Um Ano em Portugal

We've been here 1 year! Time to celebrate, reflect, and anticipate....

Celebrate:

We pause to celebrate the completion of one year, which represents a lot of hard work and transition. We have successfully moved, set up in a new community, and started the process of living life in this new environment. It hasn't always been easy, but God has been faithful and good during this year. We recognize our presence here is a reflection of the deepness of God's goodness and grace. So join us in celebrating our first year in Portugal!

Reflect:

A year is a great time to reflect back and think about what went right, what went haywire, and how it all came together. It's another opportunity to pause and see how God orchestrated many things during this year for His glory. We could have NEVER imagined what the first year would bring, but we are thankful that it happened just exactly like it did. It reminds me of the 5th chapter of James where we're admonished not to worry about the future; instead, we're to trust God and say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that..." This past year we've learned to trust God with our future by not worrying so much about what will come next, but to put our faith into the One who is able...

Some things to reflect upon over the first year and PRAISE God for:
--completion of language training for both of us
--Sahara, Bria, and Tirza completing a year of Portuguese school
--opportunities to share the Word with many people
--new friends in our community; new friends on our team
--ministry opportunities that already are beginning
--an enjoyable first year without sickness or major issues

Anticipate:

It's a great time to anticipate what the future will bring (of course keeping in mind James 5 and not being arrogant about the future! :) by being confident that God is actively working here and He will be faithful to see His activity come to fruition. We trust that His plan for us is best and we pray that we'll walk on His path in these upcoming months and years...

Thanks to those of you who have prayed for us over this past year! We are grateful that we have such amazing people who will lift us up and pray for the people of Portugal. So today, celebrate with us as we give God honor and glory for this past year!