Sitting in Oslo -yes, that's Norway!

I'm sitting in the computer room of the Norwegian training school with an adorable blonde headed little boy. He is trying to talk to me but we are not communicating. The only thing I can say in Norwegian is Hei (Hi) and he doesn't understand English. Oh language is so important and so frustrating! I'm in Oslo because today I taught the cadets on my favorite theme, Worship. I love teaching about this subject, because every time I prepare and even while I am teaching, I am challenged in a new way or understand something new about God and our (my) worship of Him. It happened again today. The first moment was not even related to preparation. I am reading Revelation right now and am looking at it as a book of worship, rather than studying it in another way. It's a blessing to read it this way, I recommend it! I was reading Revelation 7 this morning and these words came to life for me.

9After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."

13Then one of the elders asked me, "These in white robes—who are they,

and where did they come from?" 14I answered, "Sir, you know."
And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15Therefore, they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. 16Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst.

The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat.

17For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

I could see the faces of those in white robes - people I've seen on the news who are refugees, victims of floods, fires, war, AIDS, the hungry, abused, orphans...and they are able to praise God, to call Him 'our God' because they know Him as Shepherd, Living Water, Healer and Comforter. And I was overwhelmed with that picture - with the reality of that vision - it will happen - our God is amazing!

I'm off to the Norwegian conference center tomorrow to join with the other European Training Officers for 4 days of teaching and fellowship. I'm sure there will be more inspiration and blessing to write about.

Our trip to Sweden

First a little sightseeing in Stockholm. We took Steve Yoder along to add to the fun!
(as always click on photos for better view.)



Old friends and new!


Old City church

St. George and his dragon


Dana liked this view

The training course at Agesta, Sweden



Good fellowship

Steve and Gro Merete, Training Principal from Norway and some of the Norwegian team

Steve taught passionately, of course!

The final meeting: flag waving, dancing and a few words about the experience

Cadets and Larssons - Christmas dinner at my house. Mom's Lasagne...mmmm!

Northern European Training Course

I need to write about our trip to Sweden for the cadets training course with other cadets from Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and Faeroe Islands. It's been 2 weeks since we returned. It was an amazing 4 days but I can't seem to find words to describe it. I'll post some pictures which should help. Here are some of the highlights:

The cadets loved being with other cadets. They discovered they were normal and that there is a great fellowship among people of like mind and heart. The language differences were overcome and they gained confidence every day.
We had a great time with each other. It was fun to travel together. We had some very special opportunities to pray with each other.
It was such a blessing for me to watch them interact and to see how they were moved by the Spirit to testify, pray and be obedient to his leading.
Personally, it was more than I can describe in writing. I loved the fellowship and friendship of the other training staff. Most of them I knew well, but a few were just acquaintances who I got to know better. It helps to get support from people who really understand what I'm doing.
One of my great friends, Steve Yoder, was our guest instructor. Who would have ever guessed that we would meet up one day in Sweden? We had good conversation and lots of fun. It was a blessing to see him in action as a teacher, preacher and interacting with the cadets.
On Sunday, Steve and I planned the worship service. He preached and I led it. It was one of those moments (well, couple of hours really). We only had a simple plan and were not sure how it would all come together. The Spirit had a bigger plan and it was beautiful. Again, I can't adequately describe the experience but trust me it was amazing!
The last evening, we had a prayer service and again, not a lot was planned. And once again, the Lord was more than faithful. People prayed together, cried together, shared and prayed again. For me, there were a couple of moments of being especially Spirit-led to pray for people. In one instance what I prayed for someone had been prayed (in another language) just a few moments before. It was a holy and joyful moment when we realized that and it confirmed what the Lord wanted to do in that life.

I guess I found some words! Thank God for such amazing opportunities – sometimes I wonder why I get to experience them – only because of God's grace.

Super Bowl Shuffle

Super Bowl Shuffle

Go Bears! I miss Chicago today! (for you Europeans - this is what real football is about!)http://www.chicagobears.com

The cadets' Christmas

Here are some pictures from the corps the cadets trained at during December. (I already wrote a long description about this in an earlier post, if you want some more detail read that!)

Velta and the Riga 2 corps


Velta with her grandson

Mare - Ieva's dog (and the corps'!)


Ilona is always taking photos, so I caught her!

The Riga 2 Christmas Program

Velta was the grandma who told the story

Nasty innkeepers - Ieva and Ilona


Sergejs and Seda




Faces of Seda

Anna takes care of things with her helper

Davids - future cadet!

Ilona and Liepa

a little bowling and breakfast for Christmas!

Finally, pictures from Christmas. The first are from the Smiths/Ilsters visit to my house. The next set are from our small group bowling adventure.
(click on pictures for better view)

I know I promised to post Christmas season pictures, but I'm going to go backwards and post New Year's pics first. We had a really fun New Year's Eve event at the Riga 1 corps. Lots of games, food, worship and well, generally a lot of noise! (as always, click on pictures for a better view)
Aivis gets his picture taken for once!

Everyone played games, even Sian!


Evie vs. Dace
(I'm the graceful one in front in case you couldn't tell the difference!)


Some crazy dancing game. We all joined in although you can see some are more coordinated than others.



And finally - HAPPY NEW YEAR! (the poster girl is Everita!)