more last things

Saturday was a great farewell party for the Smiths, Oltermans and me. Thanks to everyone who did the planning and work - Sarah, Dace, Ilona RT, Ieva and Olesja plus a few extras in the kitchen and other places. I'll post pictures and you can also check out Ieva's gallery (see side bar). The pictures describe our fun better than I can. I think it was one of the best farewell parties I've been part of. Lots of food (Latvian - mmmm), games (Latvian - hmmm) and noise (all languages!) Sunday was my last time at Riga 1 and it was a good day. I seemed to attract the kids at the beginning. Angelina and Josh were very interested in what I had in my bag - not very interesting to me. I was holding Josh during the worship time and it hit me "this is the last time I'll sing these songs in Latvian" and got a little weepy. Josh noticed my tears and patted me on the back and gave me a kiss on the cheek. Then he went back to clapping and swinging with the music. A little later I gave my testimony and again got a bit weepy (only because Erika was crying!) When I went back to my seat, Josh came over grabbed my hand and put it around his waist for me to give him a hug, held it for a while then went back to playing with Sian. I suggested to Sarah that he has the gift of discernment but she thinks he is a bit young for that. He definitely is very special and very sensitive. One of my favorite memories will be singing "Blessed Be the Name" and feeling like that praise was filling the hall. We didn't have a huge crowd but it sounded like it. It was beautiful and I'm sure the Lord was pleased with our offering. The song ends with this phrase "You give and take away but I will always say 'Blessed be Your Name!'" The truth in that line really struck me. Yes, this was a moment of taking away, but the last 3 years have been a gift. And so, I know that there is more to receive and yes, more to be taken away. But, through it all I can say "Blessed be Your Name!" Sarah had a time of prayer for me, which was very special. I had the feeling that I needed to be open and soak up all the prayers, love and blessings that were coming during those moments. I also received some beautiful "Aivis" prints of Latvia to hang in a special place in my new home.

More and more individual goodbyes have come - Olesja (pray for her, she is on a mission trip to India), Arturs and a number of the corps people. Of course, by Friday the good byes will come for everyone. Tonight Ieva and I went for dinner and then she came over for tea. We had a nice walk through Old Riga and good conversation along the way.

Tomorrow is house cleaning with Marika and Erika and who knows who else? Will be fun! Lots of photos here!

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