The line snaked out of the building and across the courtyard.  We had been standing in line for hours waiting to give our documents to the officials - the last step in the long process of applying for residency permits here in Portugal.  "Can this day get any worse?" I wondered out loud.  As if in answer to my question, the rain began.  With only one umbrella for the three of us, I quickly became a wet, grumbling missionary!

We began this long, and at times, frustrating journey, back in March.  After jumping through all the bureaucratic hoops, we finally obtained 6 month visas in July and were told we would have to continue the process once we arrived in Portugal.  After moving, we immediately began working to finish this all important task, but we discovered the pace of life is much, much slower in Portugal than it was in Lithuania.  Nothing goes quickly here and no one worries about it.  Could I adjust to this new way of thinking?

Just as God was in control in high pressured Lithuania, so He is still in control in laid back Portugal!  This week, we received our Portuguese residence permits and the best thing is; they are valid for two years!!  What a wonderful Christmas present from our Lord!  Even though we are still waiting for a phone line and a mattress for our bed, I am no longer worried, we’ll get them sometime...hey, maybe I am adjusting to this new way of thinking!

Mark Hale, Portugal