I love this picture! Thanks to the Kozlovska sisters for this one. (click on it for better view)
Friday, June 29, 2007
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Latvian summer celebrations
To find out more about summer solstice celebration in Lativa go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C4%81%C5%86i
I've had the most interesting 2 days, after a week of trying to get some things done and get my energy back. These 2 days were perfect days, in fact. It is Ligo Jani Festival(see link above). This is my 4th summer here, but the first time I've been here for this holiday. I was told it's mostly about drinking and it's best to be away, but while there is definitely that part you can celebrate summer without that. On Saturday, the Smiths and I went to Double Coffee for a very long breakfast which led into ice cream before we left. It was really relaxing and fun. Sian and I did a lot of giggling. And we hardly talked work which was great. In the evening I drove to Bauska for their Jani celebration. Ruth asked me to come so they could say good bye to me. There were about 40 people there, mostly women and mostly older than me. Ruth taught me something really important while I was with them last night. She told me that many of them are either alone or have husbands who would be home drinking all night. So she has this event every year to give them something special and a safe place. I guess we often think that kind of group doesn't need special attention, but I understood that her heart is with them and this is what she can do to help. I still hope and pray that someday there will be some help available for the men and women who are dealing with alchohol problems (both the acoholic and families). But, until then this is something we can do and it costs us very little time, money or even energy. I wish I had been more sensitive about this sooner. Back to the party - we had devotions, I gave my testimony and got a beautiful wreath of flowers to wear. Then we sang, first Christian songs and then folk songs about Ligo and Jani. It was fun to try to sing along. Then the food - traditional sausages on the grill (I had 2!), pierags, delicious caraway cheese (why haven't I had this before?) and Kvass (a popular drink - YUK!) I switched to something like cream soda quickly.
Sunday we had no church because many people are away. I'm sorry we didn't plan something (not the corps, but those of us who were around) but I invited the girls over for the day. We started with a walk to Old Riga with our cameras (see photos) and after a few hours we returned to my flat for food and lots of it. I bought a lot knowing that the girls can eat and they brought some too. Most of it is gone! We watched a movie, played a couple of games and now the day is over. And so is the weekend, so to work tomorrow. I have to get going on all the farewell stuff. But an absolutely perfect in every way 2 days.
Check out the movies and photos:
I've had the most interesting 2 days, after a week of trying to get some things done and get my energy back. These 2 days were perfect days, in fact. It is Ligo Jani Festival(see link above). This is my 4th summer here, but the first time I've been here for this holiday. I was told it's mostly about drinking and it's best to be away, but while there is definitely that part you can celebrate summer without that. On Saturday, the Smiths and I went to Double Coffee for a very long breakfast which led into ice cream before we left. It was really relaxing and fun. Sian and I did a lot of giggling. And we hardly talked work which was great. In the evening I drove to Bauska for their Jani celebration. Ruth asked me to come so they could say good bye to me. There were about 40 people there, mostly women and mostly older than me. Ruth taught me something really important while I was with them last night. She told me that many of them are either alone or have husbands who would be home drinking all night. So she has this event every year to give them something special and a safe place. I guess we often think that kind of group doesn't need special attention, but I understood that her heart is with them and this is what she can do to help. I still hope and pray that someday there will be some help available for the men and women who are dealing with alchohol problems (both the acoholic and families). But, until then this is something we can do and it costs us very little time, money or even energy. I wish I had been more sensitive about this sooner. Back to the party - we had devotions, I gave my testimony and got a beautiful wreath of flowers to wear. Then we sang, first Christian songs and then folk songs about Ligo and Jani. It was fun to try to sing along. Then the food - traditional sausages on the grill (I had 2!), pierags, delicious caraway cheese (why haven't I had this before?) and Kvass (a popular drink - YUK!) I switched to something like cream soda quickly.
Sunday we had no church because many people are away. I'm sorry we didn't plan something (not the corps, but those of us who were around) but I invited the girls over for the day. We started with a walk to Old Riga with our cameras (see photos) and after a few hours we returned to my flat for food and lots of it. I bought a lot knowing that the girls can eat and they brought some too. Most of it is gone! We watched a movie, played a couple of games and now the day is over. And so is the weekend, so to work tomorrow. I have to get going on all the farewell stuff. But an absolutely perfect in every way 2 days.
Check out the movies and photos:
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| midsummer movies |
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| mid summer |
Friday, June 22, 2007
more memories of commissioning
Here are a few things I want to remember about these special days in Latvia:
Want to read more? Check out these blogs: Henrik - http://www.andersennews.blogspot.com/; Graeme - http://www.pilgrimsoldier.net/; Zoe - www.pilgrimsoldier.net/zoe
And have you read your latest copy of Global Exchange? You should always read it. Morag Yoder is the editor and she's good. But, especially July-September, 2007, p. 6ff. Thanks, Morag!
- This is what I read in my devotions every day during the week: Father, protect me from the onslaught of things, both good and evil, that will bid for my attention this day. (from Disciplines for the inner life) What better words could I have?
- The cadets' uniforms arrived and fit! But, there were no epaulets, stars or red patches with them. The epaulets and stars arrived later, but not the patches. Lisbeth bought velcro for the epaulets to attach. Chris and I rummaged through the office looking for old patches or something to be substituted. We found red hat bands. I gave them to the cadets and said 'do what you can with these.' The next morning they had beautiful red patches with 'P's. They are so clever!
- Sergejs' great big smiles as he marched down the aisle and as he received his commission
- Arturs words of thanks to me and the many flowers I received from corps people and friends
- Seeing Velta from a distance in her red trimmed uniform and thinking it looked natural. Vic saying "she looks like she was born for it!"
- Ilona's 3 handsome sons surrounding her after commissioning, so proud of her!
Want to read more? Check out these blogs: Henrik - http://www.andersennews.blogspot.com/; Graeme - http://www.pilgrimsoldier.net/; Zoe - www.pilgrimsoldier.net/zoe
And have you read your latest copy of Global Exchange? You should always read it. Morag Yoder is the editor and she's good. But, especially July-September, 2007, p. 6ff. Thanks, Morag!
Monday, June 18, 2007
How do you feel? That's the big question that people have been asking and I guess I've been asking myself, too. I feel really blessed and cared for by God. Not just through this week but over the last 3 years. Specifically, about these days. . .
Thursday was our first big event. We had an open house at the training school. Everyone who had any connection to the cadets' training was invited. About 20 or so came. Ilona Rasa-Trupa, Dana and the cadet ladies put the food together. Wonderful Latvian treats. Thanks to them for all their work. Don't think the men and I were lazy, though. We were at Riga 1 setting up for commissioning. Commissioners Poke and Kristina Frisk (Chief Secretary) were with us for all 4 days. After the open house, we went with Goran and Chris to Lido (you'll hear that name often, too) to go over the plans for the rest of the week. It was an excellent first day of our big Commissioning!
Friday was an especially sacred day. We came back to the training school for the Covenant Service. This was a private meeting, only the cadets, Larssons, Pokes, K. Frisk, me and translators – Guna and Dana, along with Sergejs wife, Aižan. The program was simple but moving. Three testimonies helped focus our thoughts. Interesting that they all shared a common theme – fathers. Kristina and Guna talked about their calling and their fathers' encouragement. I talked about God's commitment to us during difficult days and shared about my parents. Each of us were able to testify to God's faithfulness to us. A good message for the cadets to hear at this important hour. I could sense the cadets were starting to feel the seriousness of the next hours/days in their lives. Already they were starting to act like officers/leaders, instead of cadets/students. I noticed it most in Arturs as he translated for Guna, in an almost professional manner and then as he, along with Ilona, movingly read a beautiful poem about God's call on Abraham's life. (I might post it later.) We sang a beautiful song, tune by Paul Fleeman - “The Cross is not greater than His grace”. (If you want a copy of the melody, I'll be happy to share.) Then Chris prayed a powerful prayer over each of the cadets. Vic Poke challenged them with some words from scripture, then on to the covenant signing. What an amazing privilege to sit at the table as they signed and witness this commitment with my own signature. We ended with one of my favorite songs to sing with them, “Blessed Assurance” to the new tune, of course!
Of course, we couldn't be serious all day. After lunch at, you guessed it, Lido – we went to Riga 1 for commissioning rehearsal. I have never enjoyed this part of commissioning but we did OK. They listened most of the time and Vic was sure of what he wanted, so that made it easier. We also laughed a lot. The day ended with dinner at the Steak Haus with our guests from Sweden. This included Brittmarie Karlsson and Lisbeth Mansson. Brittmarie has been a good support to me and our training from the beginning. Lisbeth is the officer appointed to take my place. She came to see more about us. (more later) Of course, after dinner we had to have coffee and dessert so Chris and I took charge. We went to the Hotel Latvia to see the view from the top and finished the evening with nice fellowship and treats in the hotel. A long but important day.
Saturday morning we all were back at the Training school to celebrate with the families and special friends of the cadets. We also invited Henrik and Lisbeth to join us. I'm so glad they were able to come for the weekend. Of course, as soon as Lisbeth saw we could use a little help, she joined in. Thanks, Lisbeth! The cadets were each given 4 tickets for this luncheon. One of these was for the person they had chosen to receive the Silver Star. A special recognition for the parent or significant person who had helped them through life. It was so much fun to get to see and meet the family of the cadets. Sergejs' sister and father were lovely. Velta, Ilona and Andrejs/Irina had children there and for V. and I. grandchildren, too. Arturs' mother was with him. In addition, they all invited people who had been spiritual parents for them. It was beautiful and inspiring to hear their stories. Some of those present are not Christians and we pray that some word or the simple witness through the life of the cadets will draw them to Christ. I have to mention the lunch – good homemade Latvian food. I was a happy girl! I rushed home from there because I had to write a speech for the evening. A phrase that stuck with me from my scripture reading during the week had been 1 Corinthians 2:16b “We have the mind of Christ”. I prayed that my words would reflect the mind of Christ. And so we moved into the actual Commissioning and Ordination Service. So far I had remained fairly unemotional – or perhaps my emotions were held in check until later. There are Vic and I standing in front of a hall full of people as Janis Mucinieks marches in proudly bearing the flag. Then it's the cadets turn – Arturs first. Unexpectedly my eyes welled up as he came down the stairs. I would have held it together but Vic chose that moment to lean over and say “This must be a very special moment for you.” And there you go...I didn't lose it but only barely. The cadets were so excited marching in, some could barely keep from flying through the hall. Fortunately, that made me laugh and I got a grip. A bit later I got to present the cadets to the TC and the Army in Latvia. I'll put that talk up later. Then Sergejs, Arturs and Dace did a fun drama. That followed with the cadets reciting the doctrines and then the commissioning/ordination. We had chosen a special verse for each cadet and that was shared during their individual commissioning moment. Vic gave a short challenge to the cadets and the congregation and we had a good time of response and prayer. And then...finally the cadets had snuck out the back door and reentered wearing their red 'captains' trim. We greeted them loudly and they were presented with arm loads of flowers and gifts. Then a nice reception, organized by Ilona RT and catered by Katrina. Sunday was a day of worship. Sarah and her team did a great job and we sang the best songs! The theme for the meeting was 'Called to be holy'. 2 cadets and Ros Poke gave their testimonies based on that theme. Arturs, Velta and Ilona did a hysterically funny drama - who taught them to act?! Vic preached a clear message to all of us about the need to be filled with the Holy Spirit in order to live a holy life. There was a great response and I believe some important decisions were made. Following the meeting more food and fellowship, put together by the same great team. One sad thing - it was time to say good bye to Guna, Andre and Manuela. And we were done.
For me the rest of the day included lunch, at another Lido (!), with Smiths, Andersens, Ilsters and Dace. Then a nap, followed by a good time at Ilsters' house with them and Andersens. I had to really say goodbye to Henrik and Lisbeth this time. Who knows when we will meet again. But, I finish for tonight with my new life theme “We'll always have blogs!”
Check out this wonderful website for Ieva's pictures from the week.(check out her other pics, too) http://ieva.class8.be/main.php?g2_page=3 Specific thanks and probably more reflection will come later.
Thursday was our first big event. We had an open house at the training school. Everyone who had any connection to the cadets' training was invited. About 20 or so came. Ilona Rasa-Trupa, Dana and the cadet ladies put the food together. Wonderful Latvian treats. Thanks to them for all their work. Don't think the men and I were lazy, though. We were at Riga 1 setting up for commissioning. Commissioners Poke and Kristina Frisk (Chief Secretary) were with us for all 4 days. After the open house, we went with Goran and Chris to Lido (you'll hear that name often, too) to go over the plans for the rest of the week. It was an excellent first day of our big Commissioning!
Friday was an especially sacred day. We came back to the training school for the Covenant Service. This was a private meeting, only the cadets, Larssons, Pokes, K. Frisk, me and translators – Guna and Dana, along with Sergejs wife, Aižan. The program was simple but moving. Three testimonies helped focus our thoughts. Interesting that they all shared a common theme – fathers. Kristina and Guna talked about their calling and their fathers' encouragement. I talked about God's commitment to us during difficult days and shared about my parents. Each of us were able to testify to God's faithfulness to us. A good message for the cadets to hear at this important hour. I could sense the cadets were starting to feel the seriousness of the next hours/days in their lives. Already they were starting to act like officers/leaders, instead of cadets/students. I noticed it most in Arturs as he translated for Guna, in an almost professional manner and then as he, along with Ilona, movingly read a beautiful poem about God's call on Abraham's life. (I might post it later.) We sang a beautiful song, tune by Paul Fleeman - “The Cross is not greater than His grace”. (If you want a copy of the melody, I'll be happy to share.) Then Chris prayed a powerful prayer over each of the cadets. Vic Poke challenged them with some words from scripture, then on to the covenant signing. What an amazing privilege to sit at the table as they signed and witness this commitment with my own signature. We ended with one of my favorite songs to sing with them, “Blessed Assurance” to the new tune, of course!
Of course, we couldn't be serious all day. After lunch at, you guessed it, Lido – we went to Riga 1 for commissioning rehearsal. I have never enjoyed this part of commissioning but we did OK. They listened most of the time and Vic was sure of what he wanted, so that made it easier. We also laughed a lot. The day ended with dinner at the Steak Haus with our guests from Sweden. This included Brittmarie Karlsson and Lisbeth Mansson. Brittmarie has been a good support to me and our training from the beginning. Lisbeth is the officer appointed to take my place. She came to see more about us. (more later) Of course, after dinner we had to have coffee and dessert so Chris and I took charge. We went to the Hotel Latvia to see the view from the top and finished the evening with nice fellowship and treats in the hotel. A long but important day.
Saturday morning we all were back at the Training school to celebrate with the families and special friends of the cadets. We also invited Henrik and Lisbeth to join us. I'm so glad they were able to come for the weekend. Of course, as soon as Lisbeth saw we could use a little help, she joined in. Thanks, Lisbeth! The cadets were each given 4 tickets for this luncheon. One of these was for the person they had chosen to receive the Silver Star. A special recognition for the parent or significant person who had helped them through life. It was so much fun to get to see and meet the family of the cadets. Sergejs' sister and father were lovely. Velta, Ilona and Andrejs/Irina had children there and for V. and I. grandchildren, too. Arturs' mother was with him. In addition, they all invited people who had been spiritual parents for them. It was beautiful and inspiring to hear their stories. Some of those present are not Christians and we pray that some word or the simple witness through the life of the cadets will draw them to Christ. I have to mention the lunch – good homemade Latvian food. I was a happy girl! I rushed home from there because I had to write a speech for the evening. A phrase that stuck with me from my scripture reading during the week had been 1 Corinthians 2:16b “We have the mind of Christ”. I prayed that my words would reflect the mind of Christ. And so we moved into the actual Commissioning and Ordination Service. So far I had remained fairly unemotional – or perhaps my emotions were held in check until later. There are Vic and I standing in front of a hall full of people as Janis Mucinieks marches in proudly bearing the flag. Then it's the cadets turn – Arturs first. Unexpectedly my eyes welled up as he came down the stairs. I would have held it together but Vic chose that moment to lean over and say “This must be a very special moment for you.” And there you go...I didn't lose it but only barely. The cadets were so excited marching in, some could barely keep from flying through the hall. Fortunately, that made me laugh and I got a grip. A bit later I got to present the cadets to the TC and the Army in Latvia. I'll put that talk up later. Then Sergejs, Arturs and Dace did a fun drama. That followed with the cadets reciting the doctrines and then the commissioning/ordination. We had chosen a special verse for each cadet and that was shared during their individual commissioning moment. Vic gave a short challenge to the cadets and the congregation and we had a good time of response and prayer. And then...finally the cadets had snuck out the back door and reentered wearing their red 'captains' trim. We greeted them loudly and they were presented with arm loads of flowers and gifts. Then a nice reception, organized by Ilona RT and catered by Katrina. Sunday was a day of worship. Sarah and her team did a great job and we sang the best songs! The theme for the meeting was 'Called to be holy'. 2 cadets and Ros Poke gave their testimonies based on that theme. Arturs, Velta and Ilona did a hysterically funny drama - who taught them to act?! Vic preached a clear message to all of us about the need to be filled with the Holy Spirit in order to live a holy life. There was a great response and I believe some important decisions were made. Following the meeting more food and fellowship, put together by the same great team. One sad thing - it was time to say good bye to Guna, Andre and Manuela. And we were done.
For me the rest of the day included lunch, at another Lido (!), with Smiths, Andersens, Ilsters and Dace. Then a nap, followed by a good time at Ilsters' house with them and Andersens. I had to really say goodbye to Henrik and Lisbeth this time. Who knows when we will meet again. But, I finish for tonight with my new life theme “We'll always have blogs!”
Check out this wonderful website for Ieva's pictures from the week.(check out her other pics, too) http://ieva.class8.be/main.php?g2_page=3 Specific thanks and probably more reflection will come later.
We made it!
Latvia now has 6 newly commissioned officers!
What an amazing week we have had. Thank you for your prayers. We made it through with very few crises and those were small. I had determined that I would have fun and I did! Now, today my mind is mush and my body feels like a truck has run over it. I won't write more until later, when I can think clearly. For now, you can be sure that God has been faithful and blessed us over and over again.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
And so we begin...
I have so many things I should be doing to get ready for commissioning but I need to write to you who have been our prayer support and encouragement throughout training. We are coming to the the big ending - the commissioning and ordination of the cadets. It's what we have been heading toward since January, 2006 - well, really since before I came to Latvia. Would you join us in prayer that this weekend will be God honoring and that His plans will be fulfilled? I know that you have already been praying. How do I know? Because I'm relatively calm just 1 day before the events begin. If you know me, you know that's a miracle! I have peace about the details and about the big things. Several people have stepped up and taken much of the responsibility on themselves. I'll write about you all later. We do have potential for disaster in a couple of areas, but I'm not worried. It will all work out. So thank you for praying - past, present and future. And can I ask you to comment if you will be praying for us this weekend? Some of you (many of you) have never made a comment. Don't be scared! It's not painful and it's not a commitment to anything, including spam. It would be a great encouragement to me and to the cadets if we heard from you. And if you can't bear to put your note in public, an email will do.
When this is all over I'll probably do some reflective writing about the whole process. For now I'll just update on what's been happening. I don't really want to talk about last things, but that's my reality right now. Nearly every day there is a last something or other. Today was the last day of classes with the cadets and even more significant, my last opportunity to speak to them on my own. For 2 days we've been studying 'covenant' (thanks to Kelly and Linda for great notes!) Today I was able to share my own thoughts about the officer covenant. Maybe I'll write a bit about that later, too. We ended the day with a picnic and singing. The food and fellowship were great - a good ending. Last weekend I decided to rest a bit. Friday evening Ieva and I went for a long walk. She showed me some nearby parks I'd never seen before. And as usual, we had a good talk along the way. The next day I spent with the Smiths. We went for 'brunch' at coffee nation, moved on toward another coffee shop for coffee and then to see "Shrek 3". We ended with some time in a park. A lovely, warm and pleasant day together. Sunday, I went to Riga 2 for my last visit there. Always, it's a good place to be. I made a treat for coffee after church - ice cream sandwiches. And my dear friends there presented me with beautiful roses and chocolate. And so the farewells begin...
(Photos and videos from this week. Memories I want to keep!)
When this is all over I'll probably do some reflective writing about the whole process. For now I'll just update on what's been happening. I don't really want to talk about last things, but that's my reality right now. Nearly every day there is a last something or other. Today was the last day of classes with the cadets and even more significant, my last opportunity to speak to them on my own. For 2 days we've been studying 'covenant' (thanks to Kelly and Linda for great notes!) Today I was able to share my own thoughts about the officer covenant. Maybe I'll write a bit about that later, too. We ended the day with a picnic and singing. The food and fellowship were great - a good ending. Last weekend I decided to rest a bit. Friday evening Ieva and I went for a long walk. She showed me some nearby parks I'd never seen before. And as usual, we had a good talk along the way. The next day I spent with the Smiths. We went for 'brunch' at coffee nation, moved on toward another coffee shop for coffee and then to see "Shrek 3". We ended with some time in a park. A lovely, warm and pleasant day together. Sunday, I went to Riga 2 for my last visit there. Always, it's a good place to be. I made a treat for coffee after church - ice cream sandwiches. And my dear friends there presented me with beautiful roses and chocolate. And so the farewells begin...
(Photos and videos from this week. Memories I want to keep!)
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| last days 1 |
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| cadets singing |
Friday, June 08, 2007
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| june07 |
Sunday, June 03, 2007
What I'm thinking about these days
Friday was my birthday and I decided to make it a special one, my last in Latvia. So, first treat - no alarm! But of course, that didn't work. At 7:00 a large garbage bin was delivered just under my window and was loudly filled with wood and metal pieces. That went on for an hour, so I just got up. The rest of the day was normal. I had to do some work getting ready for commissioning. There were some good Latvian birthday moments though - flowers from Dana, Olesja and Ieva and chocolate from Solveiga and Dace. Note to friends and family at home - I'm quite content receiving flowers and chocolate! Edvins reminded me that I should celebrate my birthday (I'm not crazy about them) because another year is a gift from God. He has had health problems recently and I know this is an important theme for him. Linda asked me to help her with homework in the evening, specifically at 7:00. I had a suspicion something else was up and was right. While we were 'studying' the rest of the girls came out with a cake, topped with the proper number of candles. I'm surprised they didn't set off the fire alarms! We had a little photo shoot (posted later) and laughed a lot. It was a nice end to the day.
Once in a while something unusual happens here. Yesterday I was with the Bethel University Wind Symphony from St. Paul, Minnesota. Bobbie Ericson and daughter, Amanda are part of the group (Amanda on trumpet, Bobbie a traveling mom.) I met them for an outdoor concert, then Bobbie and I went on our own for lunch at my favorite Pankukas restaurant and a long walk through Old Riga. We met up with the group and I traveled with them to their evening concert just outside Riga. While they were setting up, Bobbie and I discovered the Salvation Army thrift store was just across the road. We went shopping! The group is very good so it wasn't hard to listen to their performance. It was fun to be with Bobbie and catch up on family and friends. Being with a bus full of American college students was so different from life here. Guess that's helping me prepare for home.
I've been meaning to write about one of the funny aspects of life at the training school with our cadets. Because we deal with 3 languages all of the time and all of us are trying to improve in one or another of them, we have interesting conversations. We have developed what we call the cadet language. It's a mixture of Latvian, English and often Russian - depends on who is involved in the conversation. We don't even notice when it's happening, but when someone from outside is with us they notice. I love it - it's how we figured out communication between us and usually, it works! I can't explain how, you have to hear us to get it.
We have 13 days before the commissioning and ordination. I want to ask you to pray for us during these days. As I've mentioned before, once again I have a sense that we need to be on our guard. I've been reading Psalm 64. David ask for protection from his enemy and I believe we need protection from the enemy. Experience tells me that these are dangerous days. Often in the last weeks before commissioning, I've seen some disaster, sin or sickness happen among cadets. Because of the importance of this commissioning, I expect the enemy will try to attack us. I want us to be prepared. I've been praying these lines from the Lord's prayer, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." Would you pray along with me that we see and know God's power, just as David prays in Psalm 64
And in 13 days we will be able to say:
10 Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him; let all the upright in heart praise him!
Once in a while something unusual happens here. Yesterday I was with the Bethel University Wind Symphony from St. Paul, Minnesota. Bobbie Ericson and daughter, Amanda are part of the group (Amanda on trumpet, Bobbie a traveling mom.) I met them for an outdoor concert, then Bobbie and I went on our own for lunch at my favorite Pankukas restaurant and a long walk through Old Riga. We met up with the group and I traveled with them to their evening concert just outside Riga. While they were setting up, Bobbie and I discovered the Salvation Army thrift store was just across the road. We went shopping! The group is very good so it wasn't hard to listen to their performance. It was fun to be with Bobbie and catch up on family and friends. Being with a bus full of American college students was so different from life here. Guess that's helping me prepare for home.
I've been meaning to write about one of the funny aspects of life at the training school with our cadets. Because we deal with 3 languages all of the time and all of us are trying to improve in one or another of them, we have interesting conversations. We have developed what we call the cadet language. It's a mixture of Latvian, English and often Russian - depends on who is involved in the conversation. We don't even notice when it's happening, but when someone from outside is with us they notice. I love it - it's how we figured out communication between us and usually, it works! I can't explain how, you have to hear us to get it.
We have 13 days before the commissioning and ordination. I want to ask you to pray for us during these days. As I've mentioned before, once again I have a sense that we need to be on our guard. I've been reading Psalm 64. David ask for protection from his enemy and I believe we need protection from the enemy. Experience tells me that these are dangerous days. Often in the last weeks before commissioning, I've seen some disaster, sin or sickness happen among cadets. Because of the importance of this commissioning, I expect the enemy will try to attack us. I want us to be prepared. I've been praying these lines from the Lord's prayer, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." Would you pray along with me that we see and know God's power, just as David prays in Psalm 64
7 But God will shoot them with arrows; suddenly they will be struck down.
8 He will turn their own tongues against them and bring them to ruin; all who see them will shake their heads in scorn.
9 All mankind will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done.
8 He will turn their own tongues against them and bring them to ruin; all who see them will shake their heads in scorn.
9 All mankind will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done.
And in 13 days we will be able to say:
10 Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him; let all the upright in heart praise him!
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