Azenhas do Mar

The other day Kiri and I discovered the beautiful coastal town of Azenhas do Mar thanks to the recommendation from Otto and Marjorie. The sights were incredible. I will just let the pictures do the talking.

my favourites.

One of the best parts about being able to spend the past three weeks in Portugal was being able to spend concentrated time with some of my favourite people. Portugal is a beautiful country, but a big part of why this place is so special to me is because of the people I have the privilege of working with and doing life with. I am so thankful for this dynamic group I get to call amazing friends.

Matt & Kiri.

This awesome Australian family have been in Portugal for about 8 years now. Matt is a professor at the Portuguese Bible Institute (PBI). Both Kiri and Matt have a passion for discipleship and walking alongside young adults. They draw those around them closer into the heart of the Father. 

They are an energetic couple with 3 even more energetic children. These 5 have a very special place in my heart. I love them dearly. 

Right from day 1, Kiri and I became instantaneous friends. I often think it seems crazy that we have only known each other for 3 years - it feels like I have known her for so much longer. She is a friend I can laugh with, cry with and just do life with. 

Otto & Marjorie.

Words cannot describe how much these two mean to me. They have been in Portugal for 25 years (as of this coming January) and they live out what it means to be loyal and faithful in what God has invited them into. Their heart for the people of Portugal and their desire to see people around them walk in obedience and in relationship with Jesus is evident in all that they do. I have learned so much from these two. 

In the 3 years that I have come to know Otto and Marjorie, they have challenged me, encouraged me and they are not afraid to ask me the hard questions. I am incredibly thankful for their friendship and their mentorship in my life.

Hopefully one of these days I will be able to work alongside them in ministry in Portugal. 

Joe and Paula are also included on this list. I wrote about them last week. You can read it here: http://karafriesen.blogspot.ca/2013/10/jose-and-paula.html

weekend in London part 2

Our third day in London we were not as blessed in the weather department as we were on day 2. The forecast called for heavy rain and cold temperatures. Me, being the awesome packer that I am, forgot to pack appropriate shoes for spending hours in the cold and rain. Way to go Kara!
By the time we got off the train and got to the city, my shoes were so wet I could literally wring them out. This meant that one of the first things on our agenda was to find me some shoes. Thankfully there was a Primark right when we exited the Underground. Praise the Lord!

We made sure to get most of our outdoor walking around and sightseeing done on the first day when it was sunny and dry, so we left our indoor tours and museums for the second day. On our way to the British Museum, Kiri and I stumbled across this fabulous second hand bookstore. We nearly screamed when we caught sight of it. There is nothing quite like the smell of a second hand bookstore. We both found some pretty great finds including a Princess Diana Tribute book. Ahhh!!! I could hardly contain the excitement. 

The British Museum was another highlight. The place is huge with so much to see and do. We spent a couple hours walking around and I don't think we even saw half of what was available to see.

The inside of the British Museum was phenomenal. So much to see.

A portion of the Rosetta Stone on display.

A reconstruction of part of the Parthenon in Rome.

A corpse that had been mummified - the flesh was still fairly in tact. Incredible!

We also stumbled across the fabulous Pub/Tea Room.

Classic Earl Grey Tea and Scones were the perfect way to end off the afternoon.