Day 59:

Staying up until two in the morning watching a movie you've seen before in a whole new light... it's amazing how much you relate to characters in the craziest of situations. This morning we started out with service, making our way to ensure our return visits received their invitations to the upcoming memorial on the fourteenth. You would never be able to guess by the picture, but it poured on us. The rain was so bad this morning that we added two more umbrellas to the umbrella graveyard.

After service, we came back to the apartment and showered, making sure we warmed up after our service downpour. Showers, soup, tea, pajamas, blankets, medicine, studying, and movies. That sums up the rest of the evening. Listening to the storm outside and laying in bed, I am so ready to sleep.

Today's Positives:

Found three return visits who accepted the invitations

Finally got out of the house and we didn't even let the rain stop us

I finally understand what's eating Gilbert Grape

We had a nice family worship evening and are all prepared with our presentations for service this month

Less than a week until we leave for Spain

 

 

 

 

unattractive joking wine face

one of a many candid pictures taken today

 

 

Day 58:

People don't believe me when I say that I love to cook and clean- especially when something is on my mind. Scrubbing dishes, roasting potatoes, tossing salads; this morning flew by as my mind raced. I guess having guests is nerve racking in ways, but when those guests just so happen to be the sub C.O. and his wife...

Not really sure what to expect, we all waited around a beautifully set tables, nervously inhaling the smell of pesto and garlic and awkwardly staring around the room as we waited for our guest to arrive. When the doorbell finally rang and the plates were passed and filled, my mind was quickly put at ease. Not only did we talk like normal human beings, but we laughed. The ice breaker of the meal was when brother Romero (Ruben) poked at something in his salad and asked me quizzically, "what is this". "Date" I replied almost as if I were asking instead of answering; I was half afraid he would say he was allergic.

"Don't do it". He told me. After an awkward pause, we both sort of chuckled. His point, in "all seriousness" was that if we ever wonder what Ruben would say, rule number one is "don't do it". From then on it was laughter, followed by serious talks about our goals and how we are doing, followed by more laughter, followed by jokes, consuming if food and wine- of course, and then more talking and laughter. By the end of our early dinner, it is safe to say that we all learned an important lesson today- people in Jehovah's organization are just people, even sub C.O.'s. They laugh, they make jokes, they do fun things, they have cool stories, but most importantly they love Jehovah.

After our goodbyes and some kitchen cleaning, the girls and I went back to planning and booking hotels (no hostels, as promised) for the upcoming weeks. Tonight we crawl into bed exhausted. Tomorrow will be our first day out since the illness struck us all. Here's to hoping that we wake feeling rested and ready to face the world once more.

Today's Positives:

We all got to know our friends better over a lovely meal

We are finally all set for Spain, Porto, and some social events in between now and our departure for the states

We are all feeling excited to get out and campaign

 

on our way to the kingdom hall

 

 

Day 57:

"Remember, then, your Grand Creator... before the days of distress come". Discussing those who strive to serve Jehovah to the full who aren't grouped in with "youths" really hit home for me during the Watchtower study tonight. Sure, last week's article on serving Jehovah with your youth also sank deep into the pit of my heart, but today I could look around the congregation or reflect on people in my life who are such an amazing example pertaining to the counsel given at Ecclesiastes 12:1 rather than just focus on myself. The whole study, one example in particular stood out in my mind of a woman I know and love very dearly whom had been retired, had lost her husband, her son, and her daughter in death- who had struggled through caring for them in their infirmity and with helping to raise their children. When I think about all this woman has been through and when I see where she is now- how she packed up her things and moved halfway across the country to serve where there is a greater need instead of just take it easy or give up- not only do I love and cherish/admire her even more than I ever realized, but I know, too, that if it weren't for her I would not be where I am today. Tonight, I thought a lot about my real life "Anna"(Luke 2:36-38)- the one who probably will never know that her example touches people the way it does.

After meeting, Makenzie and I were fairly determined to go back to the apartment and consume ridiculous amounts of chicken soup while watching movies in our pj's just the two of us seeing as we are still ill and everyone else was going to the premier of Captain America. Long story short, we wound up having a party in our kitchen- dinner at eleven with a group of people whose movie date got cancelled. Were we disappointed that we didn't get our night in with halls and vix just the two of us? Let's just say that sometimes things don't turn out how you plan (or in our case- things never turn out like you plan), they turn out better. We had a wonderful evening with our friends in our apartment.

Speaking of plans- to make up for our being sick and stuck inside this past week and a half, we are going to Spain next weekend! For the next few days, though, we will focus on service and getting healthy again.

 

Today's Positives:

Got a lot of studying accomplished

Did  some online search work to hide from the rain

Found the meeting to be incredibly up building tonight

Made plans to fill these last few weeks in Europe

Had a nice evening with a few friends


P.S.
Grandma, this one's for you. Love and miss you and thank you for being an amazing example

 

Spring in bloom

 

 

Day 56:

Still exhausted, but happy, the majority of the day seemed to pass by in a blur. I remember my Bible reading being the first few Psalms today- written like poetry. I also remember studying a bit for meeting tomorrow and doing a little more for personal study. Besides that, I know at one point we all sat down and talked about future plans for the remainder of the trip and I took Meghan to look for a few things at the mall. Malls here in Portugal are cultural staples and are conveniently placed around most corners.

Catching our train to CasCais

 

Tonight, we went to CasCais to meet Jonathan for Thai food and discussions of traveling plans. Though it was cold, the beach was still beautiful. Jonathan and Akemi both have told me now that people here often get ill. Between the drastic weather changes, the rain, and the humidity that leaves things constantly damp, it is inevitable. Although our spirits are eager, our flesh is weak- so to speak. As much as we want to be out all the time, we are wearing out fast these days. Nothing a little sleep can't fix! We have too much to do to be sick anymore.

 

Sand Castle on the beach

On a Nepali study with Akemi

Feeling sick, but still happy to ring some
doorbells in the ministry

Day 55:

Not that I am superstitious, but I should have known that rainclouds are an indication that the day might be a bit dreary. Head aching, I was determined not to let anything stop me from going out in service- I really want to talk to somebody about Jehovah.

When I left for the service meeting, the sky was clear but the wind was enough to chill you to the bone. Having made previous arrangements with Akemi- a special pioneer from Japan who has been serving here in Lisbon English with her husband, Andre, for a year- we were set with return visits for the afternoon. Her return visits were all in Anjos, a part of town that doesn't have the best of reputations when it comes to safety and cleanliness, and they all just so happen to be Nepali speaking women. When I realized this meant I wouldn't get to actually speak to anybody or comprehend the actual studies, my heart sank a little. Focusing on the positive- the good news is a universal language and I was there to support Akemi and be good, up building company which made me feel very usual and happy to be there. I had never had Nepali food, but today I got a taste of some sort of fusion type cuisine. Known for their hospitality, the woman we were studying with eagerly places plates of food in front of us. From Nepali "pickles" to curried spaghetti noodles with ketchup (she called it Italian food)- Akemi and I hesitantly picked at our plates for fear of giving offense. Besides, it was the gesture that counts and we were both extremely flattered by the woman's desire to take care of us.

After an hour or so, we said our goodbyes to the sweet Nepali woman and headed off to the next study. It turns out  the woman was not able to study this afternoon so we decided to sit in a café and do search work online. By this time it was pouring rain- "Abril de mil águas" (April of a thousand waters) is what they coin the term here in Portugal.

This is where the evening gets interesting. Sitting in the café Akemi's bag was snatched from her side making her the fourth victim from the hall of robbery since Audry's fiasco a few weeks ago. After cancelling cards and awaiting her husbands arrival to the café, I said my goodbye to Akemi and Andre and headed back to the apartment. One side puddle soaking later, I sat on the bus with the sub. C.O. and his wife (they live in the apartment two floors below us). We talked the whole way to Campolide, small talk mainly, but as we stood at their apartment door I suddenly felt much better about the rainclouds, the headache, the theft, and the fact that I was drenched with nasty street water. The sister said her apologies as we departed- "Sorry things have been so rough for you guys"- she said as she stood in the arch of her doorway.

"It's alright. We are still smiling and I've never been happier". Her and her husband laughed and I went upstairs, smiling because it was true. When you focus on the positives, the "Mil Águas" of the rainclouds above you don't seem to soak you so badly.

Today's Positives:

I went out in service with one of the nicest sisters and got to meet one of the most hospitable of people

Not only did I get to support Akemi in the ministry, but I also got to stay and help her when she needed me- I feel good about that

I had a wonderful bus ride with the elder and his lovely wife

We now have dinner guests for this Sunday and I am super excited to put some pointers I learned about hospitality to good practice for them

Tomorrow we might go out to dinner with some Bethelite friends and on Saturday we have been invited to a group outing!

 

Inside looking out

 

Day 54:

I suppose if you're going to get sick you might as well do it in a country where medicine is dirt cheap, prescriptions rarely exist, and pharmacies are around every corner. Though the sun was out, I felt the cold in my bones as the chills ran through my whole body. I am happy to report that I rested- this is rare for me, even when I am feeling under the weather. With Makenzie being miserably sick, I didn't want to risk pushing myself and being ill for more than the necessary amount of time I need to get over this. Overall, it was a good day.

I stayed in the apartment and drank tea and ate soup and studied and watched movies. Reading seemed like the most favorable of things to do, but with a headache it just doesn't always work out so well. Although, I did stumble upon Hebrews 11:6 today in my attempt to read and I found it extremely fitting. Looking back on this past year, I will say that faith has gotten me where I am now and I have never been happier. What's even better is that, looking forward, I know that if I keep having faith in Jehovah and base my decisions on that faith- I will look back in another year (even in 35 days from now) and be able to say the same. I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I do know that I have faith that if I put Jehovah first, He will reward me with something great. I never imagined that I would be serving where the need is great in an apartment in Europe with amazing, spiritual girls.... but here I am. I'm excited to see what else Jehovah has in store for the future and where He will guide me next.

Movie watching isn't too exciting but when you're in Europe I guess crazy things just happen no matter what you do. The doorbell rang sometime around 7:30- Ellie was leaving so she saw the two men on the staircase and they left their flyer under the door for us to read. Not ten minutes after Ellie had left, the doorbell rang again. Looking out the peephole, I saw two men in uniform and assumed it was the police again paying us some visit for some reason or another. I opened the door. It wasn't the police. Two men stood there, trying to sell me a security system. They were holding the same flyer that they had slid under the door when Ellie had left. They were young, probably in their late twenties, and they didn't seem to take their job very seriously. After realizing that we weren't interested in purchasing a security system for a house we would only be in for a few more days, the two boys resorted to asking us out for sinks- leaving another flyer and pointing out in a blunt manner where we could find their contact information on the flyer. After a few moments of insisting that we weren't beer drinkers or interested in going out with them, we said good evening and closed the door. Closed, locked, chained the door as they kept trying to persuade us on the other side. For big, thick, wooden doors, you sure can hear a lot of what goes on on the other side. After we were sure they had gone, Makenzie, Meghan, and I had ourselves a pretty good laugh. So that was our excitement for the day. From then on it was movies, showers, tea, medication and blankets. Viva la Vida.

Today's Positives:

Study, meditation, and reflection were achieved to some degree and I am feeling good about life and the future

All us sickies got some much needed rest today

Got to watch a few food movies from the past that made us laugh and feel a bit better

With all this rest we can't be out for too much longer

Day 53:
Campaign work today was an exciting venture. Not only did we have a fresh territory downtown, but we got to show Meghan the sights along the way. From the fountains, to the statues, the lookout in Principe Real, to the tiny alleyways- we walked the streets and preached along the way.

 

It's really exciting to have somebody here that we get to tour around. I feel like a tour guide in ways and often have to remind myself that I am a but of a tourist too. My family would be so proud of me for being able to get around a European town without getting lost (even the girls are shocked at times when I make it home after a walk by myself). Once you walk the streets enough, you start to realize that this whole place is just one big circle with hills that collide together at a central point. From Marques de Pombal you can get anywhere. Not to say I am an expert- every time I leave the apartment I find something new- but I am excited that I'm becoming familiar with my surroundings.

After service we made our way back to the apartment to check on Makenzie. She is still sick and stuck in bed. I had some time to kill before my study this evening, so I whipped up some lentil soup for Makenzie and made tacos and rice and beans for my other roommates before I headed out for round two of ministry plans today. As evening fell, the temperature dropped drastically. Thankfully, Ellie and I were headed to a study inside a warm building with Sophie; a 16 year old girl whose family came from Africa. While she read, I could tell that Sophie struggled with English- at one point I worried if she understood the language well enough to grasp the message we were sharing. Then she spoke about what she read. It amazed me how much she could know and how excited it made her, despite the slight language barrier. Studying with Sophie made me so excited for her and so excited to conduct a study of my own someday with somebody as progressive and honest hearted as Sophie.
Today's Positives:
went out in service with Audry and Meghan
was able to tour Meghan around and show her some cool places
discovered a few new places to try before we leave Portugal
Makenzie is starting to feel better
spent some time with Ellie- always a positive :)
Had an amazing study with a bright bible student
 

Day 52:

I lied. We didn't really run around the town today. Instead, we went and picked up Meghan from the airport early this morning! We quickly learned that Monday morning is not good for metros and buses seeing as everyone and their mother takes public transportation at the same time. Crowds of people and unsanitary public transportation aside; Audry, Meghan, and I made it back to Campolide safely.

For the rest of the day, my three roommates slept while I studied and cleaned and made brownies... I think I am beginning to go stir crazy but I feel better knowing they are getting rest that is much needed and that I avoid the rain at the expense of a few extra hours of looking over bible based literature and trying my hand at learning a few phrases in new languages. When Ellie arrived from work, I was so grateful that she asked to go on a run with me. It has been a long while since my running shoes have touched cobblestone- what with my minor leg problem from a few runs ago and the fact that we have been tour guides and pioneers with hardly any free time. I love being so busy, though.

 

At the end of the day, I got my running around town in- literally. We ran to places that were new to us. Places where gypsies hide under bridges and the sun sets over the hills of grass hidden somewhere deep within a concrete jungle. So we end the day with a movie together and some more Bible reading. Tomorrow we try our hand at the campaign work!

Today's Positives:

I took full advantage of the opportunity to get some studying accomplished

Meghan has arrived safely!

I went on my first run in a while and it felt amazing- I didn't want it to end

Makenzie got some good rest so she can feel better and get over this cold faster

Campaign work tomorrow!!!!

 

 Day 51:

Escaping only for a morning stroll and a run to fetch soup, today was a cave day. With Makenzie ill and the weather less warm than it has been in a while, we all spent the day in the apartment watching movies and various episodes of shows from our childhood. It was a good day for our studying, a good day to make apple pie, and a good day to recoup and prepare for picking up Meghan from the airport in the morning. Tomorrow we will be back to running around like usual. For tonight, we crawl in our beds and rest.

 

Today's Positives:

Had a nostalgic day with my favorite childhood shows

Started studying chapter five of the Bible Teach book in review for the upcoming memorial

Tried my best to help poor Makenzie feel better

Got the day to just rest- which I am really bad at

  

 

Avocado Juice with brunch in between dress shops

 

 

 

 Day 50:

I felt ecstatic when Connie invited us to go wedding dress shopping with her this morning. In girl code, this is a pretty big deal- the only people who really go wedding dress shopping with you are your female relatives, your future in-law female relatives, and your closest friends. Not saying that Connie doesn't have friends closer than us, but it was a privilege to be invited by her. It made us feel so welcomed and special and loved.

Something about spring is very romantic, I suppose. I am starting to notice that 55% (roughly guesstimating) of the people I know are either beginning to date or getting married or having a baby. 40% (again with the rough figures) are already married. The remaining 5%, well we are in this apartment together or hanging out on a Friday night with Vegemite or movies. Do we feel lonely being single- not one bit. Having each other for support and being so busy with the work we are doing leaves no time to be lonely. I am really happy for Connie, though. I'm happy for Connie, and Tia, and Ayssa, and all my other friends who have recently found love. It makes me happy to see them happy.

After a morning of sunshine, avocado juice, and various types of fabrics in 12 or so different shades of white, Ellie and I went out in the ministry together. We visited some return visits and talked to people on the streets when we could. Our last stop before meeting was one of Ellie's studies. It was a house full of people but we were here to focus on the children. Between the Watchtower study and the children who so eagerly sat in laps and sang along with videos from the society's website, I can't help but appreciate youth and how love for God and truth can grow and develop in such a tender age. It makes me appreciate more those around me who are younger than I am. It also makes me realize that you should never underestimate those around you- not even by their age- because you never know what is in a person's heart. Looking at the faces of the children as they smiled at the vides and our study, I couldn't help but imagine what one day they might become.

 

Today's Positives:

I had a wonderful time with Ellie and Connie and am so glad that I got to help Connie and be with her in her search for a dress

The sun was shining for our morning out

Some guy on the street gave us flowers

We had a wonderful time out in service and seeing the joy on the faces of the children made my day

The meeting was so refreshing, as usual

I get to sleep in tomorrow!

 

Out in Service with Audry and Makenzie

 

Day 49:

As our stay here presses forward, thoughts of home and our return start to morph. What used to be a longing for day 89 has now become a feeling of disbelief that it is so close. In the beginning weeks it all felt like vacation with tours and new sites and flavors and sounds- everything new and exciting. As time progressed, it became unsettling to realize that this was more than just fun and games. I remember how overwhelmed we felt knowing that we had to adjust everything; schedules, comfort zones, eating habits, routines- life itself. Now, though, it feels like a new life. It took us half our journey but this is our life.

We don't have crazy and outstanding adventures in Europe each and every day. We don't backpack across the continent, ducking in and out of hostels. Although these things sound fun, we are here to serve Jehovah. We came with a purpose to help. I'm not sure, really, what we expected, but this is what we found. Life. Being here is basically like being home- minus our family, our friends, our jobs, our favorites of miscellaneous things we take for granted, minus the comfortable and the familiar. Being here is putting Jehovah first like we do at home. The only difference is that the challenges we face are different and we are being tested in many new but ultimately faith-strengthening ways. Today was just like any other day. Our life is waking up, getting ready, and heading out the door to serve Jehovah. Just like at home, but here we have been given the opportunity to serve in a congregation that could use more help covering the territory so that as many people as possible can hear about the truth.

Though we didn't get the opportunity to speak with many, we spoke with some today on the streets. We found a few people from a cruise that brought them here from the UK. We had a wonderful conversation with a couple of girls from California on vacation in Europe and I remember thinking about how nice it would be to go somewhere... that's when I realized that Lisbon and serving here overseas has become our life.

It's starting to feel familiar with new friends and new favorite places and a new little family and a new home. 49 days in and we are finally getting the hang of things. Familiar, but still an amazingly new and wonderful blessing of a lifetime.

 

 

Today's Positives:

Spent the day in service with my friends, going to places where we now understand how to find people to speak with

We got to talk to some people and place some magazines today

After service, we went to our favorite café and studied our Watchtowers

We are in Europe, not vacationing, living the best life there is to live

 

Day 48:

 

Today served as a reminder that spring has sprung. Trees  that were once barren seem to have bloomed over night as I walked through the park. After a morning of cleaning the apartment with Audry  and Makenzie I was out in service with a Portuguese sister, Yara. Tara and I took our time finding English speakers on the streets as we got lost in the city searching for her territory. Joining the English congregation in January, Yara and her sister Neomi are fairly new to the area so between the two of us, getting lost was no problem.



lonely pup sleeping on a bench in the park
 







 



 

 

 

Statues around every corner

We walked the streets for hours. When it grew dark we called it a day. Having talked to a few tourists downtown, we can safely say that it was a productive day. Plus, we found a few new places on our way to Yara's territory. One thing I am learning is that the entire city is one bug circle- a big circle connected by alleyways and seven hills. I still have much more exploring to do, though. Lisbon is full of hidden surprises- we have 41 more days to find as many as possible.

 

 

Today's Positives:

Discovered a few new places with a new friend

We got the apartment looking nice and clean

Talked to a few people today about the truth and am feeling more than ready to begin the campaign this Saturday

I'm still in Europe with my best friends, doing the best thing we can do with our lives

 

 

 

Visiting in the hall after the best meeting yet

 

Day 47:

Exhausted might literally be the understatement of the century. Flagging down a taxi at two in the morning- I am just thankful we got Ellie to the airport safely. I am also thankful, I realized as I observed other taxi drivers in this city, that we got the driver we did. We didn't really understand each other but he sure was nice and laughed at all our jokes and played cool jazz music that we awkwardly snapped to on our way to and from the airport.

Taxi and airports aside, it was a great day. Seeing as it is almost four in the morning, I don't remember a lot of details but I do know that I went out in service, I cooked up a storm, and I left meeting feeling loved. Loved. This is the night that marks the moment when I felt like a part of the Lisbon English Congregation, officially. We are talking stay in the Kingdom Hall until they kick us out after meeting kind of initiation. Not only do I have service plans booked for weeks but I also have invitations to outings, to peoples homes, I even got hug. Portuguese people don't hug. Best meeting yet.

I started the night on a high and it is still such a wonderful evening. When it sinks in later that Ellie is gone to Washington state, I will come off of my cloud. For now, though, I will enjoy the feeling.

Today's Positives:

Everything; minus saying goodbye to Ellie

Beautiful weather that I enjoyed to the full

I flagged down a taxi like no other- wish I had that moment on video

Have so much to look forward to that I am excited for the next few weeks and all the days filled with wonderful memories to come

The campaign is starting on Saturday and I feel so ready to explode with gratitude for the memorial of the ransom sacrifice

I get to visit a street of umbrellas soon like I have always dreamed because they set one up today in town!!!

I feel very up built and very much wanted here in Lisbon English congregation

 

 

 

Day 46:

Step by step, I feel as though my feet have grazed every cobblestone in Lisbon. Spending the morning in the ministry with Connie, a sister from New Zealand who lives in the apartment above ours, was such a wonderful beginning to the day. Sun on our backs, strolling the city, searching for people to talk to about the truth- Connie and I got to know each other better. I really like Connie- I like how down to earth she is, I like her love for Jehovah, her soft demeanor, and her sense of humor. It was a great morning, I made a new friend and plan on joining her for a few outings in the coming weeks.

After service hours were filled with errands and studies. More walking, more sunshine- I was fairly happy. This evening, our Australian friend, Justin, had invited us over for a dinner of some of his favorites. Appetizers consisted of bread and Vegemite (I'm actually extremely excited that I can check eating Vegemite off of my list), for dinner Justin had made the best soup that consisted of a blend of vegetables and herbs he had grown accustomed to while living in Thailand, and for dessert he made spiced chocolate mousse with praline topping and cayenne pepper. Between the food, the wine, and the music we all agreed that Justin is a class A entertainer. My favorite part of the evening was when he taught us Australian phrases... I am so determined to learn and use as much of them as possible while I am in his company. I also like that I am dunned the "Daggy Jumper Nana". It means I am a bit of an old soul who wears nerdy sweaters- term of endearment, I have been assured. So we made plans to karaoke sometime before our trip is done.



between the walking and all the food, we are all ready to crash and

 sleep in as late as possible before we hit the town again tomorrow. Day 47- Ellie's last day so we are making the best of it!

Today's Positives:

I am learning more about the friend's in the congregation and making a lot of new friends from all over the world. It makes me realize and appreciate the fact that I am part of the only organization where something so fantastic is possible and I am so thankful for the opportunity I have to meet such wonderful people.

I learned that Vegemite tastes like malt and salt but is quite good when you pair it with a mild, soft cheese

Overall, every moment of the day was enjoyable and I end it looking forward to all the fun times that lay ahead 

Day 45:

 

we can only guess what the next half of our stay here in Lisbon will bring but we know it will lead us somewhere greater than we ever have imagined

 

 

Today marks the halfway point.

Thinking about this in the morning was bittersweet for me. Forty five days and I feel like I haven't done as much as I had hoped. Sometimes it feels like each day is such a struggle to get through, like being thrown one obstacle after another and getting through it just to be knocked down again. I say this, not to be confused with pessimism, but in a manner of dignity and renewed strength. We have made it forty five days of some of the most intimidating work, in a foreign place, with no family or friends along with us, where everything is different and difficult to understand, and we are still standing- laughing and happy with all the determination in the world to make it through this experience and finish strong.

As we did our family worship tonight- after service and touring the city with our visiting Ellie- we were all deeply touched by the video on the society's website. The video follows a young girl who put all her faith in Jehovah to serve where there was a great need for kingdom preachers. Hearing her speak of the challenges felt all too familiar. Hearing her speak of the blessings in which she reaped was even more real. Thinking about what this experience is doing for us- the opportunity we have to experience the best life and building our faith in Jehovah- it makes me realize that today marks the halfway point. We are forty five days stronger, forty five says wiser, and we have forty five days to keep growing and giving. These next forty five days will continue to be a struggle and to have their own anxieties, but we will continue to be happy and to be blessed. We have each other, we have so much to look forward to, and most of all we have Jehovah

Today's Positives:

Went on a study with a girl who's love for the Bible and God are so sincere and genuinely inspiring

Got used as an example in the ministry as someone who relies on Jehovah and proves that He provides (that made my day)

Had a fun time running around the city with the girls and showing Ellie a few places

I end the day feeling uplifted and sound in mind and heart that this will be one of the best experiences of our lives

Just What We Needed

 

 

Day 44:

They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder- which means that art must be as well, right? As we stared at the pieces within the museum, we discussed amongst ourselves the individual interpretations of the exhibits. At the end of our visit to the museum of modern art, it was unanimously decided that art is like beauty. There is no real definition; just interpretation of the expression of creativity, imagination, and emotion of oneself.

 

 

Ellie and the giant table

 

 

 

 

 Belem, the part of town in which we visited today, was extremely packed. Weaving in And out of crowds, I tried my best to find the art around me.

 

 Lately, I feel as though I have been letting the appreciation of the city escape me. Today was like opening my eyes again. From the statues, to the buildings, the cobblestones that lay the earth like puzzle pieces beneath our feet- art is in the world surrounding us.

As we continued on our way, we visited a very unique place to Lisbon. The LX Factory is a street of beauty and art. Groups of industrial buildings that were abandoned in the 19th century are now occupied by a variety of a vendors- from books and soaps, to arts, crafts, and clothing. It was amazing to see the works of peoples' hands, the streets so alive with an appreciation for detail and hard work.

 

Dinner in a café at LX Factory

 
 

 

Reflecting on the day, I realize the depth of my submersion in art and in beauty. The most beautiful piece, in my personal opinion, was a sign that we saw hanging in the streets of the abandoned warehouses. This sign reminded me that this trip, despite the rocky parts, is going to develop into something amazing. I just need to give it time, to adjust my lens, and to keep searching for the beauty in every moment that I am here.

Today's Positives:

Had a fun day in beautiful weather with my beautiful friends

Got an unexpected visit from a friend in the hall who came just to give us hugs and cookies and make sure we were all happy and well

Saw some amazing pieces of art and had fun exploring the museum

Made a return visit while we were out

 

Day 43:

Today has been such a roller coaster of a day that I think it would be best of I just stated the positives from beginning to end and forget all the in between.

Positives:

Woke up and had a nice brunch at a cute café with the girls

 

 

Had a nice afternoon strolling in the sunshine and exploring

Made it to meeting and enjoyed a wonderful talk and Watchtower study

During the Watchtower, the brother conducting the study made an interesting point that I took to heart. He stated that we, all those in this particular hall at this particular moment, had the very special privilege of experiencing firsthand the slightest of glimpses into what Jehovah's Kingdom will do for mankind. I looked around and saw the diversity within the seats if the hall and knew what he meant. People of all nations, united in worship. This realization and appreciation for this opportunity made my desire to give back to this congregation and to Jehovah burn even more so than it has been since we got here.

After meeting, we met Justin at a venue in town to see a concert. It was Miguel (the singer from day 35) and his band, the Brass Wires Orchestra. It was amazing!

 

 

We are all exhausted from the day. It has been full of it's ups and downs, but in the end all I have to do is focus on the positives. I have wonderful friends and a wonderful spiritual family here. I have the love and support of so many people. Each day, I am constantly being refined, renewed, strengthened, and reminded of the many blessings that I possess and I am not going to let anything distract me from that.

Another positive- tomorrow is another fun filled day. We start with service, go to the museum of modern art with friends, and then we head out to some hot spots in Lisbon.

I'm excited for another good day, day 44.