Here in the Sea Air

Seeking good soil

My neighborhood from the beach

We have arrived safely and with all of our luggage! We are staying with a great family in a nice apartment close to one of Europe's most beautiful beaches. We are excited to learn under our supervisors and the team of people that are alongside of us, they are also from the states. The sea air is refreshing and the noise of European cars and scooters (many sound the same) is invigorating, the atmosphere is laid back (even for me). The coast is a rare beauty that seems to be out of the pages of a novel that inspires many to travel.  Yet the world economy seems to make it a thriller, or tragedy. Many aborted building projects line the streets as if the workers were called out to lunch, and never returned... three years ago. Still, the white, orange, and yellow Mediterranean buildings help to outshine the drab architectural grave stones of a once booming economy. I pray that is picks up for these people, this place is beautiful. It is hard to believe though, as nice as this place is, I recommend a visit! There is so much to do here, especially sport-wise. There is so much to see from the annals of time, ruins, caves, castles, forts.

Hope, for many, seems to have been lost along with the economy. Corrupt politicians rule the headlines. I hope that the hope I have in One greater than the economy can be a blessing and hope to those who struggle to get by. Many seem to live only to get rest, instead of resting to truly live. The burden of the One who carries hope is light, so many don't know that hope, only tradition. I feel that the soil here is good though, but still varied. Relationships seem to start to build easily so far (this might change as I here people here are resistant to really let you in). When the assembly works together, across lines of tradition and though, to love and give hope, I see great things happening here. I am excited, and feeling unworthy, to be a part of it. There is much resistance because of baggage though. History is the elephant that does not want to get up and leave the room. People must see first the greatest of history, let it not be out shined by that which has misrepresented it.
 
The language barrier is harder than one might think. Reading signs is misleading, trying to equate English sounding words with Portuguese is not so easy. Realistically you have to almost start from scratch. Portuguese is a beautiful language, comforting almost, despite the language barrier. They don't speak as fast as we experienced in Spain, words are drawn out and relaxed, even when people are passionate, angry, excited, etc. We will soon be starting language classes, but there are plenty of opportunities to learn in everyday life. Also, we will soon be volunteering at locals schools, helping out with summer things. The team of volunteers from the states are a talented bunch, we even have a fire thrower, that's right... like juggling fire.
 I am reminded that we are blessed to be a blessing, and to whom much is given, much is expected, so I must bless as I have been given much.

All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle. -St Francis