Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Finally!!!!!
Finally, I am posting from Portugal.
First, the news. Portuguese elections passed uneventfully, except for the nearly incessant campaigning by public speakers attatched to cars all over the city. No politician in the USA would dare run under the socialist name, let alone the communist. These parties all acitvely campaign here, but I do not think that they are supported by the majority. Second, the weather is very dry here, unseasonably so. There were large forest fires and heavy drought conditions across the northern half of the country. Some recent rain has replenished the ground a bit. Third, the entire European Continent is in a panic over the discovery of "bird flu" in Turkey and Romania. It is suspected but not confirmed in a few other areas. No human cases yet, but the panic over the potential loss of life is widespread. Fourth, the change of government in Germany is a surprise to some, but an evidence that the electorate did not like the ruling party's separations on the "war on terror." Finally, the local soccer team, Academica, noted for its low ranking upset a major team this last week. It has been a big story.
Now for me. I am studying Portuguese. I have learned the alphabet and basic phonology of the language, as well as some basics on gender differences, definite and indefinite articles, and their verbs for the english verb "to be." Don't get your hopes up, yet. I still cannot even compose one good sentence on my own without consulting my dictionary or phrase book like an idiot. But things are looking up. That is the only way to look when your at the bottom of the language chain. I found a pretty god church. Each service is still somewhat of a cultural event, but the doctrine is good, and the Sunday school teacher and pastor are good guys. The pastor is from North Brazil, and I think he even knows Some in Brazil Gospel Fellowship Mission, and has at least heard of Larry Lipka (That was for Jon and Denielle). I also am enjoying the culture with fresh bread just up the street, and the coffee is strong, abundant and cheap.
Keep praying for my visa situation. I think the ducks are starting to line up. It would be nice if they lined up a little faster. Please pray for my learning. I wish I could download the language as easily as I can upload this page. I need to therefore be both patient and diligent. Please pray for my friends Matt and Debbie Zook as they begin building their house and moving into a tribal location in Mozambique.
First, the news. Portuguese elections passed uneventfully, except for the nearly incessant campaigning by public speakers attatched to cars all over the city. No politician in the USA would dare run under the socialist name, let alone the communist. These parties all acitvely campaign here, but I do not think that they are supported by the majority. Second, the weather is very dry here, unseasonably so. There were large forest fires and heavy drought conditions across the northern half of the country. Some recent rain has replenished the ground a bit. Third, the entire European Continent is in a panic over the discovery of "bird flu" in Turkey and Romania. It is suspected but not confirmed in a few other areas. No human cases yet, but the panic over the potential loss of life is widespread. Fourth, the change of government in Germany is a surprise to some, but an evidence that the electorate did not like the ruling party's separations on the "war on terror." Finally, the local soccer team, Academica, noted for its low ranking upset a major team this last week. It has been a big story.
Now for me. I am studying Portuguese. I have learned the alphabet and basic phonology of the language, as well as some basics on gender differences, definite and indefinite articles, and their verbs for the english verb "to be." Don't get your hopes up, yet. I still cannot even compose one good sentence on my own without consulting my dictionary or phrase book like an idiot. But things are looking up. That is the only way to look when your at the bottom of the language chain. I found a pretty god church. Each service is still somewhat of a cultural event, but the doctrine is good, and the Sunday school teacher and pastor are good guys. The pastor is from North Brazil, and I think he even knows Some in Brazil Gospel Fellowship Mission, and has at least heard of Larry Lipka (That was for Jon and Denielle). I also am enjoying the culture with fresh bread just up the street, and the coffee is strong, abundant and cheap.
Keep praying for my visa situation. I think the ducks are starting to line up. It would be nice if they lined up a little faster. Please pray for my learning. I wish I could download the language as easily as I can upload this page. I need to therefore be both patient and diligent. Please pray for my friends Matt and Debbie Zook as they begin building their house and moving into a tribal location in Mozambique.
