Sept. 2012 Hall Update

FIVE WEEKS!!  We've actually been in Lisbon for 5 weeks.  What a blessing to be here.  We arrived on a Friday evening and were greeted by a lovely group of missionaries and our language instructor and her family.  How special we felt to see so many people happy to see us!!  They helped us load our luggage and delivered us to our new home.  There are three other missionary families here for language study and they've been very instrumental in helping us get settled.  It's amazing how stressful little things can be when you're in a new country.  These precious new friends have made our transition much easier.  The Lord has truly gone before us and we thank Him daily for His provisions!!

We took 2 weeks to get acclimated to Lisbon before starting our studies (per our teacher's advice).  We were a bit reluctant to take that time, but we're so glad we did.  We didn't realize how exhausted we were.  We are so thankful for our wonderful friends at home who spent many hours helping us pack up our house as we prepared to embark on this new journey.  We couldn't have done this without you and we are grateful beyond words!!!!

The 2 weeks allowed us to rest, to see a bit of Lisbon, and get acclimated to our new life.  We're learning the bus and metro systems, so getting around is getting easier.  We have a butcher shop and a pastry shop around the corner and there are 2 small grocery stores within walking distance.  The coffee, bread, and pastries here are absolutely fabulous!!!  We have some wonderful new friends here.  We've met 4 other missionary families with children.  So, Riley and McKenna have others close to their age to hang out with.  What a wonderful blessing!!!

Our portuguese classes started 3 weeks ago.  We spend 2 hours a day in class and then we have homework to complete.  It's been quite a long time since we've had homework.  But, it reinforces what we've learned that day and it is essential.  Unfortunately, there are no easy shortcuts…..so we are working hard!!  We're looking forward to the day when we don't talk like 2 year-olds and can actually understand a conversation or sermon.

Riley and McKenna started homeschool the same day we started class.  They're adjusting to the schedule and seem to really enjoy homeschooling, although they miss having their friends around.  Our day starts around 8:30 with a devotion, breakfast, and then homeschool.  We are very involved with McKenna's classes.  Riley's classes are online, so hers are more independent.  We eat lunch around noon and then prepare for our classes. We take the bus into Loures for class.  There is an extra room at Eunice's studio, so the girls have time to get their homework done while we are in class.  It seems to be going smoothly so far.

We are so thankful for the Lord's perfect timing and provisions!  As we look back, we can see how things have worked out perfectly and we are positive that the Lord has placed us just where He wants us.  Portugal is only about 1% Christian, so we're are trying to be God's light wherever we are.

         "in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."  Proverbs 3:6

"He restores my soul;  He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake"  

Psalms 23:3

We covet your prayers for:         the rapid sale of our house (it's been on the market for a 3 of weeks and has shown, but no offers yet) 

                                               ease of language learning

                                               the easy transition for the girls' homeschooling 

                                               easy adjustment into a new culture 

Thank you all so very much for you continued prayers, love, encouragement, and financial support.  We are honored to be partnered with you in this ministry the Lord has called us to. 

Yours in Christ,

April for all the Halls

Support Info:

AGA, Inc
25 Maple St.

Addison, NY 14801-1009

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www.hopeforangola.org