Spain won the Euro Cup!!

 Viva Espana!!

 Our boys being the incredibly talented guys that they are!

The ladies posing in front of the mob!

So every time I come to Spain and there's a football (soccer) tournament, Spain wins. Does Spain owe me some compensation? . . . I believe so. Well, Spain is the official victor of the EuroCup, demolishing Italy in a 4-0 game. We watched the game at an outdoor cafe on this lovely night. Then we strolled over to the center of Granada to watch the mob celebrate. It was pretty incredible.
Eating and celebrating Spain's win in the EuroCup was not, though, the best part of the day. Today was the Sabbath and we worshipped with our brothers and sisters on the Granada team at the Iglesia de la Reconciliacion. It is good to be reminded that Jesus is King of the whole world and not just of the American Bible belt. And something about singing praises to Jesus in Spanish gives a sweet foretaste of the day when all nations will worship Jesus as King.
Today was also the last day of prep for the camp . . and the last day we got to sleep in. Many of us were very thankful for a day of rest, some still recovering from the remnant symptoms of jet lag and others preparing for a hard and long week of waking up early and staying out late like they do in Spain.
The three muchachos of the group, Tommy, Peter, and Chris, have all been taking turns serenading us and making use of the convent's hollow walls, playing on a little miniature guitar. Unfortunately, their most common times of playing are early morning and siesta time. It's just the Spirit's sanctification.
This team really is pretty great. I am thankful for everyone as the trip leader. Everybody has been so soft and respectful. The devo times have been encouraging and honest as well. But camp starts tomorrow and it's super late here . . . so here goes.
P.S. On a personal note, I am thankful to be in a place where my jorts (jean-shorts for the fashion impaired) are appreciated and celebrated and not judged, though ironically I did judge my father quite a bit for his and their brevity and made a foolish ultimatum that I would never. O well.

Let's do the Alhambra!

Hi it’s Bethany Hammack updating you all tonight. Today was a pretty exciting day. The team visited the Alhambra, one of the seven wonders of the world. It was absolutely gorgeous. The garden was breathtaking, the palace was beautiful. It was amazing. Later we all went back to the convent for lunch. Today we had free time so Julia, Genna, Carol, Kelly and I all went shopping. I’m not gonna lie, that was pretty awesome too. Finally we all walked around and got churros at a café not far from where we are staying. All of us are still pretty tired and are looking forward to getting some good sleep tonight.

Trip in Pics so far.

 On the bus to New York City and JFK!

 Just a little bit dead in the Madrid airport.

 On the roof of the amazing chef's house. He is pouring out samples of fine olive oil.

 Working on the adolescent camp with our new friend Aly.

Those brave who made it all the way to the top of the Alhambra, the fortress tower.

Granada day 2!

Hello everyone! This is Lizzy Cole, giving you an update on our trip! We woke up after we finally got to sleep after 36 hours or so. Yesterday we got into the airport safe and sound, then we traveled to the convent where we are staying, and got settled. After that J.J. did a little bit of training for the English cape we're teaching. Then we went to a wonderful dinner at the best cook in Granada's house for Tapas, or light dinner. We then decided to go home and get some rest! This morning we got up, had a wonderful breakfast in the convent, had some 5 hours of extensive training for the camp. Then we split into groups and went on a prayer walk with the team here in Granada. Finally we had a delicious dinner out tonight and are now safe and sound at the convent, ready for some more rest! 

 At the Madrid airport.

 Waiting for bus.

On the roof of the best cook in Granada!

Here again! Granada 2012!

Because of Tom Leahy's genius, the travels to Granada were even faster and smoother this time, leaving us little time to sit in JFK or Madrid airport, wishing we were asleep in our beds. Well, we were still wishing we were asleep but had little time to think about it. Did have a bit of a hiccup with a wheelchair (no it wasn't Jesse this time) but God took care of it and no one was left behind anywhere.

Once we arrived in Granada, we lunched with the sweet sisters at the convent (when many of us did not realize that lunch is a three course ordeal over here). Though several of us envisioned taking the day off, alternating between napping and eating, JJ had other plans and only allowed us a brief hour to freshen up. We then began our training through struggling tired eyes. However, a very kind chef provided some delightful tapa-like dinner, offering an olive oil tasting, fine wine (for the adults of course), delicious olive soaked chicken, and some delicious chocolates.

All in all, not a bad day. Though we're not sure when or how many days it has actually been! Everyone is already asleep! However, the thing I'm super excited about is a new gadget from Tom that gives us internet at the convent, which will make blogging SO much easier!

Thanks for all your prayers! Pray we receive rest and feel restored in the morning.

Fashion Show and Flamenco

"...and if you don't speak English, well it will be amusing..."

"...and if you don't speak English, well it will be amusing." That was Kelly's encouragement to us before we were sent off to the various camper's homes. It was definitely an experience, and a great one at that. Everyone has different stories to tell so you should definitely ask people about it!

Adolescent camp yesterday was a blast, but everyone was kind of exhausted. We had a fashion show that was amazing; the 'clothes' looked great. The Kid's Camp played American football and all the monitors said that the kid's energy had definitely picked up.

"...that is so sad..." said a boy at the Adolescent camp when someone told him we were leaving Sunday. He was so right. We are going to miss these kids so much; they have all wriggled their way into our hearts one way or another. The Kid's Camp has a program tonight to close out their week. The Adolescent Camp is having a packed day of fun, scavenger hunts, water fights, ice cream, and partying. Can't believe our time here is almost over.

Another update tomorrow, maybe. Our last one?

LOVE, all of us.