So just let me say it… Erm… Ahem… I’m going to Spain? ….I’m going to Spain; It still hasn’t sunk in no matter how many times I say it… Anyways, I’m going to Spain to study abroad for my spring semester (Nope, still can’t believe it). It’s something I’ve always dreamed of doing and now it’s official, and it’s soon! I’m nervous, I’m anxious, I’m excited, and I’m sleepless… It may or may not be 4:02 AM.
However- On with the show/blog; first, thank you for taking the time to read this, it truly means a lot to me. I’m sure you are either family or a friend of mine and I appreciate all the ways you helped me get this far in life, now I want to keep you updated during this new chapter of my life, en España! Second, let me give you the details: On February 2, I will be flying to Sevilla, Spain to start a study abroad program that holds an agreement with my college. Since Spanish is my minor (my major is International Studies), my primary purpose is to learn and improve my Spanish while in Spain. I will be taking various courses on the Spanish language, i.e. Grammar, Literature, and Teaching, as well as a History course at the much larger Universidad de Sevilla. Although school is my primary focus for Sevilla, I also plan to enjoy my time abroad and fully embrace the Andalucía lifestyle. (siestas & sangria, yes please!) I have signed up for an “intercambio” program through my school where I will be assigned a Spanish conversation partner during my time there, and I also will be joining a fútbol (soccer) team. I hope to travel around Europe some, however it is not my priority this semester, I mainly just want to get to know Spain … plus I know I’ll be back to see the rest of Europe in the future.
For those who have never heard of Sevilla, it is the fourth largest city in Spain and it is located in the southwestern part of the Andalucía province. It is home for the popular soccer team Sevilla FC (plays in La Liga against teams like Barcelona & Real Madrid… ß yes, Cristiano Ronaldo’s teamJ), the flamenco dance, the largest celebration in the world for Semana Santa (Holy Week), and also one of the most respected bull-fighting arenas. I’ve heard that it truly is a marvelous city.
But now about me… There is no doubt in my mind that this is the right direction for me to go right now. Everything has led me up to this point perfectly and now my only move left is to dive on in. Just a few weeks ago at my church, my pastor gave an eye-opening sermon for me that was everything I needed to hear before I embark on this next chapter of my life. The series is called “Water’s Edge” and it is based on the book of Joshua where the Israelites are led from Egypt to the Promised Land. Just as the people in the Bible stood at the edge of the Jordan River about to enter the Promised Land, I also stand at my own water’s edge about to enter a new stage of life. The one verse that has stood out to me since that sermon comes from Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” I’m sure you’re thinking the same thing as me… What a great promise from God! So in six days when I board my flight for Spain, I’m sure my nerves will be tingling but I will think of that promise and have faith that everything is going to be fine.
Well, I hope this works as an introduction to the next four months of my life. You’re support through prayer and encouragement would be greatly appreciated. Since you’ve already gotten this far into this thing you might as well just follow me too, right? Haha, thank you once again… The only thing left for me to do now is let go & let God; I’m diving in!
Besos,
Caitlin xx
