Abundant Blessings

(arrival to Portugal - Jan 2009)

When we arrived in Lisbon almost 1 1/2 years ago, I had many concerns.  My biggest concern was for Micah & Ethan.  We had decided that public school was the best option, but it was not an easy decision.  The first day we left them, I cried all the way home - how would they function when they couldn't understand anything going on around them?  However, I had to trust God that He was bigger than all of my worries and that He would be with them every step of the way.  I must admit, those first few months were not easy. Communication with the school and teachers was difficult for all of us.  There were days of tears (for everyone) and days were we had to almost kick them out of the house. 

All that said, I must share some wonderful news.  After completing their first full year in Portuguese public schools, both boys have recieved passing grades for this school year.  It looks good on paper, but the true significance of it is so much more.  Micah and Ethan have both managed to learn a second language AND pass their academic classes as well.  They have also made friends and  adapted to the culture quite well.  Today when we entered the school building the security officer greeted us with, "Congratulations.  Have you seen Micah's grades?  He did so well."   The Father has blessed us immensly and we are so proud of our boys.  Now as we approach a new move, please pray for a smooth transistion to a new school and new friends.

(a few months ago at an anciet ruin - March 2010)