I'm Coming Home.

I'm heading out of Sevilla in a few short hours by train to Madrid. From Madrid, I'll head to Philadelphia, and from Philly I'll make my way back to beautiful Kansas City.

There's a saying here in Sevilla - "no me ha dejado" - which means "it hasn't left me". I may be leaving the city, but a part of my heart will always be here in Spain. I've made memories and friends that will last a lifetime, and I couldn't be more thankful for all of the experiences that I've had here. It will never leave me. 

Tomorrow I'll sleep in my bed at home, read street signs in English, get free refills at restaurants, and see my beautifully pregnant sister... and I can't wait.

"I'm back where I belong..."

Kansas or bust,

Brad.

B-Side of the Day

As I wind down my time here, I've been graced with the presence of my mom, dad, and cousin Abby! It really has been the best time these past few days with them (so much so that I don't really want to spend too much time blogging yet!).

We went to the small town of Ronda yesterday, about an hour and a half southeast of Sevilla. To make a long story short - it was a really fun time with some really fun people and arguably the best view I've seen this semester.

Stateside in 3 days. Crazy...

Brad.

The Dictator

So I don't know how many of you have seen this preview for a new movie coming out called "The Dictator", but the fictitious country's capitol building is actually Plaza de España in Sevilla! Specifically in seconds 23 and 42 of the trailer. Kind of a cool thing to check out.

Alright, that's all!

Brad.

Hilarious Website

I found this website earlier today, and have already looked through it twice. It's not entirely appropriate, but it's almost 100% accurate. Looking through it with my friend Brad today, we could relate to so many of the posts. Check it out if you've ever studied abroad...

http://thetimeistudiedabroad.tumblr.com/

Brad.

Mother's Day

Here's a realization I just made: I'm terrible at writing poetry.

It probably runs in the genes - all my dad ever writes are cheesy 4-liners that start out with "roses are red, violets are blue", and I've definitely followed suit in that respect. However, I figured that if I really tried hard that I would be able to write some touching and meaningful poetry to someone who really deserved it.

An hour and a half and a blank page later, and I'm realizing I was wrong. I've got nothing. Zilch. Nada (that's how they say it in Spain). So how do I really express my love and appreciation towards someone?

Mom, I have been absolutely blessed to have you as my mother. There are so many instances I can think of where you loved me and treated me so much better than I ever deserved to be treated. You are hilarious, always thoughtful, caring, have incredible music taste, patient, go the extra mile to see other people smile, an amazing wife, and an incredible mom. I'm so lucky to have someone as awesome as you to show me firsthand what a true woman of God looks like. Thanks for putting in all of the countless hours helping me with applications, passports, visas, and scholarships to make this study abroad experience possible and enjoyable for me. I legitimately couldn't have done it without you! I can't wait to hug you and walk around Spain with you and your stylin' new Chaco's. You are the greatest mother EVER, and I love you so stinkin' much!

Roses are red,

Violets are blue,

I hope that after reading this,

You'll need a tissue.

You mean so much to me, Momma! Happy mother's day!

Brad.

 

Yesterday marked a very special day for one of my favorite people in the world. My girlfriend Kathryn turned 22! And, to make matters even better, Kathryn graduated with a degree in Child and Family Studies from Baylor University yesterday! To say I'm a proud boyfriend wouldn't even cover the first inkling of my emotions for her.

Kathryn is a really special person to me who has already given me so many incredible memories. We met two years ago working together at Kanakuk. I remember noticing her for the first time on one of our times off together and thinking to myself "how in the world did you not notice her before?" Kathryn's an absolutely beautiful girl with an incredible heart for Christ, and is such a blast to be around.

I've loved all of our times together so far. From the K-1 slip and slide to the times together at Andy's Ice Cream. Being paired up at parties at kamp to surprising her at parties at school. Going to get Varsity Donuts in Manhattan and eating Vitek's in Waco. Meeting each other's families and celebrating Christmas at Crown Center. Having her visit me in Spain and eating the world's best french fries with Gracia. Riding around the streets of Sevilla on bikes and taking frequent ice cream stops. Talking to her from five thousand miles away until ridiculous times in the morning and not ever thinking twice about it...

Next year Kathryn will move to Kansas City, where she'll be the co-director of Kansas City K-Life and lead hundreds of awesome kids to Christ in a fun and loving way - something that she is so so good at doing. I'm excited to see all of the new memories that we make together.

Hope this isn't too sentimental for you, Kathryn. You're my favorite! :)

Brad.

Daily Dime

The Daily Dime - when I post a photo, song, quote, and video in the same day.

B-Side
Arc de Triomf, Barcelona.

Song of the Day

"When Death Dies" by Gungor. Notice the flamenco influence at 1:20. The beatboxing cellist isn't bad, either..

Quote of the Day

"There is something good in men that really yearn for discipline." - Vince Lombardi

Video of the Day

Louie Giglio - "Laminin"

Peace and Blessings,

Brad.