treinte- La Noche de Luz

 One year ago, I attended a Study Abroad 101 meeting to see what types of programs there are and how to get started. 

 Eleven months ago, I chose Spain over Costa Rica. 

 Ten months ago, I chose to come to Toledo instead of Barcelona or Granada. 

 Six months ago began the summer of earning money from babysitting and camp Winshape for Spain.

 Three months ago, I arrived in Toledo and met many other students from Puerto Rico and the United States. 

 In two weeks, I will be going home. What a bittersweet sentence... I still cannot believe I am here, living in Toledo, Spain, studying literature and eating authentic paella and Spanish tortilla de patatas.

 Last night, Álvaro and I went to the church of the Jesuitas. His friend was going to be singing there, so he invited us to come. After getting some delicious croquettes and walking in the rain, we went to the church to see what it was about. 

 It definitely wasn't what I was expecting, but it was just what I needed. When we walked in, we were met by darkness and candles lighting up our way. There was a table and a few people welcoming us. A joyful lady gave us a small piece of paper and a pen and told us that we can write a prayer and put it in the little box at the altar, along with taking a miniature candle to the altar. 

 We sat in a pew in prayer for a while, and then I met Álvaro's friend who was singing there. We went back to that table to get a candle and someone started talking to us. He asked our names and gently squeezed our arms, smiled, and said something that I didn't understand. He walked away to take care of something, and Álvaro told me he said that he was really excited for us. 

 I love that he was excited! I think it's super cool to see a Catholic get excited about Jesus because I usually think of Catholicism as doing the works and going through the motions. But, his smile was authentic. 

 We took our little candles and walked with someone to the altar, who prayed with us. We prayed the Lord's prayer, which I realized after we had started. Before we said the prayer, Álvaro asked me if I knew it in Spanish, which I totally misunderstood the question... I thought he asked if I'd understand if we pray in Spanish, not the Lord's prayer specifically!  I don't know if I even know it by memory in English! 

 The dude, whose name is Pablo, had us take a piece of paper from a basket, which had a bible verse. Mine said, "But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?' And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be still!' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." (Mark 4: 34-39)

 After that, we returned to the pew and prayed a little more. This was awesome because with three essays I need to work on, exams coming up soon, and the thoughts about going home, I have been in need of alone time with Jesus. I am in the middle of a storm, feeling like I am going to drown, but this prayer time is the peace. I prayed that I would really relish the next two weeks here, but still look towards what awaits me in Alabama. I prayed that I would keep my eyes fixed on him. I prayed that I would continue seeing his glory everywhere I go, even in the United States. I prayed that I would trust Him even when things aren't going the way I want them to go. I prayed that I would not worry about having a boyfriend, and trust that He has that under control.

 Most of all, I thanked the Lord for this semester. It's been a ride full of highs and lows, but I wouldn't change a thing. 

 I'm thankful for this event, La Noche de Luz. 

 Kthnxbai!