New life in Utrera

The last week has been a whirlwind of an adventure from the second stepping foot into my new little piso. As you know from my previous blog, I moved to Utrera for a month. I have one Spanish roommate, Sandra, who is the sweetest lady in her thirtees. From minute one, she has made me feel welcome and joyfully invited me everywhere she goes, from drinks with friends, the grocery store with her family, and her friends homes. We sit at the couch and talk in Spanish hours and hours. She wants me to improve! The heater is going under the table (spanish culture), I have my translator (google) out, we are munching on 'tijuana' flavored sunflower seeds, and we can hear spanish music being cranked from a few houses down. Sometimes her TV is on, which also helpes me learn spanish. We talk about my life back at home, spanish culture, music and movies a lot. Also, there isnt a day that goes by where I dont sit outside in the plaza with benches and trees enjoying the 75 and sunny weather.

Next door to Sandra lives her sister, husband, and two kids- a girl, Alicia 5 years old and a boy, Hon who is 11. Having the family next door was something I had not expected. It feels as though I am joining this spanish family temporarily. They are generous and its fun to hang out with a Spanish family. I feel as though I am finally getting the real Spanish experience living in Utrera.

The piso is small, but comfortable. I thought it would take longer to get accustomed to living here, but it took about 2 days. It will be hard to leave Sandra!

Being here has been great and I am very glad I chose this decision. The decision was one that I had thought and prayed about for weeks. The hour before the train that night, I decided to go. Something inside me urged me to go, and I am extremely glad I did. I was nervous before and didnt know what I was going into, but it has proved, once again, that following my heart (with much prayer) was a good decision. God is good! =]