Tips for STPers

Some helpful things to know before arriving: 

What are the responsibilities?

    We have two primary responsibilities for our STPers:

    1) To keep the LTC prepared for ministry, which means:

• Cleaning

  • Laundry

  • Landscaping

  • General Maintenance 

  • Other tasks as needed

You may check the LTC Calendar by following the link on the left to see what is planned during your stay here.

    2) To encourage the missionaries:

Our STPers are a real joy to our missionaries here. We ask that you take the time to get to know them, visit with them, share a meal with them and pray for them.

    You will partner with the LTC Directors, decide what chores and projects best fit your abilities and create a personalized schedule. The expectation is to work around 30 hours per week depending on work load and the what the facility needs. 

What to pack?

    Debit Cards seem to work better than credit cards, credit cards work but are not as widely accepted or convenient when needing cash. The banking system is excellent here and very secure. The Euro is the currency of Portugal, as well as almost all of the European Union.

    Walking shoes or sturdy tennis shoes. The sidewalks are cobblestone, meaning they are uneven. We also have lots of steps in Portugal.

    Sweaters and jackets/Layers/ warm socks are  helpful, even in summer months. Its colder inside usually than outside in Portugal. Also at night it cools down and in the shade can be deceivingly cold.

    Hats, sunscreen and sunglasses will help to keep the summer sun from burning you.

    Work Clothes for working in the yard and gardens.

    Business casual for church or going out. 

    Prescription medications (a reminder to have enough for your stay), and over-the-counter sinus meds, ibuprofen, etc. The health care system is very good in Portugal should you need to see a doctor or have a medical emergency during your stay.

    There is WIFI  in your apartment, TV,  a smart phone for your personal use (in country calls only unless calling through FB messenger or WhatsApp, etc. when connected to the internet) we have computer for your use and printer. 

Transportation

    There is a car for your personal use, you pay for your own gas and tolls. If you decide to go sightseeing or take the care out for more than ministry use  and grocery shopping, please partner with LTC Directors to learn more about maintenance fees. 

    There is a TomTom GPS navigation device in the car and also GPS on the STP smart phone. 

Weather of Portugal?

    Due to the shape of the local terrain, the LTC has an almost constant breeze coming from the ocean. During the winter months the breeze accentuates the chill in the air, but during the rest of the year it is greatly appreciated.

    The winter months is the season of rain, snow is a rarity (there are decades between snowfalls).

    The summers do have some hot days but the nights almost always cool down nicely because of the closeness of the ocean.

    The STP quarters are air conditioned and heated.    

Here is a link to the weather where the LTC is located.