn't understand a single thing, because it was in Dutch (duh!), but we kidded around with Sonia and laughed a bit about it, whispering funny comments about this puppet with a huge nose or whatever. You know... laughing because. Best friends together, Double Trouble! What do you expect?
Soon enough the show ended, and from behind the scenario a jolly clown appeared. He was one of the talles men I've ever seen in my life. 7 feet 6 inches, at least! (a weee exaggerated...). But definitely more than 2 meters in Spain.
He had this chubby rosy cheeks and red nose, both fake, obviously, and he was dressed in blue, white and red. I thought him pretty funny, and most of the kids did too, but T. was scared of him.
After the show he started blowing balloons up and turning them into shapes, like hearts and swords and butterflies. Sonia and I started to tease each other to go ask him for a balloon for us two, faking to be little girls. Of course, we did no such thing, but S(oldest) did ask him for a balloon for T.
The clown was hilarious. He blew a balloon, and then it "accidentally" pulled off, flying around the room. Then the clown would either pull up a surprised or a sad face, which made the little ones crack up. He would also trip over his huge shoes, and did several tricks. He was a nice clown.
Then I casually/teasingly suggested to Sonia that we should take a picture of us two with the clown (I get the craziest ideas... -.-') and the crazy girl liked the idea! So she asked Samuel to ask him if he would mind to pose with us. (I was quite embarrassed, you can imagine! What started as teasing turned out reality!)
He agreed! Sonia smiled at me mischievously, and I laughed inwardly.
The guy was so tall Sonia reached his chest. And she's a good head taller than me. So laugh if you want to, but since I'm quite short I appeared even more pettite by his size! (EMBARRASSING!)
The picture is great, though. It's very funny, and it's one memory more to laugh over with Sonia. During my time there, that's all I had in mind... create special moments, build memories that we shared, because... who knows when will the next time I see her be?
I enjoyed my time in Madurodam so much. Sonia and I shared a Mars Bar, and took pictures together on the buildings's reflecting windows.
Isn't she beautiful?
For the story's pictures, click HERE.
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
Mysteries
The misteries of serving a God like Him...
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts"
Isaiah 55:8-9
Have you ever wondered why on earth something happened to you, or why did you meet such and such a person, or... something you don't understand why it happened?
One of my favourite quotes runs...:
"We're not always meant to understand"
Clark Davis, Love's Abiding Joy
Today I marvel at how God works in my life. He is definitely the most awesome God! I'm so glad He chose me as one of His daughters! ♥
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
And They Said Work Was A Serious Thing...
Grown ups used to say work was a serious thing, where one had to be careful with what she (in my case) did and said.
Well, grown ups weren't expecting for me to work for whom I work now...:
Yeah, I ran a race with my superior! A very respectable, learned man. And as he said... "She got beaten by the old!" We made a comic of it on the white boards later...
Well, grown ups weren't expecting for me to work for whom I work now...:
Yeah, I ran a race with my superior! A very respectable, learned man. And as he said... "She got beaten by the old!" We made a comic of it on the white boards later...
(Notice the camera... I'm the photographer! And I actually let him win, though... :P)
This is a comic my superior did (the one who won on our race) of him talking and my Papa translating for him to the rest of the people in the room. As you can see from the drawing, my Papa's a good imitator... =P
And they said work was a serious thing...
Saturday, 13 February 2010
Dutch Stories: The Year's Transition
...continued. For previous posts, click HERE and HERE.
My transition from 2009 to 2010 was amazing. Here's the story.
Late that evening, on the 31st December 2009, I had this yearning to go outside and take the last pictures of 2009. The sunset was beautiful, and I got some very satisfying shots of the canal running past their backyard. It was all so beautiful, the snow was so pure and white, everything so silent and breathtaking... it was the best year farewell in my life. God is good... =)
D. & L. and J. (the missing members of the family) weren't there to celebrate the Year's Transition with us, and it felt bad not to have everyone together, but nevertheless, we had the time of our lives talking, laughing and playing Worms.
I. had introduces a new game, Worms, which we got a liking to play. It was so much fun and we all laughed so much while playing! After a long supper (the last supper in 2009... sniff) in which we lingered for a long while, talking all together and discussin things, S(oldest) organized a Worms tournament. SO much fun! We had to kill the other's worms, and stay alive ourselves... (I know, pretty useless game, but it was so much fun, and I'm so happy we played that game together!)
At about twenty to twelve we went back downstairs, and we hung around for a while, talking and getting ready for...
At half past, more or less, Sonia, S(youngest) and I decided to go for a walk in the snow to see more fireworks. Yes, there were still shooting and exploding high up in the sky. I was so impressed! They didn't stop firing them till late, so we had lots of fun watching them.
.JPG)
There was one that I really liked because it was pretty special. It exploded in a huge circle that almost covered the whole sky (when I say huge circle, I mean huge circle), two colours, but what I liked about it is that it gave such a BANG, that it made everything tremble. I felt my insides vibrate everytime it exploded. So cool.
My transition from 2009 to 2010 was amazing. Here's the story.
Late that evening, on the 31st December 2009, I had this yearning to go outside and take the last pictures of 2009. The sunset was beautiful, and I got some very satisfying shots of the canal running past their backyard. It was all so beautiful, the snow was so pure and white, everything so silent and breathtaking... it was the best year farewell in my life. God is good... =)
D. & L. and J. (the missing members of the family) weren't there to celebrate the Year's Transition with us, and it felt bad not to have everyone together, but nevertheless, we had the time of our lives talking, laughing and playing Worms.
I. had introduces a new game, Worms, which we got a liking to play. It was so much fun and we all laughed so much while playing! After a long supper (the last supper in 2009... sniff) in which we lingered for a long while, talking all together and discussin things, S(oldest) organized a Worms tournament. SO much fun! We had to kill the other's worms, and stay alive ourselves... (I know, pretty useless game, but it was so much fun, and I'm so happy we played that game together!)For your wormformation, this is a picture of a (very) cute worm, and the scenery of the game itself. I fell in love with the worms, I thought they were so cute and sweet! We could also invent our own teams, and name the worms ourselves. Sonia's family has a wild imagination, so we came up with hilarious teams! For instance, C. named her team NaaraTim (Naara's Team, her baby's name), and all the worms were named after some of Baby Naara's words, such as Ahhhh, or Nguh! or Gueeee, etc.
What made it funnier was that the worms had very funny voices and they continually exclaimed, "OUCH!" or "Haha, MISSED!" or "HURRY UP!", and we laughed a lot. The worms had also various attack methods that were so funny!, such as the "Poke" or the "Baseball bat".
We spent the whole evening like that, and at about twenty past ten p.m. Sonia and I went upstairs to "make ourselves look pretty," as my Papa says. Then we took "our last pictures together in 2009". Most of the pictures turned out OK and we had fun, lots of fun, which was the best. =)At about twenty to twelve we went back downstairs, and we hung around for a while, talking and getting ready for...
...the last 12 o'clock...
We turned the lights out, we prepared the champagne... and then... it was five to.
We were so excited! You could feel the excitement in the air. I was so happy to be there with Sonia and her family. To be in Holland. Several important happenings in 2009 flashed through my head, and I felt SO blessed, and I was so happy. I can't express myself with words, I just felt complete inside of me. God is good!
And it was one minute to midnight. We started to countdown seconds, and the volume rised when we got to ten seconds to midnight! We almost shouted.
When we finally said "ZERO!" and the clock struck twelve, we all started laughing and wishing each other "HAPPY NEW YEAR!". Then we kissed and hugged each other, and drank our cava. It was a delightful surprise because after we finished our small glasses, they said it was Freixenet cava, the area where I live! That's why it was so nice. ;)
And we prayed. Honestly, and in all sincerity, my heart was so full. I felt perfect.
And we prayed. Honestly, and in all sincerity, my heart was so full. I felt perfect.
Right after twelve there was the biggest explosion, and the sky lit up with fireworks. We rushed outside, almost forgetting to put our coats on, and joines all the people outside who'd come to see the beautiful sky. It was SO beautiful! From everywhere, everyone lit fireworks, and it was beautiful, so impressing. There were so many, and all so different; so many colours and shapes. Sonia, S(oldest)and I took lots of pictures, but most of mine didn't come out right. I wasn't prepared for it and didn't have my tripod. Oh well.
At half past, more or less, Sonia, S(youngest) and I decided to go for a walk in the snow to see more fireworks. Yes, there were still shooting and exploding high up in the sky. I was so impressed! They didn't stop firing them till late, so we had lots of fun watching them.
.JPG)
There was one that I really liked because it was pretty special. It exploded in a huge circle that almost covered the whole sky (when I say huge circle, I mean huge circle), two colours, but what I liked about it is that it gave such a BANG, that it made everything tremble. I felt my insides vibrate everytime it exploded. So cool.
Then we had a kind of weird/scary/amusing thing happen to us. On our walk around where Sonia lives, we passed by a group of young people who were laughing and listening to music from a quite post, modern car. And drinking. They actually started talking to us, and offered us some beer, they even said we were pretty, but we ignored them and walked on. Sonia said they were quite drunk. Thank God they didn't do anything to us!
It was very funny because both Sonia and I slipped on the ice and fell on the ground on our bums on our nocturne walk. I fell cross-legged and Sonia laughed at me a lot, but I laughed too. The first time I slipped, and the only one, hehe!
That was on our way back, and once at home we got back to our tournament. Yep, we spend the whole night playing at Worms. We laughed so hard with that game our sides ached. S(oldest) invented a team for me, names and all, and we enjoyed the rivalry.
S(youngest) was the first one to leave, at about three a.m. I. was the second, at about five a.m. C. was the third, at about six a.m.
When Sonia and I decided it was about time to go to bed, it was about half past six a.m., but we decided we wouldn't sleep just yet. We wanted to break our record of staying up late together (which was half past six hehe), and so we stayed up talking about things till seven a.m., and when we fell asleep it was already light.
We woke up at 2 p.m. on New Year's day. What a shame!
It was a happy, quiet day, spend with family. Delicious lunch, and more laughs. It was great, really. I am so happy I was able to spend the Year's Transition with the V. family. They are all so great and I love them so much! I am blessed to have friends like them.
Next thing we did after New Year's Day was visit Madurodam... but that's another story. ;)
For the Year's Transition's pictures, click HERE.
Barbara Allen
Twas in the merry month of May
When green buds all were swelling,
Sweet William on his death bed lay
For love of Barbara Allen.
He sent his servant to the town
To the place where she was dwelling,
Saying you must come, to my master dear
If your name be Barbara Allen.
So slowly, slowly she got up
And slowly she drew nigh him,
And the only words to him did say
Young man I think you're dying.
He turned his face unto the wall
And death was in him welling,
Good-bye, good-bye, to my friends all
Be good to Barbara Allen.
When he was dead and laid in grave
She heard the death bells knelling
And every stroke to her did say
Hard hearted Barbara Allen.
Oh mother, oh mother go dig my grave
Make it both long and narrow,
Sweet William died of love for me
And I will die of sorrow.
And father, oh father, go dig my grave
Make it both long and narrow,
Sweet William died on yesterday
And I will die tomorrow.
Barbara Allen was buried in the old churchyard
Sweet William was buried beside her,
Out of sweet William's heart, there grew a rose
Out of Barbara Allen's a briar.
They grew and grew in the old churchyard
Till they could grow no higher
At the end they formed, a true lover's knot
And the rose grew round the briar.
***************************************************
So sad! [sniff] It's a song I really like, even though it's so sad... the melody is so melancholic...
When green buds all were swelling,
Sweet William on his death bed lay
For love of Barbara Allen.
He sent his servant to the town
To the place where she was dwelling,
Saying you must come, to my master dear
If your name be Barbara Allen.
So slowly, slowly she got up
And slowly she drew nigh him,
And the only words to him did say
Young man I think you're dying.
He turned his face unto the wall
And death was in him welling,
Good-bye, good-bye, to my friends all
Be good to Barbara Allen.
When he was dead and laid in grave
She heard the death bells knelling
And every stroke to her did say
Hard hearted Barbara Allen.
Oh mother, oh mother go dig my grave
Make it both long and narrow,
Sweet William died of love for me
And I will die of sorrow.
And father, oh father, go dig my grave
Make it both long and narrow,
Sweet William died on yesterday
And I will die tomorrow.
Barbara Allen was buried in the old churchyard
Sweet William was buried beside her,
Out of sweet William's heart, there grew a rose
Out of Barbara Allen's a briar.
They grew and grew in the old churchyard
Till they could grow no higher
At the end they formed, a true lover's knot
And the rose grew round the briar.
***************************************************
So sad! [sniff] It's a song I really like, even though it's so sad... the melody is so melancholic...
Sunday, 7 February 2010
Ponderings
Yesterday night I couldn't sleep. It was half past twelve a.m. and I kept tossing and turning in my bed.
So I climbed down my top bunkbed and decided to read the Bible for a while, because there was something I'd read in prayer meeting I wanted to check.
We had read 2 Peter, chapter 1. These are the parts that were highlighted:
So I climbed down my top bunkbed and decided to read the Bible for a while, because there was something I'd read in prayer meeting I wanted to check.
We had read 2 Peter, chapter 1. These are the parts that were highlighted:
"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Verses 5 to 8
Then I continued reading on my own, and read,
"But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins"
Verse 9
And I started to think... and realised I have to work on that, because, more than anything, I know I lack in perseverance (although it would make it clearer if I said that it's translated as "patience" in the Spanish version). But that wasn't the point I wanted to make. What really stood out to me were the following verses:
"So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things."
Verses 12 to 15
The last verse stood out to me especially, and later that night, while I couldn't sleep, I opened the Bible again to that verse, and thought for a while.
I wondered if Peter had any idea of the way we would be reminded of his words... If he had any idea of how we would always remember these things, the things he had written, such a long time after his departure from this world.
And I marveled at God's awesomeness because, after such a long time (Peter wrote that about 2000 years ago), after so many persecutions and after all that Christianity has suffered... we still have a Bible in our hands, with true words spoken and written years and years ago.
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