Donna:
“Behold, how good, and how pleasant it is for the brethren to dwell together , in unity.” Psalms 133:1
The Lord blessed us with great weather this month considering July can easily bring intense temperatures to our part of the country. During the first two weeks of Emanuel and the girls‘ visit, we stayed in Lisbon, where among other events, they visited the Museum of Illusions, the local Equestrian Academy and the oldest operating bookstore in the world, Livraria Bertrand. We had a great time with Cristy, Nuno and Gloria as they hosted us in their homes for delicious meals and sleepovers. We then traveled by bus to Fundão, where we met Grandpa at the farm. The mornings were very pleasant and most of our activities took place outdoors. One of the first tasks was for Isabel and Aurora to help grandpa to build a tree house. A strong olive tree was chosen and they set to the task. It is a simple structure with room for improvements planned for next year. Of course there was the watering of the young trees and vines, meal preparation, and daily tidying up. Emanuel cut up the fallen pine trees and assembled some benches. In all scenarios, teamwork made the dream work! Isabel learned to drive the tractor to bring water to the vines near the entrance!
Late afternoons were spent at the nearby Castelo Novo river beach. Besides a dip in the refreshing river waters there was soccer, racquetball, and badminton. Emanuel was the master of ceremonies and kept us all running in some way or another 🙂
It was great to receive Cristy, Afonso, Gloria and Jason for a weekend. and the joy multiplied! We spent the evenings under the stars just hanging out, chatting, laughing, or playing games. Gloria and Jason enjoyed a night sleeping under the stars!
One highlight was our trip to Spain to watch the World Cup final. It was very exciting to join together with the Spanish people in Alcantara, the nearest Spanish town, to celebrate their victory! It was a night we shall all remember! All in all, it was great family time together! We thank God for all of you who made this holiday so memorable!
We are looking forward for next year already!!!
Love and prayers.
dad and mom
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