Mark's visit and vacation

Old Riga buildings and tourists!


The castle is where we heard Vivaldi


Art Nouveau Riga

It's been a very busy few weeks. I can't begin to catch up on all of it. I have read some great things that I want to share but I'll do that later. Last week we had a really amazing time in our small group, studying John 17, one of my favorites. On Sunday I visited the cadets in Riga 2 and Bauska, Velta and Arturs. Both of them are having a great time and I think learning some good things, as well. This week I've been on vacation, here in Riga. Mark Bender came for a couple days before he joined the mission team in Germany. We had a lot of fun seeing as much of Riga as we could in 2 days - very rainy, wet and windy days. We also had some great conversations, mostly me talking about my life and Mark patiently listening. And of course, we tried out lots of coffee shops and restaurants - what would a visit to Riga be without food?! My favorite part of those days was exploring the Art Nouveau architecture. (See pictures above) We also went to hear the Riga chamber orchestra play Vivaldi's Four Seasons. It was beautiful. Now I'm being very lazy and watching lots of movies. Tonight I went with Larssons and Smiths to the anglican church for the English Carol Sing. That was fun, too. We sang slower than I've ever sung the carols and verses I'd never heard of with phrases like

"Christian children all must be Mild, obedient, good as he."

"Hither page and stand by me if thou knowst it telling
Yonder peasant, who is he, where and what his dwelling?
Sire, he lives a good league hence, underneath the mountain,
Right against the forest fence, by Saint Agnes' fountain."

This season I seem to be focused on the word "Glory" and was glad to sing

"Sing choirs of angels, Sing in exultation
Sing all ye citizens of heaven above:
Glory to God In the highest.
O Come Let Us Adore Him, Christ the Lord!"