i'm starting a blog and i'm not getting paid this time...

This is my second official blog. I used to blog for my job as a tour guide. Then, I got paid. This is for sheer enjoyment. :)

I originally started this blog to entertain those who know me with ridiculous stories of me in Spain. If you're reading this, you probably know that I have decided to take a year off before starting my career here to go abroad, work in Spain, better my Spanish, and be a light in the country. I love Spain! Plain and simple. And I love being able to talk to people in a different language. It's amazing how similar yet different we can be. The human heart shares the basics... love, pain, sadness, joy... And I am excited for what God has in store for me.

I am also very aware of the fact that many ridiculous things will happen... that my clumsy self will cross borders, that my literal translations will probably get me in trouble, and that the mere fact that I am Justine and I often say stupid things. And I need people to laugh with.

Plus, last time I wrote emails and I got too many complaints of them being too long. So now you have the choice of going to my page or not. You don't have to feel guilty about deleting my emails. You make the choice to read! :-)

So, I did it. I bought the plane ticket. And I leave in less than 2 weeks. Shnikies! I'm super excited. Super nervous. Super sad to leave my friends and relationships I (re)built this summer. But I know that God's plan is good, perfect, and pleasing. And that Spain is going to be freaking awesome!!!

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"

Walking today in faith.
And trying to take it all in before I leave!