the view from MY window

This is the view from MY window.  MY window in Spain.  

From my window I can see people walking the streets, cars buzzing by, buses stopping to let on

 the gente (people), apartments crammed with people, lovers in the park, birds in the

 trees, and even my own reflection looking out.

My window in Spain includes a lot.  But let me tell you about something it does not include:

The wonderful Mar Garcia Nieves Family.

This family is made up of a simple couple: Jacqueline and Gerardo.

They are a family of 2 that leads a modest and comfortable life.  

And yet, even with this amazing window with a view...I am the lucky one that gets to see inside.  Inside the window. Inside MY Spanish window. Into a world know but by few.  I am in love with this view inside my window.  The people, the food, the smells, the feelings. All are close to my heart.  And now, so is this family.

Jacqueline is an amazing woman.  She cooks for us, cleans for us, straightens up our things 

(and usually our quickly made beds..but always made!), and washes our clothes.  

But there are things about her that are more amazing than home chores.

And that is her love for Heavenly Father. 

Before coming to Spain I prayed for 4 very specific things:

1-to have a roommate I could get along with

2-to have a family to live with that I was "healthy" (so I could eat!)

3-to be able to run safely and sufficiently while here so I could still train for BYU

4-to be able to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with my family here

Almost the first day here, Jacqueline asked us questions about the church.  She LOVES the Mormon heritage, and honestly can sometimes explain it better than me.  She knows so much, and is so PREPARED.  She is prepared for the Gospel.  Now it's just the matter of getting it to her, to her family, in the way that she needs is-and so she can accept it.  

Today at lunch we laughed as we talked about the missionaries of our church, and how Jacqueline knows who there from here in Spain and in her homeland of Venezuela.  The conversation mentioned other things, and each time something came up I could feel the spirit there.  I know this is where I am supposed to be right now in my life.  I don't know that I will be the one to infiltrate the Gospel into their lives, but I know my example can do so much to help them on their way to this knowledge.  

I have prayed everyday before coming and every day since being here to have more opportunities to keep sharing the Gospel with them.  And I do keep getting them!  The power of prayer is insurmountable.  

I have received ALL 4 things I prayed for before coming to Spain, and MORE!  It's incredible.  MY life, and the window I look out to see it, is amazing.  But what's more amazing, usually, is what's inside.  And I am full inside today of gratitude for my Savior Jesus Christ, and for his example.  

I will continue to pray for my new Spanish family for the rest of my life.  Like my mom JUST told me: 

 "One day we will miss this place and the opportunities we have here on earth."

Pray for the things you want.  Work for the things you need.  And hope for the things you're unsure about.  Somehow, it ALL ALWAYS works out.

You just gotta believe it will.