by Donna

Prayer is such a powerful weapon and it is absolutely crucial to our survival and productivity in the world we live in. I thank God for it every day! While Jorge was away in Portugal, we had the awesome privilege of upholding him in prayer. God did wonderful things on his behalf, all glory to His Name!!  While back in China, Jason and I have been developing a closer relationship with the Chinese teachers at his language school and have been able to witness more to them. We participated in many cultural activities organized by the school. Accompanying us were a group of exchange students who had just arrived for the first time to China, eager to learn of the fascinating culture and people of China.  One of the activities was about Chinese musical instruments. We were able to not only listen to the er hu, zither and other interesting classic instruments, but we were allowed to try our hand at them as well! Of all, I definitely think the zither would be the easiest to master, time permitting. Most people thought that Jason definitely has a knack for the er hu, but I think he will probably stick to the guitar!

Other activities included Chinese calligraphy, Chinese knots, tea ceremonies, games and tai chi chuan. Even after living in China for so long, we still learned something new and were happy to have had participated in these events.

Zither testing

with music teacher in Xiang Zhou

June was birthday month again and weekend birthday celebrations were in the mode! First off was Mandy, on the 4th of June, and she celebrated with nothing less than an enormous pizza! Then Gui also joined the ranks of the 28ers’ and was celebrated with a delicious feast hosted by none other than Su chef Gabriel! It was delicious! On the 25th Gloria arrived at the 18 landmark!  She is such a blessing to many! Her life is getting even more exciting, as she has many new challenges to look forward to in the coming years!

Mandy’s Birthday

Gui’s Birthday

Gloria’s Birthday

Our good friend Anna Chan got married this June! We met Anna 23 years ago when she was still a young student, and through the years we have developed a close friendship.  Although life hasn’t always been easy for Anna, she has put her trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and is now a very active Christian. We are glad to have had the opportunity to share this happy moment in her life! May the Lord bless this young couple with joy and faith and  a fruitful life together!

With Ana and her husband: Joana, Donna and Benjamim

Other family pictures:

Emanuel and Mandy

Joana and Gui

Jason and Chinese tutor

Philip with Zac