We Are Still Here

Some of you must think we have disappeared since Christmas, but it has been so crazy around here.  We are back into the full swing of our daily schedules and are finally enjoying some warmer, dryer weather.  We've have seen enough rain in the last 3 weeks to last us for the year!  There is quite a bit of construction near our house, so we have plodded through our share of mud and muck in the last few weeks.  YUCK!

We have a busy coming week.  Both Andy & Michelle have one year language exams on Tuesday morning and then Michelle is heading back to the States to visit her grandfather who is in very poor health.  Please remember us all in the week to come.

Promise to post pictures soon.

Friday Favorite Foto

What's Cookin?

COWBOY CROCKPOST CASSEROLE

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 1/2 lbs ground beef, browned and drained
6 slices potatoes
1 cup red beans, drained
1 cup canned tomatoes with 2T flour or 1 cup tomato soup
1 garlic clove, diced
salt & pepper to taste
(You can also add corn, peppers, taco mix, etc - whatever flovors you like!)


Layer onion, ground beef, potatoes, beans, tomatos & seasonings. Cook on low for 7-9 hours.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

For Today...Saturday, January 9

Outside my window... SUN!!!! finally after almost 2 weeks of rain and cold.

From the learning rooms…Andy & I have 3 weeks until our BIG one year language test. (Jan 26)

I am thankful for... routine. We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas holiday with friends and family, but I thrive on routine.

I am thinking … about the New Year, and what lies ahead after language school.

From the kitchen…we just enjoyed a delicious breakfast of Cracker Barrel pancakes (thanks to a Christmas box of treats)

I am wearing... still in my PJs – life is good!

I am reading… I just finished reading Watch Over Me by Christa Parrish and I have about 10 new books to read thanks to Christmas visitors.

I am hoping... that the sun stays for a few more days.

I am remembering … how much I miss snow – sounds like everyone back in the States has gotten snow.

I am praying... for direction as we finish language school and look ahead to moving and ministry in Porto.

Around the house... Quiet & calm. We have had a busy week getting back into the swing of school and we are enjoying a lazy day at home.

One of my favorite things from the past week…We went to the movies to see Old Dogs (with John Travolta & Robin WIlliams) last night and laughed so hard. It was a nice break and a great family time laughing together.

Pondering these words …Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy. Peace does not dwell in outward things, but in the heart prepared to wait trustfully and quietly on Him who has all things safely in His hands. - Elisabeth Elliot

A few plans for the rest of the week... school, soccer and cleaning the house (sounds like fun, right?).

Friday Favorite Foto

This is actually a video instead of a photo.  It's a time lapse video that I found of downtown Lisbon.  Enjoy!




Lisbon Time Lapse from mattquann on Vimeo.

New Year - New Look

Happy New Year ( a week late)!

I decided to try a new look for the new year.  I have become fascinated with doors, gates and passageways as I have snapped pictures of our adventures here in Portugal.  Each one is so unique and has a story all it's own. 

As of this week, we celebrated our one year anniversary in Portugal.  Can you believe it?  As I reflected on the last year I realized God has opened so many doors in our lives - new home, new friends, new language, new culture, new foods, re-newed dependance on Him and so much more.  Each door held a new adventure and each adventure has grown our faith in Him and strengthened us as a family.

These doors also caused me to reflect on our purpose here.  The Word says "to him who knocks, the door will be opened."  We are here to share that truth and walk alongside those we meet as they walk through that door.  Pray we will continue to be a shining light and lead the way to the door of New Life.

Here are a few pictures from our arrive one year ago - my how things have changed!

View from the plane

patiently waiting for suitcases

first meal we ordered all by ourselves

(or course it involved alot of pointing and sign-language)