Hello Friends!
We’re approaching the end of our first semester of language school and are busy studying for our final tests. We completed our first test (and passed. WOOHOO!) yesterday and have 4 more to go in the next two weeks. Since the lock down was lifted at the beginning of May, we were able to have our babysitter come back and it has been such a blessing! I (Annabel) have been able to catch up on the little things that I didn’t fully grasp while juggling Elias and classes so I am feeling better prepared for the tests and putting what we are learning into practice.
On Mother’s Day, we were able to venture out and explore a little bit. We took a nice walk along the Rio Mondego and afterwards drove around in the country-side. Masks are required in stores, but not in open spaces so it was nice to get out, breathe some fresh air, and enjoy some nature! We’ve been good about keeping up with walks around our neighborhood, but there isn’t much greenery in the city.
Yesterday, we celebrated our little Elias’ FIRST BIRTHDAY! He has been loving the Wiggles recently so we made a few decorations to that theme. It’s crazy to think about all that he has done and experienced in his one year of life! He’s traveled to 9 states (plus a New Jersey airport) taking his first airplane ride at 3 weeks old and has lived in two countries. He has been starting to walk in the past couple of weeks and is so proud of his accomplishments which he demonstrates with squeals of joy and clapping!
Oh, and Elias wanted to make an announcement for those of you who haven’t heard yet…..
We’re so thrilled to be welcoming our second baby during our stay here in Portugal. As most of you know, we had quite a time trying to get pregnant with Elias and experienced four early losses. We weren’t sure what to expect as we desired to have another child and we have been blessed with no difficulties or concerns during this pregnancy so far. It has been such an experience for us to navigate the health care system with our limited Portuguese. Although, at my last doctor’s appointment, when we had a nurse who spoke no English, we realized just how much Portuguese we can understand now.
For those of you who are currently supporting us financially (or are interested in beginning to support us), you may want to take a look at the following link. Some companies will do a match to your gift (ex. you’re giving $50/month so your work will also give $50/month) so your gift will double! You can use the tools given on the link or contact MAF to find out if your company participates in this.
https://www.maf.org/ways-to-give/workplace-giving-and-cfc
While we have been experiencing many joys here, we have also been saddened by the news of the loss of a fellow MAF pilot. Joyce Lin was a pilot in Papua, Indonesia who, shortly after take off, died when her plane crashed into Lake Sentani. You can read more about the wonderful person who she was and the heart that she had for the Lord and mission aviation https://hub.maf.org/memorial/joyce-lin-memorial
Please keep her family and her team in Indonesia in your prayers as well as MAF as a whole.
Praise:
- Finishing up our first semester of language school
- Healthy pregnancy so far and a doctor who speaks some English
- We can start exploring the country
Prayer:
- Baby to continue to grow and be healthy
- As we prepare for these tests, that we would soak up the knowledge we’ve gained this semester and remember it well
- MAF as many are affected by the loss of Joyce Lin.
We would love to hear from you! Feel free to contact us through email, facebook or Whats App.
With Love,
The Koher Family
Ryan, Annabel, Elias, & Baby