Update! The end of our beginning.

No news is good news, right? Perhaps that can be my excuse for not updating the blog in over a year! Or I could just apologise… sorry!!

I’m writing this after a very special month for us, in which the church has officially been launched with much excitement and celebration. Although we had been ‘in action’ for some time, we wanted to publicly advertise and in a special way mark the official start of Iglesia Cristo Salvador (Christ the Saviour church), surrounded by friends and supporters. The build-up to our launch day last Sunday included our first baptisms (in the local river!), an open mic night, guest meetings in our new venue and a dinner & quiz night. Our new location, name, website and logo all added to the big launch! (Check out www.cristomadrid.es)

We are so chuffed to see the establishment of the church, having had the privilege of being here from the start. So much ground has been made, so many small steps taken: a small but growing element of Spanish-speakers whose hearts are invested in the church, progress by the English-speakers in moving from an awkward to a more comfortable use of Spanish in all our interactions, a genuine integration of all members in our different neighbourhoods whilst maintaining a united heart and mission... they're exciting days and we're grateful to God and proud of every member!

There are plenty of struggles along the way though, in all this. In fact we'd say that there's a real battle going on as we look to see people from Madrid reached and added to the church. For example, a key Spanish member is facing significant personal challenges in the course of wanting to passionately commit himself to the life of the church... we'd so value your prayers for him and his family.

As expected, our home life has become wonderfully but exhaustingly full-on with Daniel's arrival in our lives a year or so ago! He started walking at 10 months and has hardly paused for breath since. He now literally runs from one curiosity-inspired mess to another act of mischief, like bursting into Ellie & Joe's bedroom after lights-out, with a look of glee on his face, and excitedly slapping his big sister in the face!

As I write this he's desperately trying to post a USB cable into the video slot of our DVD/VHS player... He's probably the source of most of our hilarity these days, as well as most of our headaches! Some days we wish we could palm the kids off to grandparents and escape for a day to regain our sanity!

We've also been really happy to have a series of people visiting/staying with us this year, in some cases for the first time since we moved to Spain, such as with Sal's sister Eley, my sister Kirsten & her family, and our friends the Rogers from Plymouth. These visits were of course really special and memorable, and so was family recently coming over for Danny's 1st birthday and dedication.

 

Now into our 5th year here, on the whole we're very settled and fairly well-adapted, the kids seem to be thriving, work is ticking along fine... but it's not all a bed of roses, in case you're thinking of packing up and joining us! Deep friendships are still a work in progress, distance from family is strongly felt, and to be honest economic challenges are a reality. But, without meaning to start preaching, as God's kids we have such a dynamic hope that allows us to sing through any storm. In the face of a significant challenge that has recently arisen, I've been impacted by reading of how when referring to God's love, the Bible (Deut 10:15) uses a word that means that God 'ties himself' to his people. For better or worse He chooses to lock on to us, he is committed to us; his love is one that doesn't let go. Amazing!

We'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all an amazing Christmas! There's lots to celebrate! Have a wonderful one.

Also, as it's 'the end of our beginning' in Madrid, it may be a good time to stop this blog. It may have served its purpose. Let us know your thoughts! :)

Much love,

Al, Sally, Ellie, Joe & Danny xoxox