A view of the Hill of Crosses

I preferred looking at them in an artistic and creative way. Here are some of my favorite views.

The whole Hill

Last Thursday I went with Graeme, Zoe, Sian and Zoe's parents to Lithuania for the day. Our primary purpose was to visit the Hill of Crosses (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_of_Crosses). We also visited a pretty little town and had a great meal at a cafe along the road.

The Hill of Crosses was unsettling for me. My initial reaction when I started to walk into it was disturbing. I felt a little 'creeped out' like there was something not quite right about the place. It's supposed to be a place of hope for the people of Lithuania who have experienced, like Latvia, oppression and lack of peace for so many years. I think it's the current purpose, which seems much more like a tourist attraction that is so disturbing. You can buy crosses in the parking lot and leave them amongst the meaningful and historic crosses left by sincere people in the past. I know that sounds harsh, but Dana said it well. She said it's like people are simply saying "I was here". I didn't have a sense that people understand the real meaning of the cross. Thank God we can find hope and peace and it's not dependent on a place or an icon but on the true and living God, Jesus Christ.

(I'm having trouble uploading pictures so I'll try to post them later. )

Perspective

Today I was reading about Erin Swan's (http://www.xanga.com/anotheroutsourcedamerican) life in Sri Lanka. We had lunch together in Chicago this summer, just before she left for her year long adventure there. Some of her experience with first things reminds me of mine. But, Latvia is not Sri Lanka and she is much more courageous than I. It's such a blessing to read how God is teaching her and how open she is to be taught. I want to always be like that and maybe become a little more brave, as well!

I've been reading another inspiring book (so watch out - more quotes coming! Although, I think they are more for my benefit than expect that anyone actually reads them.) I'm reading Intimate Intercession by Tricia Rhodes(http://christianmusic.about.com/od/bookreviews/fr/intimateinterce.htm). It is such a simple yet powerful book. I always try (well, for 2 years anyway) to read a book about prayer before our Prayer Conference. I've had this one for a while, but as usual, now is the perfect time for me to read it. I have been way too introspective this summer and this is getting me away from thinking - and praying - about myself and on to praying for others in a new and amazing way. I can only read one chapter every few days because, well, that's all I can handle at one time. Perhaps the most powerful part for me is the exercise at the end of the chapter. It is very simple - a well chosen passage of scripture and then a written prayer from some other source. But, something happens to me when I read them (out loud, which is new for me.) I'm always struck by some key phrase that directs me to pray that Scripture for someone or some event happening in the world. I can't describe it adequately, but I've been led to pray specifically for the events in the Middle East (thanks, General Clifton for additional inspiration on that topic) from Daniel 9, to pray around our region for each of the leaders with some very specific themes and to pray Jesus' prayer in John 17 for the cadets. There are only 7 chapters in the book, so I should be finished soon. I'm sure I'll have more to say.

I missed writing about a milestone in my Life in Latvia. The first week of August was my second anniversary of living here and I got my 3rd residence permit. So, I'm set for another year. Getting the residence permit is such a hassle and I get very tense about it. But, the day I got it was so anticlimactic. No 'congratulations', 'we're glad you're here' or even flowers or chocolate. Simply, sit down, take a very bad picture and wait until they call your name. 'Diaz' - yes!? - 'here'. The end! Welcome to Latvia!

The Life and Death of a Computer

Yesterday my computer died, through no fault of her own. This laptop has been with me since I was the TYS in Chicago. She traveled all over the United States with me and faithfully fulfilled her responsibilities. When I moved to Latvia, because of the generousity of my home territory IT dept., she came with me. She has served me well here, even getting to travel throughout Europe. Only a motherboard problem or two has kept her from her task. (Sure, blame the parents!) But with her warranty updated, even those problems have been resolved and back to work she went. She's run hundreds of power point presentations, helped me plan lessons, kept me in communication with home and friends around the world, downloaded, edited and filed all of my pictures of my adventure in Latvia and acted as my personal movie theater. Yesterday I was moving her from one room in my flat to the next and out of my hands she went, right on to the lovely and very hard, wood floor. If she had crashed through one of the pathetic bags I've used to carry her running through airports, I would have understood. If she had dropped out of my hand while walking on the irregular, though beautiful, cobblestone streets of Riga, I would have understood. But, no - in my own house she came to her end. Just in case there is something to salvage, I'll take her to the computer shop on Monday, but I'm not holding my breath. This is not the end of my world, as you can tell I do have access to a computer at the office. Most of my work is saved to a server. Most of my files I brought from Chicago are either on disks or on the server. But, I had not yet found the best way to save my photo files. Thankfully, some photos are on my AOL Picture It files or here in my blog. The rest will be just a memory.

Sympathy will be graciously accepted! (when I get my new life without laptop configured, I'll share some pictures of a fun day I had with the Smiths and parents in Lithuania.)

THE CALL

Check this out! I’ve been listening to excellent pod casts of Rob Bell and Erwin McManus interviews from this very cool online magazine: Catalyst Monthly

Today’s Proverb:  Those who trust in their own wits are fools;...(insert long pause)
But those who walk in wisdom come through safely. (Provs. 29:26 NRSV)

Here are some of my favorite quotes from The Call (see posting below for link.)  They are a bit random out of context and only a small percentage of the lines which I highlighted as I read.  Maybe they will draw you to actually reading this book! Emphasis is mine.

Call it the greatest good, the ultimate end, the meaning of life, or whatever you choose. Negotiating the changes feels longer and worse than the changes themselves because transition challenges our sense of personal meaning.

Only when we respond to Christ and follow his call do we become our real selves and come to have personalities of our own.  Unsure of ourselves, we are sure of God.

…our jobs come to define us and give us our identities.  We become what we do. (! BUT…) Calling reverses such thinking. Instead of, “You are what you do,” calling says: “Do what you are.”  The truth is not that God is finding us a place for our gifts but that God has created us and our gifts for a place of his choosing-and we will only be ourselves when we are finally there.

…a clear sense of calling comes only through a time of searching, including trial and error…God’s complete designs for us are never fully understood, let alone fulfilled, in this life.

(The disciples) simply heard and obeyed.  The call is all. Jesus is the reason.  Disciples are not so much those who follow as those who must follow.

Our calling is the sphere of our responsibility. But we are not responsible to our calling. We are responsible to God, and our calling is where we exercise that responsibility.

Keep alive an appreciation of the corporatness of the life of faith and we remain true not only to our calling but also to the full reality of humanness.

…calling reminds us that to be a ‘follower of the way’ is to see life as a journey; which, while we are still alive on the earth, is an incomplete journey that cannot be finally assessed.  

The reverse side of calling is the temptation of conceit.   But, what we really need is a daily challenge to ourselves, a reminder as regular as looking in the mirror.  Do we feel the wonder of being called?  It is all a gift and all of grace.  

Challenged, inspired, rebuked, and encouraged by God’s call, we cannot for a moment settle down to the comfortable, the mediocre, the banal, and the boring. God has called us, and we are never more ourselves than when we are fully stretched in answering. There is no yawning in response to this call. (!)

There is no god but God and no rest for anyone who has any god but God.  God is on the move.  Faith therefore means restlessness.

If you made it all the way through, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Lovely Night

Tonight was, dare I say, a 'lovely' night. (That word always reminds me of Edith Rose) I went to observe Ilona leading a small group, one of the cadets' assignments for the summer. Dana went with me to translate. We went to Zaiga's flat. It's in a typical big apartment building, Soviet style. They remind me of the projects in Chicago. Most apartment buildings have one thing in common - the stairways and halls are dark and have not been well-cared for. But, as is often the case, when we went into Zaiga's flat, it was bright and clean and comfortable. Zaiga is one of my favorite ladies. She faithfully attends the Riga 2 corps and while we don't speak the same language we have a special relationship. We have extended conversations almost everytime I see her, with her saying almost 100% and me getting about 60% of it. She always tells me she loves me and prays for me - that's what I need! Sanita was there, too. Another wonderful member of Riga 2. And they have a fun little group, sharing, laughing and learning together. And of course, we ended with teja un kukas (tea and cakes.)

Dana (pronounced Donna ) is helping me because Solveiga is on vacation this month. Before she left, Solveiga told me she is taking another job. I'm not sure how I'll replace her as I've really grown to rely on her not just for translation but for insight. She's been with me since the beginning and understands our purpose and she understands me! (Hopefully, that's not why she's leaving...) Dana may be able to fill in some of that role. I have to trust the Lord to provide the answer for this one. I don't have any of my own great wisdom. Speaking of that, I've been reading Proverbs and here's what struck me today: By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all pleasant and precious riches. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, you will find a future, and your hope will not be cut off. (Proverbs 24:3, 4,14) What I have learned throughout this book is that it's not my wisdom but only God's that can be trusted. I definitely need wisdom for what's ahead of me and I'm glad I don't have to rely on my own.

Last night, Zoe and I had a girls' night out - we didn't go very far but it was really good for me and I think, for her, too. We had coffee and sweets at one coffee shop, walked a while and then had tea in another! And in between, lot and lots of talking. We hadn't caught up from our vacations. and both of us have some serious things to think about. It is nice to have someone to 'process' with. By the way, we really did test mattresses last Saturday. I'm trying to live simply here but have decided I need a new bed. I've been sleeping on one that feels to me like a toddler bed. Yes, I'm spoiled by having queen sized beds most of my adult life. I won't go that far, but I am getting something bigger. And I'm buying a decent mattress. Sleep is a priority with me!

Simple Pleasures

“I adore simple pleasures. They are the last refuge of the complex.”
Oscar Wilde
(quoted in Franklin Covey February 2006)

SUMMER PLEASURES

Iced coffee with 2% not skim milk

A walk in the park with my friend, Olesja


New restaurant in Riga, Ham & Cheese, run by Gary from St. Louis

'Old Navy' t-shirts that actually fit

Lots of new DVDs from home to watch instead of Latvian TV (thanks to Winters, Steve, Chris and Blockbuster)


'The West Wing' DVDs provided by Peggy and enjoyed by Evie, Smiths and Ilsters

A Saturday drive in the country

Sian yelling “Evie” in the stairwell

Testing mattresses with Graeme and Zoe (more later)

Staying up all night to read a good summer book or two:

The Shadow Of The Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon and Labyrinth by Kate Mosse


Finishing a serious book

The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life by Os Guinness

(quotes and thoughts to be posted later)

A line from a song that just hits you:

“Your love has figured me out”
Glorious King by Marty Mikles

All your anxiety, all your care,
Bring to the mercy seat, leave it there,
Never a burden he cannot bear,
Never a friend like Jesus.

Written by Edward Henry Joy (1871-1949), recorded by The Singing Company, Red Book Sessions CD

Feeling my age

OOHH!  I’m so old and out of shape!  Tonight I did something I would probably never do in the States and certainly something that is not on the ‘missionaries do this’ list (if there is such a thing).  I went to a Sting concert with Sarah, Aivis and Dace.  That’s not enough on it’s own for my opening statement.  But, we bought main floor tickets – standing!  The concert was great and it was fun to be right in the middle of it all.  Just a couple of problems: 1. I’m shorter than every other person in Latvia (I only had glimpses of Sting!) 2. My ears are still ringing an hour later! 3. My feet are killing me!   As I always say, “Life is an Adventure” and tonight was a fun part of it.  Hopefully, I’ll be able to get out of bed in the morning so I can go to church…

Jon and Ian in Latvia
With the Riga 1 worship team

Jon borrowed some kid's board

Saturday at Bruninieku Iela
Graeme works at the BBQ while the others play!



Jon and Ian lead Boys' Week at Patverums

Misha joins in the drill

What's going on in Latvia?

The cadets are on summer assignment so I didn’t come back to have to study or be in the training center all day. I’ve been able to slowly get back into things. Well, sort of…my first Sunday back I preached at the Riga 2 corps. I love going there and it was a blessing to be with them. Ilona, one of the corps leaders, planned and led the meeting and we did not connect at all before Sunday, except one text message. Both of us were a little concerned that we might not flow together very well. I preached about following Jesus, simply, without worrying about where or what that decision might lead us to. (A message for me, if I were to be honest.) The basic point was because of who Jesus is He is worthy to be trusted and followed. Ilona’s worship time focused on considering the awesomeness of God and her comments flowed perfectly into my sermon. That was definitely God’s work, not ours and we both recognized that and praised God – in spite of our inadequacy He worked His plan. And I believe at least one person in the congregation (besides me) needed that word. After the meeting we (Ilona and Janis with Evelina, Ieva and I) went out for lunch. I love being with them and only feel frustrated because we are limited in the depth of our conversations due to my limited Latvian. But somehow we understand each other and are growing in our friendships.

I’ve been trying to visit all of the cadets and started with an all day trip to Daugavpils last week. Dana went with me to translate and we had such a great time talking on the trip there and back. She was one of the first people I met when I came to Latvia and it is so good to hear how her faith is growing and her eagerness to keep learning and following God’s will. Because Andre and Irina are distance learning cadets (can’t figure out a good official title for them), I needed to give them a crash course in Homiletics. We spent the afternoon trying to get through what took us in the training center at least 4 full class periods (10-12 hours.) Fortunately, they are quick learners and it was fun to do that kind of intensive work together. We took a nice walk through Daugavpils and then came back for their Thursday evening meeting, which is attended mostly by homeless and addicted people. It’s such a challenging population but they are faithful in working with them and some small steps are taken by a few of the people. If only we were able to provide some kind of rehabilitation center here in Latvia. That’s one of my dreams for the Army’s work here. I should be visiting Daugavpils much more often but the 3 ½ hour drive each way and the language (Russian), combined with all that I need to do here, keeps me from going regularly. On Sunday I went to my corps, Riga 1, where Sergejs was preaching – in Latvian – his first language is Russian. He did a great job and it was so nice to see everyone. Tuesday afternoon, Solveiga and I went to Iecava to observe Velta leading their Home and Family program. She did a great job, too and it was a nice drive, although we got stuck in construction traffic on the way home and more than doubled the drive time (2 hours instead of 50 minutes.) We had Velta and Aldona with us and they always make things fun, so we survived.

We have new babies here, too. Just before I left for vacation Patrik and Hanna’s baby came – Anya. And then last week, Guna and Andre’s baby arrived – Manuela. They are both beautiful and make us all smile! I’m looking forward to some babysitting time. Finally, we have had Jon Gugala and Ian Smith from the US Central territory with us this summer. I was sorry to be away for most of their time but they were well taken care of and had great ministry opportunities, especially with Patvērums. They have been staying at the Training Center and Velta and Ilona have spoiled them a bit, I think. Misha has been their translator and basically their road manager. I took them out for a little touring in Riga, including the Occupation Museum and souvenir shopping and we had a good time together. They are great guys, having known them since they were much younger, it is a real blessing to see how the Lord has worked and led them to this point. Today I took them to the airport and we reluctantly said goodbye. Who knows what this experience might lead to in their future and what the eternal results of their work will be? It will be exciting to see what God does with the few weeks they spent here.

final thoughts about home

I’ve been home for over a week and I’m definitely back into Latvian life. Before I tell you about that, there a few post-home in the USA thoughts that I want to record. So many people have asked me questions like, “Did you want to come back to Latvia?”, “What did you like best about being home?”, “Where would you rather be?” and those sorts of things. When I was on my way to Chicago I decided to keep track of some of the things I noticed that I really had missed or just the opposite, which I didn’t miss at all. Of course at the top of the ‘missed’ list are my family and friends. It’s not about my friends here, but if you’ve been in a situation like mine, you know how precious it is to be with people who’ve known you forever. What else did I miss? Wendy’s spicy chicken sandwiches (!), TV in English, driving without fear of being randomly stopped by the police, family and friends, family and friends, family and friends….I was surprised to discover that I didn’t really miss many of the things I was so used to in my former life. Now, what habits did I fall into that I thought I had broken, which maybe implies I did miss them, too? Lattes every morning from Caribou Coffee (take away coffee isn’t popular here), fast food meals while I was driving or actually fast food for most meals (I say that ashamedly – who really needs to eat that way?) What did I find I absolutely do not miss about American life? THE PACE! Doesn’t anyone ever stop, relax and just enjoy life? I know that is an extreme assumption, but it was such a different life from what I have here that I was overwhelmed by the difference. I also don’t miss driving in the suburbs. Or I guess in other words, I really missed walking in Riga. I know that I live a much healthier and calmer life here. When I do go back to the States, I hope that has become such a part of my life that I won’t fall back into those old routines.

The most powerful insight I had this time was about my being away. First, that my family and good friends can survive without me – they are just fine! Not that we don’t need each other, but we are can live productive and good lives and support each other from far away. I also realized that I am dependent on the support from home to survive here. It starts with my family and those same friends, but it extends to so many more people. I didn’t have any idea how many people take seriously their prayer support for me and I’m sure for the other reinforcement officers from our territory. The retired officers are amazing! Even if no one else prayed from me, I would be lifted up by those powerful and consistent pray-ers. I thank God for them. And for the dozens of others who assured me they pray for me. That’s especially true of the two corps that I’m connected to: Oakbrook Terrace and Dearborn Heights (via Chris). I love being there but their love and true interest and encouragement gives me the strength and courage to be away. That’s hard to explain but it hit me in an overwhelming way this summer.

So, here I am with so much to do and already some difficulties coming up. More about Life in Latvia tomorrow.

Contrasting Images of Haiti

Hope - Hopelessness
Love – Despair
Joy – Discouragement
Laughter of children – Screams of pain/grief from woman
Shouts of fun from a football game – Gunshots from a forsaken neighborhood
Lush green fields – garbage filled streets
Clear blue ocean – dirty sewage streams
God at work – Voodoo drums and flags
God is present – Everywhere!

First train some of the kids have seen
Ben plays football (soccer)
Ben in the market with John
A little sugar cane for the road
At the ocean
Ketsia meets the waves
At the Haiti museum
In the country
Fresh, fresh shrimp - mmm!
With kids from the home

Ben's pictures from Haiti

Housing in Port au Prince
Fond de Negre Salvation Army
Tap-tap
Laundry
Outside the children's home
Presidential Palace
Hope through agriculture
City streets

the rest of my vacation

I’m back home in Latvia and before my vacation becomes a distant memory, I want to record some special moments.  This was definitely the holiday of conversations for me.  There were so many opportunities for special and intimate talks with more people than I imagined I would be able to fit in.  But, it seemed that was one of the important things I needed to do.  I already listed several of those people in my last posting.  The last 2 weeks I got in a few more – a good meeting with our Personnel Secretary, Harry Brocksieck; lunch with Chris Shay and Kristin Caddy, dinner and a really fun time with David and Diana Winters and family – Anna especially kept my attention.  That day I had been at Oakbrook Terrace corps’ day camp doing presentations for each of 5 classes of kids about Latvia.  It was fun but a bit exhausting.  Thursday evening, Lisa Jordan planned a party for me to see all (or most) of the other people I hadn’t been able to see yet.  It included the final game of Stephen’s baseball season. We had great food and fun, too.  I made the Wellers and Gortons look through my Latvia pictures.  They were very kind about it!  Unfortunately, Stephen’s team didn’t win the game.  Later in the week, I went to Little Pine Island camp and talked with Cheryl Britcher and Dina Shoults (a nice surprise), Curt and Vicki Britcher and Elise, and quick conversations with lots of other people during Music Camp.  My brother, Steve, was the guest and I went up to see him for a couple of days.  It was really fun to be back there.  

A quick (that’s a relative term – the traffic was horrible) trip to Detroit to meet up with Ben and we were off to Haiti.  It was Ben’s first trip there and Steve was determined to show him as much as possible.  We were only there for 4 ½ days but we got in a lot.  It was great to be with Steve and Ketsia in their setting.  It is a very hard place, but they are doing well and have important work there.  One of the strenuous highlights was a trip to Fond de Negre.  It’s on the coast and we drove on the worst road I’ve seen anywhere in the world (yes, Latvians, there are roads worse than yours!) But, on the other end was the ocean!  A beautiful beach, good food and even some rest.  We stayed at the Bethel clinic and hospital with the Ezehs, directors.  It is an amazing place doing significant work, especially with AIDS.  I’ll post some pictures from Haiti later.

We got home to Michigan in time for Abbie’s 8th birthday.  She and I did some shopping in the morning and then we had a party and went to see a movie with the whole family.  I was very happy to spend a day just with the family.  I left the next morning to get back to Chicago and get packed up to come home to Latvia.  One last conversation with Heidi Bailey who is in Chicago for Danielle’s wedding.  I had to fit that one in and I’m glad we did.  

So, there you are.  Not a very restful or peaceful vacation, but definitely a good one.  Now, back to work and life in Latvia.  There’s a lot to do to get ready for the fall.  More about that later.

Pictures from Commissioning and 25th Reunion

Good and 'old' friends, Carolee and Christie
Some of my sessionmates are a little crazy!
Curt (YS Editor!!) Mark (AKA Earnest Ainsley!)
More friends: Teri and Ken
"I don't feel old enough to be an officer for 25 years!"
Aunt Evie with Ben. We're going to Haiti together on Sunday (minus the mohawk)

About being home

I’ve been home  (USA home) for about 2 ½ weeks now.  I arrived the day before Commissioning weekend and after a quick lunch with the Jordans and a stop at my townhouse (provided by the territory) drove straight to the hotel (note to self and anyone else in a similar position: don’t go straight from another country to Commissioning!)  We were supposed to have the General but he cancelled and so the territory had to make a new plan, which included Commissioner Gaither and our territorial leaders. The Lord was definitely in the changes.  We started with Officers’ Councils which totally overwhelmed me when I walked into the auditorium.  Thankfully I quickly saw Mark and Carolee Israel, good friends from the South, and I attached myself to them for the day.  Of course, there were many people I wanted to see and talk with.  But, I wasn’t prepared for the small talk or seeing so many at once.  I came home this year because it is my 25th anniversary as an officer and the territory generously brought me back for the recognition/reunion.  We had our official dinner on Friday evening where I had to give the little speech.  Actually, it was fun to prepare for it.  I do love being an officer and don’t mind telling about how God is working in my life.  Maybe I’ll post my speech later.  The Friday evening program was excellent, focusing on missions.  The territory is so committed both financially and with personnel to serve the whole world.  It was inspiring to see the summer mission team dedication.  I already mentioned the Release Party that night but before we went to that, there was a surprise party for Pete McBride (50!!!!) – how fun to be home for that! Saturday we had our private session reunion. It was really fun to be with so many old friends, some I haven’t seen in years.  The evening program included a farewell for Barry and Sue Swanson, on their way to NHQ.  It was great – simple but genuine and just what Barry and Sue wanted.  Sue preached that evening and the Lord clearly used her to say just what needed to be said.  The response was immediate and overwhelming.  One of the highlights for me was to be able to spend some time with good friends such as Bill and Sue Harfoot, the Israels, Catherine and Peter Mount, David and Miriam Gorton and others.  I also got to spend a bit of time with my sister and family.  The Lord provided a little time with some of the people I really wanted to see.  Sunday morning was a holy time for the cadets and the rest of us.  The Lord moved during their covenant service and during Commissioner Gaither’s message.  Again, there were many who responded.  I had a special time of prayer with Sue Harfoot and my sister, Chris which was a real blessing.  I went home from the weekend exhausted but also overflowing with joy and gratitude.  

After a few days in Chicago which included going with Lisa and Cathy to a Cubs game (pathetic team), I went to Michigan to spend time with my family.  They are a busy bunch!  But, it was really fun to just join in to what was happening – softball games, graduation parties and much more.  I love my niece and nephews and am so thankful they still seem to enjoy having me around!  Chris and Steve are also great and I love being with them.  I also love watching them lead the Dearborn Heights corps.  They are good and it’s a blessing to see them.  The corps people are always so friendly and interested when I come home.  Even though I’ve never soldiered there, it does feel like home. They put up with a little presentation from me and seemed genuinely concerned and I believe they do pray for me, which I need.  I didn’t get to stay as long as I’d like because of all of our schedules, but the days were very good.  

Now I’m back in Chicago to finish up Dr/Dentist appointments and try to see some friends.  Of course, they are all busy (who said things slow down in the summer?) but I’ve fit in a few special times with Commissioners Baillie, Cheryl and Bruce Bailey, Eric and Cathleen Himes, Donna Hutchings, Sue Swanson, Viki Payton and Carol Shoults.  Saturday was Matt Harfoot’s wedding, which was absolutely beautiful and I got to see the whole family there.  Then some time with Lisa and the Arnolds.  Yesterday was my only Sunday to be at Oakbrook Terrace.  I can’t adequately explain what an amazing place that is and how important the corps family is to me.  They dedicated at least 21 people who will be going out on some mission work this summer.  They recognized dozens of people who serve the corps in some way and then farewelled 3 sets of officers moving out of the area.  It was my first opportunity to see David and Miriam Gorton as the corps officers.  They are doing a great job and I am proud of them.  The Lord is doing so much in the corps as a whole and in the lives of so many individuals there.  Knowing that I would want to talk to everyone and would be frustrated that I couldn’t, I asked the Lord to put the right people in the right place for conversation.  And He did  - Kirsten Gorton, Lindsay and Danielle Bailey and then the afternoon with the Gorton family which was just like old times.  

I’m sure I’m missing someone or something special that has happened, but that’s about all I can talk about tonight.  2 more weeks which includes a trip to Haiti with my nephew, Ben (FUN!) and then I’ll be home in Latvia.   Until then, I’m looking forward to more blessings and maybe even a little rest (I think that might have to wait until I get back to Latvia!)

Covenant Day in Sweden

The ladies wait for our plane
Evie and Sarah (newly married to Anders - new captain)

My once a year opportunity to play - I should stick to talking!
Arturs giving testimony with our friend, Guna translating

What Classic Movie Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

This is my result when I took the 'Classic Movie Test' . Try it! Now you know what I do on vacation. Comments welcome.

(Thanks to Carole http://cjbate.blogspot.com/ for this site.)

Thinking about Latvia

Today was our cadets' first Sunday at their Summer Assignment corps. I've been thinking and praying, wondering how it's going. I left them in the middle of their trip to Sweden. I traveled with them last week and spent a day together with them at the Swedish Training College. We attended their Covenant Service for their soon to be captains. It was wonderful to see our cadets in that setting, part of the bigger Army. It was also special to be with the 3 Swedish cadets as they committed themselves to serving as officers. I feel a closeness to them because of our partnership, they have visited us in Latvia and I have been with them in Stockholm several times. I left Sweden so I could be home for Commissioning weekend in Chicago. The cadets stayed through the week and attended the Swedish commissioning meeting. I have heard good reports, but look forward to hearing their stories. I'll put up pictures later. On June 14 they started Summer Assignment at 3 corps in Latvia; Riga 1 and 2 and Iecava. Arturs went to the Raynes Park corps in the UK. I'm so excited about what he will learn and bring back to us in the fall. Much to tell about my time here in the States, but today I'm thinking about Latvia and wanted to share that, hoping you will join me in praying for them. And while you are praying, think about Jon and Ian - summer interns from the US Central Territory who are in Latvia for the summer. They are particularly focusing on ministry with young boys and men. This is an huge area of concern for us and I believe God has chosen these two to be involved in something exciting and important. They are great guys and I know they will also appreciate your prayer support.

Red Book Sessions

I should be asleep as it’s my second day home, I’m at the Congress and I’m exhausted – and it’s midnight. I need to write about the amazing concert I just came from. It was the release party of the Red Book Sessions CD by The Singing Company. You can hear a demo of one of the songs “Never Mind, Go On” at .: ARMYBARMY :. resource for training materials, music and shopping. I’m bursting with joy and a little pride too, because of the wonderful, gifted and inspired young adults I know who are part of this band. Eric Himes, Keri Shay, Nate Irvine and Jon Bukiewicz. Each of them has a unique and even miraculous testimony of God’s grace in their lives, leading them to be part of this project.

And then there are the songs…Phil Laeger Phil Laeger . com joined the group for recording and the concert. He is a beautifully gifted pianist. Nate Hood also plays guitar – amazing, too! I’m running out of adjectives but you can probably guess that I’m very excited about the recording and the work the Lord is doing through it all.

If you are in Europe, I’m bringing home some CDs to share. Just let me know if you want one and I’ll get it to you somehow. More about a really wonderful day - later.

Birthday pictures

Flowers, flowers and flowers painted by Sergejs


Evie's game - created by the girls!


My friends - Sarah and Zoe (we all wore the same sweater that night!)

It's after midnight so my birthday is over. I'm officially closer to one big birthday than the lesser one - EEK...I might be having a little trauma about that. I don't usually like to make much of my birthday. But, I'm in Latvia and you can't ignore any special anniversary here. I got an early greeting from a friend in the US who sent these words from Henri Nouwen:

Birthdays need to be celebrated. I think it is more important to celebrate a birthday than a successful exam, a promotion, or a victory. Because to celebrate a birthday means to say to someone: “Thank you for being you.” Celebrating a birthday is exalting life and being glad for it. On a birthday we do not say: “Thanks for what you did, or said, or accomplished.” No, we say, “Thank you for being born and being among us.” On birthdays we celebrate the present. We do not complain about what happened or speculate about what will happen, but we lift someone up and let everyone way, “We love you.”Celebrating a birthday reminds us of the goodness of life, and in this spirit we really need to celebrate people’s birthday every day, by showing gratitude, kindness, forgiveness, gentleness, and affection. These are the ways of saying: “It’s good that you are alive; it’s good that you are walking with me on this earth. Let’s be glad and rejoice.”

I decided to let people celebrate my birthday and to enjoy it myself. In Latvia the birthday person brings the cake so we had a nice chocolate one this morning at the training school. The cadets sang and gave me the traditional flowers. One of the things I love about Latvia - flowers! Sergejs also gave me two of his painitings. One of flowers (in place of the real ones) and another he painted after our last field training Sunday. It's of the road we traveled on to Liepaja. I love it and I love the sentiment, too. We had a great Homiletics class this morning, too. It had nothing to do with my birthday but was an affirming and encouraging time for the teacher, who just happened to have a her birthday today! I came home hoping to go out for a nice walk this afternoon but the weather was against me. I talked with Veronika for a bit (more flowers!) and Dace also brought me a nice bunch. My flat smells very nice. One of my favorite Latvians is Nina, a lovely woman who lives in our building and goes to the Riga 1 corps. We carry on crazy half Latvian/half English conversations and love each other. She stopped by with a little gift, too.

This evening was our last small group for the season. I offered to bring dessert. We met at Henrik and Lisbeth's and had no idea that they had planned to make a little party for me. I brought my Bible - no one else did! Lisbeth made a chocolate cake and I brought a fruit pizza (auglu pica). We ate a lot and they also had gifts. Wow...this was turning into one of my most celebrated birthdays! It wasn't over. 4 of the girls from the small group I used to lead showed up at the door with flowers and a gift. It was so cool. They made a game for me. I'll try to put up a picture of it. They stayed and we played their game. It was really fun and I'm going to sleep feeling very celebrated and very blessed.