The First Month

The first month here in Portugal has been a whirlwind!

We’ve been to the doctor twice with Gideon. I (Danielle) have been sick for about three weeks; this last episode with an ear infection.
Pray for renewed health and energy so we may focus on building relationships and sharing Jesus!(Gideon at daycare during carnival!)

We’ve been in language school for a long, long, long time, now! There are many frustrations associated with language. We have 16 hours of school per week, and we are required to get another 24 hours homework and being out in the community using our language. And the added pressure of passing a test in May! Pray that we will not stress out over language, and that we will be like sponges and learn how to speak effectively. The main goal is to be able to share Jesus with others…not pass a test.
(Our language teacher, Clovis)

We finally feel like we know our way around the city, and can effectively communicate if we need something (directions, food, etc.) I have even ventured going to the butcher shop! Love it! It is finally feeling a little more like home. Pray that we will meet people with whom we can build relationships and share Jesus.

(Some of the city where we do language)

David’s third game is tomorrow! We’ve hung out with several of the football players, already! Pray that we will continue to build relationships and show the team that we are about more than just football.

This month has been great! We are slowly becoming acclimated to the culture and the city. I know I may seem a little negative in this post, but we really do love it here. And we can definitely see that God is moving in mighty ways in Portugal!

Remember not the former things,
nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.                         Isaiah 43:18-19

Esqueçam o que se foi;
não vivam no passado.
Vejam, estou fazendo uma coisa nova!
Ela já está surgindo! Vocês não a reconhecem?
Até no deserto vou abrir um caminho
e riachos no ermo.                                    Isaías 43:18-19