English or Portuguese?

When we first arrived I wanted EVERYONE to be able to speak to me in English. Scared of making mistakes is a reality that we face on a daily basis. But today seemed different. As I was out and about I found myself wanting people to speak to me in Portuguese and NOT in English. No, I didn't understand all of it, but I was thankful to be able to understand enough to make it through the conversation! The language didn't seem so "foreign" to me. But what I am really thankful for- that the Father knows and understands all languages AND hearts and He doesn't make ANY mistakes!

I Refuse to be Discouraged

I REFUSE TO BE DISCOURAGED

I refuse to be discouraged,
To be sad, or to cry;
I refuse to be downhearted,
And here's the reason why...

I have a God who's mighty,
Who's sovereign and supreme;
I have a God who loves me,
And I am on His team.

He is all-wise and powerful, Jesus is His name;
Though everything is changeable,
My God remains the same,

My God knows all that's happening;
Beginning to the end,
His presence is my comfort,
He is my dearest friend.
When sickness comes to weaken me,
To bring my head down low, I call upon my mighty God;
Into His arms I go.

When circumstances threaten
To rob me from my peace;
He draws me close unto His breast,
Where all my strivings cease.

And when my heart melts within me,
And weakness takes control;
He gathers me into His =rms,
He soothes my heart and soul.

The great "I AM" is with me,
My life is in His hand,
The "Son of God" is my hope,
It's in His strength I stand.

I refuse to be defeated,
My eyes are on my God
He has promised to be with me,
As through this life I trod.

I'm looking past all my circumstances,
To Heaven's throne above;
My prayers have reached the heart of God,
I'm resting in His love.

I give God thanks in everything,
My eyes are on His face;
The battle's His, the victory's mine;
He'll help me win the race.




Written By BJ George, But Inspired By Our Lord Jesus Christ
Copyright@ BJ George

CARNIVAL!!!

I know I have already posted once today, but I could not pass up the opportunity to post pictures of our latest Portuguese adventure. We are all out of school for 3 days for the Portuguese celebration of Carnival. Today was the local parade and we ventured out with some of our "M" friends. This is the same as our celebration of Mardi Gras in the states. Since we lived in New Orleans for 2 years, I thought I knew what to expect. Boy was I surprised! We saw a little bit of everything, but mostly men dressed as women and women dressed in very little. All the children dress up, but I was amazed at how many adults dressed up. The stores look like Halloween in the states with all the costume choices. It is crazy!! Below are some of pictures of our adventure.

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RECONNECTED!!

After almost 3 weeks without internet, we are finally reconnected.

We have begun settling into our new apartment and a fairly good daily routine. Both the boys like their schools and seem to be making freinds. Ethan says the thing he misses most is the playground. Here the play areas are all concrete - even the soccer field area. Micah is walking back and forth from school to home and is enjoying the freedom his new school offers. He has been suprised at the open campus. He can come and go when he does not have class and there is also a students break room where they have a snack bar and ping-pong table. This is for the kids that don't leave for lunch (they have an hour).

Andy and I have been on a few field trips with our language class in the last few weeks. We visited a monestary, a castle and the local market. I think the market has been my favorite. It was just like being at a West TN flea market - and they have it twice a week!! You can find anything - curtinas, linens, kitchen stuff, clothes, DVDs, toys, fresh produce, anything.

We are finally beginning to feel HOME!

Make a Smilebox slideshow