i´m here!

and quite the trip its been. i've been in the country about 15 hrs now. i feels like i've jumped into really cold water. my initial reaction has been all full of emotions: excitement, lonliness, frustration, uneasiness. its so hard to believe that i'm finally here. i do wish that i could be sharing this experience with you in person.

God has been the one thing consistent that I can hold on to. He is the same God here as in the US. Though the last few hours have been tough, He's been ministering to me through His Word. While reading some of Romans tonight, i came across verse 12:12. "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." this is my desire, to hold to these truths. i really do appreciate all the prayers that have been lifted up. its a treasured support.

some prayer specifics: grace in my language interations, safety and security and not anxiety, long term housing and roomate in granada, ease of travel to granada

i do feel that i can communicate what is ultimately necessary in conversations right now. i had quite a cordial talk with the taxi driver on the way to my hostal. my first spanish interaction. i was in the back, but then as we talked he wanted to understand me better, he pulled over the car on the expressway and asked if i wanted to get in the front.

my hostal is located in a busy, yet quiet at night part of madrid called huertas. after settling in i sought out a phone to call home and then ordered some food at a local eatery. i got the traditional tortilla espanola, a potatoey omelet made in a big pie pan and served as a huge slice. i also had some cafe con leche, which came in a glass sized for juice. and it was good. the smaller glasses make you savor each sip better i think.

tomorrow i'm going to try and meet up with one of my brothers trusted friends who is from madrid... see a bit of the city from a spaniards point of view.

look for picture soon! much love