By Donna:
The scripture Psalm 84 says, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.” This imagery used to describe God as a sun, a source of warmth and light and life, is powerful as God illuminates the path of believers and dispels darkness through His loving words and Holy Spirit. We now have the blessing of harnessing the energy of the sun to make our life more comfortable and productive. Since the summer is here we have an abundance of sunlight, from 6 am to 9:30 pm! With our new setup we are able to use fans, electric cooking plates, water pumps, electric tools, lights , a washing machine and even an air conditioning unit for the cabin! Progress has arrived! 🙂
Since conserving water is always an issue during the heat of the summer months, We have been on a quest for a way to use the water in the pond for our plants and trees irrigation. The solution presented itself as a pump submersed in the water which could pump out water through connected pipes. The initial step was to build a support system to access the pump. As Jorge was driving the tractor down to level out the area he accidentally got a little to close to the edge where the ground was very soft and muddy. Instead of risking a potential tumbling into the pond, our dear friend Mr. Joaquim came with his trusty tractor and pulled Jorge out of danger. A friend in need is a friend indeed! After the pump was installed, he set up the smaller irrigation tubes and nozzles which can be turned on and off with a timing device even when we are not at the farm! Modern tech, we thank the Lord for it and the water most of all!!!
Donna spent some great times with Cristy and Afonso this month. Afonso is growing by leaps and bounds and is a very cheerful and active little boy! He loves climbing, swimming, crawling and is learning to walk. Hanging out with him reminds me what a joy it is to be alive!!
At another latitude, sweet Riley has graduated from kindergarten and is enjoying summer holidays after her year of studies. She received a reward for working hard every day in all subject areas over and over and over! Good job Riley! All the other students in the fam have also finished the year and are happily enjoying summertime!!!
This month Gloria celebrated another year of life! She is thrilled to be alive, working hard in the hospital and enjoying vacations every once in awhile! Congratulations Gloria, may you enjoy a very blessed year ahead!
Benjamim keeps singing, composing and recording! Recently he was interviewed on TDM in Macau for his participation in the upcoming song competition. Everyone can vote for him, just ask him for the link and you are in!!
Gabriel and Selen enjoyed a short trip to Jeju. They enjoyed good weather, an amazing hike and some nice RnR! Included below are some snapshots from the journey!
Love and prayers for all
Images:
Gabriel and Selen:
Assorted images from farm:
Washing Clothes:
