Viva Martos: January 2012

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Let it Snow!

On Monday, January 16th, the unusual happened. It snowed in Martos. Martos’ weather is similar to that of Texas and it rarely snows. Monday, however, we had snow and I couldn’t help but take a few photos to remember the occasion. The snow probably lasted 15 minutes and was gone in an hour but the pictures last forever!

Our bare trees. They cut all the leaves off so that they don't have to keep raking them up.

El Parque across from our house

My Dad

Robert David Wieder

April 21, 1945-2011

The end of last November Angela and I received devastating news that my dad was in the hospital, the cancer returned. We first learned of the disease seventeen months prior, it was supposedly the worst you could get, but he took it all in stride. During chemo he was still able to make laps around the neighborhood. July 2010 we stopped everything and took time to enjoy our family. There was a trip to the coast, meal after meal, and just days together with time for fun. The following year was great, nothing was too bad, it was a miracle and we felt he was in the clear. It's a wonderful thing, my dad is an encourager, an eternal optimist.

       We continued to have hope during the beginning of October 2011 when my mom told us he was taking on radiation for a few tumors in his head. We prayed often and had a restlessness while we continued to work abroad two months until the next unforgettable phone call. That call put us on a long overdue journey home and just in time. When we arrived in the hospital Dad was laid up in bed from the cells that spread to his spine. But he smiled and only talked about the future possibilities. No complaints.
   The next week everyone stayed close and fought alongside my dad. The doctors worked hard to keep the aggressive cells at bay. My dad continued to fight until his body refused. December 8th he passed. But he didn't die, he just left. The faith we received through it all was astounding, a lesson learned while we remember what it is we're here for. Of all the blessings we can find hidden in the wake we always have optimism, the faith that the Jesus we know is the Jesus we'll continue to know. Just as my dad has already discovered.
       The night we arrived in the hospital room, Dad had planned a toast, complete with wine Mom snuck in with a thermos and syrofoam cups, courtesy of the break room. He was encouraging with the little bit of energy he couldn't afford, we all smiled and really lived. That was the last memory I hold. My dad was pleasantly waiting for us, just like the heavenly One. Before long we'll be there again.

España Nov. 2011 -Cordoba, Seville & Ronda

The pictures below are from the last weekend in Spain before returning to Texas to be with our family and Dad in the hospital. We did a last minute trip to Cordoba, Seville, and Ronda. I love traveling Spain. I am always so amazed at the beauty that surrounds us. Here are some pictures from our trip.

Jose, one of our private lesson students, along with his
girlfriend, Bea, and friend showing us around Cordoba.

We ate a traditional Spanish lunch, tortillas
de patatas, queso, y salmoreja. Absolutely delicioso.

Cordoba

Cool building in Seville.

Seville- decorated recycling bins!

Plaza de Espana

We rented bikes to tour the city. It was so fun!

Seville

Ronda- beautiful lookout

The bridge in Ronda

An amazing sight!

More pictures from this trip can be seen in our slide show above.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Halloween in Martos

Well, it may be closer to New Years, but I had to share some of my pictures from Halloween here in my classes in Martos. The kids love to hear about Halloween in America and Halloween has become much more Americanized here. Chris, another auxiliary, and myself spent 1 day going to every class and telling them about Halloween in America and the kids loved it! Check out the fun below!