Donna:

The wonderful month of July was full of wonder!  First of all we were able to finish off many of the projects that were pending or requiring finishing touches  before the family arrived for a visit. We were able to purchase a new hand held grass cutter and clean up around the house area. We added more outdoor insulation on the back of the cabin and built an area in which to keep the bottled mountain water  protected from the heat. The main metal door has been insulated with cork and best of all the WP sign was placed at the entrance of the driveway so that there is no mistake where to turn in. 🙂

Back in Lisbon, Gloria had  defended her thesis and in thus doing so has finished all requirements for graduation! Last step is to be inscribed in the Ordem dos Médicos in Portugal.

 Over in Macau, Benjamin won two prizes at the music competition, one for best composition and one for judges selection. His song is entitled, ” Tired of  Running”. Good theme for an Olympics year:). Very nice song indeed.

   On the  of 19th of July, Gabriel and Selen and family  arrived for their stay in Portugal. Previously, they held a lovely wedding celebration with Selen’s extended family in her hometown Adana and since our family could not attend they came here to share the joy one more time!  We enjoyed  a lovely lunch on Saturday and in the same evening an amazing boat ride down the river Tejo! The weather was perfect, the company was spectacular! Our thoughts and wishes are that the newlyweds will enjoy many many years of happiness together.

   Next, it was off to the farm! Philip and family had their own rented camper and arrived first. The next day Gabriel, Selen, Selma, Gloria and Jason were here! The tents had already been set.

One of the main  attractions was Gabriel setting up the hammocks! Dear Selen was a very brave camper and proved she could sleep in the hammock all week long! 🙂 It was hot and the forecast was for a very hot week as well. We happened to spend one of the hottest weeks  in history by splashing at home in our little water tank and going to the nearby river beach.

We also ventured out on a historical/ cultural mission to Monsanto,  also known as the  ” Most Portuguese Village in Portugal”, complete with cobblestone streets, massive granite boulders, castle and trails. 

We cooked together, ate together, laughed together, played games together. That was the essence of our 6 days, sharing life and getting to know family. It was wonderful, and we are  looking forward to the next opportunity to meet! Behold, how good, and how pleasant it is for the brethren to dwell together in unity. Psalm 133:1. 

And here is another selection of images for your enjoyment:

Maximum temperature reached in the shade on the hottest day of the year (We survived!!)

We missed some of our family who could not be here. We do hope we can meet all together again with more participants another time. This should not be the end of anything but the begining of something very beautiful and healthy for everyone.

Also, from Cristiana, Nuno and baby Afonso we received these amazing photos. Beautiful.

Love and prayers.