Two Directors of the Friends of Portugal just returned from a quick trip to Normandy France, at the lovely town of Franceville-Mereville, just north of the famed 'Pegasus Bridge' where the British invasion forces of the Allied Forces commenced the D Day Invasion of June 6, 1944. Located there is the retreat center and ministry of the Jacques Lefevre Institute, led by Stephen Darling who has lived in France for 20 years. At right is Stephen and Otto Ekk of Portugal at the well preserved German gun battery and museum at Mereville. 
In addition to good conversations of strategies, approaches, opportunities and challenges in Europe, Otto and I also had several meals and extended conversations with the French. At the Institute were many visitors from many parts of the world, including a wonderful Coptic Christian family originally from Egypt; several leaders from a large church in Paris heavily involved in Christian movements in the Muslim world; South Africans, Vietnamese, and native Parisians. Otto and I are non-French speakers, and this made it difficult at times, but common interests and faith brought us together to learn from one another about France and Portugal and emerging developments.
These times built upon recent times with other Portuguese friends, including the Pratas family who serve and work in Mozambique through sports. Pictured at right is the extended Pratas family in a recent visit in Lisbon with us shortly before their return to Mozambique. In addition to Jorge and Alice and their charming daugthers, and their parents in the photo at right, are Joe and Paula Arrias, another Friends of Portugal Director. (FYI Jorge Pratas and Paula Arrais are brother and sister.) It was good to hear of the work in Africa and how Friends of Portugal can be involved.
These times and many more conversations while on this trip lead up to a major planning meeting for the Friends of Portugal leadership team on Monday August 27, to be held in Loures, Portugal. Pictured at left are some of the leaders in a preliminary meeting held recently, to prepare for the entire leadership meeting for both North American and Portuguese leaders. Upon the conclusion of this meeting, we will present to our stakeholders, friends, donors and supporters the strategic priorities of Friends of Portugal for the next 18-24 months, including some exciting projects, proposals and initiatives. We ask for your continued prayers and encouragement for Friends of Portugal.
This time in France and Portugal has been an encouragement to the Friends of Portugal organization and leadership. We are thankful and also realize that we also have "Friends in France" and in many other parts of the world as well!
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