Over the last couple weeks, I have been trying to figure out what my life will look like in my new home. I know many have been asking questions about what I am up to. I love the interest and apologize for not having written more blogs. I feel like I have hit the grou
nd running, which is a great thing, but it has left me with very little free time, not at all what I expected. Anyways.... I am now starting to gain a better understanding of what life might look like for me in this new context. First of all, my roommate is AWESOME! She and I are getting along so well. Its amazing actually, because I don't know if I would have had the courage to come to Portugal had I not known that a friend like Jasmin would be there for me. She has been so kind to draw me maps so I don't get lost, and even invite me out with her friends. We recently went on a hike together throughout the beautifully lush mountainsides of the Lisbon area and whil
e hiking, we both confessed how grateful we are for each other. (We are now planning on making Christy/Jasmin hike time a weekly event! ) I have also started to see what ministries I will be involved in for now. This past year a new Christian school has started up! It is in desperate need of volunteer teachers and as a result I, along with another teammate, are going to be teaching Physical education on Mondays and Fridays. This past Monday, we played kickball, and though the field behind the school was muddy, we had bricks for bases and many of the missionary kids and Portuguese students didn't have any idea how to play, we still have a fabulous time. Many of the kids said t
hey are looking forward to many more fun games! Along with Portuguese lessons, team meetings, Sunday church services, and coffee dates galore, God has also opened up an amazing opportunity for me: Volleyball. On Monday night I went to my first volleyball practice. A new friend informed me of a volleyball league that might need some other players, so I thought I would give it a try. Come to find out that this league is actually quite competitive and also quite time consuming as the team practices three nights a week and even has games on Sunday afternoon! Though the coach told me, before seeing me play that I would have a month to try out with the team, after the first practice, he and the director told me that they both wanted me to play with them (it was so nice to feel wanted!) I had to let them know as soon as possible so that I could join them for the next match. The other girls on the team were not quite sure about me at first, possibly being a threat to their playing time. I realized that I would have to try to win them over, to help them see that I was actually a fun loving girl in need of friends and Portuguese help! Well, last night I am so happy to tell you that after practice, they invited me to go out with them. Now in Portugal, going out usually means not returning until early in the morning. I was a little nervous about that and about what they meant by "going out", but if I didn't go out with them they might n
ot ask me again! So I said yes! I raced home, my roommate helped me pick out what to wear, and I met them just in time to make it to McDonalds! After that, at about 11:00pm we made our way to Lisbon and spent the next four hours, talking, laughing, dancing, bonding and having a great time! I realized home wasn't so far away after all, that God had a spot for me all along. He has opened the door for me to play volleyball, learn Portuguese, and make some true and lasting friendships. Though I am still dog tired I am so excited about my new friendships and all the possibilities they bring! Today as I was putting on my jacket and I caught a glimpse of my elbow. Somewhere during the week, my whole elbow changed to rather pretty shade of purple! I looked at it, smiled, and thanked God for the opportunity to play volleyball for him and love my new friends as best I can!! So praise God for my many bruises!! There is so much more to report of his faithfulness to me, so please stay tuned! Miss you and hope to hear from you soon!
nd running, which is a great thing, but it has left me with very little free time, not at all what I expected. Anyways.... I am now starting to gain a better understanding of what life might look like for me in this new context. First of all, my roommate is AWESOME! She and I are getting along so well. Its amazing actually, because I don't know if I would have had the courage to come to Portugal had I not known that a friend like Jasmin would be there for me. She has been so kind to draw me maps so I don't get lost, and even invite me out with her friends. We recently went on a hike together throughout the beautifully lush mountainsides of the Lisbon area and whil
e hiking, we both confessed how grateful we are for each other. (We are now planning on making Christy/Jasmin hike time a weekly event! ) I have also started to see what ministries I will be involved in for now. This past year a new Christian school has started up! It is in desperate need of volunteer teachers and as a result I, along with another teammate, are going to be teaching Physical education on Mondays and Fridays. This past Monday, we played kickball, and though the field behind the school was muddy, we had bricks for bases and many of the missionary kids and Portuguese students didn't have any idea how to play, we still have a fabulous time. Many of the kids said t
hey are looking forward to many more fun games! Along with Portuguese lessons, team meetings, Sunday church services, and coffee dates galore, God has also opened up an amazing opportunity for me: Volleyball. On Monday night I went to my first volleyball practice. A new friend informed me of a volleyball league that might need some other players, so I thought I would give it a try. Come to find out that this league is actually quite competitive and also quite time consuming as the team practices three nights a week and even has games on Sunday afternoon! Though the coach told me, before seeing me play that I would have a month to try out with the team, after the first practice, he and the director told me that they both wanted me to play with them (it was so nice to feel wanted!) I had to let them know as soon as possible so that I could join them for the next match. The other girls on the team were not quite sure about me at first, possibly being a threat to their playing time. I realized that I would have to try to win them over, to help them see that I was actually a fun loving girl in need of friends and Portuguese help! Well, last night I am so happy to tell you that after practice, they invited me to go out with them. Now in Portugal, going out usually means not returning until early in the morning. I was a little nervous about that and about what they meant by "going out", but if I didn't go out with them they might n
ot ask me again! So I said yes! I raced home, my roommate helped me pick out what to wear, and I met them just in time to make it to McDonalds! After that, at about 11:00pm we made our way to Lisbon and spent the next four hours, talking, laughing, dancing, bonding and having a great time! I realized home wasn't so far away after all, that God had a spot for me all along. He has opened the door for me to play volleyball, learn Portuguese, and make some true and lasting friendships. Though I am still dog tired I am so excited about my new friendships and all the possibilities they bring! Today as I was putting on my jacket and I caught a glimpse of my elbow. Somewhere during the week, my whole elbow changed to rather pretty shade of purple! I looked at it, smiled, and thanked God for the opportunity to play volleyball for him and love my new friends as best I can!! So praise God for my many bruises!! There is so much more to report of his faithfulness to me, so please stay tuned! Miss you and hope to hear from you soon!
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