So tonight has probably been the best/most awesome night I've had since I've gotten here. I went out to coffee with Nadine, the leader of a group called Students for Christ (which is basically a Christian organization for exchange students studying here in Sevilla--although there are chapters all over Europe). We met at Starbucks (which is even more expensive here than it is in the US--think $5.50 or so for a small frappachino) and sat down on the comfy chairs just to talk before Bible Study. There was a girl at a table right by us (like less than a foot away) who was on her computer with headphones in and doing some work or something. Nadine and I were just chatting about how things have been for me here in Sevilla and that sort of thing and she asked me what my biggest struggle since arriving here has been. I told her that it was the fact that I haven't really found the Christian group of friends/support system like I have back home. As SOON as I said that, the girl sitting by us leaned over and was like "excuse me, I promise I wasn't eavesdropping or anything but I heard what you just said about not liking to go out and party and everything, and well, are you Christians?" And Nadine and I both told her that we were. She told us that she had been looking for a good circle of friends and a Bible Study/church to attend while studying here. Turns out she goes to a university in Mexico and is studying abroad here as well. We invited her to the Bible Study that we had tonight, but she said she had class from 7-8 so she couldn't make it. Nadine told her to stop by after her class (which she did, but only for a minutes because she had to catch the bus) and we all exchanged contact information. It was really awesome that we were in the right place at the right time. It was one of the "God-moments."
After coffee, we went to Bible Study. We had 10 people (plus Nadine) and a couple of the students led the Bible Study. We talked about the leper who is healed by Jesus in Mark. Although that was the main topic, we kind of branched off and were all able to share and talk about our lives and healings and God's call on our lives. Since being here, I've really missed the Christian fellowship and the strong support system that I have at home. Don't get me wrong, I have made awesome friends in our program and love them all dearly, but there's something about the fellowship among Christians. So it was great to meet several other Christians and to be able to spend time sharing and talking with one another. Then after Bible Study we split into smaller prayer groups of 4 people and had time sharing and then we all took turns praying. It was awesome to be able to bond and share with a group of girls (the girls were in groups together and the guys were together) and really have that connection with one another.
I am also going to church with them on Sunday. It is a Pentecostal church that should be much like the good, old COGOP so I'm definitely excited about that! I'll be sure to let you all know how it goes...I think it will be so awesome to go to a service in Spanish! :)
Well, it's wayyyy past my bedtime! Hopefully I'll be able to update you all again soon! :)
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