The past summer I had the opportunity of spending a summer in Spain. Being a curious college student I eagerly awaited the day I took the flight across the Atlantic. I only had one suit case, a backpack and a camera to carry with me while I embarked on an incredible journey. My first month there I studied abroad in the Northern city of Valladolid.
A Summer in Spain
One Traveler discovering the wonders of Spain
A train to Jerez de la Frontera
A little over a week ago my study abroad program ended and I took the train to Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain. Upon arriving I stayed at a family friend's house for a few days. I was able to relax from my stressful trip and get to know the streets of Jerez. For the remainder of my time here I'm staying with a Ukrainian refugee family from the ministry I'm working with. They're a family of 3 kids, ages one, three and four and they came to Jerez only 6 months ago. It’s been fascinating learning about their story while picking up on some Russian words.
During my stay here in Jerez I’m volunteering at Tharsis Betel, a local ministry that works with refugees. Tharsis Betel receives new refugees every 6 months, providing housing, food, Spanish classes and assistance in finding jobs and homes.
Throughout this past week I had the privilege in joining a visiting church group from two Californian Churches. Groups from Hillside Church and Peninsula Covenant Church were finishing up their mission trip here in Jerez the week that I arrived. I got to know the trip leaders of both churches and they invited me to join their team.
I helped the mission team with a sports camp they held for the local kids. We played paddle ball, futbol(soccer) and cooled down with a bocadillo(typical Spanish sandwich) and a dip in the pool. I visited their hotel and heard stories from others on the team about their interactions with refugees. The red cross was bringing refugees to the hotel they were staying in. They told me stories about people praying on boats for a safe arrival, families being separated, and countless other heart-breaking stories of people leaving everything behind for the hope of a brighter future.
a bridge between languages
A woman who serves tea at the church invited the American women to her house to show us how to cook and prepare a traditional Saharan meal. It was intriguing seeing how she prepared the couscous, chicken and beef in a tiny kitchen. We had to take rounds watching her because only a few people could fit before the kitchen was full. Our conversations were a mixture of English, Spanish and Arabic. Being one of the only two people who could speak Spanish and English, I became an interpreter. It was my first time interpreting, and although nerve racking, I loved being the bridge between languages.
On Thursday I went along on their trip to Gibraltar. We prayed on the beach for the refugees crossing the straight. Then we sat, overlooking the Moroccan mountains, and reflected as a team on the past week. I heard trip highlights and impressions of the church here in Spain. That night we said our goodbyes and the group began their trip home early Friday morning.
In the distance, a different continent
Since the church group left, I have been helping Tharsis Betel employees with different odd jobs. I've helped prepare apartments for the newly-arriving refugees, done simple office tasks, and have documented their work with my camera. The following week I'll be helping with childcare as they start giving classes for phase two refugees. Phase two refugees have completed a six month introductory Spanish course and are now focusing on finding jobs and settling into life in Jerez. I am still so shocked at how my time here in Jerez has unfolded. I feel blessed and grateful for all the people I've met and memories I've made.
I leave for home in only a few short weeks but I can't wait to see my family. So much has happened, I'm looking forward to sharing the memories I've made with my family and friends. This summer is defiantly a summer I'll never forget.
Designed, written, and photographed by Beatrice Zorrilla / For educational purposes only.