Vítor

... the Portuguese pastor we worked with for our first year in Portugal. He MCed the ceremony tonight, celebrating 23 years of the church he started in Mora, though the event was organised by the Brazilian pastor in charge now.

We had a Peruvian lady singing one of Marisa's fados, and then the gospel choir from Ponte de Sor (extra), who were excellent. The speaker was Quim, or, as he was introduced, Professor Doctor Joaquim Rogério, a lawyer from Lisbon, who was the first friend Mike ever made in Portuguese, in Coimbra, the year we were engaged. His speech was excellent - on books and speeches, and words and communication, and the only one who is worthy to open the Book.

And then, LOTS of great food and wine and cake, as is typical here in the Alentejo.

Gratefuls:
- our support group this morning doing what it says on the can
- pizza at Bia's, and then seeing so many old and newer friends all together tonight
- getting home safely along roads dangerous with wild boars