From Spain with Love
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Wouldn’t you like to know…
06/11/2011
Wouldn’t you like to know……this is a list of interesting tid-bits from living in Spanish culture. The list may include, but is not limited to: current events, food, people, expressions, daily living, language blunders, etc.
- …there is a very dangerous volcano moving closer to the island of El Hierro in the Canary Islands. It is known to be a smaller island with a more relaxed atmosphere, but there are still about 12,000 people that live there.
- In Spain, the education system teaches that there are 5 continents (Oceania, Asia, Europa, América, Africa) instead of 7 (Oceania, Australia, N. América, S. América, Asia, Africa, Antártida).
- The Basque terrorist group ETA recently announced that they are making a ceasefire. “A new political time is emerging in the Basque country. We have an historical opportunity to find a just and democratic solution for the centuries old political conflict. Dialogue and agreement should outline the new cycle, over violence and repression.” To read a full article from The Guardian, click here.
- It is “roasting chestnut” season here in España, when walking outside in the cool crisp air, one smells the delightful aroma of chestnuts toasting on an open fire. However, we toast them over the stove and then eat them warm and delicious!
- I feel that while I am not an accomplished cook, I know a thing or two. But never have I (Krista) attempted a Spanish paella, until today.
Paella de Marisco
- Yesterday in the grocery store (which is always a cultural adventure for me) I saw something new. For about 4,50€ you can buy ready-to
make, I mean, ready-to-eat, crêpes. Go figure! I thought, but how can they stay fresh and not spoil? I quickly reasoned that they must have a very short shelf-life and must be sold/eaten quickly. Wrong! Yesterday was November 4th, and the expiration date was November 29th! Edu came over and asked me what I was looking at, and I said, “Look, these are crêpes and it says they don’t expire until the 29th. How can they stay fresh that long? They must contain a lot of preservativos…” In my thinking, (English) preservatives = (Castellano) preservativos, no? NO! I’ll leave it to you to go look up the meaning of “preservativos” in a Spanish dictionary.
Esclavo
21/10/2011
Libro: Esclavo (La verdad escondida sobre su identidad en Cristo.)
Autor: John MacArthur
Este libro llegó a mí (Edu), por así decirlo, por casualidad. Los jóvenes de mi iglesia me ofrecieron dar unas charlas sobre la identidad del creyente. Compromiso, responsabilidades, y beneficios etc. Un día estaba mirando los libros que estaban expuestos en la librería de la iglesia a la cual asisto junto a mi esposa. Descubrí para mi asombro que de forma un tanto peculiar Dios me dirigía hacía un tema que para mí era completamente desconocido.
Sin embargo, al empezar a ojearlo me di cuenta que no solamente era un tema desconocido para mí, sino que lo era para la mayoría de las personas, especialmente, las de habla hispana.
Todo el libro gira alrededor de una palabra que ha permanecida extraviado u oculta, casi desde los primeros siglos del cristianismo. Es una palabra que especialmente para nuestra sociedad actual tiene una connotación negativa, despectiva, denigrante, humillante y todos los adjetivos que podamos unir con los anteriores.
Esa palabra es <<Esclavo>>, en griego <<doulos>> aparece nada más y nada menos que 124 veces en el original griego. Sin embargo, la palabra castellana que habitualmente se ha usado en las diferentes versiones al castellano es <<siervo>>.
El autor nos quiere ayudar a entender que descubrir la identidad por la cual, se identificaron los primeros creyentes y por la cual, muchos de ellos murieron, es la clave para vivir una vida cristiana significativa. Una vida cristiana de calidad. Una vida cristiana auténtica. Por esta razón, hace un análisis preciso y claro del contexto de la esclavitud, tanto del Antiguo Testamento como durante el primer siglo, para luego, hacer la correspondencia de lo que los escritores del Nuevo Testamento plasmaron en sus escritos.
El resultado es un libro que muestra la esencia vital del cristianismo bíblico. Una comprensión clara de quién somos, y quién es el Dios que nos ha salvado. Una nueva perspectiva de lo que significa ser cristiano, de lo que significa la obediencia, de lo que significa haber sido comprados por Dios y por tanto ser ahora sus esclavos.
Por tanto, recomiendo la lectura y meditación de este libro. Por mi parte, he sido persuadido que el mayor elogio que las Escrituras me puede expresar es ser llamado <<esclavo de Dios y de nuestro Señor Jesucristo>>.
Maybe we need a wake-up call.
13/10/2011
“The current state of affairs here worries us,” prayed my much respected compañero and colleague during our staff meeting on a Tuesday afternoon. Every Tuesday afternoon at about 3:00PM, I sit at a table surrounded by seven other men who are much older and wiser than myself. I have asked myself from day one, “What am I doing here?” And the truth is, I’m still asking that question. Who are these men? These are the people whom I serve with, eat with, encourage, and meet together to pray with.
So what are the events for which we were praying and were (are) somewhat troubling? Politics. The religious freedom that we currently enjoy have is very loosely applied. It is also subject to change. It is cause for alarm when a city hall in a major city cancels the lease contract that an evangelical church has on a building and is up to date on their payments. How can a city hall, for no apparent reason, force any non-catholic church/organization/association to close it’s doors? But that is the reality. There is a new law here in Cataluña that says all religious entities must have a license/permit to perform any type of religious activity, be it a prayer meeting, church service, etc. The law is to be enforced as loosely or strictly as every city hall, specifically the mayor, sees fit. At any time the city hall has the power to make a decision to close any religious establishment.
If you would like to read more on this, provided below are two articles (in Spanish).
- La Nueva Ley Catalana de Culto, Retroceso en la Libertad Religiosa
- Denuncia la Ley que Restringe la Libertad Religiosa en Cataluña
As a response to these things, the evangelical churches and Christians here in Cataluña made a public gathering in Barcelona last Saturday at 17:00 hrs. Here are some photos of the event.
It is interesting that during the Franco regime, there was no law, hence there was no religious freedom. Churchgoers during the years of Franco’s dictatorship might have arrived to church on Sunday and have found chains on the doors barring their entry. What we have today, is actually worse than the Franco dictatorship. We’re not moving into a progressive bright future, we’re taking steps backward. During the dictatorship of Franco, there was no law. Now, there is law but it does not protect the religious people in this country. Have you heard about what’s happening in Egypt? It is a different case, in a different country, but it is an example that we are not guaranteed protection from the government.
We have upcoming elections in Spain and it is probable that the tide will shift from one majority party to another. Over the lasts several years we have had a very socialist, very liberal government that has openly helped and aided religious groups here in Spain. An example of this would be the granting of religious worker visas, of which I currently have. The party that is likely to come into power is very conservative, strictly Catholic, and protestants/evangelicals are unsure what this means as far as legislation, funding, freedom, etc.
There is a sixteen year project that is in the final step of being approved (by the current government). The project is the formal accreditation of five protestant seminaries here in Spain. These five seminaries have sacrificed and worked through every possible obstacle that the government has put in it’s way, dotting i’s and crossing t’s and prayerfully gone through each step (and they have been numerous) leading up to the last one. If this does not get pushed through in time before the elections, the slate will be wiped clean with the new government. Which means the accreditation project will also be nothing but a post-it in the trash from the old administration. The encouraging thing is that these seminaries have been forming men and women for ministry and service for decades and will continue to do so, with or without formal recognition.
Last Friday, 11/11/2011, the ministers of the government approved the bill and the five seminaries now stand as International Universities with full rights and privileges. To read some articles about this momentous decision:
Goverments change. The people that govern us change. The church has struggled since it’s beginning with challenges and persecution, maybe we just need a wake up call.
What’s {up}
07/10/2011
¡Saludos desde Castelldefels, España! We are Edu and Krista García and this is our first monthly update. Thank you for letting us share how we are (really), what we’re up to, and what’s on our heart’s.
It’s a little hard to believe, but we stepped off the plane from our whirlwind wedding adventure a little over a month ago. We have hit the ground running and are in the full swing of ministry, daily activities, and completely loving it! We consider it a tremendous blessing of the Lord to have been able to spend a month (two weeks in Texas and two weeks in Gran Canaria) with our friends and families. It was my first time in the Spanish Canary Islands and it was Edu’s first visit to the USA.
First Impressions: Krista’s Reflections on the Canary Islands
These people are different. They talk even faster than the people did in Andalucíá and they have a completely distinct accent. Canarios use a different way of addressing people in groups than other Spaniards. I suppose it would be comparable to how Texans use “y’all” but an even greater jump grammatically. The islands are beautiful and the terrain is incredibly diverse, ranging from deserts to a tropical paradise. In the distance that it takes to go from Denton to Dallas, you cover almost the entire island of Gran Canaria from North to South.
First Impressions: Edu’s Reflections on Texas
One of the biggest things that impressed me from my time in Texas, was the friendliness of the people. Everywhere we went, people were very kind and respectful (the only exception was passing through the immigration control in DFW). Also, the cars are huge! Even the elderly people drive big pick-ups. However, it wasn’t the car that surprised me the most it was the way that people drive. People actually stopped at the stop signs and stoplights. Also, the sheer size of the malls and public parks astounded me.
Married life…
Marriage is a gift from God! It is a living example of His grace and mercy to us. We are learning a lot, taking things as they come, and discovering so much about this new person that you spend 24 hours of the day with (well, not quite that much!). We have a date night every week and look forward to it. Sometimes it’s as simple as taking a walk or drinking a café con leche, just time to enjoy being together.
From Eduardo…
Dear Brothers & Sisters,
Perhaps many of you don’t know me, therefore, I think it’s best to write and introduce myself. My name is Eduardo García and I am from the Spanish Canary Islands, Gran Canaria to be exact. I’m the youngest of seven and within a few days (this Saturday) I’ll turn thirty-four. But most importantly, I am a sinner. Before I had a relationship with Christ, I was full of wickedness and an enemy of God. But in Christ I have been redeemed, bought, and declared righteous before God. My greatest joy is to be called a “child of God” (John 1:12), this is my identity, a pardoned sinner with the purpose of serving a holy God. I am also a happily married man. A little over a month ago, Krista and I were married in Denton, Texas. God is truly good and amazing. His grace amazes me and fills me with joy. Now that you know me a little better, I’d like to explain a little about what we’re up to…
Theory & Practice
In June I (Edu) graduated from IBSTE (Instituto Biblico Seminario Teologico de España). These last four years have been a great blessing in my life and God has continually confirmed His call in my life to serve in ministry. During this year (now to the end of next Summer) I will continue studying and be serving in our church (Vilassar de Mar) doing a pastoral internship. I will be preaching, helping with Sunday School, and Krista and I will be leading a small group together. Later on in October, we will return to the Canary Islands for a youth retreat. I have been asked to be the speaker and preach on the topic of service and discipleship. We believe that our greatest purpose as a couple is to serve Christ, being conformed to his image and character.
¡Muchas gracias! Moltes grácies!
Thank you for your prayers and gifts. We consider it a great privilege to minister together and represent you in the Spanish church. We pray for you daily, we ask specifically for protection and that the Lord would deepen your love for Him. Please also remember us in your prayers, specifically for our marriage, that we would be a testimony of Christ and the Church. Ask also for wisdom, a great application of truth in our lives, as we both dedicate many hours to people and full-time ministry. Our desire is to see men and women understand, believe, and be transformed by the Gospel (Christ crucified and Christ risen). Thank you for your gifts and prayers as we work together exalting Him among the nations. As the famous missionary William Carey said to his friends and supporters, “I will venture to go down into the well, but remember that you must hold the ropes.”
Your Servants in Christ,
Edu & Krista
What a day.
08/06/2011
We really have no idea how much the Lord cares for us and looks after us. This is a rather danger-filled update that could make the hairs on your arm stand up! A few examples of how the Lord has been looking out for me {us} here at the seminary.
At about 1:00AM on Sunday morning, I got a knock on my door. I knew it had to be something important because people don’t knock just to say hello, even if you do live in Spain, at that hour. A fully-awake Christopher (second-year student) mumbled something about being sorry to disturb me, but that he thought I should know that a pine tree had just fallen on part of the building. The incredible thing is that the pine tree fell in such a way that it just barely missed the power generator. It did destroy the outer wall of the building and unfortunately it also fell on top of the front part of Christopher’s car (which had only been out of the shop 24 hours). The tree fell on an electric cable but the firemen were quickly able to cut the line and keep everyone out of danger.
Yesterday, our entire food order did not arrive in time so I went to the grocery store to buy fruit and bottles of water. Upon backing up, I scratched the right side of the car along one of the underground pillars that holds up the mall. It also broke the right-hand side mirror. Luckily, it was not another car or a person that I hit. We took the car to the shop and it is in the process of getting fixed.
Today, someone left the gas stove on in the mini-kitchen of the student area. The entire lower part of the building was flooded with gas and had to be aired out. Luckily, no one in the building lit a match or sparked a flame. We are now investigating a way to put a detector in that area of the kitchen.
Whew! I get nervous just typing this stuff. Thank Him for guarding us and protecting us! Sometimes I say that my job feels like putting out “fires”, with the way things are going, I really wouldn’t be surprised if that’s around the corner.
I’m marrying a Canary!
08/06/2011
What was once a joke (falling in love with a handsome Spanish man) has now come true, except that he is also one of the most honorable, respectful, and servant-hearted men I have ever met. Most importantly, he loves the Lord more than he loves me and seeks to serve others with a love that resembles Christ. We will be married in Denton, Texas, on August 6th, 2011. In thinking about our relationship and how the Lord has brought us together, the word that comes to mind is grace. I receive what I don’t deserve by the merits of Christ. Grace, forgiveness, and hope are the words that season our conversations. We will be returning to Barcelona soon after the wedding to continue serving here in Spain. How exciting to serve with someone, to be an encourager and be encouraged in ministry. This next year, I will fulfill my commitment with the seminary and continue on as the residency coordinator while Edu (Eduardo) takes on a full-time pastoral internship with the pastors in our church.
Edu & Krista
¡Que guapo! He's handsome!
Castell de what?
28/02/2011
Castelldefels, in Catalan, means ”Castle of the faithful”. Why? Because we got a castle in our city!
W.W.Y.T?
06/02/2011
What would you take? In packing to spend 12 months out of my home country, the inevitable question is, “What do you take?” The other obvious question becomes, “What do you leave?” And then the question that makes you breathe a sigh of relief is, “What can be shipped?”
Other than the boring and normal list of clothes, toothbrush, etc. I thought I would share a few of the important things I always try to make sure are squeezed into the 52-54 lb.ish suitcase I carry (keep in mind, almost all economy international flights are only allowed 1 suitcase these days).
Three wick candles from Bath & Body Works
A few of the most important things...
I know what you’re thinking…Why the contact solution? Why the scrapbook paper? A cookbook? Really? Well here’s my explanation for it, what makes a place home to me, is food and smells.
I think the contact solution can be thought of as a necessity, being that a big bottle of the kind of contact solution I use is about 18€. I can buy two huge bottles for $14 at bulk stores in the US. Of course you need your bilingual bible, your residency card, your passport, etc. And something special that I decided to have shipped instead, scrapbook paper!
So, those are a few of the things I take…what about you? What would you take?
Hymn
31/12/2010
The song below is by Brooke Fraser, who is quickly becoming one of my favorite artists. This song is titled, “Hymn” and is on her album, Albertine. The lyrics are few, but the message is so true.
If to distant lands I scatter
If I sail to farthest seas
Would you find and firm and gather ’til I only dwell in Thee?
If I flee from greenest pastures
Would you leave to look for me?
Forfeit glory to come after
‘Til I only dwell in Thee
If my heart has one ambition
If my soul one goal to seek
This my solitary vision ’til I only dwell in Thee
That I only dwell in Thee
‘Til I only dwell in Thee
Winter Update
27/12/2010
“A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and
glorious morn. Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices! O night divine, the night when Christ was born!”
Saludos from Denton, Texas! Today marks a little over two weeks that I have been waking up in the US of A. ¡Que alegría! As you might know, I had been planning to return for Christmas and spend the holidays with my family. As it turns out, I also have the privilege of being a bridesmaid in the wedding of one of my best friends. The Lord has blessed me with three weeks to be with my family, spend time with supporters, and serve one of my best friends in her wedding. I return to Barcelona Saturday, January 8th, the day after the wedding.
My first semester flew by at IBSTE! I live in a community of people that sharpen and challenge me. The Lord has truly blessed my relationships among the students and staff. By no means, is it always easy but it is my joy to love Him, learn of Him, and point others to Him, His cross, His grace, His mercy, and His forgiveness. These are the things that I need daily!
So many things went on this semester, and being without a camera definitely made it difficult to document everything. Thanks to the gracious people that have shared their cameras with me! Here are a few things that might be interesting to see, enjoy!
Sometimes I think of the challenges that I face living outside my first culture and language. Misunderstandings with the language, simple things being complicated, driving with so many roundabouts, etc. Last Wednesday, I flew for over ten hours and covered several thousand miles in one day to come home to the people I love. The cross cultural divide that I slip in an out of between Spain and the USA, the cultural differences of crossing imaginary borders, these things do not begin to describe the love that the Lord has demonstrated to us in His attempt to bring us home. Bringing us into an abiding relationship with Him. This semester, I have learned more of what it means to humble myself and depend on Him when I am simply not capable, trusting Him for discernment and wisdom. I have seen the hearts of people change before my eyes and it encourages me to know and believe, “It’s not about me.” We get to be instruments that He uses. In almost every way, my daily life looks completely different than it did at this time last year. Praise Him that He has clearly led, provided, and confirmed my presence in Spain and in this specific ministry. One word comes to me over and over again, hope. For me, hope is reading His word, being encouraged by the people, the stories, and the impossible things that became possible through faith. Hope is confidence about the future. I hope that this season you dwell richly on the promise that He is, God with us.
Arista
