update #4 - loving my (homeless) neighbors: Seattle

"we think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked, and homeless. the poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. we must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty." -- Mother Theresa

Last night I went to a local shelter to serve dinner to some of my homeless neighbors. Since it wasn't raining, I decided to walk down to the shelter, which is always helpful in clearing my mind, slowing my thoughts, and preparing me for the experience and conversations I'm about to have.

And I had no idea just what I was in for.

Before the meal, we all sang some Christmas carols together and it was such a beautiful sight, looking at all of these people who are visibly hurt, broken, struggling to make it another day opening their mouths and singing. It's amazing what a little bit of music can do to lift spirits. And to see a room filled with men and women desperate for hope, finding some joy in the moment as we all sang together, gave me an overwhelming sense of love for these people I'd just met.

It keeps things in perspective, really, to meet people who don't have a house or apartment to call home, and yet can smile, finding joy in the midst of such pain. My heart broke for my neighbors there, but I also felt so much hope for them because of their outward demonstration of hope, joy, and peace.

The conversations I had with a couple of them after the meal were such a good reminder to me that these neighbors of mine are just as broken as I am, because we all share in our humanity. And they can also have just as much joy and hope as I can.

And so I gladly and humbly plan to return to that shelter to not only serve my neighbors, but also listen to their stories. There's so much I can learn from them. But, more importantly, when I slow down and actively engage in conversation with my homeless neighbors, it gives them a chance to regain their sense of humanity, feeling valued and loved again. And what greater gift is there to give than sharing in Christ's love with one another? 'Tis the season, after all. :)



♥ mk

update #3 - adventures in the South

"it doesn't matter where you go in life... it's who you have beside you."

Friendsgiving 2014: reunited with one of my best friends

I'm now back in Seattle after an incredible week in the South. When I first started planning this trip to North and South Carolina, I had no idea what the week was going to look like, who I'd be able to see, or how I was even going to get from one city to the next. Now, looking back on the last ten days, I'm amazed at how the details all fell right into place, humbled by the wonderful hospitality I experienced, and beyond thankful for the time I got to spend with friends - both new and old.

Exploring Charleston, SC with some
wonderful (new and old!) friends

Spontaneous adventures, many wonderful conversations, countless fits of giggles. Those things all make life - and traveling - that much more fun. But they can't be planned. 

It's when things aren't planned that I get to keep my eyes opened for opportunities to see, enjoy, taste, experience new things. I see these things for what they are: gifts.

Sharing a meal with a dear friend from high school
in Winston-Salem, NC

Every little thing that happened while I was traveling around the Carolinas seemed to be a gift - the extra time spent with new friends, the beauty of a change in scenery, the chance to catch up with friends and family I hadn't seen in years, the refreshing feeling of hiking on a cool Fall day, the kind of laughter that makes you double over, and the true fellowship that was centered completely around Jesus. I'm still amazed by it all, really.

It's pretty wonderful what can happen if I let go of trying to control every single detail and let God take care of it. That's something I've said for years and always thought it was a great idea, but it was such a struggle to actually let go of that control.

I've learned a lot this past year, but among the most life-altering was a complete shift in my perspective. I no longer have my own agenda, don't try to do things my way, don't even have expectations of what I think should happen.

Because it's only when I let go of those ideas that the most incredible moments, interactions, conversations, experiences happen. Everything becomes a gift.

Visiting my sweet cousin in beautiful Greenville, SC

♥
mk

tuesday update #3

"when it rains, look for rainbows. when it's dark, look for stars"

I'm sitting in a coffee shop as it pours rain outside and I'm not even in Seattle. Kind of makes me wonder if the rain follows me. ;)

After spending a good portion of my upbringing in the Seattle area, I feel like I've paid my dues and gotten my fair share of rainy and overcast days. I'm not really the biggest fan of rainy days (unless I can get away with cozying up and not going outside for the day), but have learned to appreciate the beauty of what a rainy day can mean.

It forces me to slow down.
Allows me to wrap up in a blanket and get cozy.
Makes me rest.
Is the perfect day for a hot chocolate or cup of tea.
Helps me see the importance of the rain for the healthy growth of plants, flowers, trees.
Makes me look for rainbows.

There are times right now, as I'm raising support to return to Spain full-time, that can feel like I'm stuck in a perpetual rain cloud. But it's not as gloomy as it could be. Or as I thought it might be.

My perspective is no longer on feeling stuck in a grey, overcast sky, but on what is happening as it's raining. I'm seeing the amazing blessing of the "forced" slower pace of life that allows me to rest and actually live in the moment. I'm able to be fully present for conversations, not worrying, planning or thinking about what's next, but see that time as a gift. I enjoy slowing down and sipping a cup of tea.

I look for the rainbows, keeping my eyes up.

Why dwell on the frustrations that the rain can bring - the extra traffic, not being able to get work done as quickly, the forced change of plans - when there's so much beauty because of the rain? There's growth that comes from it. There's rest. Enjoyment. Peace.

We can probably all stand to have a few more rainy days. And for those who are like me and have trouble really enjoying them: just embrace them. We can't control the weather. We can't control the "rainy day" phases of life. So take it as a gift and rest.

Enjoying some chai tea at my temporary office on this rainy day :)

♥
mk

travel: Colorado

"the mountains are calling and I must go" -- John Muir

I just got back from a lovely trip to Colorado, so I thought I'd make my second travel post about my favorite state. :)

Ahh, those Colorado Rockies
(Pike's Peak - Colorado Springs, CO)

This trip was primarily for fundraising and partner development, but it (of course) ended up being so much more than that. Things like this usually are. I had the opportunity to spend time with some friends I hadn't seen in months - and, in some cases, years. So much had happened in that span of time - some had gotten married, had children, moved to a new home, new state even... There's so much that can happen in just a few years!

Hiking with a friend I've known since we were 15

But the most beautiful thing is that most of these friendships picked up right where we left off. And for that I'm beyond thankful. I'm definitely not the best at staying in touch regularly, but I've come to realize that any effort can mean so much. Many of the conversations I had with these friends over the last couple of weeks showed me how founded they are in love. 

Befriending my first roommate's daughter

I've known a few of these friends for nearly half of my life and others just for a handful of years, but I share the same laughter, deep and meaningful conversations, and love for each of them. Yes, it may be easier to jump right back into this when you've known someone for a decade, but it doesn't mean it can't happen with someone you briefly knew while living in the same city.

Visiting a friend I met this year in Spain - in Colorado!

And this has helped me more fully realize what a gift friendships are in this life. 

So, this post may not be about travel, fundraising, or even Colorado... but I hope this can be an encouragement to anyone who reads this to reach out to a friend you haven't seen in a while. Send an email, give a call, write a letter. It could make someone's day. And maybe help you realize the amazing blessing that friendships are.

Christmassy Old Town
(Fort Collins, CO)

♥ mk

update #2 - perspective shift

"every dreamer knows that it is entirely possible to be homesick for a place you've never been to, perhaps more homesick than for familiar ground" -- Judith Thurman

I'm a bit behind on blog posts, so I'm going to pretend like today is Tuesday and give you an update. Just go with it. ;)

So, if you read my update from a couple of weeks ago, you know that I've been back in the States since July and am currently preparing to return to Spain for (at least) three years. As part of this preparation, I have the opportunity to share with friends and family what God has been doing in Spain and what He's calling me be part of there, and invite them to invest in this work. It can be an emotionally, mentally, and physically draining thing for me - an introvert - to do day in and day out.

But God has been amazingly faithful, giving me strength, rest, and peace through it all.

Actually, it's not just that He gives me those things, but that He IS those things. God has become my strength, my rest, and my peace through this journey. I don't go looking to Him to give me momentary peace and rest when I'm tired because He is not momentary but eternal - the beginning and end. He is my continual rest, my constant peace, my everlasting strength. There is no way those things - which are characteristics of Christ - can leave me as long as it is His life (not my own) living in and through me.

And that has caused my whole perspective to shift.

It is no longer about having enough strength to make it through a day, morning, conversation. It is not about how quickly I can raise the funds I need to get back to Spain. It is not about how much sleep I can get to have the energy to keep going through this stage of the journey.

It's all about Jesus.
Just Jesus.

My focus has turned away from the things that can so often get me down or stress me out and to the One thing that matters: seeking to know Christ more fully. And it's so beautiful what this has done to my whole world. As I look to Him, all I can see are the ways in which He's provided for me in the past - and is clearly continuing to provide.

I used to be so scared of the idea of raising support for my salary, but I've come to see the incredible blessing it is to live in complete reliance on God's provision for my needs. It's no longer about the dollars, but about seeking more of Him and trusting that He will continue to provide as He always has - this time in a new, "non-traditional" way.

And oh, what a wonderful thing it is when He chooses to provide through gifts from dear friends and family! I love getting to share in Him and His work in this way. It creates quite a community when people come together for a cause. And I can't even begin to tell you how blessed I feel to be part of a community and family like this. Wow.

(Note: if you'd like to know more about what God is doing through CRM in Spain, please feel free to write me! I'd love to share more about it.
ALSO, if you feel led to partner with CRM in this, please follow this link and type "Mikaela McGee" in the search box to make a donation to my fund.)


Please post questions or comments below to continue this conversation!

♥
mk

travel: Sevilla, Spain

"I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list" -- Susan Sontag


Turns out writing a blog update on a daily basis takes quite an effort. I suppose I'm not really shocked. My days are busy as ever and now trying to add one more thing to the list... Well, you know how it can be. 

So this will be a bit of a "catch-up" blog post. And one that will (hopefully) provide you with some entertaining weekend reading. :)

Plaza de Espana - Sevilla, Spain

Fridays will be my travel post days - I'm going to post pictures and stories of places I've had the opportunity to visit/see/experience as well as places I'd love to visit. I'm hoping this will be a place for you to share about places you've visited and post any recommendations you've got as well. I'm always open to read stories and learn about new places!

Since most of my blog posts have been (and will be) focused on Spain, I'd like to start the travel posts by sharing some pictures from my visit to Sevilla - a beautifully charming and incredibly historic city just a couple of hours driving from my home in Malaga.

One of the old city gates
(Macarena Wall)

Within the old city walls of Sevilla -
tiny streets & curved buildings

Back side of the Sevilla Cathedral -
the Moorish influence evident throughout southern Spain

Exploring Sevilla with my traveling
companion and best friend :)

Cathedral of Sevilla - so majestic
it couldn't even fit into one photo

My best friend came to visit me in Spain this spring, which gave me the opportunity to do some exploring of the country I'd called home for the past four months. During our stay in Sevilla, we found a place (through Airbnb) within the old city walls. Best decision! Everything was within walking distance - though it's quite a hike to get from one end of the city to the other, so plan to be out all day if you want to see it all in one day. (Also, it's hotter than you might imagine there, so I'd recommend going during the Spring or Fall, if at all possible. That way you avoid heat stroke AND masses of tourists!)

The best part about staying in the Airbnb place was that we got some insider tips on where to eat, what places needed to be on our "must see" list and where to go to see a FREE flamenco show. And BONUS: the place was right next to the old city wall, so we had a spectacular view from our room! Just amazing.

It was a bummer we only had a weekend in Sevilla to see it all, but I definitely plan on going back. There are too many sights to see, foods to try, paths to walk, and experiences to have for one weekend. So it is not a city I'll check off my list of places to visit, but one that will stay on as long as possible so that I can continue to soak up its rich culture. Thankfully, I'll be just a bus or train ride away.

If you've been to Sevilla and have places you'd recommend visiting, please share below!

♥ mk

the new spaniards

"the more that you read, the more things you will know. the more that you learn, the more places you'll go." -- Dr. Seuss

To help us better understand the historical context of Spain and its people, my CRM team in Malaga has decided to collectively read The New Spaniards.* You know, after living there for seven months, I thought I'd learned quite a bit about the culture through friendships I'd made with locals, foods I'd tried, customs in which I'd taken part, places I'd visited throughout Spain.... But there's always so much more than meets the eye.

Old city wall, Sevilla
(built in the 11th century)

Some conversations I had along the way were very enlightening about just how deeply pained these people are from something that happened in their country's history nearly 40 years ago with the death of their dictator, Francisco Franco. By American standards, that's too many i-pods and cell phones ago for it to even come up on our radar. ;) But for most countries in Europe (and the rest of the world), the 1970s is recent history. And in Spain, it shows.

Obviously generations of Spaniards have been born since the death of Franco, but the stories of what happened during his dictatorship and after his death are passed along from generation to generation. And this country is trying - well, has been trying since the late 1970s - to become more relevant, contemporary, modern, able to participate in the global economy, but it's proven to be a struggle because of it's culturally rich, yet painful, history. As the author of The New Spaniards explains, Spain is a land of "extraordinary paradoxes" between traditional mindsets and contemporary concerns.

As I read this book, I'm amazed at how little I really understood while I was there. There's so much that explains the people I've met and befriended this past year. Yes, each person has his and her own story, but when crossing a cultural divide like this, it's so beneficial for me to try and understand the story of the entire people group, to better understand from where each person may be coming. This book is so insightful and I'm thankful to have it as a resource as I prepare to move back to Spain longer term.

I'm looking forward to sharing some tidbits of information I learn from this book as I continue to read! Look for updates on Wednesdays. :)



♥ mk

*The author of The New Spaniards, John Hooper, is a British journalist who was stationed in Madrid during Spain's transition into democracy.

update #1 - what's next?

"the journey is my home" -- Muriel Rukeyser

I haven't been so good at updating this blog regularly, so I've taken the advice of a friend and decided to commit to writing 5 days a week - focusing on a different topic each day of the week. Yesterday, I wrote a review of a Spanish tapas restaurant I'd visited while in Los Angeles a couple of weeks ago.

Today I'd like to write a (somewhat) brief update on where I've been and what's next. As you may know from having read this blog over the last year, I moved to Spain last fall to apprentice with a team through CRM Empowering Leaders. Our team focuses on community and leadership development, both of which are desperately needed because of the current economic situation in Spain. There's still a high unemployment rate (about 56% among people ages 18-35) with no real hope of it improving soon, which means there's a huge population of educated, but un-experienced and unemployed people throughout Spain.

My neighborhood in Malaga

This past year, my position on the team with CRM allowed me to put to use my passion to train and disciple leaders, the skills in sustainable & economic development I gained from grad school, and my Spanish language abilities. My primary focus was to assess the need in our neighborhood in Malaga and the results were not at all surprising, though still difficult to bear. One thing became very clear, though: there is work to be done and God has blessed me with the heart and exact skillset needed to address the situation.

Over the last several months, I've gone through the interview and assessment process to join CRM full-time in Spain. I will be serving with the same team, assisting to build up local leaders by providing them training, meeting their needs for English learning and practice, and giving them opportunities to both make a difference in their neighborhood and add volunteer experience to their resumes. It's an exciting time, thinking about all the opportunities for growth that lie ahead!

So that (roughly) brings me to today. I'm currently in the States (based out of Seattle and traveling a bit) as I work on my visa application and raise support to return to the field full-time. I would greatly appreciate prayers during this time - for safe travels, ease during the visa application process, and that God would provide financial partners who desire to be part of what He's doing in Spain! If you would like to be part of my support team by giving financially to CRM, please see the DONATIONS section on the sidebar of this blog or go straight to CRM's giving page and enter "Mikaela McGee" in the search bar.

Being with family is awesome

Since arriving in the States this summer, I've been enjoying the extra time with family and friends, just soaking it all up because I don't know the next time I'll get to be around for this long! What a gift. :)

If you would like to hear more about what I'll be doing in Spain, please comment below - I'd love to share more stories!


♥ mk

eat like the locals

"you have to taste a culture to understand it" -- Deborah Cater

Wine & olives

A couple of weeks ago, I was in Los Angeles for a week of training meetings at CRM's main offices. It was a great time - I loved connecting with other people in this organization, hearing their stories, and learning about all that God is doing in the U.S. and across the world! So, while I was in the area, I had a few free evenings and seized the opportunity to get together with a couple of friends I'd met in Spain earlier this year.

We ended up going to a Spanish tapas restaurant (called Phlight in Whittier, CA) and

OH...

MY...

GOODNESS...

I instantly missed Spain.

No offense to Spanish food, but moving to Spain from San Diego can be a little rough on the taste buds. Going from spicy, flavor-filled foods to... well... a lack of spice... made it a little difficult for me to really love the food in Spain. But I grew to like a variety of foods while I was there. And visiting Phlight made me realize that I had actually come to LOVE - and truly miss - Spanish food.

As soon as my friends and I sat down, the servers gave us a small bowl of olives - quite possibly my favorite thing about getting wine & tapas in Spain is all the fresh (and free!) olives you get.

So delicious.

My eyes poured over the menu, unable to pick just one item - or even just a few. Thankfully I was there with friends and tapas are small enough that we could order a bunch and share. :) 

Patatas Bravas w/ Aioli sauce

I ordered patatas bravas - roasted potatoes accompanied by a spicy sauce (at Phlight it was served with a spicy aioli sauce) - which is one of the spiciest dishes in Spain. I was not disappointed - they were just as flavorful and delicious as I'd remembered!

Bacon-wrapped dates
stuffed w/ Manchego cheese

But it wasn't until I tried Phlight's Manchego cheese-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates that I realized just how much I missed Spanish food.

Oh.

So.

Good. 

Ground beef & pickle tacos

Finally, a surprising(ly delicious) item on the menu: ground beef and pickle tacos with spicy sauce. I was a little skeptical of the combination, but those chefs know what they're doing. 

Seriously.

You should try it. 

So, if you live near - or are visiting - Whittier, I would highly recommend trying this restaurant. Until then, go see what tapas restaurants are in/near your neighborhood and let me know what you find. If you have any recommendations, please leave a comment - I'd love to check them out if my travels take me that way!

♥

mk

the ideas of living

"travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living" -- Miriam Beard

I sat down to write this blog a few weeks ago, unsure what I could possibly share that might be of worth. It feels like not much has happened since my last entry, and yet I know that each day has been filled to the brim with different experiences. I thought about telling just one story - there must have been something big that had happened, but I couldn't think of any one event that deserved being told over another. It seemed that I had lost the excitement of everything being new and different. I no longer saw things through the eyes of a tourist, or even those of a traveler. 

So I looked through some pictures I had taken during the past couple of months to see if anything jumped out at me. As the memories came sweeping back, I realized that I had not been focused on seeing the sights as much as I had been on the ideas of living. On the daily experiences that make up this life I live. So I thought, rather than show pictures of Spanish architecture (albeit amazing), I'd share some stories & pictures of the experiences I've had in the past few months.

Holsby Brunn, Sweden (where I had been a student 8 years ago)

February: I went to visit the motherland (Sweden) for the first time in 8 years. It was incredible! Loved visiting with family & friends, hearing the beautiful Swedish language, and exploring my favorite country. :)

Life Compass crew on our first day of training

March: Along with six friends here in Málaga, I went through Life Compass, a training that helped us gain a framework for navigating life, a perspective on our past journey to now, a better understanding of our unique wiring and gifting, an increased awareness of our spiritual gifts and personality, and practical steps for moving forward. The final result was creating my personal vision statement.

Whitney & me in Sevilla, Spain

April: My best friend, Whitney, came to visit and we explored so many different parts of Spain! We visited Sevilla, Cadiz, and Madrid; drove along the Southern Spain coastline, from which we could see Gibraltar (and even Morocco, off in the distance!); and got some quality sun & beach time in. 

The volunteer kitchen crew/my new wonderful friends

May: For a week, I served as part of the kitchen (volunteer) staff for a conference that some friends put on here in Málaga. I met some truly amazing people with beautiful hearts for serving and loving others.

There you are. Some bits and pieces of life (from my perspective) here in Málaga. It's been an eventful few months! There were indeed a lot of sights to be seen, but I most enjoyed the rhythms and routines I've started to develop here.

Spain is starting to feel like home.

Spanish sunrise
(view from the conference in Alhaurín de la Torre)

♥ mk

with all my heart

"wherever you go, go with all your heart" -- Confucius

It's been over four months since I first arrived in Spain. In some ways, it's hard to believe it's been so long because I feel like I just stepped off the plane. But when I slow down to think about the experiences I've had, the people I've met, the beauty I've seen, the love I feel for the Spanish people and their culture, I'm amazed that it's only been four months.

This love is not just a fascination with all the new and different things I'm experiencing daily. While Spain hasn't yet become "home" to me, I am constantly finding myself more comfortable with the language and more easily able to adjust to cultural customs. But what I've come to realize is that this comes not from an attitude of obligation, but rather a deep sense of love.

Making sandwiches for our homeless neighbors

I can't explain this love with words because it is too vast, too extraordinary, to out-of-this-world. I experience this love through an un-explainable ache in my heart for people I don't yet know. Compassion. My heart actually pains for the poor, the hungry, the lonely, the broken in this world. It hurts me so much that I can't just stand by and watch or hear stories; I feel an overwhelming need to do something, anything, that might bring love, joy, hope to these people. Because that's what love does. It acts. It listens. It cares.

The more time I spend here, the more my heart aches, and the more I love these people. I deeply desire for them to know love and to be loved and known. We, as a community, have begun going out in our neighborhood to sit down with some homeless people to have a conversation over some coffee and sandwiches.

The idea behind this is simply to give them back their humanity. They are first people, then homeless. They are no different from the rest of us just because they don't have a building or room to call home. We are a community of human beings.

It's time we all start acting like a community. It's time we open our hearts fully, allowing us to receive love and give it more fully, to be love, and to act on that love. It doesn't take a special person to do this. We are all capable of loving our neighbors, whatever that looks like. But do we love them? Do we open our hearts enough to allow ourselves to love more fully?



Wherever you are, may you love with all your heart.

♥ mk

a foreigner in every land

"There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign." - Robert Louis Stevenson

The more time I spend in Spain, the more I notice that I don't fit in. I may have known Spanish before coming here, but I was not well-versed in Castilian (the Spanish of Spain) vocabulary, much less the local Andalusian Spanish. I don't look anything like the "typical" Spaniard. I'm still adjusting to the late-night lifestyle and fully embracing siestas. This slow-paced lifestyle is not how I am used to living... The list goes on - there are countless ways in which I am different from the people, culture, etc. here.

And it's those very differences that, in an odd way, make me feel so at home. While I don't exactly blend in here, there were many times I felt equally as foreign in the United States, where I grew up. Maybe "belonging" somewhere is just something that takes time. Or maybe there won't be any one country in which I don't feel foreign. I feel that the more cultures I experience - not just visit, but try to understand through long-term stays and investing in the people - the more foreign I become to any one country. I am becoming a mix of so many different cultures with each new city and country to which I move.

I am a foreigner in every land. 

It's a beautiful thing, really. But it also fills my life with the tension of wanting to belong and yet not wanting to be tied to one country or culture.

Despite - or maybe because of - all of this, I am becoming increasingly aware of how unimportant it is that I fit in or not. As I meet and am in conversation with more people here, it's so evident that we are all fundamentally the same. We are all on a journey, all seeking one thing in life: love. I can try and separate myself from a person (or people group) because we don't speak the same language, have the same cultural practices, value the same things.

But I would never be able to succeed.

There is something so deeply rooted in human nature that bonds us, whether we recognize it or not. Together we are on this journey through life. In spite of not culturally fitting in here in Málaga, I know that I do fit in with the people of my neighborhood, this city, this country because we all share this need for love in our lives. So I am living more intentionally every single day, letting my life be full of love by seeking out the need and actually doing something about it. Because, by loving others, I become more full of love. It is an incredible, more purposeful, difficult and super-rewarding way of life.

I hope that I am forever a foreigner on this planet, always searching for ways to love and serve my neighbors, whoever they might be, and wherever life takes me.

♥ mk