Blessed. Faith. God. Love.

This past week has been unbelievable. I thought it was going to be a long week, considering the fact I got home on Monday morning at 2:30 am, from Portugal. However, I was wrong. Very wrong. I had a great week. I have branched out and met more people, joined a Bible study group, completed another week of school, discovered new places, and just relaxed. Some of the girls that are in my SOL group (SOL is my program through WSU.) have decided to have a Bible study once a week. I went on Monday and had such an amazing time. It was so fulfilling and I felt balanced when I left. Since I have been here my relationship with God has grown immensely. It's amazing. School is good. I only have one week left of my intense month, my final exam is on Thursday. I can't believe how quickly this first month has gone by. This first month was a basic review and real classes start on October 6th. I will have 5 different classes and typically they will be scattered throughout the week. I will always have my afternoons off for seista :) My Spanish has definitely gotten better, just after a month. I am forced to speak here. At school, bars, cafes, restaurants, at my house with my host family, I don't really have a choice. It's great though, I have learned SO much. Also, I have met some really awesome friends that are a little better than me at speaking, so whenever I am struggling or don't know things they always help me!!! This week I tried a bunch of different cafes, went out for churros and chocolate, studied with friends, and talked about where we want to travel next. I LOVE these friends I have met. Seriously, they are great. They make me feel safe and okay. Whenever I am down or blue about things, I literally go grab a coffee with one of them and all my worries are taken away. I find myself thinking A LOT over here because we have so much free time. It's awesome because I have never had so much time to do things that I want to do, but it's hard because I find myself missing my family, Nick, friends..etc. I am so happy that I have met some awesome people, have a wonderful host family, and a great roommate :) Today we traveled to a vineyard. It was great seeing how wine is made. We had a wine tasting after and got a free bottle of wine! LOVE the culture here. Wow, is it so different than the states.

 Tonight, we went to a bull fight too. That was different and kind of difficult at points. It was hard to witness the torture, that poor bull. But so amazing to experience the Spanish culture. It's just something you have to do while you are over here. Tomorrow is Sunday. A day full of relaxation. I will go to church with some girls, have lunch, skype with the family and friends, maybe head out for a run eventually and then probably study for a little bit. I am so thankful and love every part of Spain. It has been a challenge, but I know I am suppose to be here. It's allowing me to grow on so many levels. I am so proud and happy. Every day just gets better and better.