Living, part 2

Just 1 week after Grandma's funeral, I had a huge event: Nebraska's state language conference (NILA) which was 3 hours away. I had to prepare a vendor table: both for Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica (SHH) to inform and recruit new sponsors, as well as to sell my book, Caras vemos. I was also presenting a session.

I missed 2 days of school the previous week, which made this week tougher. After school I had multiple SHH events, including teaching at 2 elementary schools, in addition to the preparations for NILA.

I had no time to mourn.

At the conference, technology was a disaster, but my session was good otherwise. I enjoyed the sessions I attended, but was quite busy at my table, selling books and chatting with people interested in SHH, as well as meeting sponsors I only knew online. I kept busy!

At the urging of friends, I went ahead and left my table to do the "bingo card," where you go to other vendor tables and have them sign your sheet so you are entered in a drawing. You win things like books, candy, mugs and such.

At the end of the day as they were calling the names of the winners they drew, they called my name. I didn't hear what it was for, but went up happily to accept. You can imagine my complete and utter shock when they told me it was for a 2 week study in Salamanca, Spain!!! I have never heard of anyone winning anything like that at all the conferences I've attended.

Here is my response via Facebook on October 13th:
"Yesterday I was shocked to win a scholarship to study for 2 weeks in Salamanca, Spain at NILA, thanks to the Spanish Embassy.

As it is starting to sink in, I’m realizing it wasn’t so random and I know it will be an experience I’ll never forget. My grandma had such an adventurous spirit, I know she would approve of me using the money she left me to pay for the flight and would be so excited for me. My mom Mary said “Theresa, Gram had a hand in this!” and I know in my heart she’s right.

Extra blessing: my husband Jeff and I will celebrate 25 years of marriage next summer and so we’re planning on him flying out at the end of my program and then having an amazing adventure in Europe, just he and I.

Thank you, Jesus (also the name of the man pictured who presented me the scholarship!) and thank you, Grandma! I will try to live out the rest of my days in wonder, excitement and to never be complacent, clinging only to the Lord for security and comfort.

Jesus, a kind man who works at the Spanish Embassy and presented me with this award

My young grandma whose adventurous heart never said no, but who always, always unselfishly was there for her family.

My grandpa was older than grandma by 12 years and he also was quite a homebody. After he passed, she well into her 70s went camping and hiking with us, never afraid to try new things! 

Black Hills, South Dakota in a chair lift up Terry Peak with my mom

Hiking like a pro - never too late to start!

Look at her go up the snowfield! Nothing stopping this lady!

Since she died, I have been anything but adventurous. I have retreated completely. I quit feeling things so much because I haven't had time. I don't have the emotional energy to really be present. I have shut the world out to try to find some quiet, but I have also pushed her to the back burner without realizing it. I haven't let myself think about it.

Jesus has called me to more, and my grandma would have wanted that too. More tomorrow.