First Post

What's up!

This is my new blog that will (hopefully) be kept up-to-date on my happenings for the next semester. As some of you already know, I am going to be studying international business abroad at Pablo de Olavide University in Sevilla, Spain. I'll be leaving Sunday, January 15th and getting back May 19th. While in Spain, I'll live with a host mother, Gracia, who is 74 years old, as well as have another American roommate, Alexander.

Within the next 4 months, I hope to be stretched, challenged, and broadened in both my intellectual and cultural experiences. I invite you to come and follow along with me on this journey through Europe as I blog my thoughts, findings, and experiences throughout the next semester. Leggo!

Things I'm Excited About:

Immersion:

Since my freshman year of high school, I've always wanted to be able to speak the Spanish language fluently. I saw what an asset speaking another language could be when I went on a mission trip to Mexico my sophomore year of high school. I only spoke bits and pieces of Spanish and still gained close relationships with many Mexican people, some of which I'm still in contact with today. I'm hoping that immersing myself within the Spanish culture by living with a host family, taking classes in Spanish, and altogether speaking Spanish to nearly every person I come in contact with will create the opportunity for me to be challenged in my Spanish-speaking skills. One of my main goals throughout these next few months is to be able to confidently say "I speak fluent Spanish", and I believe that immersion within the Sevillan culture will help to bring me closer to that goal.

Excursion:

I want this trip to be full of adventures! In no way do I want to regret not making the most of each and every day. My life at K-State is often very busy and at times taxing - I have many different jobs and responsibilities along with school that I am committed to on a daily basis. In Sevilla, the only real responsibility I have other than taking classes is to live in Spain! Extended free time, what a weird concept for an American! Along with the planned trips through API (Cádiz, Granada, Cordoba, Doñana, Lisbon) I hope to embark on my own adventures throughout Spain and Europe as well.

Decision:

I think that for the majority of my high school and now college career, I have been somewhat undecided on what I want to do upon graduating. Since running my own mini-business for a class project in 5th grade in which I sold beaded lizards to my classmates, I have always been intrigued by business and the art of sales persuasion. However, I have yet to find a real direct career path that connects with my passion for marketing and presentation. I am hoping that my time abroad will direct me towards a more clear and concise career path, whether that be international business, marketing, or something else.

Mission:

I believe that I am going to Spain my junior year, spring semester for a specific reason. Although my initial thoughts and desires are to have internal benefits, I know that God has something so much bigger in store for me. I am excited to find a community of Christian believers in Spain and to have opportunities to evangelize to others through my words and actions. I am trusting that God will put me in situations that will challenge me and give me an opportunity to bring Him glory, and I ask for prayers that I would be able to have the boldness to confidently proclaim the Good News to them.

Things I'm Apprehensive About:

Filets:

I want to be all about trying new foods, but I can see this part of the trip being somewhat difficult for me at times. I've heard that the food will often still be "looking at you". I'm already not a huge fan of fish, so this could be a little bit of a problem. Oh well. Here's to losing 20 pounds while still respectfully trying everything your host mother makes for you!

A Ways:

The hardest part of this trip is going to be being away from the people I love the most. I am so blessed to have an incredible family, friend group, and girlfriend. In no way am I looking forward to being away from any of them for this long, but know that I would regret not seizing the opportunity to study abroad while I still can. Communication is going to be tough with a 7 hour time difference and no wireless internet in the house I'll be living, but I know that distance can strengthen relationships and I'm looking forward to seeing the ways that the Lord strengthens me and my loved ones.

Bidets:

Is an explanation even necessary? Yikes...

And so it starts... Thanks in advance to everyone offering me prayer and support, I really couldn't do it without you all.

Brad.