It was about midnight and we had just gotten kicked out of the second place that we were going to spend the night… the 24 hour McDonalds (little did we know that they only serve food 24 hours). We were out on the street, unsure of where we were going to spend the next 6 hours before the train station opened again. The university was near by and there were many students out and about bar hopping. To say I felt out of place would be an understatement.
After about half an hour of praying and trying to decide on a game plan, two young ladies approached us. Marta introduced herself and was interested in why we were on the street with so much stuff at such an hour. We introduced ourselves and tried to explain our situation. She was intrigued, but still confused about why we did not have a place to stay. She then was quick to want to help by inviting us to come back and stay at her house. Quickly she realized that it was probably too late and that her parents might be confused if they woke up to 6 random Americans sleeping in their house. So, we sat and talked for a while and she was eager to help us make the most of our time while we were traveling through Madrid to get to debrief. Before we said our goodbyes that night she said that she would be back to pick us up to take us out to breakfast.
Sure enough the next morning she picked us up exactly when she said she would right outside of McDonalds. We went and ate the best breakfast that I’d had since we left the states. Not only did it taste incredible and was filling, but she even paid for it. We got a free breakfast. What a blessing! (Thanks God!)
After breakfast she told us she would hang on to our stuff so that we could be free to explore the city before our bus left late that night. She dropped us off in a good location to see everything that she had suggested that we should go see. We explored and saw cathedrals, monuments, the royal palace, gardens, street performers, a botched potential terrorist attack, and even walked in on a wedding. It was an exciting day and a neat city to explore!
Yet again, Marta picked us up exactly when she said she would and took us back to her house so that we could have a good home cooked meal. She is in a big family and we sat around a huge table and ate dinner with her, some of her family, and some of her friends. Who doesn’t enjoy a traditional family style meal like that? It was such a yummy meal, and the conversations were great. They were all so interested in hearing our stories of how we were called to be on the Race. The Lord touched some hearts through our stories, so much so that one of Marta’s friends even talked about how she had felt similar things to what we had and that she thinks she is being called into missions. Wow, God is so good and works in some crazy ways! After dinner and spending time with them, Marta and her friend drove us to the station to catch our bus for us to make it to our first debrief.
I firmly believe that it was no accident that she came up and talked with us. She was obedient in what the Lord prompted her to do, she was interruptible with her plans and what she had on her agenda, she put our needs before her own, she invited us into her home, she served us, and she blessed us. This reminds me so much of someone else that I know. His name is Jesus!
The Race has been a wild and crazy ride, full of unexpected surprises! Everyday I look forward to what He is going to show or teach me, whose path I will get to cross, and how I can be a light for Him.
Prayer requests:
- As a squad-
- That we would be the light of Jesus wherever we go
- Listening ears to hear the direction the Spirit is leading us in how to be effective and use our time wisely
- Fundraising
- As a team:
- To love each other for who God created us each to be
- For good and clear communication with one another
- Myself:
- Deeper intimacy with the Father
- Humility
- Obedience in listening and
*I apologize for not posting in such a long time! Please be patient with me cause I have tried many times to upload another vlog from the Camino, as well as pictures from Spain to FB, and even pictures to this blog. For whatever reason my devices will not upload them properly or the wifi connection is not strong enough to download them. I am working on posting them as soon as I can!**
**I am currently alive and well in Northern Africa! This place is considerably different than any place I have ever been. Because of the country I am in I can not be extremely open to particular things that may be happening here, but know that there is more going on than just the “tourist” pictures that you are seeing. He is on the move!
The culture is super different- the markets are loud and busy, store owners are constantly in your face trying to invite you in to look at whatever they have to offer, the people are very hospitable, drinking tea is huge here, the way people dress is way more conservative, and the list could go on and on. Even though there are many differences, it has been sweet getting to be living in this culture. I’m pumped to see what else is to come while we are here!**
