A change of pace

so clearly I'm not so good at this writing everyday thing...but I decided it's only because in the past couple of days, I actually haven't done anything that worthy of my theme, which thus far has been the "dumb foreign college student".  Yes, I am actually getting the hang of the metro, understanding/speaking more Spanish, and people even have stopped me on the street to ask for directions.  I'm not gonna lie, that makes me feel pretty cool...for about half a second until I realize I actually can't answer their question, I only know my own routes (by landmarks, not street names).  Oh well, I suppose I have a couple months still to figure it out.  Anyways, for a change of pace, there will be no embarrassing stories about my Barcelona bloopers in this post, unless I randomly remember something...
Since my last post, I have had two sessions of my intensive writing and grammar course.  And I actually really like it. My teacher is really laid back, but engaging.  The class is small, 10 students, so it's a lot less intimidating than I expected of an "intensive" course.  i guess the 4 hour daily sessions are what make it intensive.  But anyways, I have gotten to know a couple of people (yes, I actually have talked to strangers and made some friends, Mom.) and am especially excited for my new friend, Kori from Colorado.  When we were introducing ourselves to the class, Rafa (our teacher) asked her where her name came from.  She replied "a book...it's called The Hiding Place, by Corrie ten Boom." Only two weeks ago, on my missions trip to Costa Rica, I was feeling very nervous about coming to Spain, and adjusting to the change of scenery from my Christian friends and classes in the "Gordon Bubble".  I really wanted to look for a church to go to for the semester, but I am super shy, and dislike going to new churches by myself, so naturally I was feeling pretty anxious, trying not to worry about it, knowing that God had it all under control.  So when Kori mentioned the origin of her name, although I suppose I was jumping to conclusions, I was relieved.  And after talking to her a little more, finding out that she indeed is also a Christian, worrying and praying about the same things I was, I am now even more convinced of His perfect plan. Plus I'm really excited that I won't have to go to church by myself  :)

In other news, my birthday came and went, although this year it sort of lasted 30 hours instead of 24, and at last I am 20, the year that really doesn't mean anything (as I have been told...).  I did a little shopping, a very little, finally got to go out for tapas with our small group, and did a little dancing afterwards.  All in all, it was a good birthday, apart from missing all you guys back home.  By the way, thanks so much for all the birthday wishes! :)  Today, Andrea and I got up with intentions of going to La Sagrada Familia (if you don't know what it is, google it...very cool) because it's free admission for Saturdays in January, but by 12 they weren't letting anyone else in.  So instead we ventured in the opposite direction, toward the ocean.  We ate lunch, waked around la Parc de Ciutadella, and through the Arc de Triumf, of course snapping a few photos along the way.  Although it was a measly 45 degrees outside (which I realize doesn't exactly compare to the weather back home, but I prepared for warmer...) it was a nice day to be out exploring.  However, I'm sure when the 75 degree weather rolls around in March, I will enjoy walking around much more :)  Well, time for me to say goodnight.  Thanks so much for your prayers and birthday wishes! Love and miss you all lots!