Portugal

Words cannot describe how good it was to be back in Portugal. That place has captured my heart, but even more so, the people. I was welcomed by Otto & Marjorie at the airport with the biggest hugs and it felt like I had come home. 

I am often asked what it is about Portugal that has captured me. I love the culture of the Portuguese - I love that life happens in coffee shops. But I also love that people there truly know how to do life with each other, specifically within the church. The relationships and the friendships that have developed and grown over the last 5 years have added richness to my life. I can't imagine life without any of these people! 

These days in Portugal were ones of rest. After a busy 11 days in Turkey, my body and heart and head were in need of some rest. Rest didn't mean sitting and doing nothing, but rather it involved exploring new sites, enjoying good company over coffee and pastries and just being present with some of my favourite people. My bucket was filled.

My first morning in Portugal I got to wake up and head to coffee/breakfast with the Saturday morning coffee group. 

 It's hard to believe that this Manitoba girl paid to go ice skating in Portugal in the mall.

Belém

No trip to Lisbon is complete without a stop in Belém for pastries at the famous Pasteis de Belém and a walk down to the discovery monuments and the river.

 Downtown Lisbon

Nothing beats this view. This is where I would sit on many a day offs in the train station Starbucks with my journal and just write and process.

This view gets me every time!

It was sooooo good to spend a day with these 2 people. They are a joy to be with and I am honoured to call them dear friends.

Debora and I

 The Pena Palace

I am so blessed by this friend.

It was fun to be able to celebrate Marjorie's birthday with her. Kiri and I took her to a tea and cafe for breakfast in the city. It was the perfect way to start the day and celebrate the beauty that is Marjorie.

Saying goodbye to these 3 kiddos was hard