Donna:
Continuing the car-port saga, actually, it has been completed! We had a local team of craftsmen construct and place the metal frame and roof. This was a big help, as they had the tools and expertise to do the job. After the frame was set up our work began. Our existing solar panel set up is showing signs of stress so we have invested in a more powerful system. We ordered everything online, it came from nearby, all made in China. However, the large trucks could not maneuver into our driveway, so it was a big job just getting them from the entrance near the road into the area near the carport!:) One of the boxes contained a very heavy lithium battery. Using various tools such as a tractor and some ropes, pulleys, levers and sheer physical strength we were able to push, shove and drag the crate. Together, we managed to get it in step by step! Next, the conundrum of getting them up! Jorge built a stairway up with the pallets we had and it worked out perfectly for the task. With a combination of lift and push the solar panels were up in a matter of hours! Then we had the set up of the control board and battery and connect everything together. It has been a one-month project. Now we have much more electricity stored in a bigger battery, which is great as we won’t need the generator at night. We thank the Lord for His wisdom and protection all throughout this journey!
We also worked on redoing some of the land surfacing. We redid the stone pathway to the bedroom and the circular sand area around the oak tree. We learned that if you do not put a special plastic underneath, the weeks grow right through your materials and mess up the whole aesthetic. Always learning!
Our good friend, Mr. Joaqim helped us to dig up the land and taught us how to properly plant baby tomato plants. They are growing well with the intense sun which bathes them every day and a good watering here and there, mostly in the evenings. We are thrilled that our baby trees and vines are growing so well, and the vines are producing a plethora of leaves and some baby grapes are starting to form. Hoping for a grape harvest this year!
For Afonso’s first birthday a great celebration was held for family and friends in the clubhouse near Cristy and Nunu’s home. I don’t know if Afonso understood what the big ado was about, but he sure was happy all afternoon! Afonso is a very social child and truly enjoys the company of others. The rest of us had a grand old time and we were happy to celebrate and appreciate his first year of life ! Babies sure are a blessing to all!
This month we also got to celebrate Jason’s Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Sciences graduation ceremony! The ceremony is called “Benção dos Finalistas”, “The blessing of the Finalists”. It was a lovely affair, with singing and dancing and speeches,and we especially appreciated the Christian blessing for all the young graduates. The sermon focused on the story from Mathew 25:14-30, referring to the talents distributed by the departing master to his servants as God given “talents” or personal abilities to invest in the kingdom of God, as well as personal wealth. The positive rewards for the first two servants are based on their faithfulness to wisely use what Christ entrusted them, whereas the third servant saw his Lord as harsh and demanding, thus, being afraid,he failed to use his gifts wisely. He also encouraged the young graduates to be original (not to copy others) with their particular gifts in the area of their chosen studies as they can definitely be a blessing to many. Congrats to Jason and all the graduates from the Faculdade de Motricidade Humana!
The images:
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Thank you all for your prayersfor us. We love you and we pray for you.