Day 35:

We started the day with some major house cleaning which, of course, wound up in laughter and goofing off but we got it done and had a good time doing it. The rest of the day was spent on our studies. Each of us prepared for the meeting tomorrow as well as spent time on personal study, sitting in the warmth of the sunshine as we did so. I cannot begin to express how happy we are that it was seventy degrees and blue skied all day. It can be safely said that we were all in need of some good old fashioned vitamin d.

 

 

 

 

 

Audrey- feeling comfy in her clean comforter

After studying and running to the post office, we decided to go for a jog to a park not too far from the apartment and bask in the sun for a while. We climbed the rope jungle gym and jogged along the streets before heading home to shower for our big night out. Tonight, we were celebrating our one month abroad anniversary!

As a special gift from Makenzie's mother, we received a dinner in a high end restaurant accompanied by some friends in the congregation. From baked cheese with honey and basil to veal with mushrooms and mashed potatoes, we enjoyed every bite and moment of our wonderful celebratory dinner at Sessenta Restaurant. After dinner, we all headed to the Decadent bar to meet Ellie for a night on the town. To our surprise, there was a musician tonight who performed acoustic covers of popular songs for a few hours. We all stayed and talked and danced as we listened to him play. Talk about talent. As he took a short intermission, the musician spoke with us, asking why we were in Lisbon and how we liked it here so far and how long we were staying. After a brief description of our volunteer work, we received an official invite to a concert that him and his band are playing in a few weeks! So we stayed out for a while- we danced, we talked with our friends, we had an amazing night and a wonderful day. I think I can safely say that we are all feeling in better spirits after day 35. Tomorrow, we have service all day and then meeting at six! Hopefully the sun will be out again.

Today's Positives:

We all have clean laundry and sheets

I got a nice run in the sun with my friends

Studied a wonderful article about relying on Jehovah that made me feel amazingly renewed in mind and spirit

Had an absolutely amazing dinner and live concert with a wonderful group of people



Despite the protest, the police managed to get Audry's bag back and visited us to make sure her stuff was returned

 



Day 34:

One of the most stressful days yet. We set off this morning to talk with managers about speaking with police and viewing surveillance videos and what we saw... all the details and running around had us exhausted by noon. Searching alleys and markets for any sign of Audry's missing items swallowed up time like some kind of black hole. Back and forth we went from metro stations to police stations but at least the sun was out. As we stood outside waiting for another bus to take us to yet another place to fill out more documents, I noticed that things had seemed awfully deserted for the condition of the weather.

Around five this evening we had arrived at the police station at Marques de Pombal to pick up what we had been told was Audrey's bag. We received the message from Ellie that the police had called and said they might have found Audry's belongings dumped in the park so we were asked to come to the station and check on the items. Walking through the park, we had noticed crowds of people gathered in the streets. Traffic was held back from the central area but nobody seemed to know what was happening. Sure enough, Audry's bag was waiting for her in the police station. Magazines, bible, wallet- most of her belongings were still inside but a few items were missing. Her tablet and both her phone from the U.S. and from Portugal were gone, but we were happy to have at least some things returned. With most of the day gone, we had one more police station to visit in Baixa to fill out a few more forms for the police report. All of us girls caught our usual bus and were on our way to take care of business when we began to notice the bus take a very strange turn.

The route was not the same, the streets were not the same, even the traffic was unusual as we noticed the cars stopped ahead of us. Stopping the bus and speaking to us in Portuguese, the driver let those riding know that the bus would not make it to its destination as planned and suggested that we find another way to get where we needed. As I looked out the window I saw why- the streets swarmed with white flags and marching police officers. Chants and whistles filled the air outside as they made their way through the city. After they passed some ways, we decided to get off the bus and find our way back to the apartment. 

It took us some time, but we got there. Safe in our beds and exhausted from running around town, we all felt a bit defeated at the fact that with all our work today, we never made it to get the reports filed. Sometimes it can seem as though everything has a way of going wrong despite your best efforts; and then we got a knock on the door. Two officers stood there, they had come to help Audry and make sure that her bag got to her. Despite the strike, they came to us and to help us finish the day strong. What's amazing, too, is Ellie told us that these sort of things (theft and what not) happen every day and often take an extended period of time to get resolved given that they ever do. The fact that the police found the bag and then came to us- and the very next day after the theft, during a strike... it's almost as if our prayers were answered. So we go to sleep now, happy that the stress levels have subsided for the moment and that we can finally all rest easy knowing that things are going to be alright. Day 35 is full of service and a very special dinner out!

Today's Positives:

The weather was absolutely perfect

Audry got her bag back

Whoever stole her phones read our messages!

The police are working hard to help us

We are all safe

Tomorrow is going to be a better day with great weather and a promising evening

 

 

 

Day 33:

I remember when we first told people that we were heading to Europe. There were so many comments about being careful and all the stories about things that happen in the crowded European cities. Then to find out that Portugal is considered a third world country, according to European standards, I guess we shouldn't have been surprised by the events of today.

It started out like any other day- I had plans with my good friend, Beatrize to do search work and cover her territory as well as check on a few calls. I like Beatriz a lot. She is like a walking encyclopedia and knows more about perfume, movies, and random facts like who designed a certain chair or where this tiny door leads to... she's just amazing. As we went on about our day, she taught me a lot of interesting things. For instance- the lady in the convenience store wasn't a lady, there are Portuguese phrases that parallel some that we have in English, cultural differences when it comes to eating habits between "Americans" and the Portuguese, etc. The most important thing that I learned from Beatrize, however, was not anything that she told me today but something that I observed her do. Today, Beatriz taught me that it is the little gestures that mean the most. As we visited with her return visits and bible students, Beatrize would make sure that she let them know that she cared for them- she gave one teenaged girl that she had been studying with a notebook so she could take notes at the meetings and in the front page Beatrize put contact information to some of the friends for her to call while she was gone on vacation, she also gave special perfume to her study so she could wear it to the meeting (perfume is a huge deal here) which made the girl so happy and excited to go this weekend. I admired the way Beatrize knew and felt for the people she visited. She reminded me that this is one of the reasons why we are here- to help people and to let them know that we care about them and taught me that little things can make a big difference in someone's life.

Fast forward to this evening. I was headed out for evening service before the meeting when I ran into a group of distressed girls. Unfortunately, these were the girls I live with and love so dearly. Turns out, somebody had stolen everything that one of them had- creating a diversion while his friend snatched her bag from her side. Phone, cards, books, money- all of it was gone. As happy as we are that nobody w's hurt, it still makes us so sad that someone would actually do such a thing. We will be spending tomorrow trying to get information and looking at surveillance videos and speaking with the police to file reports and get documents. Despite the fact that she was robbed- this girl is still smiling, and here we are all helping her through this and trying to stay as positive as we possibly can. Somehow, things will work out and be okay. We all have faith in that. Even if her stuff is never returned- though we hope it will be- at least we are all safe and here to support and help each other.

Today's Positives:

Had a wonderful, long day out in service

Spent some time with Beatriz and had a lovely lunch with two other sister's whose company I am so happy to have been in

Enjoyed a long walk in the sunshine and watched the flowers bloom

Spoke with a couple on vacation from New York and left them magazines

We are all happy and safe and closer than ever here in our apartment, plotting all the ways we can help each other through any bumps in the road that we might face

 

 

(hacked by Audry mwahahaha hi!!!)

 

 

 

Day 32:

Heading out to do some search work; Audry, Makenzie, and I set off to discover new university campuses. The morning began slow as we marched through the city and enjoyed the sunshine and company while we could. Before we met Ellie to go to the Universidad Nova, we hit the usual tourist locations- downtown, uppity cafés, the lookout in Principe Real. Though we had little experience today with tourists and street searching, we did wind up leaving a tract in Bengali to a nice man who spoke English with us and told us about his beliefs as a Muslim and how he appreciated the Bible as well as the Qur'an. Leaving him with a tract, he told us that we could come back to his shop and tell him all about Jesus and leave with him more literature in with Bengali, Nepali, or Portuguese. It never ceases to amaze me how most people around here are multilingual and so well versed when it comes to the bible.

After lunch, we met Ellie and caught a bus to Rau de Campolide. We had been searching for campuses online near us and discovered that somewhere on our street was a university for Economics and Law. Sure enough, not a five minute walk from our apartment, we found it- Nova Universidad de Campolide. A giant building stood before us. Its campus quiet, stairs that seemed to go on for days, and architectural structure that resembled medieval cathedrals. As we walked in front of the building, a student passed us. We asked him if he spoke English to which he replied that he spoke a little bit and from there we held a nice conversation. We asked him about the programs on this campus- if many students here were native to the English language. He told us that in Law, the program in which he was enrolled, about twenty students were foreign to Portugal and spoke English as a mother tongue. Between Law and Economics, we figure our territory had expanded to around some fifty additional persons and so close to home for us.

Before departing, we left this young man with a magazine explaining how to use our website, JW.org, in order for him to research and read in Portuguese. This was our day in service. We had the opportunity to speak with two people and discovered a place for potential opportunities in the future. After service we went back to the apartment where we proceeded to make pancakes, buy matching sweaters, and watch movies. It was the perfect night to a great day. Day 33 is another big service day followed by meeting in the evening!

Today's Positives:

Spoke with a shop owner who has the potential to become a return visit

Found a new place to preach that is extremely close to our place

Enjoyed a day in the sun with my friends

Made pancakes and goofed off because sometimes you just need a night to be silly

Tomorrow's weather forecast is a sunny one

Family Worship in the cold
An evening stroll
Search work this morning

 

Day 31:

Today, we set off for a new university in hopes of finding English speaking students in Lisbon on exchange. Unfortunately, after a long bus ride and some walking, all we found was a catholic school and a lack of English speaking foreigners but we were out and that is what counts! After service, we all went home to do some personal studying and prepare ourselves for this month in the case that we do find someone to talk to. In the apartment, we gathered together for family worship and took turns acting out different situations that we might run into in the ministry and practiced our replies with the help of our reasoning books and bibles. 

Thankfully, we got to enjoy a bit of sunshine throughout the day. Taking full advantage, I went for a nice walk with Makenzie on the cobblestone streets. The more I am out and exploring, the more I learn that beauty is found in all sorts of places. As the night began to approach, a light drizzle began to fall and brought the familiar smell of fresh rainfall to our senses. It made me miss Oregon and the pines, grass beneath my feet, birds other than pigeons singing around me, and flowers blooming as far as the eye can see. Lisbon, however, has its own beauty.

The architecture that surrounds us- buildings that were built so beautiful and mighty so that they might last for generations to appreciate. The hidden treasures that lurked around every corner of the labyrinths of city streets so small and mysterious. Statues in the centers of districts so wonderfully crafted and artistically detailed. I have even come to appreciate the cobblestone with intricate designs that one can only imagine the countless hours it would take to lay in such a manner. From the sound of Latin tongues filling the air to the smell of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries- this city is definitely one with character and beauty. Though I miss Oregon at times I feel so blessed to be living the words found at Luke 4:43 and I find it such a privilege to share in such a wonderful work in such a beautiful place. Tomorrow we search again for another campus and the. spend the evening out with Ellie- who knows what we will do on the town, but I know we will have fun.

Today's Positives:

Got a beautiful message from a wonderful friend that absolutely made my day

We are all feeling prepared to "go therefore and make disciples"

Tomorrow promises to be an adventurous search for new places

The sun came out for us today

Day30:

Unfortunately the rain was pouring again today, but we didn't let a little wind and water stop us from having fun. We had a surprise for Tenesha- unfortunately she goes back to France on the tenth- so we all caught the bus and headed downtown. Near the river is a central spot for tourist, monuments, shops, restaurants, and museums surround the end of the bus line. Makenzie and I had discovered this museum at the forefront while out in service the other day and knew immediately that Tenesha, the beer connoisseur that she is, had to see it before she left.

The Museu Da Cerveja was an interesting place. There, you can take tours and learn the history if beer, the art of brewery, and sample some of the finest beers in the world. Usually, I am not a beer kind of gal (sorry dad) but this was much different than the fizzy yellow liquid they sell at convenience stores back home. We had a lot a good time being out and enjoying the day off, the girls and I.

From there, we made our way back to the apartment and tried to stay warm with our movies and blankets. Tomorrow's forecast speaks of wind; I can hear it already, but at least the sun is expected to come out soon! Day 31; hoping to be less sleepy as we hit the universities!

Today's Positives:

Had a day off and got to be lazy

We all enjoyed a good beer or two and had fun exploring around downtown

Watched a few good movies and got to mentally veg (I'm learning that sometimes you just have to do it)

We are all excited to explore a new university campus tomorrow

 

Rainy Day Lisbon can still be fun

 

 

 

Day 29:

I think that I am beginning to appreciate the little things more as I spend time here in Portugal. Seeing the different cultures, hearing experiences of countries under ban, being treated in ways that aren't the norm for us- we are beginning to realize more than we ever have that life could be so much harder than it is back home. Not to say that life is easy but at least we have personal space and a mutual understanding of respect when speaking with people, we aren't under ban, we have freedom of speech, and we don't get mugged or harassed on a daily basis. As we discussed experiences over dinner with Tia, Antonio, and Crystal, I was beginning to feel very blessed for my visit here and the opportunity I have to learn and experience the world outside of my small little town.

The view from the bus window isn't much of the Lisbon we have been enjoying these past few days but it's what I got to look at as I headed back to the apartment this morning from a very noble effort at field service. Nobody wants to be out in this weather, so I headed indoors to search yellow pages for names on territory cards that seemed to be foreign to Portugal. It isn't an easy task when you aren't familiar with the difference between surnames in Portuguese, Spanish, French, Nepali, etc. It was interesting, though, to map it all out by potential English speaking folk and prepare myself for the physical searching to come.

Meeting came and went by so fast tonight! Afterward, we went upstairs to Tia's apartment for dinner and conversation with friends. It's amazing to hear people's stories about how they found the truth and the things they have seen and battled in their lifetime. I learned that in Morocco the witnesses are banned and will endanger their lives if they wear badges, in India you might get trafficked for being blonde (Makenzie isn't allowed to go), it isn't uncommon for people to be mugged in the street on Malaysia, and even in Portugal it is illegal to record things on territory cards! The world is so much bigger than just the area in which we live- I've always known this- but now I get to see it and it amazes me to realize how close to the end we really are. One thing I learned today is that Portugal is only the first of many adventures to come and it isn't over yet! Day 30 is a day out on the town and a surprise for Tenesha!

Today's Positives:

Even on our slowest of days we had fun and had more crazy adventures like random drunk men trying to kiss faces and getting threatened with sticks

Learned how to do search work at home on rainy days!

Decided that I no longer have a desire to visit Morocco

Had a lot of fun getting to know new friends and their backgrounds and world experiences

I feel as though I am becoming more cultured.... and I thoroughly enjoy it