Geres National Park

Last weekend we were invited by some friends at church to go to a lake in the Geres National Park.  We were excited because we had been told that it was well worth the trip.  We headed out about 9am on Saturady morning and after a 2 hour drive (all the way to the Spainish norther border) and a 30 minute hike down the mountain, we came upon a beautiful small lake.  We all spent the day swimming, playing games and sharing a picnic.  It was beautiful and reminded us of our beloved East TN.  We will definitly visit again soon.

Intervalo - Taking a break

Intervalo means intermission or break in Portuguese.  I know it has been a while since I posted anything, but I was taking a break while preparing for my language exam, getting the boys through the last month of school and their exams, our trip to Germany and a few other things. The break does NOT mean nothing has been going on.  Below is a quick wrap up of our last few weeks of school, basketball, soccer, etc.

Friends & Neighbors

Many of you have prayed for us and that we would find friends in our neighborhood. We have been so blessed to have found wonderful friends and neighbors right in our building. They love American food, so we took the opportunity to take then to Chili's the other night for baby-back ribs (their favorite). We had a wonderful time and are so thankful and blessed to have found such a dear family just one florr down. Here are a few pictures from our night out.

CELEBRATE

Wow!!! What a wonderful evening. We were so blessed last night as our church commissioned us. The service was more than we could have expected and the fellowship time afterwards was beyond words. To our Alpha Church family - There will never be enough time or words to describe how we feel about you. For the last 7 years you have loved us, supported us, worked along side us and cared for us. You have become family to us. You are a part of who we are. Know that we carry your heart for missions with us to Portugal and that you will be a vital part of our ministry as you partner with us in prayer and in coming. To Brad and Angie - WOW, we were so surprised! Friends like you all come along so rarely. The Lake Gang will always be family no matter where we all are. Thanks for being with us and for the pictures. To our families - it was a wonderful blessing to have you all with us at this special time. We are so thankful for supportive families as we continue on this journey. We look forward to the time we will spend with you over the next few weeks. Enjoy the slide show below - special thanks to Granny and Brad for the pictures. Also attached is our Prayer Card - thanks to Wendy Winn for taking the picture.

The Lake Gang

We have had such a wonderful weekend. Friday morning we were able to visit Union University (our alma mater). Much of the campus was damaged by a tornado in April and we had not been since. The old dorms had to be completely leveled and the new dorms are almost ready. Amazing! They should be ready for the fall semester. Friday afternoon we were able to visit Andy's grandmother, who is in a rehab facility in Milan, TN. She was doing so well and we had a very nice visit. Please continue to pray for her as she heals and tries to return home. Friday night we went to KY Lake in Paris, Tn and met up with some very special long-time friends. We had a great day on the lake Saturday as we felloshiped and played. To the Ridgeways, Pruetts & McFarlands - WE LOVE YOU GUYS!!! We had a blast. To the Madisons - Jimmy and Gloria we love you. Thank you will never be enough, but thank you for sharing your home. We will be forever grateful for the memories that we created this weekend. Finally this morning we went to church at FBC Paris and saw so many people who have loved and encouraged us thorough the years. It was so good to see you all. You have been such a big part of our lives and a part of us will always be with you. Please pray for us this week as we are in revival at Andy's dad's church. Also please pray for us in the morning. This is the day that all our paperwork goes before a subcommittee of IMB trustees for a vote and nomination for appointment. We should know something by early afternoon and we will update as soon as we have any information.

The Lake Gang

We've had such a wonderful weekend. We spent Friday morning visiting Union University in Jackson, TN (our alma mater). They had a devastating tornado in April and we had not seen the damage. It was amazing to see the new dorms. The old ones had to be completely leveled and the new ones will be ready for the start of the fall semester. Friday afternoon we were able to spend with Andy's grandmother, who is in a rehab hospital in Milan, TN. She looked so good and we had a great visit. Please continue to remember her as she heals and prepares to return home. Friday night we joined some very special long-time friends at KY Lake in Paris, TN. We had a wonderful day on the lake Saturday as we played and fellowshiped for what may be the last time for a while. To the Ridgeways, Pruetts and McFarland's - WE LOVE YOU GUYS!!! Thank you for a fabulous weekend! To the Madsions - Jimmy and Gigi, we love you and thank you for sharing your home. We will be forever grateful for the memories we made this weekend. We were also able to attend FBC Paris this morning and see so many people who have loved us and encouraged us through the years. We love you all!! Please pray for us this week as we are in revival at Andy's dad's church. Also please pray for us tomorrow morning. This is when all of our paperwork is presented to a subcommittee of IMB trustees for a vote and nomination for appointment. We will update as soon as we hear how it goes tomorrow.