Weekend wanderings

It's been a fun and relaxing kind of weekend - totally at my control, which is so unusual. As I look at the Midland divisional calendar, I know it will be highly unusual for the next few years. Friday evening Olesja and I went out for dinner, walked around a bit and landed at Coffee Nation for coffee and a long talk. She starts her vacation this week, so won't be around much until after I'm gone. It was so good to sit and talk, about memories from when we first met, our small group and what the future holds. Olesja is extremely gifted and also deeply committed to faith and mission. The Lord will use her in amazing ways, I'm sure. Saturday was a 'me' day. I got up slowly. with a pot of coffee and some reading. But, then the sun peaked out and I decided I needed to be outside. I grabbed my camera and my credit card, and off I went. There are a few special souvenirs I want to take with me and I know there are some interesting sites I've still got to capture on camera before I go. I had no idea where I might end up but headed toward the Art Nouveau district. There are several buildings being renovated and I did get some new pics. I went towards my favorite building which just happens to have a coffee shop next to it. A latte and kuka were a lovely mid-morning treat. And as I sat there, watching tourists walk by, I looked out on one of the more beautiful buildings with interesting gargoyles and designs. I enjoyed it for a while, but then my mind went to the contrast I was experiencing from my outing last Saturday in Bauska. There I had been sitting outside the corps with many people who lived in much less luxurious settings, with little of the world's comforts and many difficulties in their lives. And yet, they were smiling, singing and enjoying fellowship together. But, what really struck me is the need to spend more time caring for those who are in 'Bauska' situations and less time sitting in tourist spots, drinking coffee. Don't get me wrong, I love doing that and it is refreshing, but not what my life is about. And I don't want to ever forget that or get too comfortable in coffee shops. Of course, I did also go to the souvenir store and buy some things for myself, so I guess I wasn't too moved by my earlier contemplation.

Today Graeme was the preacher at Riga 1. We didn't expect a lot of people, but most of the youth group was there, so it was a lively and good meeting. Graeme shared some good thoughts from Joshua 1 - one of my favorite passages and there's always something new to learn there. We had some salvationist visitors from Norway. They joined me and the Smiths at Cili Pizza for lunch. Riga is a popular tourist spot and we often have guests in the summer. It's fun to get to know them, talk about common acquaintances and realize again how small our Army world is. I walked them down to the tram through the rain, but again the sun peaked out. So, I showed them my favorite free tourist spot- the glass elevators to the top of Hotel Latvija, and then into the restrooms which have the best view. Come on over to Riga and I'll treat you to the best!
art nouveau riga"