1 year in Portugal!!!

Yesterday was our one year anniversary of living in Portugal. I think this year has been the fastest year of any in my life.

It was a good year, a year of firsts, a year of learning, adjusting, adapting... I never could have imagined a year ago what our life would look like now.

I was excited to get here but I had no idea how much I was going to LOVE life for our family here in Lisboa.

I couldn't have imagined the amazing people we were going to meet...friendly, warm, honest people. They let us attempt to speak their language, take us to try their foods, invite us to their parties and homes... they let us share life with them...they don't have to but they do.

I knew we were going to learn the language but honestly I didn't let my mind think about what that meant until we were in class the first day. Language learning has been one of the hardest, most humbling experiences I have ever had and also the most fun and rewarding challenges I have ever taken on. And, even though we are done with full time language study, we realize that we are going to be language learners for the rest of our lives.

I like so much about the culture and people that we live in. I want to be HERE! I don't wish to be anywhere else don't really miss anyWHERE. Now friends, don't take that personally! I miss people, miss friends and family very very much. I just really want all of you to come here, to see our new city, home...life! Really, really want each of you to come see this amazing place!

I could go on and on about why I love it here...food, weather, being in the city, the shopping, the BEACH!

I am so thankful that God is allowing us to be a part of His plan here in Portugal. I pray that this next year we won't get in His way... that we will be faithful, bold and attentive! I pray that our 2nd year will be even better than the 1st!