An Ironic Week...

Well, its been another week and a bit in the land of Spain, and it's been full of crazy business. I apologize that i haven't been able to write up on here this past week, things like I said have just been a little crazy as I settle in, but I plan on writing once a week from now on.( so that's the plan... but in that event that some funny business upends that plan, I will write you ASAP...following that funny business.) Anyway, since we I last wrote much has happened. I am learning to adapt to life here in Spain, which is much different from that of North America. The myth about everything in the city shutting down between 2-5 for a nap is true. And life is a lot more laid back, and slow paced. Trying to get things done takes much patience, but it's great for character building. So if you're looking to do some of that, this is your country.

During my first week here, I arrived during Semana Santa (or Holy Week). It was incredibly busy, but very eye opening. Catholocism in Spain is very heavy throughout the culture and historically it's very widespread throughout the Spanish people. The lives of the people are very fixated around this holiday, as the Catholic church's are heavily visited, and the streets of filled with masses of people attending processionals. (Which is a special sort of parade made up of marching musicians, and at the climax, giant monuments carried on the backs of young men for miles each night throughout the streets.) The music goes long into the nights, and people flock to catch a glimpse of these monuments as they pass through the various streets. For me, as I watched this, it was very eye opening, but also very sad, as the hearts of these people weighed so heavily on these statues. And although it is tradition, and the various monuments are incredibly contructed, at the heart of it all its sad that so much of the hope of these people rests on these statues. People were crying in the streets, as men wearing pointe hats, with a very similar resemblense to members of the Klue Klux Klan led the parades. ( I am not quite sure the history behind that...but anyway) And Ironcially during this week, although it's supposed to be about repentance, and forgiveness, it's filled with much partying, alcohol and the very things that many seek repentance for. For many, I am sure their hearts are in the right place, but for so many more, it was so sad to see the lack of hope that they had during this week that was supposed to be all about hope..hope in our risen King. So many of these people live with the understanding of what took place so many years ago on Calvary, but so many miss out on that truly personal relationship with Jesus. Something I am hoping God uses me to share over these next years. While work here in Spain can be slow, and relationship building takes time, God has been really teaching me about the importance of serving in the small. From opportunities to build relationships with the fruit stand man on the corner of my street, to a couple of young Jehovah Witness socccer playing boys who came to my door for a short 45 minute chat, moments to create relationships are slowly appearing. There is so much hope that I wish to share with the people of Spain, and if soccer gives me an edge in doing that I am going to take full advantage of that. My heart is to bring that hope of Jesus to the many here, who know all about Jesus, but are missing out on the opportunity to know Him personally. Thanks so much for all your support and prayers.
Love you all
Matt