2011 will be a year that we will always remember as the year that flew by. It was a great year and it was a full year. Here are ten of the highlights.

1. New Year’s in the States! It is hard to believe that a year ago we were in the U.S. to visit family in Texas and California. The trip was a six week trip in which we met with over 60 families in addition to the family time we had. It was hectic, busy but a blast. We loved seeing so many friends and it was difficult to say goodbye when we finally returned to Madrid.

2. The Almost Flopped Mission Trip…yup, I have told only a few people about this, but I really had no idea if our first mission trip last summer was going to work or not. We had 8 adults and 2 kids on the way from the States to come play games with kids in Madrid. We had a plan for each day and we had materials bought but Spaniards don’t always come even though you have something special planned. What is more, we had no idea if they were going to walk a mile in the heat of June (hot) to participate. Not only did they come but it was an incredible success and one of the best trips we can remember. Hundreds heard the gospel and many people trusted Christ. But let it be known, God brought the people.

3. Taking San Sebastian by Storm! Towards the end of the summer we were joined in northern Spain by a group of wonderful people from Marietta, GA. We loved the trip! It was incredible weather the whole time. This is miraculous to have 7 days of nice weather in that town. It would be like hoping for 7 days back-to-back of sun in Seattle. We shared the gospel with at least 1500 people that week as we were in spectacular parts of town with a great deal of traffic watching. Watch the video to the right and enjoy.

4. Northern Irish with Americans in Spain? Yeah, it can happen. It is funny because they burn when they are here. This was another fear we had. What will it be like housing 17 people in our home for 10 days. 13 of those 17 where under the age of 20! It ended up being a tremendous blessing and highlight. Jamie was cooking like crazy, the guys were eating like crazy and then when we hit the streets, all of Barajas began to take note that something big was going on in that town that summer, and it was! The last night of the trip we had a full auditorium of people who sat for an hour and a half and heard the gospel shared through a short gospel message, testimonies and a hip hop singer. =)

5. Americans from Spain in Northern Ireland? Because things went so well with our new Northern Irish friends, we decided to visit them in August. Jamie and I had never been to Northern Ireland but we loved it. It was a much needed vacation and we felt like we were youth group leaders with an incredible group of teens. Here are the photos on the right.

6. Who is Tom Bulick? and What did he say about Eschatology? We loved having Tom Bulick come last year to share about eschatology. Tom is a pastor at our church in Fort Worth and I think everyone who sat and heard all that was said about what the Bible says about the end times, loved it. Tom is a thorough, good spirited and compelling teacher.

7. Line dancing continues to thrill the masses of Madrid. I don’t know if this is every going to get old but we will keep doing it till it does. There is something magical about country music, line dancing and hot dogs that brings out the crowds year after year after year. I think every place we have gone we have been told that line dancing won’t work in that area. Surprise, surprise, not only does it work but in some places the mayor, the city council and other upper city people show up and enjoy. Thank you, Pantego for helping put this festival on last summer.

8. Teaching them to fish, will feed them for a lifetime. This school semester I think has been of the best so far. We are so blessed to have the group that is studying here right now. They are bright, energetic, eager to make an impact in Spain and to see many come to Christ. God is working in tremendous ways in their lives and it is incredible to see them blossom in a matter of weeks. I love being a teacher because I get to see life transformation.

9. Fundraising is fun…no seriously. For most people fundraising = begging for money. Perhaps that is the public perception but nothing could be farther from the truth. I absolutely loved going this past September to the States to share with so many new friends about the year long ministries that are taking place around the world. What is more, so many were moved to partner on a regular basis because they were simply unaware of God’s work prior to that. Fundraising is about connecting people to God’s work, money is a part of the equation, but it is not the main aspect.

10. Christmas in Madrid! This is the freshest in our minds and it is perhaps one of the greatest highlights of the year. This past Sunday evening we had the church out to our home for a Turkey dinner, gift exchange, music game, and a special time of testimonies. It was in a word, magnificent…yes, magnificent. At one point as all were talking about whatever, with the people next to them at the table and eating the phenomenal turkey Jamie had cooked. I couldn’t believe how blessed we are that God has used us to touch the lives of these wonderful people with His Word. These wonderful friends who are now growing in His Word daily, may not be mature Christians yet but they are well on their way. This was a wonderful gift indeed.

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