Spain 2011 Part 1

December 17

I am sitting on the bed in Kathy's (Joe's mom) apartment in Valencia, Spain. I am listening to the washing machine upstairs and the sounds of dinner cooking. The kids are peacefully napping. We will be up much later than normal, as that is the way in Espana, no? Today was our first full day. We woke up late, got ready and went out for hamon y queso bocadillas, cafe y orange juice, freshly squeezed from the Valecia oranges here. Wow, nothing better. We went to an amazing marketplace inside an ancient building complete with beautiful cielings and views. It was bustling and everywhere I looked there were amazing treats for my mouth and eyes. Cerano ham, fresh fruits, cheeses, nuts, fish...we will eat the fruits of our labor tonight..fresh salmon. It was fun to see everyone so relaxed, sitting and sipping cerveza or cafe and enjoying the beautiful sunny day. It must have been in the 60's, a truly perfect day.

I have been praying a lot for God's help and protection. Yesterday, our long travel day, was truly a lesson in relying on God. Before weo left on the 15th I got down on my knees and begged God to not only keep us and the plane safe but to bless every aspect of the trip, every layover, each connecting flight, everything. I know He was with us. The kids were amazing all day, even after 21 hours of travel. There was a play area in the Madrid airport that was a lifesaver. It had a huge sink and changing area, just in time to solve Dalton's "poopmergency". The lady who worked there just loved the kids and called them "dulces" or sweet. There was the sweetest lady named Cristina from Costa Rica on our last flight from Madrid to Valencia. We were bone tired and she was fascinated with the kids, which really helped this sleepy mama. After an over-priced taxi ride to Kathy's house, we took a minute to get settled and then went to dinner at Cuervas, a tapas restuarant down below. We had stuffed eggplant, fried brie with currant jelly, chicken croquets, shrimp skewers, baguettes and beer. It was heavenly. Our tuckered little ones fell right asleep. Fielding woke up a few times to talk and have more milk, but he awoke happy and ready for the day today.

Thanks so much, Lord, for blessing our trip already. It's been amazing so far...more to come!