We're Madrilenos!

What a whirlwind!
Today we were given our piece of paper that makes us officially residents of Madrid - hurrah! Our boxes arrived yesterday - 4 days late & rather battered - but it did mean we had time to clean the flat & slap some paint on some of the mustard-coloured walls and chocolate woodwork. What a relief.

We really do like our flat, especially its location near the Bartletts, metro stations, shops & parks.
We're beginning to get our heads round rubbish collection, shop opening times and the need for our kids to stop singing at the top of their voices in the 'quiet time' between 2 and 5pm :-)
The delights as far as the kids are concerned are: exciting underground choo-choos, yummy watermelons and fantastic parks & play areas everywhere.

We've begun to know who our neighbours are, with one of our first interactions being a request for us to help our neighbour opposite us to change the clothes line that runs across the yard between our flats! So far, generally a quite friendly if slightly indifferent reception, but hopefully we'll grow on them! ...come on kids, be more cute and less noisy!
It's hot, hot, hot (and not in the good way) but we're loving the bonus of our balcony where I enjoy this mountain view as I have the occasional quiet time in the cool of the morning. "I lift up my eyes to the hills..." :-)

Finally, on Sunday evening we also visited a growing church in the south of Madrid (we're towards the north). It was great to see the potential for the gospel in Madrid and be so welcomed by people there. Al had the trauma of helping Ellie & Joe to not be terrified by the kids' work (horrified looks & tears at a crowd of noisy Spaniards dancing and singing!) but amazingly they did stay in reasonably happily by themselves for a lot of it. Much of the evening flew over Sal's head but she enjoyed being able to join in 1 song she knew - 'Allelujah' :-)

We don't have internet or phones sorted out yet (red tape) but had the pleasure of receiving our first post in Spain today - thanks Cassie and Simon & Jane!
That's probably enough from us for now. Thanks for your interest, love & prayers. We'll be in touch soon, as our little adventure continues!
xox