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.