My Worst Fear Comes True

We have had a great week, but I must tell you of one of our funniest adventures yet (though it wasn't so funny at the time). One of my greatest fears came to pass on Sunday, and it really wasn't too bad. It all began when our neighbors invited us to go to an new mall with them for lunch on Sunday. (It is supposedly the largest in Portugal.) We never turn down an opportunity to go out with Portuguese speaking friends, so off we went. We had a great afternoon browsing the mall and treating them to Starbucks for their 1st time (yes we are so excited to have one less than 15 min from our house!). The adventure came when we arrived home. We parked both cars and headed to the elevator. We have a very small elevator, so when 5 adults and 2 kids stepped on it began to flash overload. Andy & Ethan stepped off to wait for the next elevator (this leaves me, Micah, our neighbors & their son). The elevator closed and began to move, then suddenly stopped. YES, WE WERE STUCK BETWEEN FLOORS! We were able to pry the door open a bit to get fresh air because it was hot in just a few minutes. By this time a group of neighbors had assembled and after about 10-15 minutes they were able to get the door open enough that we could squeeze out. Needless to say, we did not get in the other elevator to go up to our apartment, we walked up the 7 flights. It could have been a lot worse and the hidden blessing was that we were able to meet quite a few of our neighbors. We have been praying to meet more of them, but I think I will be a little more specific in my prayers from now on!!

Espetos de Vitela e Queijo em Barra

That means Veal Skewers and Cheese Rolled Inside

I must admit that one of the most frustrating things for me has been preparing meals. In the beginning it was due to a lack of kitchen equipment (1 small pot & 1 small pan) and learning to navigate the grocery stores. I have always enjoyed cooking, but never realized how much I depended on prepackaged mixes and canned items and how little I used fresh produce. Now that the crate has arrived and I have my trusty cast-iron skillet and my wok in hand, as well as a better knowledge of the grocery store, I have begun to attempt cooking some Portuguese dishes. Don't get me wrong, the pre-packaged stuff is great and we have a stash for those nights when I'm just not up to cooking and translating directions, but we do live here now and I need to attempt cooking with what is avaliable (and that is quite a bit). So tonight I attempted this veal dish. It is basically veal cutletts pounded flat with presunto and cheese rolled inside, drizzled with olive oil and then baked in the oven. All plates returned tot he kitchen clean, so I guess it gets a thumbs up.

Psalm of Single-Mindedness

Lord of reality, make me real,
...not an actor playing out his part - a hypocrite.

I don't want to keep a prayer list
.......but to pray,

I don't want to agonize to find Your will
.......but to obey what I already know,

I don't want to argue theories of inspiration
.......but to submit to Your Word.

I don't want to explain the difference between eros and philos and agape
.......but to love.

I don't want to sing as if I mean it
.......I want to mean it.

I don't want to tell it like it is
.......but to be like You want it.

I don't want to tell others how to do it
.......but to do it;

I don't want to have to be always right
.......but to admit it when I'm wrong.

I don't want to be a census taker
.......but an obstetrician

Nor an involved person, a professional
.......but a friend.

I don't want to be insensitive
.......but to hurt where other people hurt

Nor to say "I know how you feel"
.......but to say, "God knows"
........and "I'll try if you'll be patient with me"
........and meanwhile I'll be quiet.

I don't want to scorn the clichés of others
.......but to mean everything I say.

"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ." (Philippians 1:9-10)



Joe Bayly
"Psalms of My Life"

NIght Out

We were able to have a great night out on Friday as we welcomed our newest colleagues. After dinner the kids all went out to play. Within our group we have 14 kids ages 18 months to 13 years old (and 2 more on the way)! Thankfully they all get alon really well. I just could not pass up these pictures.