[Donna:]
Here are some highlights from our family team: Benjamim made it across the border safely back from China and we are very happy to have him close by once again! Ben has been faithful to produce the Word Banners which we post on various social media every month. This month’s banners are being published in Swahili.
Over in Portugal, dear Gloria was able to finish off her second year in Medical school. It was a very strenuous semester with online learning and testing, due to the exemption of practical experience in the labs and the lack of personal teaching input from professors. But all is well that ends well, and now she has a nice summer break to chill out a bit before it starts all over again in September. Meanwhile, she helped with the wedding of her sister.
We are firm believers that fresh air, exercise and a wholesome diet contribute greatly to good health and wellbeing. Thankfully, we are blessed with many outdoor sports facilities here at our location. Emanuel and Mandy introduced us to paddle boarding and it is fantastic! We have a small bay area at the Hac Sa Beach, where we can get out and appreciate the sun, sea and sky at the end of these hot humid summer days.
On other developments, the highlight of the month was July 31st, the day of Cristiana and Nuno’s wedding! They met many years ago when they both were studying and working in Macau. In the summer of 2019, they were engaged, and plans were put in place for a summer 2020 wedding with all members of our family planning to attend. The situation with the pandemic foiled the plan and we had to cancel. Thus, like so many are doing all over the world, we were able to celebrate the union of Cristiana and Nuno in the ties of Holy Matrimony via “Zoom”. It was a simple but meaningful ceremony where Pastor Ruben was presiding and Nuno’s family members were in attendance. Desperate times call for desperate measures! The experience far exceeded our expectations and we wish Cristiana and Nuno a very blessed and fruitful life together!
On the birthdays front, Joana entered a new year (Aug 2nd) and is looking as good as ever! She is always ever so busy, so we were grateful to catch her for a birthday meal and small celebration. Jason prepared us some mighty fine pizzas for that occasion.
Also, sweet Isabel is now 5 years old (Aug 3rd)! Time flies, and we still remember the day when we first held her in our arms when she was just 5 months old! Isabel is very loving and caring and is an exemplar older sister to Aurora. It is so much fun to watch her learn so many new things and grow so tall so quickly! She is interested in everything and always ready to lend a helping hand. She is a blessing indeed!
