"Deep Thoughts" by Carolyn:

Well, we're back, and there is so much to reflect on, so I thought I'd share a few "deep thoughts" by Carolyn with you. These are things I learned, out of MANY others on our trip, and I invite my other teammates to add on if they so desire. Some may only be funny or meaningful to our team, but here it goes:

• "No moro" is not part of the Spanish language (just the Michael "Franko" language)
• "Estoy Caliente" is NOT the right thing to say if you're feeling hot (as in temperature)!
• The "painted man" in Barcelona really does exist (and puts a horse to shame)
• Jen Tanksley loves "hamon" (Spanish "ham")
• I could drink "cafe au leches" everyday (coffee with milk)
• "Rufus" Tankersley or Tankerton will never exist if Jen or Scott have any say so (and that's not their last name anyway David)!
• Michael Frank was NOT Julie's "secreto amigo"
• Ty Pennington and the "Extreme Home Makeover" crew has NOTHING on us!
• if you're going to get lost in Spain, be sure David Walker is behind the wheel
• don't ever use a "vineyard" as a landmark when trying to remember directions (MEL)! They are everywhere in Spain!
• Never go to Spain without Julie Allen (she's the #1 translator)!
• Watch out for Betsy when music is playing
• Bob may be "older" but he has some of the best jokes you've ever heard and he's not afraid to use them!
• Roundabouts can be difficult to get out of when driving
• Watch out for baptist youth groups
• Long live the "Pepecar" van!
• Don't ask Jennifer J. to open her eyes during pictures
• Black paint is not easily found in Spain
• When you need an interior designer, call on Jen Tanksley!
• Isma now knows "sign language" for "WHATEVER!"
• "Franko" has significant meaning and should be adopted as Spain's official language (don't you agree-o ?)
• Dino's Gelato (in Sitges) is the best in the world!
• If Michael Frank cracks a joke, he's sure to follow it up with "Thank you...I'll be here all week!" (he even learned to say that in Spanish)
• Be careful when trying to take a picture with Cara... she may make you do the "heel click"!
• Never let Jim leave America with certain "musical cards"
• Jennifer J. has many "half-baked" moments (as we ALL do), and get her to explain the meaning to you sometime
• "Boquerones" are the way to David and Michael's hearts
• The "Running of the Bulls" in Spain is like Nascar in America (with sports commentators too)!
• Never get in a girl-fight with Jennifer J.
• Julie likes to give wake-up calls and then go back to bed
• Never plug an expensive hair straightener into an adapter in a foreign country
• When traveling to a foreign country... take music from home!
• "What happens in Spain, stays in SPANISH!" (:

On a more serious note.....

• The size of a congregation isn't as important as the heart of a congregation (for God)
• The best way to start your day is with a devotion given by BOB!
• Scott knows how to lead a small groups session very well!
• Music transcends culture (especially music that is praising God)
• Listening to "Indescribable" sung in Spanish, is one of the most beautiful melodies
• The people of Spain are family-oriented and very hospitable!
• Melanie's pictures capture every "Kodak moment"
• Getting "support letters" from family/friends back home, while in a foreign country, can give you the "boost" (or encouragement) you need to keep going
• Children like Oriol, Isaac and Noa can melt your heart (especially Michael's)
• Though Raquel hardly speaks English, she got up and told us that she "saw christ in us" and that she "wanted to be like that to others" IN ENGLISH with no problem... must have been God speaking through her.
• You never know who might be needing God in their lives (ie: Chave, the chair salesman)
• God can be found in EVERYTHING... from the breeze coming off of the Mediteranean Sea, to a blog shared among friends, to a song sung in another language
• Alvaro, Tamar and Dani are amazing musical talents!
• It IS possible to feel like family with people you've known for only a week
• Betsy doesn't even know her own strength as a leader sometimes... but WE all do!
• that LOVE can be felt from 6,000 miles away (even after 50 years of marriage)
• that each of us has a need for God's grace and forgiveness in our lives
• Sharing a testimony (even through translation) can bring others closer to God
• God works miracles everyday (as in the case of Eugenio being healed last week)

I know there's much more that I can't think of right now, but this will give you a sneak peak into our amazing week (yes, I'm a poet too, and "I'll be here all week", as frank would say). (: