President and Patriarch

... and President on the platform, last night at the Encontro Cristão event - both are extras. The President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, is hugely popular in Portugal, and last night I could see why - he seemed so genuine and humble, and spoke inspiringly - the large audience was utterly silent the whole time he spoke. The man he is talking to is the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox church in Portugal. Marcelo is famous for allowing folk to take selfies with him, and I would have loved to do it, but lost my nerve.

Anyway, the main is of the home of a lovely young couple from the church we went to in the morning - she led the worship time - who invited a load of us back for lunch. Two young children, two gorgeous Bernese mountain dogs, and an amazing house. And what a meal! Included steaks you cooked yourself on a hot plate, though I was too full by then, sadly. And the sort of conversations that are worth having.

Gratefuls:
- a brilliant sermon from the young guy who spoke; felt directly aimed at us
- getting home safely; there were severe weather warnings 
- a very different and rich weekend