Jon and Angela Button Just another weblog 
Jon:
The southernmost region of Portugal is named the Algarve which comes from the Arabic word for the west. It is known for it’s numerous beaches and luxury resorts. Many Europeans spend their vacations there and you’ll find that almost everyone speaks at least some English. Having lived in Portugal since October, we have heard a lot about the Algarve.
Angie convinced me that we should visit it after our Portuguese course ended in the beginning of June. I was reluctant to go, as a vacation didn’t seem like it would equal rest for us (three kids under four, no car, etc.). Add on to that driving for the first time in Portugal and borrowing or renting a car, and I was not looking forward to it. But as usual, Angie was right.
Once we got there a few days into it, I was pleased to be there and enjoyed the time. It had been so long since we had taken more than a day to rest and just enjoy each other. It was great to spend time with the boys and Angie- just playing and being together. In spite of the work in getting there, it was worth it and I would recommend it to everyone.
I think it is important to take time to rest and reflect on the many blessings that God has given us. I feel like we were able to recharge for the next phase of life that is already upon us.
Angie:
Our first real family vacation- no computer, no homework, nothing to do but enjoy each other and the beautiful sunny beaches. Sure, we have traveled a lot, but it is usually very tiresome as we spend weeks in the car, traveling coast-to-coast, doing presentations and making short visits to friends and family along the way before we set off to the next destination. That’s work with a few hours to delight in our loved ones. This was different. We concentrated on each other and not everyone and everything else. I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun in my adult life!
The kids had a great time building sand castles with Jon, splashing in the ocean, “swimming” in the pool, playing on the playgrounds and having our focus be family. It’s funny how when they are our focus, the interruptions they bring to our day-to-day life of work are no longer disruptions. It was important for us to realize, again, that these precious children are our primary responsibility and first ministry and we need to communicate that to them, even when we are busy. The blessings and joy we receive from them is inexpressible.
Jon and I didn’t realize how long it had been since we set out to enjoy each other, either. It was fun to watch the kids playing together while we looked on and joined in. Since there was no computer, we found ourselves with more time to talk and connect. We aren’t in that phase of life where we get to sleep on the beach or read a book- we are outnumbered by dependant kids- but, we still managed to relax. I came away feeling full and so satisfied with the blessings and life God has given me. A sweet husband. Three wonderful children. A life of adventure before me.
Take a family vacation.
