Day 1

It seems that without fail there is always some sort of delay or at least a close call when flying internationally. I almost missed my connecting flight in London. Praise the Lord, I made it. I have gotten little sleep, but I think I will soon catch up on this.
On my way to Salamanca, I took a two and half hour train ride through the countryside of Spain. What a beautiful country! Rocky at times, and yet flat at times with many fields. Rome has left it's mark dotted throughout the countryside. As we traveled along I could see remains of ancient Roman walls or fortifications. As I sat there looking out the window, a Spanish gentleman boarded, and we began hitting it off right away. I explained that I was visiting Spain and that I wanted to learn as much as I could while I was here. I asked him everything I could think of...anything from hunting, food, culture and even religion. Catholicism of course is the predominant religion here but only in name only, or as he put it, "it's simply a tradition...something we do only because our fathers taught us, but we really don't believe it." It was interesting to note that as I began to press him about religion, his entire demeanor changed. His attitude changed toward me. He looked at me and said, "Are you a Mormon." Quickly I answered, no, and that I did not intend to offend him. I only intend to learn more about the people of Spain. Then we went back to talking like nothing had happened.
All this to say that it has already become evident to me the hardness of the Spanish people toward the Word of God. Their hearts are as hard as the rocky Spanish terrain but the fields are clearly ripe for the Word to be sown. Maybe I assume too much from one encounter, but as I spoke to the missionary about this he was in complete agreement.
I will be posting some pictures in the next couple days. Thank you for your continued prayers.