Cathedrals could not hold the Sound

Air is for everyone, it is Grace. We use it differently, some breath faster, some slower. We assume we all breath the same, but we don't, and that's ok, but we must breath. It is a challenge to allow others to breath as they may, we want them to talk and sing as we do. This oxygen of Grace we have is transcendent beyond our individual ability and preference to exhaust.
No matter how much we think we can breath grace back out it is never as good as when it comes in, sometimes, maybe just sometimes we can emulate the breath coming in, but we must realize we have all got to breath our own breath, our own way, and yet share the same oxygen.
When we allow others to breath to their own rate and sign to their own tune, a beautiful chorus emerges and cathedrals could not hold the sound.

"The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the  glory of God and the refreshment of the soul"

-Johann Sebastian Bach

As we settle in, we have been graced with the ability to hang out with so many locals and the beautiful people of Portimao. I have been helping out with the American Football team, sharing the knowledge I have. We get to spend time with our great host family for a month, most thankful!

People here live in a different pace, no doubt! But they are who they are and it is a nice change of pace. Like all cross-cultural experiences, stress will be had, and there will be some getting used to it. No culture is 'perfect' or without faults or stressors.

And yet, I feel a strange "at-home-ness" here. I know, we have only been here a short while, and we are still in the "honeymoon" phase of culture shock, but my heart is at ease knowing we are supposed to be here.
The Spirit moves like the wind through this town now, I can feel it. We are joined by a great cast in this teatro (theater) and we am super excited.

The pictures below are of a festival for the saints. Many people consider themselves non-religious, but the saints represent a cultural icon, like many people who celebrate Christmas, but are not Christians. This festival was a blast!

This is us dancing at a local festival for the saints