Sunday, September 18, 2011

First Impressions



 Jean-Pierre and Marie-Claude Brechet
 Flower called "Beak of a Parrot"
 Valley of the Moon
 John is putting four wheel drive to good use!
 Luiza (missionary kid) and Roman



 John's Clinic
 This was our neighbor, at the first house we stayed in. He is caged.
The welcome party at the Boa Vista Clinic

Life in a new culture has been fun, but as far as the Angolans go, I still feel like an outsider. As far as the Brechet and the Alfonso family go, I feel like we've been welcomed in as family. But altogether, life as I know it is changing. I still don't have a firm grasp on day to day living because the Brechet family has been so welcoming and hospitable , that they are showing us all of the best of Angola and treating us like royalty. (being sure to tell us not to get used to it)
The SOLE ministry has also welcomed us nicely making sure we have internet and phones for communication and a guard outside of our house constantly (which is customary). The boys, for the first time, have a "yard" (no grass) to play in and be outside whenever they want. I love our house, the beaches are magnificent, driving is a little crazy, and the church is beautiful.
Speaking of the church, we visited a lovely one this morning. Very different from the American church with all of it's instruments and air conditioning. The choir is just what you would hope from an African choir accompanied only by a huge bongo drum.  I cannot wait until my Portuguese is good enough to get to know the Angola people.
We start language school Tuesday after John get's out of clinic and John starts surgery a week from tomorrow. John is looking forward to that. This week, I will also visit Oliver's prospective school.
We are praying that the language continues to come quickly and becomes more natural, as well as that we can establish some type of routine so the we may be available for the kids emotionally.
Thank you for your prayers.

1 comment:

  1. Those are amazing pictures, Lori! My favorite memories of Mozambique are the amazing churches we visited. We'll be praying for you all to adapt quickly and learn the language even faster! Love to you and John and all the boys.
    Christina and George

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