Not With Haste.

1 Semester.  15 Weeks.  9 Flights.  13 Cities. 6 Countries.  An adventure of a lifetime.

As I am packing up the rest of my things, making my bed, and crossing off everything on my to-do list, it never ceases to amazing me how quick time goes by.  I feel like I was just getting on a plane to see my sister and her family in England, but here I am done with an entire semester of classes in Spain and flying home for the holidays.

This moment is quite a bittersweet one because I have fallen in love with this place and the people and yet I cannot wait to go home to see my friends and family.  I know that Sevilla will hold a special place in my heart and I love that.  I know that I will look back on this semester and cherish all the memories that I have made.  I will look at the growth that I experienced as well as areas that I need to continue to grow in.  This life is one adventure that is always in process.  And in all honesty, I really do love that.

Finals are done and that completes my last fall semester of my college career and again, time seems to fly by in a blink of an eye (I am thinking about being a poet, what do you think?).   I cannot express enough the certainty I feel in the decision of studying abroad this past semester.  Of course I am human and wrestled with that decision, but luckily I have some amazing friends and family to encourage me before, during, and hopefully after.

All this to say is, I am coming home (probably right now to be honest).  I hope that you are as excited to see me as I am to see you.  I have missed everyone and I can't wait to spend some time with each of you hearing all that the Lord has been doing in your life these past four months. 

Keep me in your prayers as I am taking the long journey home (and when I say long, I am not kiddin').  And please pray that I don't have another orange juice incident on the flights home.  I know that my adventure started off on a sour note, but we don't need a repeat of the occurrence.  That would be greatly appreciated.

Love Always,
Ang

Lady In Spain.

Hello Dear Family and Friends.

I write this while procrastinating on studying for finals.  Shocker.

But in all seriousness, I wanted to update you on the past couple of days here in Sevilla.  But first I have a confession.

Sevilla is absolutely stunning dressed in Christmas lights.  That's all I gotta say about that.

So, this past weekend we went to our mentor's house for some games and an amazing lunch.  And get this; I had Dr. Pepper.  Yes.  It was glorious.  I absolutely love this group of girls and the family we have been getting to hang out with.  It has been such a great thing to be able to fellowship in a Christian environment and really encourage and challenge each other.  And the family we get to hang out with is so cool.  Seriously.

After that, some of us wanted to go back to Plaza de Espana here in Sevilla.  We spent time there our first weekend and we thought it would be a good way to say goodbye to Sevilla by going back for our last weekend.  We rowed the boats.  It was difficult.  And funny.  And awesome.

This past weekend, we celebrated my friend Leah's birthday because her birthday is actually two days after we get home and we wanted to celebrate with her and have a proper good time before we all leave.  We went out for some tapas and of course Rayas ice cream (banana to be exact).  It was such a fun time laughing and being with friends.  We were able to just walk around and enjoy all the Christmas lights.  It is seriously beautiful.

Here are some photos for your eyeballs.

We also walked around the Christmas markets that are here right next to the cathedral.  I noticed something odd, and I couldn't help but share.

There were many more where that come from...

At any rate...

On the way back, I walked by the Torre de Oro which is a landmark here.  It is actually a really cool place.

So, now we are in full gear with finals and I actually have one suitcase packed.  Yes Mom.  You should be proud.  But in the Christmas spirit, I thought I'd share a couple of things.

1) I wanted to share me as a tree topper because my lovely friend Katelyn decided it was the perfect tree topper in all of the world.  I mean, I can't disagree with her.

2) I have 3 days left here in Sevilla.  Man has time flew bad.  As it saddens me to get ready to say goodbye to this beautiful place, I am also so stoked to go home and spend the holidays with my family.

3) Here is a great cover song that I found this semester and it has to do with going home.  You may know it.  You may not.  Either way, I like it.  So, without further ado (In case you're wondering, the meaning of ado = hubbub, bustle, flurry, or fuss.  You're welcome).

Home by James Allen

Love Always,
Ang

I'll Be Home For Christmas.

This is the first time that I have not gone home during the semester.  I have been gone since September 1st, and although I am loving it here in Europe, I am quite excited to go home for the holidays.  There is nothing like seeing stockings with your name on it hanging on the fireplace.  It just warms the heart when you walk into the house after a long day and see the tree lit up in beautiful Christmas lights in your family room.  I love the moments where you and someone you care about share a nice warm cup of hot cocoa and if you're daring enough, you put a candy cane inside to use as a stirrer.

Christmas is my favorite time of year and I can't wait to share it with those I love.  I hope that during this time of year, you take the time to appreciate not only those around you, but the season itself.  We get so wrapped up in the gift buying, the party going, and making plans that the beautiful season seems to fly by us in a blink of an eye.  Let us remember the reason for this season and truly celebrate it.  Put the cell phone and computer down and celebrate this season properly.  Please.  :)

Shout out to my good friend Josh Groban.

Love Always,
Ang

Winter is Coming.

Hello Lovely People,

As I sit here in my room, I feel a cold chill every now-and-then and then it hits me.  It is winter.  Winter is here.  And that means a couple of things.  One, it is Christmas time, which I love oh so very much.  But seriously.  I really, really love Christmas.  Two, it means finals are just around the corner.  Bleh.  Three, I get to wear my favorite clothes.  If you didn't know this about me, I love winter clothes.  Simple.  And last, it means my stay here in Spain is almost up.  I have two weeks left here in beautiful Sevilla and it has gone by way too fast.  So, before I continue with this post, please listen to this song about winter.  Cheesy?  Probably.  Awesome song?  Definitely.  Not only is Matt Corby an amazing musician, but this song is incredible.  My mom is going to say it is a boring song(s), but I'll live.

Enjoy.

"Winter/My False" by Matt Corby

So, this past weekend, some of us went to the Maritime Museum as well as the Titanic Exhibition that is here in Sevilla.  Both were absolutely mind blowing.  I loved them.

The Maritime Museum was so cool because it is a children's museum, so everything was so interactive and visually appealing as well as educational.  We were able to hear a lot of different stories of people who traveled across the ocean in basically a pirate ship.  As we all know, I do love pirate ships.

We were able to go onto the lookout of the city.  Again, I am still in awe of this place.  I love it here.  Honestly, how could you not?

After that, we all went to the Titanic Exhibit which is a traveling exhibit and it just so happens that it is in Sevilla until spring next year.  It was an amazing thing to go through and experience.  I will never be able to read about the Titanic or watch the movie and think the same as before.  I have gained such a new perspective and understanding about the entire event and I can't put to words how great it was. 

So, a part from going to school, exploring a European city, and going to awesome museums, it is also Christmas time, which means the shops have Christmas stuff out.  Naturally.  I thought that I would share with you some stuff that Leah and I discovered while enjoying the shops.

Bear made of pine cones.

Penguin made of wood chips.

Leah and Christmas fairy ornaments.

Me with a fairy ornament.

Poinsettias in the city center.

There is also this plunger that I couldn't get over.  I couldn't help not sharing it.  It is just way too good to keep to myself.

So, all in all, it has been a great and busy week.  We leave for Portugal in the morning and I honestly must say that this is one of the trips I have been looking forward to the most.  Wish us luck!

Hope everyone is well!  I sure can't wait to see you all!

Love Always,
Ang

P.S.  Here is a quote that I really love right now.  Thought I'd share it with you.

"Joy is a state of mind that must be purposely cultivated if you are to live and love and influence others as God intended."

Take Me As I Am.

So, I just wanted to share one of the songs that has become one of my pump up jams here in Spain. 

Beating Hearts by King Charles

Love Always,
Ang

Thanksgiving in Spain.

Hello!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  I am sad I could not share it with you, but know that I had a great Thanksgiving here in Spain with all my friends.  ISA decided to throw us a Thanksgiving meal and we all dressed up and celebrated together.

I just want to say that after the welcoming toast, they played the national anthem.  I think every household should do the same thing.  It was great.

At any rate, here are photos of my Thanksgiving.  :)

Love Always,
Ang

Turkey, Veggies, and Mashed Potatoes.

Not pumpkin pie, but great nonetheless.

Sweet friends!

:)

We love Asians.

Yep.

So thankful for my sweet friend Leah.

Green Pants Envy.

Hello,

So, I haven't done one of these yet, so I am going to give you some general thoughts that I have been having the past couple of days.  Please, enjoy.

1)  I have green pants envy.

You're probably wondering what this really means.  I shall tell you.  It means exactly what it says.  I love green pants, and apparently so does everyone in Spain.  My friend Leah coined this term and it basically means the more I see green pants the closer I am to buying a pair.  I don't know what it is.  I just love them so much, and Spain is so stylish that it just adds that much more of a "cute factor".  Sheesh.


2) I have such a cool host mom.

My host mom's name is Puri.  She is really cool.  Even though I may not be able to have a full on conversation with her, we still understand each other pretty well.  One night when she was teaching me how to cook a Spanish tortilla, she pulled out the big coke bottle and it had a little bit left.  She asks if I want some.  Of course I say yes.  She says we should just finish it and keep it a secret from everyone else.  BAM.  Best friends.  She also made me some really cute (green) earrings.  Yeah, she's cool.

3) I don't like the rain.

I already knew this about myself, but the fact that it has been raining almost nonstop the past three weeks confirms my dislike for that form of the weather that much more.  Yes, I know that it is necessary and what not.  But still.  Rain for weeks?  Come on.

4) I miss my guitar.

I didn't realize how much I missed my guitar until I heard a song the other day and wanted to learn it on the guitar and play it.  I mean, I play my guitar everyday when I am home.  Note to self: bring some form of instrument on next international adventure.

5) I am so happy I came to Spain.

I can't tell you how many times I have to pinch myself to remind myself that this is reality.  I knew I was supposed to come here and I am so glad that I did.  It has been a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I would advise anyone who is considering study abroad to just do it.  It has been amazing.  And I'm not just saying that.

6) I feel so refreshed.

Coming here you really get to push the reset button and really just start over.  I know that I will have to return home and go back to the "real world", but I know that this refreshing feeling will also come back with me.  I am ready to conquer the next step in my life.

7) We serve an amazing God.

I can't tell you how many things have gone wrong whether it was with me or someone else I know.  It can be anything from crazy big blisters to being allergic to mosquito bites and having to go to the hospital.  In every situation, the Lord still provides and takes care of what is going on, whether we recognize it or saw it coming.  He truly does care about what we're going through and isn't going to leave us hanging.  I love that.  Man, what a cool Guy.  With that said, it is a two way street.  Just sayin'.

8) I am so excited for Christmas.

Yes, I am one of those people who listen to Christmas music way before Thanksgiving and I don't care who knows it.  To each their own.  I do what I want, yo.  But seriously, Christmas lights are beginning to go up around the city and the nativity scene stores are comin' out.  I am so extremely pumped.  Can you tell me you're not excited for hot cocoa, monkey bread, Christmas music, candy canes, family, and parties?  Seriously.  Also, all of you who can buy gingerbread oreos, go buy them right now and eat them in my honor.  Please.  Then write me a message telling me how great they are.  I'm being serious.

9) The Civil Wars broke up.

I still can't get over it.  I'm sorry.  I am sad.  Therefore, I need to vent.

10) I have the best family.

I mean, I know that everyone says that.  But I'm sorry to tell you that you are wrong.  I'm sorry.  But seriously, my family is the coolest.


Until next time I come up with something, hasta luego.

Love Always,
Angela

Nice To Meet Ya.

Hey All,

It's been a few days since my last update.  I will try to keep it short and simple today.  Sometimes you just gotta keep it simple, y'know?

Let's go day-by-day shall we?

Friday:

My friends and I went to the cathedral here in Sevilla called the Giralda.  It is a mixture between a Catholic cathedral and a Mosque.  So crazy cool!  Little random fact for ya, Christopher Columbus is buried here as well as his brother (no one knows his name, and no one cares).  There is also a place where the survivors from the 234 men who went out on a world tour with Charlemagne came to pray after the major voyage.  Only 18 men came back and they came to Sevilla and prayed at the Giralda.  So, there is a place that you can see their actual location of where they prayed.  Crazy cool stuff going on at the cathedral in Sevilla.  I wish I could tell you all that I have learned there but I'll keep it to a minimum.  We also climbed the 37 ramps to the top of the tower at the Giralda to get the most amazing view of Sevilla.  That afternoon, Leah and I walked all around Sevilla exploring and shopping.  It was so fun!  That night, we attended a cultural event called, "El Noche en Blanco" which is basically the opening of stores, museums, and art galleries at night when they are normally closed.  We ended up going to some ruins underneath The Mushrooms (Cetas).  It was awesome.  Mind blowing really.  Here are some pictures to enjoy.

 

So I must confess something right now.  It has been raining a lot this past week.  And if you know me, I strongly dislike being cold and being wet.  Especially at the same time.  The rain has dominated me this past week.  Not going to lie.  Don't worry, I will get my revenge.

Now let's continue.

Saturday:

It started off as a normal college student day.  I spent most of it studying at either Starbucks or a frozen yogurt place in my neighborhood that served awesome coffee.  Here is proof if you don't believe me.

See, I was studying.

That night after hours of studying for midterms, we went out to go see some flamenco at one of the local spots.  It was freezing outside and so stinkin' hot inside this room, go figure.  So many people were there to watch and listen to the amazing flamenco.  I can't express to you how amazing this is to watch and listen to.  I love it so much.

It was awesome.  After flamenco we went to this restaurant that had outside seating in a terrace.  We decided to splurge and get a sprite and a dessert.  I know, we are some crazy college students!  I decided to get a coconut chocolate pastry but it was pink because it was going towards breast cancer.  So, I thought, what an awesome thing!  I get an awesome dessert as well as helping other people in need.  Here is the restaurant's way to say thanks:

Innappropriate?  Yes.  Funny?  Absolutely.  Share worthy?  You betcha.

Sorry Mom and Dad.  I couldn't help but share this delightful thing.

Sunday:

I went to church which was awesome.  I love getting connected in a local church.  I also studied some more at Starbucks.  Nothing too exciting happened that day really.

Random Days Throughout the Past Week That Don't Deserve Specific Day Shout Outs:

So, midterms were this past week and although they kicked my butt, I also had some awesome moments as well.  I got to hang out with an amazing friend for an afternoon, have coffee with new great friends, take some cool pictures of sites around the city, have an amazing time with my host family, and attempt to be the next up-and-coming photographer.  I love the iPhone.

I also must confess something.  I went to Dunkin' Coffee.  Don't get confused with Dunkin' Donuts.  Although it is the exact same thing.  I don't know why they changed the name.  But it was awesome nonetheless.

Leah and I leave for Barcelona in just about 30 hours.  I.  Am.  Pumped.

Until next time.

Love,
Ang