Family Update – September

by Donna

The month of September was a month to remember! We were kept on high alert by the advance of the Mega Typhoon “Mangkhut” during the middle of the month. After last year’s event with typhoon Hato, neither the general populace nor the government agencies were taking any chances, consequently the supermarket shelves were emptied, low lying car parks were evacuated, loose debris was duly secured and windows were taped. Actually, a great debate whether to tape or not to tape was held, and each household had to decide in favor or against the suggested procedure. (We decided not to tape, just for the record.) Eventually, Mangkhut arrived with a reduced velocity than was forecast but, we were pretty much situated in the pathway of a direct hit. We withstood the wind and gusts and the intense rain. Our village remained practically unscathed, however other low lying areas in this city were deeply flooded as per usual. The aftermath clean- up crews were extremely efficient and after one day the city was back in function. Thank God for His protection! “For thous hast been a strength to the poor, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. “ Isaiah 25:4

Typhoon Mangkhut strong winds

Floods in the city

Near our house: less damage than last year but still bad. This was a road.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aK3_9Kpy-ZI6Hyk3NNgEfyRp7veh_lXL/view?usp=sharing

Another big wind of change blew thru on Sunday, September 9th. Gloria received an acceptance letter from Medical School in Lisbon. This was quite an amazing event and because of the timing of the academic schedule and the forecast arrival of another tropical storm which threatened to shut down the Hong Kong Airport, Gloria boarded to Lisbon within two days! It was definitely a whirlwind of activity with tickets to book, bags to pack, and good-byes to be held, but she was off in time to arrive for class sign up! She is staying with a friend who is enrolled in the exact same medical course so they can travel together to school by train early in the morning! God is faithful and has answered Gloria’s repeated prayers for entry into a medical school! We uphold her in prayer as she gets used to the intense curriculum and also learns Portuguese! “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16

Departing Gloria

Gloria at the entrance of the old building of the “Nova” Medical School in Lisbon

More changes were around the corner as Jorge, Jason and Donna stepped over the border into the mainland. On the local school front, Jason is pushing forward is his 10th grade studies, i.e., Portuguese, Biology, Algebra 2, English as well as his Chinese lessons. There have been several personal victories and accomplishments by other members of our family and we met regularly to read the Word and pray together on Sunday morning, which continues to be an encouraging time for all.

Here some family images: