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.