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