Perspective

Today I was reading about Erin Swan's (http://www.xanga.com/anotheroutsourcedamerican) life in Sri Lanka. We had lunch together in Chicago this summer, just before she left for her year long adventure there. Some of her experience with first things reminds me of mine. But, Latvia is not Sri Lanka and she is much more courageous than I. It's such a blessing to read how God is teaching her and how open she is to be taught. I want to always be like that and maybe become a little more brave, as well!

I've been reading another inspiring book (so watch out - more quotes coming! Although, I think they are more for my benefit than expect that anyone actually reads them.) I'm reading Intimate Intercession by Tricia Rhodes(http://christianmusic.about.com/od/bookreviews/fr/intimateinterce.htm). It is such a simple yet powerful book. I always try (well, for 2 years anyway) to read a book about prayer before our Prayer Conference. I've had this one for a while, but as usual, now is the perfect time for me to read it. I have been way too introspective this summer and this is getting me away from thinking - and praying - about myself and on to praying for others in a new and amazing way. I can only read one chapter every few days because, well, that's all I can handle at one time. Perhaps the most powerful part for me is the exercise at the end of the chapter. It is very simple - a well chosen passage of scripture and then a written prayer from some other source. But, something happens to me when I read them (out loud, which is new for me.) I'm always struck by some key phrase that directs me to pray that Scripture for someone or some event happening in the world. I can't describe it adequately, but I've been led to pray specifically for the events in the Middle East (thanks, General Clifton for additional inspiration on that topic) from Daniel 9, to pray around our region for each of the leaders with some very specific themes and to pray Jesus' prayer in John 17 for the cadets. There are only 7 chapters in the book, so I should be finished soon. I'm sure I'll have more to say.

I missed writing about a milestone in my Life in Latvia. The first week of August was my second anniversary of living here and I got my 3rd residence permit. So, I'm set for another year. Getting the residence permit is such a hassle and I get very tense about it. But, the day I got it was so anticlimactic. No 'congratulations', 'we're glad you're here' or even flowers or chocolate. Simply, sit down, take a very bad picture and wait until they call your name. 'Diaz' - yes!? - 'here'. The end! Welcome to Latvia!