American Football In Portugal

American Football has taken root in Portugal.  Andy was asked to help with a new team in Braga (about 30 minutes north of where we live).  It is opening so many doors and he is loving it.

Mexican Dinner

Last weekend invited some university students over for a real Mexican Dinner.  We had a blast and in the end one of the girls even gave a dance lesson to a few of the girls.  It was so much fun!

Basketball / Soccer



On the weekend our lives seem to revolve a lot around soccer and basketball, among other things. Micah's team has finished their season after a crazy last game.  Their team came in second, but they had already won their division and were playing in an older division.  It has been a good season, but I think we are all ready for a break. 

Believe it or not they did not call this a foul - it was a jump ball.

 

Driving the lane



Ethan still has a few games, but then we have tournaments.  Soccer NEVER stops here.

That one got past him, but he looked good trying.





ALPHA Training

Our primary purpose for being in Portugal is to share how individuals can have a personal relationship with Christ.  One way that we do this is by have small group discussions in homes, cafes, etc.  Recently there has been a wonderful DVD series translated into Portuguese that shares the basic of who Christ is and how a person can know Him personally.  A few weeks ago we offered a training seminar to introduce this series to pastors and church leaders with the hopes of encouraging them to encourage their church to start small group discussions using the videos.  We had over 30 present and various evangelical churches represented. I was an amazing, encouraging time as we talked and listened to local believers with a passion to share with their lost friends, family members and neighbors.

Emergency Room

Thankfully we have not needed the ER in the 2 1/2 years we have lived here.  However, in 2 weeks time we made 2 visits.  First was Andy with a kidney stone and then Micah took and elbow during basketball practice and got his first stitches.

I can't say that either visit was fun, but it was encouraging to know that we were able to take care of it all in Portuguese and everyone survived:)  It was also an amazing reminder of how good and gracious God is.  He has seen us through so much and we are so blessed in return.

So Far Behind

Ever have those times in life when you just don't feel like you can keep up?  Lately I have felt so far behind, but I am slowing catching up:)  Check back over the next few days as I update the blog and see what we have been up to lately.