And just like that it's April. We are officially at the half way mark. It's crazy how time has flown, before I know it I'll be on a plane heading home. The other week at church one of guys there told me time was going by so fast he feels like if he blinks I'll be gone.
Now that we are halfway I am starting to see how the reality of what we're doing is different than the expectations I had before coming. If you would had asked me before coming what my expectations were I would have probably told you I didn't have any. And in all honestly I did believe that, but now that I have been actually living out this everyday I have realized how many exceptions I really did have.
Before coming to Spain I had the amazing opportunity of interacting with previous "STEPpers" through the Latin American Missionary Retreats, as well as having relationships with some through Roxbury Holiness Camp in Pennsylvania. Most of the "STEPpers" I spent the most time with had been based out of Honduras, as you might imagine Honduras and Spain are very different. The two countries don't just differ culturally, but economically. Honduras was in greater need of "Missionaries" people to come in and complete a specific job; in the church, out reach, in mission projects. Spain on the other hand is in need of "lights," and by this I mean they need people who are "global workers." People who join into the culture, and become a light to those around them. This is a lot harder than it would seem, Spain is a very spiritually deprived country, less than 10% of the population attend church "regularly," with the evangelical church making up less than 1% of that.
My sister wrote me a book of letters for me to read over my trip, the one letter was "2017 'Predictions' of the year letter:" a quote from that letter was "Hannah came home in June and was able to share many stories of the 105 people she helped lead to Christ." I can honestly say that sadly I won't be coming home in June with 105 stories of people being saved. I would love to come home with 1 story of someone being lead to Christ because of me.
I never expected that my "missions" work here would be so different than what the "STEPpers" in Honduras were doing. An expectation I realized after being here a few months that I had was my schedule would be more "missions" based. I didn't expect to have so much control over what I did every week. Since the need in Spain is to be a light to the people, our schedules needed to be more "relationship" based, than "outreach" or "missions" based. This meant investing in making friendships with people from class, our host families, church and others.
So at this point you're are probably wondering, "if she isn't doing 'missions' work, what is she doing."
A little of what I do in a normal week...
Spanish Class
Monday to Friday, from 9:30am to 1:30pm I attend Spanish class in Madrid. These are intensive Spanish classes designed to help us learn Spanish at a good rate. These classes allow us to learn the language to communicate with Spaniards but also open many opportunities for friendships.
After Class Activities
Our school offers after class activities; museums, tours, conversation clubs, etc. We are encouraged to participate in one of these a week, not only to practice our Spanish but to continue to build relationships with people from our classes.
House Group
Once a week I attend a house group from the church. I am currently attending the "Jovens" group. (Youth group) Here I am more of a leader than a youth. House groups allow us to create deeper relationships with other believers.
English Group
I have started an english group at the church. We normally meet every Monday, the group is for people who have learned English in school and want to practice normal conversation to improve their skills. Right now we are currently on a pause though because there is a bus strike causing some transportation issues.
Host Family
My host family is a big part of my time here. Being a light in their lives, showing them that I am different is very important. The chance that they will have another Christian speak into their lives again is very slim. I also am actually part of the family, I participate in most of the activities they do, attend family dinners on weekends, grocery shopping, etc, etc.
Mentoring
Mentoring is a program that they run through the church, and every person in the church goes through. It's a series of books that help you deepen your faith. I find mentoring really interesting, it allows you to look at your faith in a new way, and see new areas in your life that you need to give over to God.
Gym
Yes the gym is actually part of my work here. The gym is not only a place were I have built relationships with the workers, but its an activity that my host mom and me do together.
STEP Meetings
Once/ twice a week we have STEP meetings with the directors or another person on the global team here in Spain. Every week has a theme for us to work on over the next week. The past two weeks we have been focusing on "inner healing."
And with that, that is what a week in the life of being a "STEPper" or "global-worker" looks life. It's creating relationships, sharing the love of God and helping to further the kingdom here on earth.
Though what I am doing is different then what I was originally expecting, I can see how God is opening up doors for me to creating and invest into so many different peoples lives. It's pushing me past my comfort zone to be valuable in my faith and remember that I might be the only christian that they ever have a genuine relationship with.
before others, that they may see your good
deeds and glorify your father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
