The boxes are gone...

Today the movers came and took away my things. Everything except what I can put in two suitcases and a carry on. I don't know what I'm supposed to be feeling, but except for a headache and tired I'm not feeling much of anything. OK, that's not true. The removal of most everything from my house exposed lots of dust and dust 'elephants' (too big to be called bunnies.) So, my main emotion is disgust and a longing for a maid! I think the headache also is caused by the dust. During and after the movers, I spent a while in Sarah's office just catching up. She's been away for a while on vacation and at camp. It was nice to talk but I think she was wishing I would leave so she could get some work done. The moving company is great. They are helpful and friendly and seem to be efficient. They said my things were going straight to the airport and I haven't had any calls from them, so I assume they had no trouble with customs. Why would Latvia want to keep my stuff? When it was all gone, I realized that I really don't put a lot of value on my personal property. I mean, it could all disappear and the things I would miss the most are my photos and books. I do have a lot but none of it is very dear to me. So, the question I have for myself is why do I keep so much? I guess most of it has a memory behind it of someplace I've traveled, someone I've met or of my family and friends. The memories can't be taken away (unless you read Lesa's blog of Monday, July 16 -http://www.xanga.com/Emjaymom) Sunday and Monday were wholly devoted to packing. I didn't have to do it all, the movers would have done whatever I left. But, as long as I had to sort through it, it was easier just to pack it away and get it out of my sight. Also, it will be much easier when I unpack if I know what I put in each box. The movers were surprised I hadn't left something for them to do, except the pictures. So, they double packed some things. They are well protected. I did have a momentary panic this afternoon, wondering if I might have packed something I really need, like my passport...just checked and it's still here.

On Saturday, the Smiths and I went out to our camp near Liepaja. It's about a 3 1/2 hour drive each way. The day couldn't have been anymore perfect. We got to the camp with enough time to walk down to the sea (Baltic) and then come back for lunch. We joined the Riga 1 and 2 corps Family Camp, which also included some other corps and several people who don't attend a corps but have some connection to someone at the camp. Ilona RT did most of the organizing, with help from Ieva and Sarah. It was a great camp - about 45 people of all ages. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. After a really good Latvian soup lunch, there was a concert by some young women. They were good, especially their guitar playing. It was a nice, restful hour. I wandered around the camp taking pictures, some of them are linked below. I have never been to the camp and thought I should see it once before I leave. I'm glad I did - I think I've found a project to support when I get home. It's a beautiful place, but needs a lot of work. If you are interested, let me know. I'll show you all of the pictures and give you some project ideas. We were back at the beach for the last couple of hours. Then I suddenly realized I was going to have to say my final good bye to a few of the people - 2 new captains: Ilona and Velta and Lt. Aldona. All 3 were difficult. There I was on the beach with tears running down my face. It was also the Smiths last time to see those people, so we were all feeling a bit emotional. But, all in all a very nice day with good friends.

Thursday and Friday were spent with another good friend, Johanna, from Sweden. We met when she was a cadet and came to Riga 2+ years ago. We've had a special connection ever since and try to see each other whenever I'm in Stockholm. This time, she came here. I decided to leave my farewelling work and just spend time with Johanna. Thursday we walked around the old city and then came home for the evening. While we were out, we heard an interesting music performance. I heard a pan pipe and was sure it was a group from one of the central Asian countries. I dragged Johanna over to see and she said she thought they looked like american Indians. I couldn't believe it, but when one of them took his tom tom drum and started dancing around I had memories of Nebraska and Black Arrow. Then one of them came out with a cowboy hat and I had to admit they didn't look Asian. I went to see their albums and saw they were identified as Indians, but the contact information was for Germany. Someone explain that to me. I didn't buy an album but you can see some pictures. Friday we went to two places I've never been - a Latvian cemetary and the zoo. The cemetary made me think of Miriam - she loves to walk through cemetaries and I would never have gotten her out of this one (actually many connected to each other.) It was really interesting but can't be properly explained. Latvians take their cemetary plots very seriously - gardens and benches included. And no, I didn't take pictures. The zoo was, well, OK. The older I get the less I like seeing animals caged or in small confines. Maybe it's my own fear of being closed in and controlled? (no psychoanalysis please) But, the time to walk and talk was special. Even though we haven't seen each other a lot, it's been a nice friendship which will be hard to keep up from such a distance.

So, there you go. 5 days in Latvia and only 10 more to go. I caught up on blogs and internet gossip today and realized that a lot of my friends will be having babies soon after I get home. That should make it fun to get around and visit! Saturday is the farewell for me, Smiths and Oltermans. I thought it was just Riga 1 but now understand that everyone is invited. So, lots of goodbyes coming up. Thanks so much for your prayers during these days. You are getting me through - with the Holy Spirit's help, too! (see pictures in previous post)