California Dreamin

The Lord has truly made a home for me here in Mallorca, Spain. A new life has been built for me out here. The Lord has provided new relationships, co-workers, friendships, a church family, Pastor to serve under, and building to work in. With all this comes new foods, laws, ways of doing things. Not to mention a new language with an entirely different culture. This list can go on and on. It has been a great learning/growing experience! However, there is no place like home. My last furlough had been one year ago, and my heart was starting to feel the distance. It was great to see the "old life" in the latter half of June and the entire of month of July. I was privileged to be able to go my home in SoCal, for a period of 5 weeks...

After the Ordination Service and conference, I departed with my parents on Friday June 19th to go back to CA. I had never been gone so long in my life thus far. I had come to feel in my element in Spain, not really a foreigner for the most part. When I arrived in SoCal, oddly enough I felt like a foreigner with a little bit of culture shock. A little out of place and turned inside out. The first night I arrived I was welcomed with the embraces and kisses of my 4 younger sisters. There was also "Welcome Home" signs and "Congratulations Pastor Eric" signs on the walls. I thought to myself, "I'm home."

I have been friends with Mike Turner for 10 years. I had the privilege of being instrumental in his coming to Christ. It has been a joy watching him grow and be used by God the way he has. Well, my furlough began with a rehearsal of his upcoming wedding day. Mike had asked me months before to be one of his best men alongside his brother and father. The wedding took place on Saturday June 27th. It went very well and the reception was really fun. Of course, I had to give a speech and let's just say God came through! I am truly excited for this new season/chapter of Mike's life.

As part of my wedding gift to Mike, I agreed to teach the youth on the first Sunday morning of July. It felt weird in some ways to be teaching in that context. I definitely felt like a guest speaker in my old youth group. I taught on Ecclesiastes 10:1-3 cross referenced with Judges 16, where we find the story of Samson and Delilah. The study was on the danger of allowing even a little foolishness into our lives. The message was titled, "It's not cool to be a fool."

On a practical note, some things need to be taken care of while also on furlough. With no Christian bookstores out here, I had to go book shopping for commentaries. I also had to renew my International Driver's Permit and pay a visit to the Dentist.

Missions Director Paul Roybal and his wife Cori hosted an open house in their home for me. It was an opportunity for my supporters, friends, and those interested in Spain to come and meet with me. The day was filled with food, fellowship, a slide show, a word from Paul Roybal, and a word from Pastor Randy. I closed it out by giving updates, and what was ahead for my next year in Spain. The house was packed! I knew had love and support from my church family, but God reminded me again what it looked like. There was so many emotions running through my heart as I pondered this. These people really did love and care about me and this Mission to Spain. It truly was one of many highlights during my time of furlough.

On a personal note, the Lord provided more opportunities than I expected to get to know my sister Amanda's boyfriend Brandon. What can I say? The guy gets two enthusiastic thumbs up! In the 5 weeks I was there, we also became really good friends. He was able to go on our family vacation and wake board, the two of us go and surf, spend the 4th of July together at the home of Souldog, and much more. I was also able to meet and hang out, at the home of his parents where I also met his younger brother. Praise God for the blessings He gives. I am truly happy for my sister and Brandon. May the will of God continue to unfold in both of their lives individually and as a couple.

Pastor Randy asked me to teach in the sanctuary the last Sunday morning before I returned to Spain. I taught on Exodus 20:8-11. The study was on defining the Sabbath, and the importance of taking one. The message was titled, "Have the day off." We all had a great time as we poked fun at ourselves for being so busy in life and for God, that we truly forget to stop and "smell the roses."

Listen, I can go on and on. I truly had a time of rest and relaxation. I was also able to visit other churches, meet with old friends, family members, eat a lot, and do tons of fun things. In some ways I acted like a tourist in Cali! A joy it also was to be there for Amanda's B-Day, Father's Day, and my Dad's B-Day!

So, I departed back to Spain Monday July 27th with a bitter/sweet feeling. Although I am very happy to be back here in Spain, until next time I will be California Dreamin...

By His Grace,
Eric