Learning Portuguese

Finally Bryan and I have started taking language lessons.  Is this because I think I am going to get a job here?  Well, the hope is continuing but it is really because if we are going to live here in Soyo, it is important to learn the language to be able to communicate with the people who live here.  We have asked our gardener to teach us.  He told us he is a teacher and he does work with his children and helps them with their school work.  He is an interesting man.....and has had an interesting life.  He told us today that he spent many years in the military here in Angola and in neighboring countries in the 70's through the 90's....then he worked in security and finally two years ago resigned that job and became a gardener.  He is caring for 3 of his children here in Soyo while his wife stays with one in Luanda and he even has a daughter living in Qatar with his sister.  He is patient with us but demands we repeat and repeat the lessons.  We like him very much.  He is also encouraging and tells us that we will learn quickly.....we hope so...

I have had the opportunity to see the clinic on the base that will be used for Occupational Health for the base being built here.  Dr's Artur and Gabriella from Brazil invited me to go with them to see the place and make recommendations.....it was enjoyable and quite a surprise to see the facilities.....

There are few of us here at this time.  We are having a progressive dinner on Christmas Eve.....  One of the ladies asked if we had any tradition for Christmas Eve in our home.....and it is new pajamas for all... but this was not feasible here.....as there are about 20 of us involved in the progressive dinner.  Still am getting the pajamas for the kids to have for Christmas Eve at their homes.  Hope they will send a photo.

So at the progressive dinner I'm going to provide the appetizers.....Spring Rolls, Spinach and Artichoke dip, Cheese cubes, and maybe sausage bites if I can't find small tomatoes in the market for a herb and cheese dish....you never know with the market.....Bhavna, an Indian woman here, is going to bring Pakoras to share.  Then we will go to another home for soup, on for the main dinner and finally the last house for dessert.  It will be an enjoyable evening, I believe.

We have found an International Church here.....in English.....and the pastor is Angolan, his wife is from Uganda and they have a little boy.  They are going to join us for Christmas dinner along with the two rotators that will be here......it is difficult not to have family with you on the holidays...and this will help all of us enjoy the day more....  We are going to have Turkey here at our home with all the usual fixins....  I am actually looking forward to making this meal....

This is our first Christmas away from our children and here in Soyo.  We are going to make this a memorable day.....and rejoice at the memory of Jesus' birth......