Donna:
“This is the Day which the LORD has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it! ” Psalm 118;24
An idea born that he could not shake, the vision of a wood cabin existing in a certain location! Now, that cabin is becoming a reality! To begin, we had purchased a stack of palettes earlier in the year which functioned as a tower stairway to install and later clean the solar panels. Those same palettes now constitute the walls of the “Cabin”! It took a lot of calculations and preparations to get them there, and they are steady and strong! Next step was to install insulation and a corrugated roof. That was an important step, as the forecast was for rain. After the roofing, outside insulation of the walls was done. The rain started to pour. See pics below.! We were able to borrow a cement mixer from our neighbors which made mixing cement much easier. Cement was poured and now there is a good solid floor and front step. We can now move inside and install the electric connections. The lights are now on and so work can be done inside while the storm brews outside. The forecast for rain continues and so the project will continue as opportunity permits. 🙂 Stay tuned. for further developments…\
It was great having Cristiana and Afonso over while the weather was pleasant! One thing we discovered is that Afonso likes to walk. Once he is out, he likes to walk and walk and walk 🙂 That boy walked down the long entrance driveway, down the road, turned around and walked up the neighbors road and around the back of the farm back home! Incredible for a boy of 16 months!
Young Zach is now 10 years old! Congratulations Zach! One thing we do know is that he is a crack at football, we have seen videos of him scoring a large number of points for his team! We also know that he is a very good student and we are looking forward to having some very interesting conversations with him in the future!
As the saying goes, “Do not complain about growing old. It is a privilege denied to many.”- Mark Twain. Every birthday is a privilege and Grandma enjoyed a lovely birthday weekend with family. She enjoyed time together with family and loved ones and calls from the family abroad! To watch and understand family as they grow and step into their life calling is a blessing! To slow down and appreciate every moment with intention and gratitude! To sing and to dance! For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations” Psalm 100:5 I thank God for the gift of All of YOU and how you made it a very special day indeed!
On the topic of singing, Joana was invited to Beijing to participate in the festivities for the 17th Cultural Week of China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries celebrations. Joana and Giulio sang a song called “Fire” written by Giulio. The song was a combination of English, Portuguese and Chinese, a tribute to Macau’s rich cultural heritage. Ben performed for a crowd of thousands in China, a repertoire of his original compositions along with other popular songs. Both shows were streamed on Chinese tv channels. Ben also performed at the Lusofonia Festival in Macau, the annual event of cultural exchange between China and Portuguese speaking countries. The miracle of music!
The slant of the earth or whatever allows all the colors to penetrate the skies and it is amazing! I don’t know the science of it, we just enjoy it. We beheld many beautiful sunrises and sunsets in October!
A special prayer request for my sister’s son David who is suffering serious consequences from Lyme disease. He is in God’s hands, and receiving treatment, and according to Scripture, ‘the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much‘. Thank you. Btw, if anyone has any prayer requests please feel free to share them as prayer is a lifeline, and we can all connect to that lifeline.
Love and Prayers
Images of the month:
