Sardinhas - um verão para churrasco

=  Sardines - a summer BBQ

Friends, a drive to a quinta (a house with land/farm, in this case, a family summer home), a hot grill and lots of sardines!!!  What else is needed for a great day?

We all met at the church in Massama in order to carpool to the quinta near the town of Ericeira.  We arrived, opened the doors and windows that had been locked up since the last time the house was used, and let the breeze come in the house.  (It was to be 100 degrees in Lisbon, and this was a wonderful place to be as the sea breeze was cool and comfortable.)  We  unpacked the food we each brought and everyone began working on a task to prepare for the meal that was to be shared.

Arriving at the quinta

The view to the sea - beautiful!  And a very nice cool sea breeze!

The charcoal was placed in the grill and the fire started.  The table was set with food and tables and chairs set up outside overlooking the valley to the sea.  The meat (pork, sausages and chicken) and finally the sardines were grilled to perfection by E.  Nearly two hours after arriving, we were ready to ask God's blessing over this feast and begin eating.  

Opening up the house, and yes, the Christmas tree has been up for over 3 years!

Boiled potatoes always served with sardines!

Preparing the sardines for the grill

E, the grill master!

Too much fun!!!

Blessing for the meal and day together

Time to eat!  I began with enjoying chicken, not quite sure of the sardines as I had never before tasted them.  OK, I agreed to give the sardines a try, but just one!  To my surprise, it was good and not as "fishy" as I had anticipated.  I normally enjoy a more mild fish to eat, but I tried it.  E and I were sitting next to me and were enjoying their sardines so much, I decided to give another a try.  It was right off the grill and very hot.  It was better than the first.  Hmmm, who would have thought I would eat sardines!!!  (Now Randy did not eat any, it was alluded to that I am a "true" Ataide, Randy? maybe not!)  

No shortage of food shared

Here come the sardines hot off the grill

E showing me that "real" Portuguese simply eat sardines, head, tail and bones on bread!!

O enjoying his sardines

I did it!  

I did leave the head, tail and bones behind

Coffee finishes the meal

The afternoon was spent with a group of people who enjoy being together.  This is a group of believers who love the Lord and love each other.  They all have stories of sadness and tragedy, but all come together with Jesus as their common bond, strength and encouragement.   They share food.  They share their lives and hearts.  They share their laughter.  R and I were honored to be a part of the day and to share the sardines with them.  We are learning that an important part of any time together is the "journey".  It doesn't matter how long it takes to get there, driving or walking, or how long it takes before we sit down to eat, the joy is in the time spent together.  

I remain very frustrated that I cannot speak the language, but did realize that I am understanding more and more as I gave an answer (in English) to a question asked in Portuguese without even thinking about it.  Those around me commented right away that I really do understand.  

On Sunday this group all gathered once again to be encouraged in their faith and spend more time together.  The service was warm as the choruses were sung and prayers were offered.  J shared a message of encouragement.  

It was a busy weekend, but one that will remain in my mind and heart.  Yes, even the sardines that I tasted!