The Perks of Portugal

It is now February and we are starting to make plans to go to Mozambique soon. As we prepare for the next step in our lives and the mission, I find myself reflecting on the time we have lived here in Portugal. We were called to Mozambique, Africa, which comes with very unique challenges. Yet we find ourselves still in Portugal, enjoying many “niceties” that come with living in the developed world. Here is a list of some of the things I have come to appreciate and will miss about living in Portugal. I call them the “Perks of Portugal”.

1-The members of the Igreja Luterana de Portugal. It has been a huge blessing to get to know the people who make up the church of believers in Portugal. Many of these believers will be friends for life.
2-Fast internet service, which keeps us in touch with so many friends and family. There is no doubt that the internet will not be as efficient in Mozambique as it is in Portugal. I will dearly miss the daily contact I know have with so many people.
3-Free calling to the States. I have been able to call anyone and everyone I want to, not for much needed conversations, but just to talk. What a blessing to be able to call my mom and friends and just chat!
4-The girls and I have enjoyed nearly two years without exposure to malaria or a case of malaria. Malaria will soon become an important issue in our lives.
5-We have had the opportunity to see many different parts of Europe and visit friends in Europe. This would not have been possible had we not come to Portugal.
6-Our apartment is safe and we can live with a sense of security, rather than be on guard in our own home.
7-The electricity supply has been reliable and only gone out a few times (because I was running my washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, and oven all at the same time). It is a blessing to have reliable electricity, gas, water, etc...
8- I have only seen one spider in our apartment in an entire year. What a change from when we lived in Malawi, where I “let” the spiders in my house live because I knew they ate mosquitoes.
9-My children are learning Portuguese. What a blessing for them to have attended a Portuguese school and made Portuguese friends.
10-I have enjoyed going to the gym which is right next door to our apartment and go as often as possible. I have made some good friends and had the opportunity to practice my Portuguese.
11- We have not gone more than two months without visitors since our arrival in Portugal a year ago. What a blessings to have hosted so many people from our families and so many friends in our home.

I ask for your prayers as we prepare to move to Mozambique. Please pray that our mission is registered with the Mozambican government soon. This has been an on going process that is taking much longer than anticipated. Please pray that once the mission is registered, we will then have our VISA application approved. Please pray that we find decent and secure homes to live in once we arrive in Mozambique. Please pray for our health as we return to Africa. Please pray that we have safe travels as we go to Mozambique and once we live there. And most importantly, pray that we are effective in our ministry to the lost souls in Mozambique. Pray that the Lord gives our missionaries wisdom as they reach out to the people in Mozambique with the gospel.