This month was another great celebration of life! On the famous 4th of June we were able to share in Mandy’s birthday festivities and recall what a special day that was in her hometown in 1989. On June 16th, Gui took that great big step into his third decade! He actually had a great time and came to the conclusion that it wasn’t so bad after all! Gui had the added joy of sharing the day with Jorge, being as it was Father’s Day so it was double happiness indeed!

Later in the month we were blessed with the opportunity to come to Portugal! Jorge, Jason and I were the first to arrive in Lisbon, and Benjamim arrived from Macau a few days later. The clean, dry air and indefatigable sunshine of Portugal in summer are very welcoming and we immediately felt right at home!

On June 25th we were able to spend the day with our daughter Gloria who was celebrating her 20th birthday! She gave us the royal tour of the Lisboa Nova Medical University and the nearby São José Hospital at which she had participated in shadowing doctors in the wards. It is a very classic UNI and it felt like we took a journey through time to Europe past! (see pics) Gloria is still finishing up her first year exams and plans to have more time for visiting in the next few months.

Jason is back with his team mates in the local Football Academy, every evening. No chance of playing in the daytime, the sun is way too hot. He is also having tennis lessons twice a week. Oh, to be young and enjoy the relaxed pace of summer holidays from school! 🙂

Ben will spend one month (at least) in the city of Braga, to study Portuguese and explore the surrounding area. Also, he will be putting his photography skills to great use.

Another great news is that Cristiana just announced her engagement to Nuno. We congratulate them and wish them all the best in the future!

Not least, Gabriel has opened his house /office across the border this month. He has a fantastic space, great location and awesome view of Macau! Blessed indeed!