On the home front, we spent the beginning of the month in beautiful Portugal. One huge milestone was Jorge and Joana’s visit to Penacova.  Joana had not been back for 22 years so it was a historical father /daughter event indeed! They met with family and Jorge’s childhood friend during their brief stay and seized the opportunity of filling up their drinking bottles with Agua de Penacova water, fresh from the source!
Also, in another instance, Dad and Ben rendezvoused in Viana  and proceeded to cross the border to visit the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. This is known as the culmination of the “Camino de Santiago” (The Way of Saint James) pilgrimage route, and the alleged burial site of the Biblical apostle St. James. His remains reputedly lie within the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela, consecrated in 1211, whose elaborately carved stone facades open onto grand plazas within the medieval walls of the old town. Jorge and Ben did not actually walk The Way of Saint James, but it was a meaningful father and son trip effectuated in a brief period of time. In a Biblical sense they are pilgrims and strangers in the world, so they could easily relate to the fellow travelers experiencing the spiritual benefits of the traditional pilgrimage. A special experience indeed!

Before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye to loved ones and board the plane to Macau. We were very thankful for a safe journey, and the home and ministry and family which awaited us on the other side of the planet! It is an entirely different environment with heat, humidity and typhoons , but it is home! It is also a whole new world of opportunities just waiting to be explored and we are so excited!
Soon after arrival we initiated our school term. Lots to accomplish this academic year so it is imperative for us to get up and running early. Gloria is busy shadowing doctors in various medical wards before her second year at UNI begins in September.

August was yet another mega birthday month with Joana initializing the celebrations in Lisbon on the 2nd! Amazingly, we were all able to meet together and offer our congratulations! The following day, August 3rd, Isabel turned a BiG 4! She really is a BIG girl now and she never ceases to remind us! She is off to her second year of kindergarten and is really excited about her new teachers and friends in K2! On the 23rd, it was Jason’s turn to experience life at 16! Jason continues to get taller, believe it or not, and continues to enjoy playing soccer, basketball and guitar. Between playtime he is also a very good student. Next was Jorge’s turn, and needless to say, we are all amazed at his health and vitality and energy levels! May the Lord bless them all with a wonderful life!

jaybirthday2019 from J. Soares on Vimeo.