Worship and a wedding

Today was a wonderful day at Riga 1 corps. One of the families who are attached to the corps through Patverums (day center for kids) asked Sarah, corps leader, if they could renew their wedding vows at the corps. They’ve been married for years legally, but never had a church (blessed) wedding. Sarah decided to incorporate it into worship today. Everyone was so excited. The mom is special, needing lots of attention, but obviously very loving toward her family. So, we weren’t really sure how it all would work but knew it would be fun. They showed up early all dressed in their best and Leonita even wore white. Sarah did a great job with the ceremony and they were beaming like newlyweds. The kids were so proud, too. It was very meaningful and the spiritual significance was clear to them and to the congregation.

I got to be part of the worship team today. I feel like they are just being nice when they ask because they know I love to sing, but its fun anyway. And I’m feeling pretty confident about singing in Latvian. Today I actually felt like I was worshipping with some understanding of what I was singing. And I love being able to watch others worship – seeing how they respond to certain themes and how the Spirit moves through the congregation. I was especially moved when we sang ‘Nebaidisos, tu esi Dievs’ which means “I will not fear, You are God” (or something like that.) Alina, one of the girls in my group is leaving tomorrow for a year in America at a mission school. Of course, she is worried about things and she leaves her fiancé here, too. I have to admit, I’m a little concerned, too. As we were singing I was overwhelmed by the sense of that song being just for her and her family. There are so many more stories about people who need that assurance, including me. I found great comfort in those words today.

Picture: Alina, Evie and Olesja (sisters)







Add to this day, another lovely day, yesterday. Zoe, Graeme and Sian invited me to go sightseeing in Lielvarde, a nice little Latvian town. We had a really nice time wondering around a sculpture park and an old wooden castle. It wasn’t the most fabulous tourist spot, but it was nice to spend time together and to be out in the fresh air. Sian is getting to be pretty funny and very expressive. My favorite moment was when I went walking away from them and she yelled, “Evie, wait” and came after me. Nothing special, just a good moment. And I thank God for those moments.


Picture: Zoe and Sian at the castle