Madrid — Blog — Ariel Rainey

One Year Later: reflections on the Coronacrisis

I can remember exactly where I was when the American space shuttle Columbia exploded in January 1986. I remember perfectly what I was doing when someone told me about that first plane crash on September 11, and of course, I recall all the mourning and shock of watching the entire attack develop before our eyes on TV screens. On a personal level, I can remember phone calls informing me of deaths or dangerous situations for my immediate family members. I know the pain and shock of that one moment that changes everything.

But the Coronacrisis (and yes, I may have coined that word myself) didn’t have such a dramatic point in history, although I would argue that its effects have been much greater. Today is the one-year anniversary of our “state of alarm” which continues to this day in Spain. The world changed, not in a moment, but in a series of decisions.

MissionsAriel RaineyMarch 12, 2021Coronavirus, Madrid

Belenes, or Spanish Nativity Sets

We're a few months out from Christmas, but it won't be long before the decorations will come out. I'll decorate my apartment with some nativity sets collected from other countries, but although I've wanted to buy a Spanish one, I've had a hard time finding one. Here's why: Spanish nativity sets are passed on through families. Each year, the family adds a new element or two, until the nativity set is pretty detailed, containing more of a village than a set of one little family around a manger. In fact, Belén literally means, "Bethlehem" so perhaps that's part of why they set up an elaborate village scene, rather than just the usual few figurines. But the history and practice in Spain is pretty fascinating…

Visit SpainAriel RaineySeptember 28, 2020Christmas, Spain, Belenes, Nativity, Madrid

In God's Gardens

This summer, due to Covid and its complications, our church has moved to outdoor worship in public parks of Madrid. And I’ve come to realize, what we thought was simply an “expedient” decision may have been the closest to God’s original plan for mankind all along.

MissionsAriel RaineyJuly 25, 2020parks, Madrid, worship, outdoor services, Eden

Hope in the midst of Coronavirus Lockdown

¡Muy buenas! (as we say in Madrid) I made a little video today - this one isn't an update per se, but it IS a message of encouragement during these troubled times. And bonus! 💥 You can always share it with anyone who might need a word like this one today!

MissionsAriel RaineyMarch 19, 2020Coronavirus, Madrid, lockdown, peace, Colossians 3:!5

Immeasurable

Over the last few days, as the Coronavirus explodes here in Madrid, I have seen countless graphics and statistical models of viruses and rates of contagion. I’ve seen predictions with and without “social distancing.” I’ve seen “projected rates” of exponential proportions, and well… basically, it’s all over my head. I feel even more overwhelmed when I read news reports that use words like “immeasurable” and “incalculable.” I mean...who doesn’t feel a little scared with the figures being thrown at us daily?

But as monumental as all these numbers are, from every source possible, you know what is even greater?

The promises of God. The power of God. The grace of God. Words like “immeasurable” and “incalculable” are in the Bible, too. But they’re not used to scare us into hiding, clutching our toilet paper and Lysol wipes.

MissionsAriel RaineyMarch 12, 2020Coronavirus, Madrid, Covid-19, epidemic, pandemic

Showers of Blessing

Let it rain! It’s hard to understand unless you’ve lived in a dry and thirsty land what it means to see rain shower down. As I write this, a storm is moving through. I feel like I could literally run out and dance in the streets; it’s been so long since I’ve seen rain.

Visit SpainAriel RaineyAugust 26, 2019rainey days, rain, Madrid, Mediterranean climate, Ezekiel 34

Mercados in Madrid

European living has some distinct advantages, and one of the things I love most is the abundance of fresh produce. When I lived in France I loved browsing the outdoor markets in the town squares on Wednesday or Saturday mornings. Strolling from stand to stand seeing the hundreds of types of cheese, or the 43 types of olives, or the stand that had all sorts of salami was magical. It was a sensory overload of beauty, fragrance, and samples to taste. But now that I’m living in the capital city of Spain, I’ve had to figure out how Spaniards accomplish the same thing on a larger, urban scale.

Visit SpainAriel RaineyMarch 7, 2019market, mercado, Madrid, San Miguel, produce