Well, its official. Today marks the one week anniversary of my first night in
Portugal! Can you believe it? Actually, if feels like I have been here much much much longer than just a week. It is amazing all the things
that I have done and accomplished in just one week! On the first night I was greeted by the whole team in the home of one of my teammates. Everyone was so gracious and welcoming to me, that even in spite of my extreme jet lag and overall confusion, I was feeling pretty good about being there. From there I was taken home with my friends, Zac and Hillary, whom I had previously known at Fuller Seminary, and was given a warm bed to sleep in. I crashed and of course still being on
Michigan time, overslept. Yet it wasn’t long until I was out and about with my friend Zac trying to get my life in order! Already on the first day, I had gotten a new ph
one, a tax ID number, and even an apartment!! After picking out my new phone, I met my roommate at a potential apartment, and after checking out, hearing the cheap rent that happened to include utilities and internet, we decided to take it. Though this arrangement is only temporary for about four months, we thought it would be a great place to start out at until we have some time to check out other locations. The apartment is in the basement of a house about a ten minute wa
lk from the beach. The apartment is small but cozy. It receives quite a lot of sunlight and also comes with a spacious backyard, patio and pool that are at our disposal! The setup couldn’t be any better and Jasmin and I are already enjoying our new found freedom of having a place of our own. Oh, did I mention that I also have a car?! It’s true. Zac and Hillary sold me one of their cars they weren’t using as much for a great deal. It is blackish Ford Escor
t, and it is a stick shift. Now, for most people this might not pose a problem because somewhere during there late teens, early twenties, someone has taught them how to drive a stick shift, however, for someone like me who has only ever driven an automatic, this presents an extra challenge. Really, it’s a triple threat: stick shift, new traffic laws- round-abouts and optional stop signs and lights- as well as, new crazy Portuguese roads which happen to wind up and down hills all over creation rarely in a straight line. Needless to say I have felt a little overwhelmed with the idea of navigating my way in my new home. However, several of my teammates have daringly risked their lives to join me shotgun and walk me through the process. I would be lying if I said that there were no close calls, but to save my dear mother too many slee
pless nights, I will only say that save a dozen intersection stalls, a couple missed red lights and only one swerve and miss, I hav
e driven with great success and relative safety. It is in moments like these that God has shown his faithfulness in preserving not only my life but also the lives of my passengers. So for now, I wanted to write and let everyone know that I am doing well, and adjusting to my new environment. Though at times I am overwhelmed, God has been faithful to reassure me of his presence and love for me. Soon I will write more concerning what life is looking for me, but for now, I covet your prayers as I continue to adjust and find my way in my new world. Thank you for your support and I look forward to hearing from you soon!
that I have done and accomplished in just one week! On the first night I was greeted by the whole team in the home of one of my teammates. Everyone was so gracious and welcoming to me, that even in spite of my extreme jet lag and overall confusion, I was feeling pretty good about being there. From there I was taken home with my friends, Zac and Hillary, whom I had previously known at Fuller Seminary, and was given a warm bed to sleep in. I crashed and of course still being on 
one, a tax ID number, and even an apartment!! After picking out my new phone, I met my roommate at a potential apartment, and after checking out, hearing the cheap rent that happened to include utilities and internet, we decided to take it. Though this arrangement is only temporary for about four months, we thought it would be a great place to start out at until we have some time to check out other locations. The apartment is in the basement of a house about a ten minute wa
lk from the beach. The apartment is small but cozy. It receives quite a lot of sunlight and also comes with a spacious backyard, patio and pool that are at our disposal! The setup couldn’t be any better and Jasmin and I are already enjoying our new found freedom of having a place of our own. Oh, did I mention that I also have a car?! It’s true. Zac and Hillary sold me one of their cars they weren’t using as much for a great deal. It is blackish Ford Escor
t, and it is a stick shift. Now, for most people this might not pose a problem because somewhere during there late teens, early twenties, someone has taught them how to drive a stick shift, however, for someone like me who has only ever driven an automatic, this presents an extra challenge. Really, it’s a triple threat: stick shift, new traffic laws- round-abouts and optional stop signs and lights- as well as, new crazy Portuguese roads which happen to wind up and down hills all over creation rarely in a straight line. Needless to say I have felt a little overwhelmed with the idea of navigating my way in my new home. However, several of my teammates have daringly risked their lives to join me shotgun and walk me through the process. I would be lying if I said that there were no close calls, but to save my dear mother too many slee
pless nights, I will only say that save a dozen intersection stalls, a couple missed red lights and only one swerve and miss, I hav
e driven with great success and relative safety. It is in moments like these that God has shown his faithfulness in preserving not only my life but also the lives of my passengers. So for now, I wanted to write and let everyone know that I am doing well, and adjusting to my new environment. Though at times I am overwhelmed, God has been faithful to reassure me of his presence and love for me. Soon I will write more concerning what life is looking for me, but for now, I covet your prayers as I continue to adjust and find my way in my new world. Thank you for your support and I look forward to hearing from you soon!
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ReplyDeleteYou're funny, stay safe and remember to "Drive it like you stole it!"
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update.
Love you,
K
Awesome Christy! You've accomplished more in a week than most people do in 2 months. You'll love the stick once you get used to it. :) Can't wait to hear more.
ReplyDeleteThanks much for the update. Sounds like you ahve accomplished a great deal in one week and are adjusting remarkably well! I am sure the stick thing is a real challenge--do you drive on the right or left side of the road in Portugal?
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful apartment! God provided a special place for transitioning and catching your breath. Enjoy.
The Team from First is getting anxious to leave for India--Feb 16 Everyone has their shots and will begin taking the Malaria meds next week. Pray for us as we pray for you. We will be in your 'neighborhood' for a few hours on Feb 17 as we have a lay-over in London!
Well sister, better get back to my message for this week. Stay focused and remeber to be dangerous for the King and the Kingdom
In Him
Scott Van Oostendorp
scott has a great question about the highway side. on which side are you driving? you never know with those crazy euros. also, it's amazing how quickly you're integrating yourself into the portuguese environment. here's to hoping week 2 has been just as good!
ReplyDelete