a jornada: There and Back -- Home again!

This trip to Portugal was conceived long ago -- even though I’d like to think this journey began six weeks ago, in reality it began months ago. Being away from home for six weeks is the easier thing compared to the preparation that had to be made to actually be away. Being away from my children (all adults) was what I couldn’t imagine, but with the help of my new friend “skype”, the time away was made easier. Being able to “see” my kids made all the difference in the world to me. (What a different world it is today than it was 30+ years ago when R was in the Navy and we only had letters -- handwritten, snail mail letters. J )

As I look back, the days have flown by, but as I remember back to individual days, SO much was learned, accomplished and seen. Not once did a day or hour pass by without purpose or jam- packed with something to be done, seen or enjoyed. That often cannot be said about being at home. I sensed in the beginning days that this journey would go quickly. In this last blog entry I want to share some things learned and remembered.

First of all, thank you for coming with me. I hope you enjoyed some of the sights and a few crazy thoughts along the way. Now maybe a list would be easiest…

1. Time away from my home, which I love, will not fall apart in my absence. Yes, bills still needed to be paid (where was online bill paying years ago?) and checking in with A as to how BT (our beloved cat) was doing. But all held together without me!

2. Skype is a good thing. I know there are countless ways to communicate with people (for free online), but skype was new for me and became a good friend.

3. My children missed me (at least that’s what I would like to think!?!) Having our two daughters and son-in-law close by in SD is not taken for granted for a minute as I know we will not always have the privilege of living so close to them. Our son living 600 miles away in SF and seeing him only a couple times a year, is not easy for me. My heart is grateful for each minute I am able to spend with each of my children.

4. Portugal is still a LONG way away! The flights are long and I still do not love to fly. But I am learning that planes DO stay in the air that long and I can let myself relax and even sleep (with lots of drugs of course!?!) Amazing how that 777 could stay in the sky SOOOO long!?!

5. The coffee in Europe/Portugal is the best! It is roasted differently and has a much richer and deeper flavor that we drink here. No wander the people stop late in the afternoon - everyday - for coffee and pastries!!! I will miss it dearly!

6. Portuguese is hard to learn and speak! This process has been VERY slow for me. But I could leave this time and say that I was able to order by coffee on my own, go to the grocery store on my own, greet and converse (in five words or less) with people, and understand a few more words spoken. But I did feel that I understood more in one lesson in Portugal with E than I had previously. She was amazing. I have a long way to go with the language!

7. Portugal contains so many things I love. The people and friends we have there have become a part of our lives in a new way. Though the language still keeps me from knowing so much more, I felt I began to see people’s hearts. I saw O & M and the incredible capacity to love and have patience with people as I may not have realized previously. I felt B’s heart as she served the church and in her home so lovingly and with such care. She had endless patience with me as I could only communicate a few words at a time. The heart that had been broken, is healing and is so big and full of love. A & P have been given a gift by God to not only serve people, but to lead and be respected. Their hearts are joyful and eager to serve God. The hearts of the people that make up the body of the Loures church are growing not only in the Lord, but in warm love for one another. That is evident not only on Sundays but during the week as they are together to serve the community. There is joy in the midst of not so easy times for Portugal. They are a very generous and giving people.

8. Portuguese people are a friendly people. Greetings were very friendly as you pass by in the halls or stores. I’m sure they got a kick out of those “silly Americans” (me) at times as I would offer the wrong greeting or word. But a smile would be there none the less.

9. Driving in Portugal was easier and harder than I realized. It was easier as I was able to drive the van to short destinations and to M’s house easily. The round-abouts are a good thing. But driving on the highways and finding a specific destination was at best a challenge at times. Why do they hide the signs and make them so small??? Why aren’t the signs lit at night??? You cannot turn the directions around and simply retrace your steps to get home again!?!

10. God speaks and reads Portuguese! And His message and love is worldwide and people-wide no matter what language is spoken. His Love and Greatness crosses all languages. What an Awesome and Amazing God we serve!

11. My life has been so blessed as I have been able to spend this time in Portugal. I am privileged, honored and grateful to have been allowed to be on this journey. Thank you my dear husband for taking me along with you to share this experience and to work beside you in ministry. I am so grateful to all those at home that have allowed me to be away for so long (my children - R, D and A, and M, N, my group and the leaders – all my BSF sisters!) God has opened my eyes and heart to pray more, to love more and to simply appreciate each day more.

I know this has been long, thank you for bearing with me (if you have made it this far.) There is more I could add to the list, but please ask me any questions you have. Thank you to those of you who came along with me on this journey. Thank you for praying for me. Thank you for being my friend.

Blessings to you dear friends and readers… Until the next journey…