Buenas tardes amigos y familia en estados unidos,

We pray that you are all well and good back in the estados unidos.
It has been good to hear from many of you.  It is nice to feel connected to Indiana and your lives back home. If you post a comment on the blog please check back later because sometimes I may post a comment back to you.  This is the only way I know how to comment besides direct email which I am doing from time to time.  Also, once I post a new blog and change the photos they are off the blog. They do not seem to archive like the writing post.  Wish I were more computer literate!  If anyone knows how to save the photos let me know.

I thought I would include in each post one thing that the Spaniards do differently than us Americans.  It is not bad or good, just different!

Driving in Spain:
I  finally understand how to enter onto the autovia (highway) but only after almost being ran over, closely tailed and then honked at!  All on more than one occasion!  Dave has encountered this nice experience as well. When you try to merge onto the autovia the oncoming cars will not move over so that you can safely enter.  The merging lanes are very short and narrow so if you can't merge you have to almost stop and then it is hard to get your speed up to safely merge.  I could not understand why people would not let me in, until I finally asked a Spanish friend who informed me how it works.

On the plus side---once you safely get onto the autovia beautiful views of the sea and  mountains await you.  Lots of hills and curvy roads as well.  Dave and I  really love driving here! Of course I had to buy an automatic because there was no way I could mange a stick on these hills.  It was not easy finding an automatic--we only had 2 choices.

I will post another difference next time.... there are plenty to keep me writing!

Well all the kids are now in school! Dave and I are enjoying are time alone!  We start Spanish classes tomorrow, which I am looking forward to but it is also intimidating.  We are taking separate classes because we learn differently and we are too competitive together! 

Ethan seems much happier since he has started school and is involved in basketball.  His team is really good so we hope he gets some playing time, he will definitely get good experience.  He will start futbol (soccer) in October.  Still don't know how that swimsuit is going to work out because he won't try it on.  I think he has swimming this week, so it should be interesting!  They are mostly reviewing at school so he hasn't really had a lot of work yet.  Keep praying for him because the prayers are being felt!

Lynsey is doing good and started basketball as well.  She is the only girl on her team, at least right now.  She does not seem to mind and it will definitely challenge her skills!  Pray for her as well, she is missing her friends.

Josh is doing great and seems to keep coming out of his shell, so to speak.  He is becoming quite the show boat and entertainer.  His and all our kids biggest complaint is the school food. They do have different food but we love that they are trying new things.

Alec is Doing well.  He had one rough day last week with a few tears in Spanish class but he has since recovered and says school is easy.  We will see when those grades come out--it is never quite as they say!

The uniforms seem to be okay with all the kids now-I am the one keeping busy washing them.

I am learning that each day is unpredictable here, with no one happy at the same time!  When one family member is happy or doing well another is not, and so and so on...I  am sure many of you can relate.  But no matter what kind of day occurs I am reminded that it is a day to rejoice, because it is a day the Lord has given us.  And sometimes I can't rejoice until all those heads are fast asleep on their pillows!

This past weekend we did not make it to Granada as planned.  I did not realize I had to get tickets online well in advance.  So we took a short 20 minute trip to the town of Nerja.  I just love this town, it is heaven on earth!  The shops,sea views, food, beach, and people are all wonderful.  We visited the caves of Nerja which are quite impressive.  The caves were discovered by a group of boys in 1959, they are massive inside with huge stalactites and stalagmites.  They are definitely worth seeing if you come to visit us.  The boys had fun shopping in Nerja because they found Barcelona jerseys, and they were much cheaper than at home.

Dave is working late tonight at the church. We are amazed how God has placed us here and Dave is able to use his business skills to help the church.  There are many wonderful people at the church and they have made us feel very welcome.  This past Sunday I understood the main idea of the pastors message but not all the details.  I guess that is a start and it can only get better!  Even though the music is good I really do miss praise and worship in English.  I don't know that this will ever change.

It is late as I finish writing this even though your evening is just beginning.  Need to get to bed, the sun will be coming up in no time.

Until next time,

Hope you enjoy the photos and don't forget to scroll all the way down for more!

Many blessings to you all!

Love,
Karen, Dave and Kids!