Possible Teacher - Very Real Student

Hey everyone. It has been another month of living and growing in Portugal.  I say the word growing with a humble grin.  It’s amazing to me how the Lord teaches.  I move across an ocean, confident of my ability to teach wonderful things about the Lord.  And now, I am only beginning to realize that Jesus has still labeled me… Student.  How can this be? Well, I am finding in Portugal wonderful people.  They are generous, loving, and genuine.  I find myself learning to love a people I am just beginning to know.  I dearly long to teach them God’s word.   At the same time, God is showing me that I still have much to learn about investing in their lives. Much to learn.  So this trained man still has short-comings and faults, even as a teacher.  That is a humbling thought when I view myself as a teacher.  It’s not so daunting or troublesome when I think of myself as a student of Jesus.  Always learning. Always.

Pray that my colleagues and I have hearts that are always willing to learn. We want to stand confident in God’s Word first, and then grow and expand our visions and love of the Portuguese based on God’s teaching, the Bible.

What is life like in Portugal this month?  I would say that is a good question, but that would be a little self-praising for the author .  The rain has discovered this nation again.  Apparently, I need to invest in a manly umbrella.  My wife has a rainbow colored one, and a pink one.  Carrying these two around a bunch of football players seems to draw chuckles and quips.  So, I have learned, acceptable social norms in America translate accordingly in Portugal… yeah for me.  Language is still difficult.  We had test of grammar that simulated where we should progress by May.  IT WAS TOUGH! I was suppose to hear a story in Portuguese and answer questions by filling in the blank sections. Ghhh, here is to hoping the next test is multiple-choice. 

• Pray for energy and focus for Brandon and Tiffany Hodge, and Danielle and I as we strive to learn this language.

How is the football ministry?  Awesome.  The Celtics are now 3-2.  One more win and we make the playoffs.  The team has great chemistry.  There was a volunteer team that came during their spring break, from Alabama.  They had many struggles getting here and returning.  However, they were able to coach different teams in a camp in Northern Portugal.  The first ever for Northern Portugal.  It is something special to see the sport evolving from its infancy 8 years ago.  For those who are coaches, we ran 7-on-7 in the camp.  This was the first time many of them have seen such intricate combination routes.  Wow! That was fun to watch.  The Alabama guys brought gifts: jerseys, pads, shirts, etc., but the best gifts were their testimonies and New Testaments.  They even lead a Bible study with some of the Portuguese! Hopefully, a first of many.  My hope is that the love of football expands across the entire nation and its people.  More importantly, as football spreads, the love of Jesus Christ does as well.

(Can you spot the Americans?)

• Pray for another team we have coming in this week to teach football.  Pray for the Portuguese guys to have free schedules and lots of energy so teaching and learning can take place… about football and Jesus.

Here is a challenge for you, the reader.  Where in your life are you normally a teacher, where you could you say ‘I will try and be a student this month?’ It seems to me that Jesus still has a bunch He is teaching me.

Baby Steps

Thank you for all your prayer and support! Some specific prayer needs:

• Teams from the states: There are several teams that have come in from the states this month and next. Pray that relationships will be built and strengthened from these teams. And that they will share God with the Portuguese people.
• Relationships: We have so many new relationships and friendships through football. Football is almost over this season, so pray these relationships are maintained throughout the summer. Also, pray for an avenue that we may gain relationships outside of football.
• English Clubs: We have an opportunity to help with an English club in a public school this year. Pray that details may be worked out, and hearts of teachers and students will be open to God’s love and His word.
• Bible studies: Several people have expressed interest in starting Bible studies with us. Pray that we may be used as God needs us, and that we may not be a stumbling block to those trying to seek His face.
• Language: We are supposed to take a language proficiency exam this May. When we went to sign up for it, it was already full. Pray that we may get into the one in July. Also, pray that we can find language helpers to help us this summer, as we end formal school in May. Also, pray we learn enough to pass the test!

This week, my son decided he wanted to take a few steps on his own. Just to try it out. He did it at daycare, and we persuaded him by holding a rock he wanted to play with out in front of him. He’s a pretty simple kid.

But that got me thinking about my time in Portugal. We have almost been here three months. It seems like we have been here forever, though. Everything is becoming very familiar and almost like home. It definitely has not been easy, as there have been many transitions in all aspects of life, from the weather to the transportation system to the food down to the plugs we use here. But in this whole transition period, the biggest stressor I have is the language.

No, Portuguese is not the hardest language on the planet. But starting from scratch makes any language seem like the hardest language on earth.

It is frustrating because so many people speak English, so even if I wanted to practice Portuguese many times they get frustrated and I get frustrated and one or both of us switches back to English. So many people also want to practice English with you. And let’s face it, many times it is more convenient and effective to just speak English.

It is frustrating because I don’t feel like I know enough quite yet to speak. I am, contrary to popular belief, a bit of a perfectionist. If I don’t feel like I can do it, I won’t do it. Language is the same way. Sometimes if it will take me forever to construct a sentence, I just won’t say it. And I’ll let David say it. It is not his personality to feel that way, and he is constantly making me get out of my comfort zone and speak the language. It makes me want to punch him and hug him…after punching him.

It is frustrating because I feel like I should be so much further in my communication skills than I actually am. Portuguese people will tell me all the time, “You do so well for the amount of time you’ve been here!” Inside I’m screaming, “NO I don’t! It’s not good enough!” Yes, I can order food and survive in Portuguese society, sometimes just by blank looks and the kindness of strangers who help when they see I’m lost. But, let’s face it, most of the time I cannot carry on conversations with toddlers. And I can only understand when people speak really, really slowly.

If you really want a lesson in humility, go to another country to live, not vacation, live. It is the most humbling experience of my life. And this is coming from a woman who has given birth naturally, and experienced all the glorious aspects that come with it!

But I have to remind myself at the end of the day, when I want to weep with frustration because I cannot understand the butcher or the bus driver or the sermon on Sunday morning, this is all for a purpose. Yes, it would be easier to just be complacent and get by with the phrases I know. Yes, it would be easier to study for the test I have to take and function as an American who knows some Portuguese. Or, I could study to the best of my ability for God’s glory.

The end goal, as God has reminded me so often, is for others to see Him. I can’t do that well without learning the heart language of the people.

As I read in Acts 8, Philip is speaking to the Ethiopian eunuch and asks, “Do you understand what you are reading?” The man replied, “How can I unless someone guides me?” That is my desire. To guide people to the Word of God.

Again, thank you for your prayers and your encouragement!

Nothing but the Good Times

 

Hey everybody. I hope all is well with you…  This is my first blog, ever.  Danielle and I decided to write 2 blogs a month.  She will write one while I write the other.  We have decided to make one blog compelling and exciting, a real page turner.  And the blog I write, who knows. 

I thought it might be helpful to give information about life in Portugal.  That way you can know how to direct your prayers… Life here is different and very interesting.  Although, sometimes I feel like I am back in Oklahoma.  One day is windy, rainy, and requires a big coat.  The next day is sunny and feels wonderful.  It is like a roller coaster. The architecture is amazing.  Each building is built unique.  They are beautiful as they sit on the sloping hills near the river.  Most of the city roads are made of bricks, and the roads are so slim.  I use to wonder why they drove such tiny cars, now I know why.  And almost all parking is parallel parking. Wow! I actually like riding the bus and metro to places.  

                                     

They economy is pretty bad here.  The unemployment is over 15%.  Minimum wage is just a little over 2 euros per hour, which translates into a monthly salary of about 470 euros a month.  Most apartments cost that much.  Now imagine that you have to get around the city, pay utilities, eat, live life, etc.  I bring up this point because I am associated with several people who are looking for jobs.  Life is not too bad yet for the unemployed, but it could be heading that direction.

- Pray for jobs for my friends.

Danielle and I are learning the Portuguese language.  I think Gideon has already surpassed us in this endeavor, that overachiever.  The difficult part of this challenge is that English is easily accessible in Portugal.  Many of my friends speak English, the television actually has more channels in English than Portuguese, and the malls even play American music!

- Please pray for our learning of the Portuguese language.  Who knows, maybe the Lord will bless us with minds like he blessed Daniel’s in a foreign land.

So, how is my life going with the Portuguese? How is the ministry growing by God’s work?  I truly think I am in the most blessed situation of all new missionaries.  I came to a field that is white for the harvest.  The football team that I play for and help coach, futebol americano that is, – NOT SOCCER, is perfect for ministry.  Instead of having to invest months building one relationship, the Lord set up multiple relationships for me.  Andy Milam, my colleague and supervisor, is the head coach.  Together, we have been able to tell biblical stories, have multiple spiritual conversations, and share the good news about Jesus. The guys on the team know what we believe and how this belief affects our lives.  If you have a chance, look for the team on Facebook. Our team name is the Canidelo Celtics. 

- Pray for our ministry with the team.  We are thankful to know these guys.  They are amazing.

I love this country and the people that live here.  They are wonderful people and worth investing your prayer so that they can know how much Jesus loves them.  As Paul wrote… the one who plants and the one who waters the seed of the gospel should not be the focus, what matters is that the Spirit gives growth.  Pray that the Spirit works beyond our limitations and hopes in Portugal.

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

We’re Here!

 

We've made it to Portugal!

We have been here about a week now. We have gotten:

• Metro passes
• Bank Accounts
• Cell Phones
• Signed up at the DayCare
• Bought groceries at the big store and at a small market in between the metro station and the bus stop.

I feel so accomplished!

David has started working out and practicing with the guys. They have already had one game! Pray that he will be a light for Jesus and that good relationships are formed.

We start language school Monday. Pray that we learn the language quickly.  Also, that Gideon and I will be able to adjust being apart for so long.

Our teammates arrived a little after we did. We love them so much!

Porque Deus amou o mundo, de tal maneira, que deu o seu Filho unigenito, para que todo aquele que nele cre nao ereca, mas tenha a vida eterna. Joao 3:16