Moments to remember

Yesterday I was leaving the training center and stopped to say "Ata" (bye) to the Riga 2 ladies, who were just starting Prayer Meeting - by eating ice cream (!) Zaiga said "Es milu tev" (I love you) and the other three ladies immediately joined in as if they had rehearsed it "Es milu tev ari" (I love you too!) You would have to know the other 3 ladies to appreciate what those words mean. Ilona RT said "You can't leave this!" I will miss those ladies.

Today Arturs and I spent 2 1/2 hours driving around Riga. It is so hot today and I was trying not to be "American" and use the air conditioner, but finally had to give in. We were trying to find a place to repair our video projector. 2 places on opposite sides of town which we were told would do it, but neither would help us. We drove to RHQ to get some more information from Edgars, but he wasn't there. So, hours of driving in the heat for nothing. That's not what I want to remember...I want to remember the good conversations we had along the way and the laughs we had when we returned to the training center having accomplished nothing. I will miss Arturs!

New photos

riga2youth and dpils

Plumbing and Commissioning

My life in Latvia continues to be interesting and full of unexpected surprises. I think I mentioned that just before Christmas my toilet stopped working properly. It wouldn't fill up with water. There was no cold water going through the pipes in that room. Randomly, I discovered that when I turned the sink on the toilet would fill with warm/hot water. I asked our property guy to check it and after giving me a quizical "I don't get it" look, he told me that it was a part of the serious plumbing problem in the whole building. We have really old and rotting pipes. To fix it would mean something bigger than I wanted to deal with. So, I got used to turning the tap on and instructing guests in the same way. Another plumbing problem is the rust and gunk that collects in the tap, slowing down the flow of water. Everytime I wash dishes I think 'I need to get the wrench out and clean the filter.' I've been thinking that for months. Finally, the water was barely dripping out and I had to fix it. A miracle - the water flowed freely! I could cut my dish washing time in half! So, inspired, I moved on to the toilet room (my shower is in a different room so I have no idea what you call that room except 'toilet'. Not very American I know, but it works here.) Yes, that sink also now flows freely - still no cold water, but that's OK. Except...apparently the ability to fill up the toilet by running the sink was somehow related to the lack of pressure in the faucet. So, now the toilet doesn't fill at all. New solution, a large measuring bowl which I use to fill the toilet - 6 bowls fills it! Once again, I'm getting used to this new routine but I'm moving and someone new will live here. I think a better solution must be found. But, until then it makes life interesting.

On to more important matters, commissioning. All along the way with the training school, it's been creating it as we go. You've read all of my stories of trying to sort it all out and relying on my past experience for a lot of the basics, as well as the wisdom and support of many people. So, commissioning is in 3 weeks. A while ago I started to get ready. It didn't seem like such a big deal. We've done large conferences, hosted the General for a Congress and we would just follow the same format. HA! Think about all that is involved with commissioning a cadet and realize that we haven't done it before. (Actually, that's not true. I just learned that Ieva was commissioned here in Latvia - somehow I missed that fact.) Basically, we were starting from scratch. Again, there is no check list for all that you need to commission a cadet (or 6 of them.) Start with all of the documents you need: covenant, education certificate, undertakings for officers, Silver Star certificates, letters from the General and TC, etc......in English, Latvian and Russian. And not just printed on plain white computer paper, but beautifully formatted with graphics and professionally printed. Some were already translated, some not. None are in print-ready format. Then there are the meetings: Covenant service, Silver Star recognition and actual Commissioning. Oh, and new uniforms, official photos, programs, announcements and invitations, Plus all of the usual 'to do' for any conference, like food, set up, translation, media, music. You get it! Are you starting to have knots in your stomach? Welcome to my world! It is true that you draw on past appointments. God does prepare you for what will come. Here's how I've been prepared for this: 30 years of attending commissioning, 10 years on training staff and involved in some aspect of commissioning, 2 years as Asst. Program Secretary (the most helpful for this event.) And the best experience was knowing that you need a committee - so I have one and they are being very helpful. I've also enlisted a few extras beyond the committee and you can be sure the cadets will be doing some work, too. I am so thankful for people willing to help and who are very patient with my nervousness and excitability during these days. Oh, and we have to end training, too. That means spring cleaning, grading all the papers, final evaluations, and many things I haven't even remembered. Oh, and I need to clean out my office, organize the whole thing and write a brief, then pack and clean my flat!

If you think of us, say a prayer, please. And if you have a day or two to volunteer to help Evie, come on over!

Thanks to all of you who acknowledged reading my blog. I guess I'll keep going for a while at least.

Disclaimer - I don't usually do these, but this one is made for me.

"The man spoke in a very soft voice, looking at me as he did, but his words were for the others." Christ the Lord by Anne Rice.

I got this tag from Chenon's xanga (chenondoah) and love it! If you haven't read the book I've quoted, you should. It's a good summer read.

I tag Blisters and Dimples, A UK Salvationist, Reflections, Speirer, URBANarmy. And if you are reading this, I tag you, too!

1. Grab the book closest to you.
2. Turn to page 161
3. Print the 5th complete sentence on your blog.
4. Tag 5 others.

First of all - does anyone read this? Now, on to more important things. I had a wonderful long weekend in Oslo, Norway with my brother and sister-in-law. Steve and Ketsia are there for some holiday and sponsorship projects. Their friend, and the past director of the children's home is Norwegian and she opened her home to them and to me. It was a beautiful home in a perfect spot to see the city. We didn't do a lot except walk, eat and talk. Just what we all needed I think. The first evening we had dinner at a Norwegian officers home, with her lovely family. On Saturday, my friends Gro Merete and Marit, picked us up and took us to see some sites. Then we had a delicious dinner at Gro Merete's home. A very nice day and a chance for me to say goodbye to Gro and Marit. On Sunday, Jan harald and Eli came over for dinner and the afternoon. That was a nice treat for me. Eli works with the missions department, so is very interested in Steve and Ketsia's work. Again, it was a chance for me to say good bye, although I'm sure we'll meet again. I always seem to run into Jan harald somewhere.

That evening we went to a corps just down the street. I talked a little about Latvia, Ketsia and I sang a duet (in creole) - I'm sure Ketsia has had better partners, but it was fun for me. Then Steve preached a wonderful sermon. I'm not going to tell you about it because I want him to write it out and publish it somewhere. Monday was to be our day to sightsee on our own, but we didn't get far. Coffee at Sally Ann, a short walk and then we smelled Thai food. That was it - we had a great lunch and lingered long over the table because the rain was pouring down. We couldn't figure out how to get back to the flat via public transportation - didn't know the right tram number and didn't know the address to take a taxi! So, we walked in the rain. Which led us to take naps when we got home and warmed up. It was a short trip, but such a treat to be able to be with my family in Norway. I was reminded again of how small our Army world is and how grateful I am for the opportunities I get because of that. Who would have ever thought that we would meet in Oslo?

Saturday we had a prayer day with the cadets, Riga 1 and 2 corps. It wasn't very well attended but I think it was a nice day. I was distracted with the food details but when we finished with lunch it felt like the others were glad to be there. They didn't run off too fast! When we started we sang "I could sing of your love forever". I looked around at this very unusual mixture of people and thought 'it is God's love that brings us together.' In any other situation, these people would never spend half a day together. But, God does miraculous and wondrous things!

Sunday was a day to celebrate and say goodbye. At the Riga 1 corps, Abigail Evie Smith was dedicated. Sarah led a beautiful service and it was a joy to be part of it. Then we said good bye to Simon and Helen and their kids. They are leaving in a couple of weeks to return to the UK. They start the round of farewells. I left Riga 1 and headed to Riga 2 where the cadets were leading the meeting. It was their farewell to this very special corps who have welcomed us and shared not just a building, but their lives with us. I got there in time for the speeches and flowers. Then a delicious lunch prepared by Ilona Rasa-Trupa. I'm not done there, so this was just good bye for the cadets. I'm not starting that business yet. Enough for now. Here are some more pictures to enjoy!

steveketsiaoslo

smiths and coes

spring07

I'm finally catching up with photos. These are various pictures from this spring. Most of them I've already commented on in previous blogs. Enjoy!

Finally - photos from our trip to the UK

uktrip 0507

Time flies

Where to start? At the beginning or the end? OK, big news first - I now know where I'll be appointed when I return home this summer. I'm going to be the Divisional Secretary in the Midland Division, St. Louis, Missouri. I'm not clear yet about the specific job description that goes with this title, but I am excited about living in St. Louis, working with a lot of good friends both on headquarters and in the corps and learning a new culture (I've never lived that far south!) It won't actually happen until the first week in September, so after these initial days of announcing it and sorting out some of the details I have to put the next phase of my life aside for awhile. The days are going by way too fast and I have too many things to do before I leave Latvia. And I need to separate leaving, which will be quite difficult I'm beginning to understand, from going to a new place, which is another adventure.

In the midst of this happening, we have been very busy at the training school. After my last post, we had a visit from Vic and Ros Poke, territorial leaders from Sweden. They spent a blessed day with the cadets. During our worship service, we experienced powerful moments of worship and prayer. And the cadets received their 1st appointments! Here they are:

Andrejs and Irina to Riga, Russian Ministry and Prison Ministry

Sergejs to Drusti and Seda (Cesis team)

Arturs to Daugavpils, Youth officer and help with planting work in Latgale

Velta to Liepaja, corps leader with Ilona

Ilona to Liepaja, corps leader with Velta

The next week I took the cadets and Dana to London. We met up with the cadets and staff from Sweden and spent nearly a week together in the UK. We had 2 days in London, seeing Army sites and many of my favorite London spots. We also enjoyed nice fellowship with some friends: Stuart and Marjory Watson, Steve Yoder, Hasse and Kristina Kjellgren. We went to IHQ and I couldn't believe how many friends I saw there: Joy Baillie, Nancy Moretz, Bill and Nancy Roberts, Ted Horwood and probably a few others I can't remember. We also enjoyed the fellowship of our friends from Sweden. Walking long distances and traveling on many trains gave us great opportunities for conversations. From London, we travelled to Southport for the Roots Conference. I only spent one day there, but loved it. And again, saw many friends but most of them just long enough to say hi. One special blessing was getting to spend quite a while talking with Lyndall Bywater. She is such a special woman and I feel privileged to call her a friend. I also caught up with Henrik and Lisbeth and Lukas at Starbucks! What a great combination - Andersens and a latte! I had to leave early so Sarah and Dace came to help the cadets through the rest of the weekend. I'm especially grateful to Dana who worked really hard, translating, organizing and generally keeping me sane during this fun, but rather complicated trip. We are still trying to figure out our expenses - well, she is - bless her!

I came home early because Paul and Paula Fleeman arrived on Saturday for a week in Riga. What fun we have had (I hope they think so!) We have tried lots of good restaurants and coffee shops, of course. They taught on Tuesday for Leaders' Day and were excellent. Paul shared some personal experiences which really impacted the leaders. A couple of other things from Leaders' Day: Inga was there after some serious health concerns and time in the hospital. She gave a powerful testimony to God's faithfulness in her life. Patrik came and taught us some self defense techniques. Karina was my partner for some of it - she is strong! And you can imagine me trying to do anything that involved moving my hands and feet at the same time and in different directions! (pictures later) Wednesday and Thursday, Paul and Paula taught the cadets. Paul - Biblical counseling from the book of Job and Paula - Inductive preaching. The cadets were tired from Roots, but still seemed to get a lot out of the classes and enjoyed getting to know the Fleemans. And finally tonight, I took Fleemans to the ballet! And tomorrow - I'm on my way to Norway to meet Steve and Ketsia for a long weekend. They are meeting with sponsors there. Another blessing!

Throughout these busy days, God has been present and active. I'll try to write something about how He has been speaking to me through various people and His word - later. For now, be assured that I know God is faithful and I trust Him to continue to be. (pictures of all of this will be posted later)

A really BIG day in Riga!

Saturday was a great day in Riga!

First the biggest news! Welcome Abigail Evie Smith to the world! She is beautiful and don't you love that middle name?!

See Graeme's blog for details and pictures http://www.uksalvationist.me.uk/blog/

And Cadet Sergejs Konovs graduated from the Riga International Bible Institute (aka RIBI) on Saturday. He started attending classes there many years ago and was able to finish his requirements during training. It was a big day for him and also important for the Army in Latvia. We partner with RIBI for some of our classes and this was a good testimony to that partnership. Hopefully, many of the cadets will be able to graduate in the future. Also, we were able to 'network' with many other church leaders, donors and teachers. That's always good for us. One of the primary supporters of RIBI is a group out of Peoria, IL. It was fun to talk with some midwesterners. Here are some pictures from the graduation:

sergejsribi

Fellowship Photos

Commentary about these photos in previous post.


the 'official' photo with the General and Commissioner. They were uncomfortable about being out of uniform, but who cares?!


and the fellowship

They are smiling about lunch!


From the evening at Riga 2: http://picasaweb.google.com/evieinlatvia/Riga2Fellowship

Fellowship

I've been thinking a lot about this word and more importantly, the value of fellowship and community. It fits with much of what has been happening in the last week. So, I'm going to update on life in Riga focusing on fellowship. I'm going to work my way backwards from yesterday.

• The training center was going to have very special guest for lunch - General Eva Burrows and Commissioner Ingrid Lindberg (both retired). I know that for Americans that wouldn't be such a big deal, but it was a real privilege for us. But, nothing happens in Latvia without a little crisis - so at nearly 10am Dana told me the catered lunch wasn't coming. Off to the grocery store to find out what I can quickly put together for a General and a Commissioner! Sandwiches and salad works for everyone! So, it all came together just fine. But the joy of the day was to sit at lunch with these lovely ladies and the cadets. First, to hear about the beautiful friendship between the two - over 50 years of friendship. That's amazing. And then the joy of our 6 cadets getting personal attention from a retired General - they felt special and I think learned a little from her too. And Commissioner Lindberg is a jewel - she is so nice and although I hardly know her, I know that she is a caring, praying woman. She is one of those people I wish I could get to know better.
• I came home to get ready for small group at my house. We've had a lot of construction in our building so I was washing the door. My dear friend Zoe put a towel in front of my door to protect my flat from dust. I threw that towel in the washer and went on with my cleaning. A while later I discovered that my kitchen was flooded - a bit of the towel was stuck in the washer door. There was no stopping the machine until it was all the way through - yes, I spent the next 2 hours mopping up the kitchen. But, in spite of that we had a good time. We talked about fellowship and looked at some scripture which we all found interesting. We read Philippians 2:19-30. We all agreed we had never really read these verses. They are between important teaching in chs. 2 and 3 and about details of Paul and his relationships. Usually I skip over these, but this week I read them and realized that Paul is actually giving real illustration about that teaching - his own relationships with his friends and the Body of Christ. It was kind of an 'aha' moment for us. And in the group, we also experienced fellowship and community - praying together and caring for each other - just as we always do. I guess that realization (mentioned in an earlier post) is what started me thinking about this theme. I also had them watch a couple of scenes from "A Series of Unfortunate Events" - not your usual Bible Study movie, but there is a great quote about finding sanctuary with those you love, even when life around is really hard. Check it out!
• Sunday - Tuesday we had a guest at the training center and in my home from the UK. Karen Shakespeare came to teach Ethics and hold a discussion about the sacraments. She was great with the cadets and it was good to enjoy fellowship with her, too. We had a beautiful afternoon walking through Riga, looking at the architecture (my favorite, of course) and walking through Old Riga.
• Saturday evening I got to party with the youth! It was a birthday party for Linda's 21st and Velta and I were definitely the 'most mature' there. But, we, sat on the floor on cushions, played the dancing game and ran outside with everyone else. It was really fun and reminded me how much I really love the youth at our corps. They are a special bunch!
• And finally, last Friday evening I was at the Riga 2 corps for their fellowship night. It was american night and I planned it. Not very creative but we had fun! I borrowed a stick ball set from Patrik and we played a quick and very sloppy game. I made chili and french fries, with Coke. I think that was a hit. But mostly again, it was just fun to be with the people from the corps.

I've been reading Psalm 133 this week - " How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! " The Psalmist goes on to describe what this fellowship is like. It's been a while since I've had comments here, so here's a question for you - How would you describe fellowship?

I want to practice living in fellowship and community with other believers. It is my responsibility to do what I can to make that happen. Here's the prayer (in English and Latvian) I've been using this week, from Disciplines for the Inner Life:

O God, you have made us for fellowship, and have given us the power both to help and harm our neighbor, grant us the wisdom to know what is their good, and the ready will to help them to attain it. Heal those we have wounded, strengthen those whom we have failed, grant us all your healing grace and make our fellowship to be your family, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!

Ak, Dievs, Tu esi radījis mūs sadraudzībai un esi devis mums spēku gan palīdzēt tuvākajiem, gan nodarīt viņiem pāri. Dāvini mums gudrību, lai mēs saprastu, kas ir labākais priekš viņiem, un lai mēs būtu gatavi palīdzēt viņiem to sasniegt. Dziedini tos, kurus esam aizvainojuši, stiprini tos, kurus esam pievīluši. Dāvini mums savu dziedējošo žēlastību un dari tā, lai sadraudzībā mēs esam daļa no Tavas ģimenes caur Jēzu Kristu, mūsu Kungu. Āmen!

Easter in Riga

I started out Easter morning playing the appropriate pieces from Handel's Messiah as loud as I could while getting ready for church. "I know that my redemmer lives", "Worthy is the lamb", "Hallelujah" and "The Trumpet shall sound"! A good way to start celebrating the resurrection.

We had breakfast and then a great service together at the Riga 1 corps. It was not a traditional meeting, instead it was a family outreach Sunday. Stuart and Cei and their newly formed team (Marika, Linda and their girls) did the whole meeting. It was a lot of fun and the gospel message was clear. Here are a few pictures to show you the team. http://picasaweb.google.com/evieinlatvia/Easter07

The Smiths came over for dinner later. This was the last year for this tradition, unless we can figure out how I get to the UK next year or they come to the US. We ate a lot of course and ended up as usual, watching a movie with Sian! All in all - a very nice day. And Monday was an official holiday so I got an extra day off - no complaints from me. Back to training and work today.

I'm not really looking to start a discussion here about the sacraments and the Army position but if you want to read a good explanation and support for our stance, here it is. Simple and clear. Send your comments to Steve Court, please!

http://www.armybarmy.com/JAC/article10-40.html

Catching Up

Wow! I always have good intentions and good ideas for writing here, but somehow it doesn't get done. So, I'm going to try to give you a little bit of what's been happening in the last few weeks. Sorry if it gets long. I've realized that I need this blog for my own personal history so I don't forget any of this amazing and challenging time in my life.

I actually got to do some teaching again - SA History, part 2. I'm afraid I get a little too involved in the details and we were taking forever to get past William and Catherine. But finally we laid them both to rest. I even noticed a few tears as I told of Catherine's last days. The cadets and Aldona loved hearing about some of the more unique characters from our early days - Joe the Turk, Elijah Cadman and others. I found it really challenging and gained some new insight as we talked about the development of the Army and how that was related to the culture of the day. Things I take for granted aren't necessarily easily understood here. The industrial revolution, the British colonies and theological issues like Booth and others believing the Kingdom of Heaven would come in their time and be established in London - the center of the world at that time. Or so they thought. We still didn't finish. I have to add one or two more days to bring us to the present.
Patverums celebrated their 5th anniversary a few weeks ago and said farewell to Smiths. (Although they aren't actually leaving yet.) It was a great day. See the pictures and report at http://patverums.blogspot.com
We have had some difficult days at the training school. We are nearing the end, nerves are getting edgy, everyone is tired and I believe we are being tested, too. I've taken a lot of the trouble personally and am spending a lot of time praying and sighing. But, in spite of the hard days God has been faithful. One of the ways He has provided for me is through our 'English-speaking' small group. We've been together for a long time now and I realize they are a very important part of my life here. A couple of weeks ago someone suggested that I might need to have a meeting on a Thursday evening. I reacted quickly, without even thinking I said in a very whiny voice "I can't miss small group. I really need them to survive these days!" That was a little 'aha' moment for me. The small group of friends is for me what they are supposed to be - encouragers, prayer partners and great fellowship. So, if any of you are reading this, thanks! Last week we met at Stuart and Cei's home. There were only 5 of us but we had such a fun time. We were silly, laughing, talking non-stop and of course, also sharing and praying together. What a blessing!
I also had a little fun - once (at least)- in the last weeks! Graeme, Zoe and I went to see Stomp! I'd never seen them and loved it! I was a bit nervous about the little life Zoe is carrying, but the baby and Zoe seemed to survive!
Last Sunday, April 1, was 12 years from the day my mom died. I didn't mention it except once in church to Zoe, but I thought about her a lot during the day. Here is a quote from my devotions that day. "My Father of infinite love, enter and fill me and take control of every area of my life...Let the threads of my life be interwoven with the tapestry of Your eternal purposes." If you know me and my family, you know that the experiences of 12 years ago have definitely been used by God to change our lives and lead us (my family) in new directions, for His purposes. My brother, Steve, took a risk and moved first to Jamaica and then to Haiti and most important, he has become a man of God, trusting even in difficult situations. My sister, Chris, is a confident and loving, pastoral woman who knows what her priorities should be in regards to family and ministry. And here I am - still learning so much about how God wants to work in and through me.
One of those areas God still has a lot to do in me is teaching me about contentment. To help me along I just finished a book called "The Contented Soul" by Lisa Graham McMinn. I love the first 1/2 of the book and the last chapter. She spent a little too much time on being contented with the earth. I'm afraid it sounded very suburban, upper middle class to me. But, there are some important truths in the book. Here are a few:

I want to be a contented soul that savors life in the midst of its ruin as well as its beauty.

The soul organizes the whole person...living souls grounded in a physical world held together by a spiritual one.

...happiness is linked to and emerges from knowing and loving God, which takes place in our soul. From that place of contented rest we can engage, love and serve others.

...serving or celebrating within a community of others could move me beyond any disappointment of sorrow that had derailed me and could draw me into greater contentment.

What eases my lonely soul more than pampering it is blessing someone else.

Rather than attempting to escape some unpleasant experience, I want to learn to rest in God, knowing that God desires my transformation, and would use this moment to help me see, understand and love more deeply.

As we grow less preoccupied with ourselves we are filled with wonder at the God who created us and all that surrounds us.

Well, you get the idea - this is how I want to live. And that's a bit (a lot) about what's been happening to Evie in Latvia.

(see fun photos below from last night at Riga 1)

Passover dinner at Riga 1

http://picasaweb.google.com/evieinlatvia/PassoverApril07

New life at Riga 1

We had a great celebration 2 weeks ago at Riga 1. 9 soldiers were enrolled and 2 adherents made. 5 of the soldiers were my girls from my small group! Unfortunately for me, I arrived an hour late because I was clueless about the time change. I was really sad about that but, I did get some pictures at the end. (click on photos to see larger image)
Note Zoe, soon to be mom again!
4 girls and Janis (lucky guy!)
Anita with some of her family
Erika - check out those shoes! I want some...
Linda and Evie Marika and Evie (they are all so tall!)

http://picasaweb.google.com/evieinlatvia/BeaAndWatsonsMarch07

I didn't tell you much about our visit with Stuart and Marjory Watson, except the singing! To get video clips of that you have to write me privately! We had a really wonderful time with the cadets. I had a great time personally with Stuart and Marjory, too. We had fun touring around Riga, trying lots of restauarants (some that I had never been to and now had someone to drag there.) Beatrice, a friend and cadet from Sweden joined us for a few days. Watsons stayed with Sarah and Aivis and it was fun to have Sarah and Josh with us on some of those days. We don't just hang out often enough. The cadets loved and were challenged by Stuart's teaching. They loved Marjory, too - her teaching and her humor! We miss them and hope they will come back to Riga sometime!

The pictures come from Watsons, Beatrice and me. Enjoy!

and can anyone tell me why I can't get Picasa web albums to link properly?

About our Partners in Mission - Ghana

My friends, Dennis and Sharon Strissel have just gone to lead the Salvation Army work in Ghana. Since we in Latvia (and Sweden) are their Partner in Mission, I thought you might want to know what's happening there and how to pray for them.

Check out their blog: http://www.xanga.com/TSA_Spotlight_on_Ghana

Here are few pictures from my eventful days in Liverpool and Manchester. Actually, these are all about Liverpool and the Beatles!

With Graham at the nightclub where the Beatles started. Look close, you'll see names of other bands who've played there.

These days are funny!

So, now that I've announced I'm leaving I have to admit that I occassionally get hit with a wave of sentimentalism. Last week was a rather difficult week and I was not feeling very sentimental! This week we have Stuart and Marjory Watson from the UK with us. Stuart is teaching an OT prophets course and Marjory is working with the cadets on their voices - she is a professional singer. We started yesterday with a Spiritual Day together. (Well, that's after I stuffed them with Lido food on Saturday evening!) The cadets responded so well to them and we had a great time with worship, teaching and fellowship. I also have had a guest from Sweden, Beatrice. She's a cadet and met us at our Northern Training Conference. She joined us on Sunday. It was one of those days when I felt very proud of our cadets. Not that they did anything special, but just because of who they are. Yesterday afternoon and evening Watsons, Bea and I walked around Riga and had a great time. Today the teaching started. First we had prayers together and for some reason I got a bit emotional, listening to Velta share and as the cadets were singing the worship songs. I know they don't have the most beautiful voices (sorry if any of you are reading this!) but, I thought today "I'm going to miss this sound!" I've grown used to our little 'choir'. During the Bible class, I didn't sit in but from the times I was observing, they were really challenged and eager to understand Stuart's teaching. I'm glad for them that they can have some deeper teaching than what I can provide.

But now the fun has begun! We discovered they were nervous about this 'music clinic', as I've dubbed it. They couldn't stop talking about it - but I also understood that they were excited. They know they can be helped by this, so they are very open. I'm not in there, as much as I'd like to be, because I don't want to make them nervous. But, of course I'm standing outside the door as much as possible! They are having a great time! Marjory is making it fun and they are responding well - all of them! I think they are very impressed that a professional has come to teach them. I know some training schools are too sophisticated for this kind of teaching (you know who you are!) For us, this is important - actually for all officers. We use our voices non-stop and whether we sing or speak, we need to know how to use them properly. There's my soap box for today!