25 October 2026

One more step forward towards having my residency card this week. On Wednesday, a legal assistant from my attorney’s office met me at the police station to get my fingerprints done, and provide a new photo, with the requisite paperwork. He had managed to secure the first appointment of the day. We were first in line. We submitted everything, rolled my fingers across the scanner, and were out the door in 20 minutes. I had planned to miss my first class of the day. But by luck, when we walked out, there was a taxi, and I was in school, as if nothing had happened fifteen minutes later.

Now, I’ll wait to hear when the card is ready to be picked up (as estimated 4-5 weeks). And I’ll be good until next summer, when I can start the process of renewal!

After all the struggles with my attorney, I was grateful for something to go very right.

The more fun news is that my friend Teva and her wife Adrianne were here this week from Denver. They arrived on Sunday in the midst of a horrible rain storm. Monday morning, the downpour continued. But, when they met me after class at 1 on Monday, the skies began to clear. We did the sightseeing tour of the old city and spent three fun days together, eating, sightseeing, and catching up.

Yesterday (Saturday), I attended a group I saw in social media, called “Queer & Sober.” It was a picnic in the park affair…bring a blanket and some food to share. I made pralines that morning. It’s a chill group of fun guys. Next weekend, I’ll join them for a day-trip to Sagunto, a town just north of Valencia.

Today (Sunday), I visited the local Anglican Church. So, when I first arrived here almost three years ago, I visited this church twice. I met some lovely people. But, it was clear that our beliefs were not aligned. So, I knew it wasn’t the place for me. Coincidentally, the church is two blocks from my house.

I recently learned that the congregation had a church split and that the rector and most of the congregation are now meeting in a hotel. And I knew that if the current church is adhering to the Church of England, that our beliefs would be more aligned. So, I thought it might be worth checking out.

I went today and met a lovely group of people. The current rector is an interim (retired) priest. The congregation was small (12 people). But the message was solid and inspirational. The fellowship was warm and welcoming. And I’ll defiantly be going back.

I hope wherever your week takes you that you will feel warmly welcomed. Make it a great one.