Coasts, Construction, Casa, Cultura, Children and Cascais

I landed in Lisbon, Portugal on Monday afternoon. It was a bizarre feeling. My mind is so confused by languages, mainly with Shqip and German words flowing through my brain, that when I heard the Portuguese my brain was like ...Spanish ....German? But I know its not Spanish even though its similar. Along with the language I felt a sense of excitement at the newness of being in a new culture and starting the next segment of my journey, but at the same time I felt funny.. like a part of me was still in Germany, a little piece left in Belgium and Austria, and even a chunk back in Albania. I guess that is what happens when you invest time and love.. a part of you stays in that place. It was a good feeling, but a hard feeling at the same time. When I planned this trip I wasn't expecting to become so attached, which is silly really.. but I guess I didn't budget love, friendship, and time into the plans.

Part of me is always surprised, not just by how MUCH I learn, but by the extraordinary life lessons and the order of events in which I learn those lessons. Basically, learning unexpected lessons in unexpected ways.

Me, Angelina, Kevin and baby Eva by the coast in Cascais

Back to my arrival in Lisbon. Its always fun when you are being picked up at the airport by people who only know you from a picture you've sent them. Its happened 3 times so far on this trip. Its like a game, you look around and look for people who: look like they are looking for someone, look American, etc. So this time I walked out and I thought I spotted someone.. so I walk a little bit.. look back.. and look around. Then I see them approaching me and I hear them say my name tentatively...Rachel?? Yes!! I reply. A sense of relief washing over me, I exhale as if I'd been holding my breath. Because there's always that sense of "what if I don't find them, what if they forgot?? What would I do?" But they didn't forget me and Kevin and Angelina were there to greet me! So meet Kevin and Angelina Mullins and their beautiful daughter Eva!

Eva

When we were in the car driving out of Lisbon to Cascais they told me a little bit about their ministry and the ministry I will be doing. They also told me that they were starting renovation on their kitchen the following day and to excuse the chaos. It didn't bother me and I told them I'd be as flexible as possible. Since the beginning of the construction I've learned a little about the culture here. Portugal is not time oriented which is similar to Albania but complete opposite of Germany. So the workers showed up later than expected, etc. It is also slow moving culture which corresponds to the non-time oriented. There was also a problem with one of the workers so they halted work for a day, so the Mullins' kitchen is in the living room right now.. so we are living in a bit of chaos and the length of time it is taking to finish the kitchen is putting a tiny bit of stress on them, especially with a baby and no stove, washing machine or counter-space in order to prepare food, etc. So I am trying to be a helpful as possible and keep praying for the completion of the kitchen. Also I was supposed to meet with some of the people whom I will be working with this summer and plans are moving slow to even meet with them to set up schedules. But I'm in the culture and some things cant be rushed. So I will wait and do the best I can. So I've been settling in and catching up on emails, etc and trying to reflect on what I learned on the BAD trip and continue digesting all of that. 

Side note, I was able to visit my friend Svea who lives in Durbach, Germany before I left to come here. I met Svea in Costa Rica when I was there two summers ago. She was there on an exchange program so it was really great to see her after so long. We went to Strasbourg, France one day because she lives about 30 minutes away. It was a nice day and we saw some historical things and then did a bit of shopping :)

Cathedral in Strasbourg

Sightseeing in beautiful France

Ice Cream In Germany with Svea

Vineyards surrounding Svea's hometown Durbach

I am excited about what God has in store for me in the next two months here in Cascais. 

Pray that God will reveal opportunities and that I will be bold and take them. Also that the language will come easily to me and for understanding and good communication. Pray for plans to be made quickly so I can start serving sooner!