Spain: Recep

Okay as I am sure you all know, our world has been a little topsy-turvy with COVID-19. I was probably like, in February I knew of COVID-19 and the threat it was becoming but believed that the US at least my home town in California was far far away from the effects of this virus.

On March 5th I left for Madrid, Spain! My first EVER time to Europe and I was SOOOOOO excited! I sensed something different about this mission trip than the others I have been on. As you may know, I was going to Spain to explore a potential long term missionary position. To be very honest as I was going I still had many reservation about moving over seas as a missionary. Still, I decided the best way for me to get clarity would be to go see for myself. 

A HUGE shout out to all the wonderful friends, family, and church family that supported financially in going to Spain on this exploration trip. YOU ARE THE BEST! I was scheduled to be in Spain for a glorious 21 days but.....COVID-19 happened.

Yes, came home early, a whole 10 days early from my trip. With travel days and jet lag aside I was probably functional for 5 of the 7 days I was there. But let me assure you God did NOT waste one minute of this trip. Yes, it's true I did not do as much as I had originally planned, not meet as many people, or go to as many places. Yet, there was a security in my spirit that THIS was the trip I was supposed to have.

I arrived in Madrid where I was received by the ministry team I was hoping to work with. I spent 5 days in Madrid and then took a train to Alicante for my last 2 days. I spent time praying, fasting, soaking, and reading. Got to know the team members and the ministry. I visited two church services, walked the streets and of course did some touristie things!

I had so much FUN during my time in Spain. The picture in right hand corner is very special to me. While in Alicante, Spain my new friend took me to the Castel de Santa Barbara, the most famous castle in Alicante and one the main tourist attraction. We drove up the hill, climbed up stairs and made it to a landing where could see this view.

I instantly began to cry as my eyes took in this beautiful city-scape. God has often spoken to my heart through views. Many time on top of a hill, in a hot air balloon, or in this case from a top a castle God reminds me this is His view on my life. He sees everything and it's always so much more beautiful than I know. God made it clear that this was THE view He had been leading me to, I was meant to come to Spain.

I knew in that moment that I would go to Spain, live, and serve as a missionary with no doubt in my mind.

Due to COVID worsening around the world, my ministry leader had great wisdom to instruct me to get a new flight home for as soon as possible. I am so thankful for this because the day I arrived home March 13th was the beginning of travel shut downs for the US. 

I am so happy to report that the generous giving of my donors enabled me to purchase my new flight home without any problems as well as gifting the ministry Project Rescue with a $1,000 gift! What an incredibly generous gift made possible by donors. Thank you!

When I arrived home everything was different than when I had left. It was clear that the beginning of quarantine was just the beginning of me preparing to go back to Spain.

Always
​Marissa