Couch Number One....

James Baratech Galup. He is 47, has three children and lives in Barcelona. He really saved us as our plans had fallen through for this first leg of the trip...we had no one to stay with as of this morning around 3 a.m. (as we never heard back from the person we sent a request to) and he replied within 20 minutes to the e-mail I sent him (he hosts people alll the time, we're talking daily). I got an interesting response from him. All his message said was, "Are you an LDS member?" I thought that was a little weird, but I figured he must have noticed we were flying in from SLC, Ut. I replied that we were and his next message said, " Missioners do it? Temple recomemded?" I didn't completely understand his English so I assumed he'd had contact with the missionaries and told him a bit about Mark and I's experiences as missionaries asked him if he had had much contact with our faith/if he was a member, to which he replied "Yep! I am a member. I was baptized in Barcelona in 1992."

I couldn't believe it!!! I know Spaniards, and I know that they are not the most receptive people in the world to the Gospel and that there aren't that many members in Spain. What are the chances?!? Mark and I were so excited at how quickly this little prayer was answered. We have talked a lot about how C.S. will be a good way to have missionary experiences and we prayed for that right before we sent out this batch of e-mails at 3 a.m. to see if anyone would host us last minute. It was incredible. This man answered within 30 minutes of that prayer. It was such a faith building experience for me and also one that really made me feel in a powerful way of Heavenly Fathers love. It reinforced to me how much a truly cares about even our little problems...like not having somewhere to stay the first few days of our trip. The trip hasn't even started and we've already been so blessed! I will attach James' last e-mail for you to read, but please note that this is mostly for Momma C and Mom M and their peace of mind:

" I will be very happy if you wil be in my house mimimun
till sunday. I belong to barrio 2 in Barcelona, and
will be a real pleasure to pick you up to the
sacramental meeting (from 10:00 till 13:00)."

Best wishes

James
This is a picture of James and his kids from his profile.

Ok family, now we are really off. We love and will miss you. Thanks everyone for all your support...and for letting us borrow some great stuff. You guys are awesome! We'll be in touch.
-L