Ice Cream Solves all the Problems of the Day

The last few days have been much warmer (downright hot!) here in Lisbon, thus we have been exploring all the icecream opportunities nearby.

The Biggest Market Ever

Last week we went with our language teacher to a huge market. There were specific areas for fish, meat, bread, fruits & veggies, household items, tools, live animals, clothing, and much more.



Fish, Fish and more Fish - The Portuguese love their fish!


There is just something wrong with this picture. In the foreground is ladies underwear and behind is the fruit market - and all side by side?!?!



Knives and tools - We laughed because directly across from this area were many tables of women's shoes. Atleast they know how to market some things. Women's shoes and men's tools all in the same location.

GB Store

Ever since we moved here we have been told about the GB (Great Britan) Store. They carry a variety of items that we can't typically find. We finally made it there today. It is a small "hole-in-the-wall" kind of place, but we found some rare treasures (for a price). It is said they never have the same thing twice, so I guess that means we will have to return to find out!





We also found real country sausage and Crest toothpaste! Ah, the joy that is found in little things.

One-by-One

But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them,
because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.
--Matthew 9:36

One thing I love doing is aimlessly driving through the back roads of Lisbon and exploring different areas of the city. This past weekend we drove across the bridge in search of a new beach. At one point we stopped and were able to look back across the river to the city of Lisbon. For as far as I could see there where apartment buildings. Our building alone is home to 24 families and that multiplied by the buildings I could see (and those I could not) is a staggering figure. I was reminded of this verse from Matthew and my heart was broken - there are so many sheep who don't know the Shepherd. Pray with us as we seek to share His wonderful news with the lost sheep of Portugal, one-by-one.

Prayer
*As always, language!!!
*For a team from Kansas-Nebraska coming in June. We will be helping them in an area where a new church plant in developing.
*Pray for our physical needs - strength, energy, and time-management.

Praise
*Andy went to get a haircut this week at a new place. After talking for a while, he found the owner was a struggling believer and she asked him to pray for her business before leaving. Pray we can nurture this relationship and be an encouragement.
*We continue to be amazed at what God can do with our broken Portuguese!
*Our oldest nephew graduated HS this week! Congrats Cody!

Off the Beaten Path

There are 2 bridges that cross the river in Lisbon and we had only been across one of them, so today after church we decided to venture across the April 25th Bridge in search of a new beach. After crossing the bridge (which is similar to the Golden Gate in San Fransisco), we pulled out the GPS, told it to find the closest beach and off we went. The directions took us on some less traveled roads through small towns and alongside a marsh. It was a welcome break from the city, however we became a bit skeptical of the GPS when we took a turn onto unpaved roads. Much to our suprise, we rounded a corner and a wide expanse of beach greeted us. There was a small inlet with windsurfers and fishermen and this opened to a large area of beach with some of the highest sand dunes we have seen. The water was so blue, but sooo cold. The boys decided the dunes looked like more fun, so we settled in for a while as they raced to the tops, slid back down and searched for shells. The best treat of the day was the little concession stand that was selling FUNNEL CAKES! YUMMY! All in all, it was a great day spent at the beach and a welcome break from city life (if only for a few hours).

7 - 2

Micah has been practicing with a local soccer team for the last few months. He has not been able to play in a game because he came in the middle of the season and here you have to be "federated" and begin at the beginning of the season. However, yesterday they had a "friendly" game and he finally got to play. We were amazed at the ability of these kids. Their footwork is phenominal - of course they have been kicking a ball since they could walk. His team is in the white - notice their colors - red, white, and blue! They have some really cool traditions. The 2 teams walk out side by side, make one long line in front of the grandstand and then everyone shakes the officials' hands. After the game the players shake hands and then they come over to the grandstand and give the crowd a round of applause. They are really serious about the traditions and sportsmanship of soccer. I've also included a video of one of the goals they made.

My Worst Fear Comes True

We have had a great week, but I must tell you of one of our funniest adventures yet (though it wasn't so funny at the time). One of my greatest fears came to pass on Sunday, and it really wasn't too bad. It all began when our neighbors invited us to go to an new mall with them for lunch on Sunday. (It is supposedly the largest in Portugal.) We never turn down an opportunity to go out with Portuguese speaking friends, so off we went. We had a great afternoon browsing the mall and treating them to Starbucks for their 1st time (yes we are so excited to have one less than 15 min from our house!). The adventure came when we arrived home. We parked both cars and headed to the elevator. We have a very small elevator, so when 5 adults and 2 kids stepped on it began to flash overload. Andy & Ethan stepped off to wait for the next elevator (this leaves me, Micah, our neighbors & their son). The elevator closed and began to move, then suddenly stopped. YES, WE WERE STUCK BETWEEN FLOORS! We were able to pry the door open a bit to get fresh air because it was hot in just a few minutes. By this time a group of neighbors had assembled and after about 10-15 minutes they were able to get the door open enough that we could squeeze out. Needless to say, we did not get in the other elevator to go up to our apartment, we walked up the 7 flights. It could have been a lot worse and the hidden blessing was that we were able to meet quite a few of our neighbors. We have been praying to meet more of them, but I think I will be a little more specific in my prayers from now on!!

Espetos de Vitela e Queijo em Barra

That means Veal Skewers and Cheese Rolled Inside

I must admit that one of the most frustrating things for me has been preparing meals. In the beginning it was due to a lack of kitchen equipment (1 small pot & 1 small pan) and learning to navigate the grocery stores. I have always enjoyed cooking, but never realized how much I depended on prepackaged mixes and canned items and how little I used fresh produce. Now that the crate has arrived and I have my trusty cast-iron skillet and my wok in hand, as well as a better knowledge of the grocery store, I have begun to attempt cooking some Portuguese dishes. Don't get me wrong, the pre-packaged stuff is great and we have a stash for those nights when I'm just not up to cooking and translating directions, but we do live here now and I need to attempt cooking with what is avaliable (and that is quite a bit). So tonight I attempted this veal dish. It is basically veal cutletts pounded flat with presunto and cheese rolled inside, drizzled with olive oil and then baked in the oven. All plates returned tot he kitchen clean, so I guess it gets a thumbs up.

Psalm of Single-Mindedness

Lord of reality, make me real,
...not an actor playing out his part - a hypocrite.

I don't want to keep a prayer list
.......but to pray,

I don't want to agonize to find Your will
.......but to obey what I already know,

I don't want to argue theories of inspiration
.......but to submit to Your Word.

I don't want to explain the difference between eros and philos and agape
.......but to love.

I don't want to sing as if I mean it
.......I want to mean it.

I don't want to tell it like it is
.......but to be like You want it.

I don't want to tell others how to do it
.......but to do it;

I don't want to have to be always right
.......but to admit it when I'm wrong.

I don't want to be a census taker
.......but an obstetrician

Nor an involved person, a professional
.......but a friend.

I don't want to be insensitive
.......but to hurt where other people hurt

Nor to say "I know how you feel"
.......but to say, "God knows"
........and "I'll try if you'll be patient with me"
........and meanwhile I'll be quiet.

I don't want to scorn the clichés of others
.......but to mean everything I say.

"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ." (Philippians 1:9-10)



Joe Bayly
"Psalms of My Life"

NIght Out

We were able to have a great night out on Friday as we welcomed our newest colleagues. After dinner the kids all went out to play. Within our group we have 14 kids ages 18 months to 13 years old (and 2 more on the way)! Thankfully they all get alon really well. I just could not pass up these pictures.