Moments to remember

Yesterday I was leaving the training center and stopped to say "Ata" (bye) to the Riga 2 ladies, who were just starting Prayer Meeting - by eating ice cream (!) Zaiga said "Es milu tev" (I love you) and the other three ladies immediately joined in as if they had rehearsed it "Es milu tev ari" (I love you too!) You would have to know the other 3 ladies to appreciate what those words mean. Ilona RT said "You can't leave this!" I will miss those ladies.

Today Arturs and I spent 2 1/2 hours driving around Riga. It is so hot today and I was trying not to be "American" and use the air conditioner, but finally had to give in. We were trying to find a place to repair our video projector. 2 places on opposite sides of town which we were told would do it, but neither would help us. We drove to RHQ to get some more information from Edgars, but he wasn't there. So, hours of driving in the heat for nothing. That's not what I want to remember...I want to remember the good conversations we had along the way and the laughs we had when we returned to the training center having accomplished nothing. I will miss Arturs!

New photos

riga2youth and dpils

Plumbing and Commissioning

My life in Latvia continues to be interesting and full of unexpected surprises. I think I mentioned that just before Christmas my toilet stopped working properly. It wouldn't fill up with water. There was no cold water going through the pipes in that room. Randomly, I discovered that when I turned the sink on the toilet would fill with warm/hot water. I asked our property guy to check it and after giving me a quizical "I don't get it" look, he told me that it was a part of the serious plumbing problem in the whole building. We have really old and rotting pipes. To fix it would mean something bigger than I wanted to deal with. So, I got used to turning the tap on and instructing guests in the same way. Another plumbing problem is the rust and gunk that collects in the tap, slowing down the flow of water. Everytime I wash dishes I think 'I need to get the wrench out and clean the filter.' I've been thinking that for months. Finally, the water was barely dripping out and I had to fix it. A miracle - the water flowed freely! I could cut my dish washing time in half! So, inspired, I moved on to the toilet room (my shower is in a different room so I have no idea what you call that room except 'toilet'. Not very American I know, but it works here.) Yes, that sink also now flows freely - still no cold water, but that's OK. Except...apparently the ability to fill up the toilet by running the sink was somehow related to the lack of pressure in the faucet. So, now the toilet doesn't fill at all. New solution, a large measuring bowl which I use to fill the toilet - 6 bowls fills it! Once again, I'm getting used to this new routine but I'm moving and someone new will live here. I think a better solution must be found. But, until then it makes life interesting.

On to more important matters, commissioning. All along the way with the training school, it's been creating it as we go. You've read all of my stories of trying to sort it all out and relying on my past experience for a lot of the basics, as well as the wisdom and support of many people. So, commissioning is in 3 weeks. A while ago I started to get ready. It didn't seem like such a big deal. We've done large conferences, hosted the General for a Congress and we would just follow the same format. HA! Think about all that is involved with commissioning a cadet and realize that we haven't done it before. (Actually, that's not true. I just learned that Ieva was commissioned here in Latvia - somehow I missed that fact.) Basically, we were starting from scratch. Again, there is no check list for all that you need to commission a cadet (or 6 of them.) Start with all of the documents you need: covenant, education certificate, undertakings for officers, Silver Star certificates, letters from the General and TC, etc......in English, Latvian and Russian. And not just printed on plain white computer paper, but beautifully formatted with graphics and professionally printed. Some were already translated, some not. None are in print-ready format. Then there are the meetings: Covenant service, Silver Star recognition and actual Commissioning. Oh, and new uniforms, official photos, programs, announcements and invitations, Plus all of the usual 'to do' for any conference, like food, set up, translation, media, music. You get it! Are you starting to have knots in your stomach? Welcome to my world! It is true that you draw on past appointments. God does prepare you for what will come. Here's how I've been prepared for this: 30 years of attending commissioning, 10 years on training staff and involved in some aspect of commissioning, 2 years as Asst. Program Secretary (the most helpful for this event.) And the best experience was knowing that you need a committee - so I have one and they are being very helpful. I've also enlisted a few extras beyond the committee and you can be sure the cadets will be doing some work, too. I am so thankful for people willing to help and who are very patient with my nervousness and excitability during these days. Oh, and we have to end training, too. That means spring cleaning, grading all the papers, final evaluations, and many things I haven't even remembered. Oh, and I need to clean out my office, organize the whole thing and write a brief, then pack and clean my flat!

If you think of us, say a prayer, please. And if you have a day or two to volunteer to help Evie, come on over!

Thanks to all of you who acknowledged reading my blog. I guess I'll keep going for a while at least.

Disclaimer - I don't usually do these, but this one is made for me.

"The man spoke in a very soft voice, looking at me as he did, but his words were for the others." Christ the Lord by Anne Rice.

I got this tag from Chenon's xanga (chenondoah) and love it! If you haven't read the book I've quoted, you should. It's a good summer read.

I tag Blisters and Dimples, A UK Salvationist, Reflections, Speirer, URBANarmy. And if you are reading this, I tag you, too!

1. Grab the book closest to you.
2. Turn to page 161
3. Print the 5th complete sentence on your blog.
4. Tag 5 others.

First of all - does anyone read this? Now, on to more important things. I had a wonderful long weekend in Oslo, Norway with my brother and sister-in-law. Steve and Ketsia are there for some holiday and sponsorship projects. Their friend, and the past director of the children's home is Norwegian and she opened her home to them and to me. It was a beautiful home in a perfect spot to see the city. We didn't do a lot except walk, eat and talk. Just what we all needed I think. The first evening we had dinner at a Norwegian officers home, with her lovely family. On Saturday, my friends Gro Merete and Marit, picked us up and took us to see some sites. Then we had a delicious dinner at Gro Merete's home. A very nice day and a chance for me to say goodbye to Gro and Marit. On Sunday, Jan harald and Eli came over for dinner and the afternoon. That was a nice treat for me. Eli works with the missions department, so is very interested in Steve and Ketsia's work. Again, it was a chance for me to say good bye, although I'm sure we'll meet again. I always seem to run into Jan harald somewhere.

That evening we went to a corps just down the street. I talked a little about Latvia, Ketsia and I sang a duet (in creole) - I'm sure Ketsia has had better partners, but it was fun for me. Then Steve preached a wonderful sermon. I'm not going to tell you about it because I want him to write it out and publish it somewhere. Monday was to be our day to sightsee on our own, but we didn't get far. Coffee at Sally Ann, a short walk and then we smelled Thai food. That was it - we had a great lunch and lingered long over the table because the rain was pouring down. We couldn't figure out how to get back to the flat via public transportation - didn't know the right tram number and didn't know the address to take a taxi! So, we walked in the rain. Which led us to take naps when we got home and warmed up. It was a short trip, but such a treat to be able to be with my family in Norway. I was reminded again of how small our Army world is and how grateful I am for the opportunities I get because of that. Who would have ever thought that we would meet in Oslo?

Saturday we had a prayer day with the cadets, Riga 1 and 2 corps. It wasn't very well attended but I think it was a nice day. I was distracted with the food details but when we finished with lunch it felt like the others were glad to be there. They didn't run off too fast! When we started we sang "I could sing of your love forever". I looked around at this very unusual mixture of people and thought 'it is God's love that brings us together.' In any other situation, these people would never spend half a day together. But, God does miraculous and wondrous things!

Sunday was a day to celebrate and say goodbye. At the Riga 1 corps, Abigail Evie Smith was dedicated. Sarah led a beautiful service and it was a joy to be part of it. Then we said good bye to Simon and Helen and their kids. They are leaving in a couple of weeks to return to the UK. They start the round of farewells. I left Riga 1 and headed to Riga 2 where the cadets were leading the meeting. It was their farewell to this very special corps who have welcomed us and shared not just a building, but their lives with us. I got there in time for the speeches and flowers. Then a delicious lunch prepared by Ilona Rasa-Trupa. I'm not done there, so this was just good bye for the cadets. I'm not starting that business yet. Enough for now. Here are some more pictures to enjoy!

steveketsiaoslo

smiths and coes

spring07

I'm finally catching up with photos. These are various pictures from this spring. Most of them I've already commented on in previous blogs. Enjoy!

Finally - photos from our trip to the UK

uktrip 0507

Time flies

Where to start? At the beginning or the end? OK, big news first - I now know where I'll be appointed when I return home this summer. I'm going to be the Divisional Secretary in the Midland Division, St. Louis, Missouri. I'm not clear yet about the specific job description that goes with this title, but I am excited about living in St. Louis, working with a lot of good friends both on headquarters and in the corps and learning a new culture (I've never lived that far south!) It won't actually happen until the first week in September, so after these initial days of announcing it and sorting out some of the details I have to put the next phase of my life aside for awhile. The days are going by way too fast and I have too many things to do before I leave Latvia. And I need to separate leaving, which will be quite difficult I'm beginning to understand, from going to a new place, which is another adventure.

In the midst of this happening, we have been very busy at the training school. After my last post, we had a visit from Vic and Ros Poke, territorial leaders from Sweden. They spent a blessed day with the cadets. During our worship service, we experienced powerful moments of worship and prayer. And the cadets received their 1st appointments! Here they are:

Andrejs and Irina to Riga, Russian Ministry and Prison Ministry

Sergejs to Drusti and Seda (Cesis team)

Arturs to Daugavpils, Youth officer and help with planting work in Latgale

Velta to Liepaja, corps leader with Ilona

Ilona to Liepaja, corps leader with Velta

The next week I took the cadets and Dana to London. We met up with the cadets and staff from Sweden and spent nearly a week together in the UK. We had 2 days in London, seeing Army sites and many of my favorite London spots. We also enjoyed nice fellowship with some friends: Stuart and Marjory Watson, Steve Yoder, Hasse and Kristina Kjellgren. We went to IHQ and I couldn't believe how many friends I saw there: Joy Baillie, Nancy Moretz, Bill and Nancy Roberts, Ted Horwood and probably a few others I can't remember. We also enjoyed the fellowship of our friends from Sweden. Walking long distances and traveling on many trains gave us great opportunities for conversations. From London, we travelled to Southport for the Roots Conference. I only spent one day there, but loved it. And again, saw many friends but most of them just long enough to say hi. One special blessing was getting to spend quite a while talking with Lyndall Bywater. She is such a special woman and I feel privileged to call her a friend. I also caught up with Henrik and Lisbeth and Lukas at Starbucks! What a great combination - Andersens and a latte! I had to leave early so Sarah and Dace came to help the cadets through the rest of the weekend. I'm especially grateful to Dana who worked really hard, translating, organizing and generally keeping me sane during this fun, but rather complicated trip. We are still trying to figure out our expenses - well, she is - bless her!

I came home early because Paul and Paula Fleeman arrived on Saturday for a week in Riga. What fun we have had (I hope they think so!) We have tried lots of good restaurants and coffee shops, of course. They taught on Tuesday for Leaders' Day and were excellent. Paul shared some personal experiences which really impacted the leaders. A couple of other things from Leaders' Day: Inga was there after some serious health concerns and time in the hospital. She gave a powerful testimony to God's faithfulness in her life. Patrik came and taught us some self defense techniques. Karina was my partner for some of it - she is strong! And you can imagine me trying to do anything that involved moving my hands and feet at the same time and in different directions! (pictures later) Wednesday and Thursday, Paul and Paula taught the cadets. Paul - Biblical counseling from the book of Job and Paula - Inductive preaching. The cadets were tired from Roots, but still seemed to get a lot out of the classes and enjoyed getting to know the Fleemans. And finally tonight, I took Fleemans to the ballet! And tomorrow - I'm on my way to Norway to meet Steve and Ketsia for a long weekend. They are meeting with sponsors there. Another blessing!

Throughout these busy days, God has been present and active. I'll try to write something about how He has been speaking to me through various people and His word - later. For now, be assured that I know God is faithful and I trust Him to continue to be. (pictures of all of this will be posted later)