My recent absence....

I know how most don’t enjoy excuses so please don’t hear these as such, but since a minor mishap with electrical outlets and circuit breakers, my computer or rather my charger has decided not to work. This is understandable considering, but couple that with a once again nonfunctioning car, it presents the challenge of actually transporting my computer to those smart people who could actually fix it. So today as I type on one of my dear friends computers, I want to take a little time to tell you a tale of my day yesterday and let you know that though I haven’t written as of late, I am still alive and well, making life in Portugal. Part of making life in a new place entails building relationships with the people around me when the opportunity presents itself. I had one such opportunity the other day. Finally discontent with the film coating my new bedroom window, I grabbed the Windex and went to work. While wiping away the dirt I noticed that my neighbor was tending to her burgeoning flower garden hanging from her balcony. I, like most silly foreigners, saw nothing wrong with yelling across the way to finally meet her. Though she was a little surprised, she received my greeting and compliments on her beautiful garden with ease and gratitude. Encouraged that she actually understood my still developing Portuguese, I continued the conversation. Though I’m still unsure as to how we came to the conclusion, my new friend Lordes and I agreed to meet one another the next day to take a walk on the boardwalk near our respective apartments that happens to hug the seashore. Her daily walking partner, Alice, who happens to own a café about a stones throw away from my place also accompanied us. For the entirety of the walk I was able to practice my Portuguese with two faithful teachers on either side, both of whom were animated, fun and definitely kindred spirits. I had been praying for more people with which to practice my Portuguese and since these two lovely ladies walk the board walk every morning I am sure to find company any day I chose. Following our stroll, Lordes, my neighbor, took me out for breakfast. She and I went to her friend’s café, met the friend’s husband who was on duty at the time and enjoyed a small coffee and bread and butter together. During my time with Lordes, I realized something. This is what it is about. I am here to be in community with those around me, and thankfully God has given me this new friend to help usher me into this community. During the small amount of time that I spent with her, I was introduced to over ten people in the community that I will be sure to meet time and time again as they all live in the same area. Her bright spirit and happy way were an encouragement to me and I am excited to see where our friendship will go. Hopefully it will grow as beautifully as the flowers hanging on her balcony just outside my window, but until then the seeds will continue to grow one walk at a time.