To the Thursday night English-speaking Bible Study Group

the rest of you can read this, too! It's Thursday evening and I just finished spending an hour worshipping with a group of missionaries. We were singing songs in English, most of them familiar to our group. As we were singing, I realized what day it was and that this was as close as I would ever get to being part of a group like ours was. I felt like this was a little blessing the Lord gave me. I did occasionally sing in Latvian, too. I don't want to forget. Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you all and while we were singing I was praying for you. Oh, one more difference tonight - the sun was setting over the Rocky Mountains as we were singing. Beautiful and a reminder - "How Great Is Our God"!

A challenge

garden of the gods"

Here's the game - tell us what you see when you look at these photos from the Garden of the gods. I made a few comments, but leave the rest to your imagination. Leave a comment on Picasa or here. Also, check out the new Picasa map feature. I love Picasa!

Debriefing and Renewal

I'm in heaven! Well, I walked through the Garden of the gods and I imagine there will be a place something like that in heaven! If you've never been there, it should be on your list of 'must see' places. I flew into Colorado Springs this morning and had a few hours before I had to be at this Debriefing and Renewal conference. Between here and there is the Garden of the gods. It has been a beautiful day and I took advantage of it. (I'll post pictures tomorrow.) The rock formations are amazing and awesome. This garden is definitely evidence of THE Creator, in spite of the name. Besides the curious rocks, there was a lovely scent of pines trees and forest flowers. I breathed it all in and thought, this is exactly what I need. I've loved having time with family and friends, but I need this time for me before I go to St. Louis. Oh yes, I think the conference will be good, too. I've already made connections and realize again what a small world it is - especially among people in ministry. I met someone who knows my friend, Kjell in Sweden; Malcolm from Riga and who knows who else - we could play that 7 degrees of separation game. Also, there is an Army couple just returned from Spain who of course know Brad and Heidi. I'm looking forward to lots of wonderful stories of how God has worked in over a dozen different countries, a number of different organizations and with a wide variety of personalities and gifts. I'm looking forward to what God has to say to me, too!

Newly painted Pestisanas Armija building in Riga
(RHQ, Riga 1 corps and my flat housed here)


Beautiful Art Nouveau faces taken by Ieva


The last couple of days my heart and thoughts have been in Latvia. I guess I've been home long enough that it's hit me, I'm not going back. Monday evening was a fun get-together at Dani and Jeremy R.'s house, with Brad and Heidi, Lindsay, Steve and Ketsia and the Jordans. I brought pictures (actually, my laptop because I haven't gotten around to printing any yet.) It struck me while Lindsay and I were talking about her summer in Chile and how she felt going 'home' and then leaving again. Later, I was showing her some of my Latvia pics and while our experiences are so different, I felt like she got what I'm feeling. Torn between here and there (thus my blog title remains.) Last night I had dinner at Bob and Maribeth S.'s house. They are so great and show real interest in my life in Latvia. They sat through my picture presentation and I think that 2 nights in a row were too much for me. On the way home, I was overwhelmed with my emotions. Then today I was on Messenger with Dace. I don't think she could tell (then again, maybe she could) but it was another emotional moment. Of course, this is normal. And when I go to Colorado next week for a 'reentry' conference, I'm sure I'll experience more emotions.

One of the things I haven't done is mention some wonderful gifts I received when I left Latvia:

• A CD rom with lots of pictures, music and a very special farewell video from my friends in Latvia. If you want to see it, I'd love to show you! Thanks to Ieva for putting it all together.
• A music CD from Edgars of Shawn McDonald (http://www.shawnmcdonaldmusic.com) which I love listening to. Thanks, Edgars!
• A collage of pictures from the girls to hang in a special place in my new home. Thanks, girls!
• 3 beautiful photographs of Latvia, taken by Aivis, also to be hung in a special "Latvia corner" in my new home. Thanks to Sarah, Aivis and the Riga 1 corps.
• A mug with two important faces smiling at me - Sian and Abigail Evie. Thanks, Zoe and Graeme!

Back to Monday evening...it was great to spend time with Brad and Heidi. Good timing to have them home from Spain while I'm here. I love being with all of the people who were there. It felt like a noisy family reunion. We ended with a very big game of Boggle and I have to confess I'm the Boggle Queen! (comes from having a boring life, so I do a lot of crossword puzzles!) Tuesday started with a root canal! Yuk! And the most unpleasant of experiences. 1. I was having a bad allergy day - that's bad when your head is tilted back and down for over an hour. 2. When the dentist covered my mouth with a piece of rubber material it also covered my nose for an instant. I had a little claustrophobic response, also called inability to breath through my mouth or nose. 3. After working for over an hour the dentist said 'you'll have to come back in a week, so I can finish.' Problem - I'll be in Colorado, then on to St. Louis. So, I'll be finishing on Friday. Sounds like fun - what a way to spend vacation. Today Steve, Ketsia and I went to see "Bourne Ultimatum" - I loved it but was a bit confused at the end. I have a couple more relatively lazy days and then on to Colorado. If you think about me, pray for those days. My desire is to figure out how to apply all that I experienced and learned in Latvia here, especially as I move to new and very different opportunities in St. Louis.

Family

The last week has been spent with family. Here are the highlights...

• tonight sitting in the family room with Steve, Ketsia, Matt and Abbie enjoying a movie and time together (the rest of the family are at a funeral which I'll refer to later.)
• talking about Latvia for my sister's Home League program as her last resort because their field trip was cancelled due to the funeral. The second choice was a joint Diaz/Merritt program but Ketsia had to have 4 wisdom teeth pulled and Steve's 1st priority was to take care of her. So, that left me. It was fun, the group was great and very interested. I was glad to be helpful.
• Listening to Chris's pastoral guidance with the mother of a murdered young man, whose funeral is tonight at their corps. Feeling proud of her and sympathetic to her difficult task.
• Last night we had our traditional Thai restaurant meal with my aunt Char and cousin Tim, Brigit and Myles and Cash (newest addition to the family).
• Playing 'Bang' - a card game - with Matt, who knew all of the secrets, Steve and Steve. Matt won every time but we all had fun.
• Enjoying our Monday evening get together with lots of extended family members, some who I haven't seen for years.
• Being at the corps Sunday with all of my family. Playing horn next to my sister in their corps band (because they were desperate). I'm not sure we've ever played together. Watching Steve and Chris lead their corps people, especially during the pastoral prayer time. They are great. Enjoying lunch at 'Kings' with a good number of the corps family, along with our family. The Dearborn Heights people welcome us as if we belong. It's a joy to visit there.
• Attending a funeral for my aunt LeEtta (actually a cousin, but best friends with my Grandma throughout their lives and mine.) Our extended family were together, which rarely happens and resulted in the Monday party. Hearing about my aunt LeEtta from the corps people. We thought that since she was 90+, most of the corps people would not come out. The chapel was full, including a band. We heard stories from former Girl Guards (my age), Sunday School members and Songsters. LeEtta influenced several generations of people at the Royal Oak corps and it was a huge blessing to hear those testimonies.
• Driving up to Michigan with my brother and sister-in-law in the middle of the night to get to the funeral. Those 5 hour drives always give us time to catch up and have some good conversations.

I thank God for my family and for this time we can spend together. Thanks for listening!

An amazing weekend

Yesterday was a lazy, recovery day for me. I had a great weekend but it took a lot out of me. The end of the week included a doctor and a dentist. (the dental hygenist said I had good oral hygiene!) I also spent time with good friends who are sisters and their families - Gortons and Yoders. In fact, I met the Seilers (chief secretary) and she immediately thought I was one of them. But, to make my sister happy, as soon as she learned who I was she said "You are Chris Merritt's sister." Chris thinks that doesn't happen very often, but being out of the territory for 3 years has changed things. Anyway, back to the events of the weekend.

I was reminded of what I really love about this territory when I went out to CBLI on Friday. It was the summer mission team program and the best one I've seen, both from the program side and from the missional effectiveness side. The passion of the youth and young adults was strong - whether they had been in a far off country or visiting little corps in Wisconsin and Michigan. They get it! A lot of that is because of Chris, Kristin and the other leaders who have influenced them. I loved the fact that each team memorized scripture together during their summer. They taught us lots of songs and shared powerful testimonies. I've known a lot of these 'kids' from birth or a very young age and watched them grow up to be godly, maturing and confident disciples of Jesus. Of course, they are not perfect and I'm sure their parents and corps officers could tell some stories - but there is definitely a lot of hope for the future of the Army and the kingdom, in this territory and beyond. One funny thing happened, well I thought so anyway. The worship team had us singing "Heaven Came Down" and the whole room (about 500 people) started clapping just like we used to 20 years ago. I burst out laughing. I never thought I'd sing tht song again, and if I did I was sure it would be in a nursing home not in a youth meeting! Personally, I have to admit I felt a little disconnected and it was hard not to be in the middle of it all, but reality is that life goes on and I'm thrilled to see the great things the Lord is doing. I went home tired from seeing so many people and trying again to have those little conversations.

Saturday I had a very nice time catching up with Bill and Sue Harfoot and then met Gortons to go out to camp again. It was the final program for the children and youth programs. The kids were cute and there were a lot of proud parents. The best part of the evening came at the very end. The teens and young adults had memorized a recently popularized speech, describing the character and life of Jesus. (sorry I can't give you a better description, I tried to find it online but couldn't. Can anyone help me?) They quoted it with power, passion and at a very high volume. I got chills as they described our Lord with certainty and faith, acknowledging their belief in Him and proclaiming Him as Lord to all of us. It was an amazing ending to a good evening. Here are a few pictures.


august07

Dace at the Art Museum

This is Dace...
This is a pig! (no offense meant to Dace)

Alive and in America!

I safely arrived on Friday evening, about 1 1/2 hours late but with no complications, including the Warsaw connection. Thanks to all of you who prayed about that. Just a little about my last days in Riga before I move on to current experiences. On Thursday (has it only been 6 days? Wow!) I had a delicious lunch with the Riga 2 crowd. Ilona RT fixed one of the most tasty meals I've every had. If you get invited to eat something she's cooking - say yes! And Ilona and Evelina made me some great cookies, traditional Latvian, to take with me. I just ate the last one yesterday. I have to admit I didn't share them very freely. That evening the Smiths and I went to the Big Lido. I had my last pankukas. We had a nice time together. Later, Veronika and Marina came over for a while. We had a good talk and said goodbye. Friday I finished my packing and cleaning then to a good bye coffee break for Linda Silina (off to a mission trip, then something new) and me. After some nice food and words, I was on my way to the airport. The girls said goodbye at the office, then followed us to the airport to say goodbye 'one more time!' The Smiths and Larssons stayed with me for lunch (at Lido!) and then it was the last goodbye. It was hard to say bye but I was tired of being in 'farewell' mode and ready to get on with the move. While in line to check in I met a couple also headed to Chicago (then on to San Francisco). She had looked into all of the travel rules and got opposite answers from what I did. She put me in a little panic but it all worked out. We continued to talk when we got on the bus to the plane, then while we waited in Warsaw. They were an interesting couple and if I was headed back to Latvia, we could probably have become friends. For you in Latvia, they are going to be featured in a couple of magazines soon - Ieva, Sieviete and Apelsinu (OK, maybe not spelled correctly but you know what I mean!) She will be on the cover of at least one - red hair and called Airina, I think. He's from the UK and of Indian heritage. Read their story, it should be interesting. I think they kept me from dwelling on leaving and getting too introspective. That was a good thing. I had a great group meet me at the airport - Chris and Steve and kids, Lisa and girls and Joe and Kristin. The 3 little girls came running and calling my name as soon as I got through the door and I felt well welcomed home! My sister's family stayed for the weekend. It was good to be with them without any pressures of schedules. And they helped me get on to a normal routine right away. No lounging or jet lag for me! Well, for a couple of days anyway. On Sunday we went to CBLI for church - it was good but a bit overwhelming to see so many people at once. I headed to OBT afterward for their day camp musical and to see people there, then to Jordans for a while. A very nice Sunday but I was tired. So Monday was my lazy day - and piggish - I ate lots of junk food! Some of my initial impressions of being at home:

• my cell phone is a portable PC - EEK! I have not figured out how to use it and feel overwhelmed by it. If you try to call me, be patient! My car also has some high tech things I've got to figure out. If you know me or you look at this blog, you understand that I'm not very good with technical stuff.
• I had Twizzlers (thanks, Kristin and Lisa!) and a Portillos hot dog and what ever else I eat, I've had my favorites!
• I went to get my driver's license replaced and had a Latvian 'de ja vu' of my immigration experiences as I walked in to the Secretary of State's office and saw the numbers above the desks. I brought something to read, expecting to wait for a long time. The whole process took less than 30 minutes, really! No hassles, no questions.
• Today I went to THQ and was amused when I realized the smell of THQ never changes! It's not bad - just unique. However, I did have some strange feelings as I realized I could quickly settle in to my routine there - coffee break with Carol and Kristin, lunch with the IT crew and visits to the usual offices. Again, not a bad thing, just interesting to think about.
• I get tired easily when I've been having lots of those quick conversations with people I haven't seen for at least a year. I wish I could sit with each person for an extended time and really get caught up. I can't easily or quickly answer the question "Are you glad to be home?" So, if you really want to hear the answer, let's meet for coffee or a meal together.
• I don't really have a plan for my holidays and I'm finding that stressful - how crazy is that? Why can't I just relax and enjoy having no responsibilities or people needing me?

When Sergejs said goodbye to me, he said in English "Let God bless you. Let God use you in your new work". I guess you could call that a missed translation, but I think they were important words for me. I know God wants to bless me and use me. The question is, will I let Him? During this holiday time, I'm looking for God's blessing every day and He is faithful!

this is it!

Tomorrow at noon I leave RHQ to go to the airport. My flight is at 2:40. And I'll be in Chicago at 7:35 p.m. Lots to write but no time, energy or brain left. I'll try to write soon after I get home. Unless I'm enjoying my vacation too much! Love to all who have lived with me in Riga through this blog.

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!

2007_07_21

musings about life - amusing or not

Taken from Ieva's Gallery (see side bar link)

• One of the things I've learned from reading Palau's book and 2 Corinthians is to trust God with the little things more often. Palau says "Often it's the little problems, not the big ones, that reveal the weaknesses in our character." This is so true for me. I'm great in a big crisis but the little worries of the day get me frustrated, nervous and distracted from what's important. So, I've been working on this. I know that part of it is my understanding of prayer - is God really concerned with whether I lost my keys or forgot to do some task? Well, that's a question I'll leave for you to answer. I am sure He is concerned with my reaction to those little problems. Here's my experience this week...Monday I had to get 2 documents prepared for the shipper to use for Latvian customs. One had to be translated, the other notarized. I thought all translators were away this week and I had a bad experience with a notary public previously. My first reaction was to be worried about getting this done. My 2nd thought was to practice what I've been studying. I decided to trust these 2 things with the Lord and see what happened. I walked in to the office and there was Olesja, returned for 1 day to do some things in the office. She had the letter written in 2 minutes. Next I was off to a notary public, who turned out to be as friendly, helpful and efficient as could be. Small miracles! Next little problem I'm trying to trust the Lord with is my flight home - Lot Airlines which doesn't have the best reputation. But, I'm looking at it as the end of this great adventure! Maybe I'll get some extra hours in Warsaw. I hear it's a nice city.


• After my things left Riga, I was told it would take 15-20 days to get to the states. My plan (admittedly procrastinating) was to finish the forms for Latvia and then do the ones for the US. I was headed to that task on Thursday morning when I had an urgent email from the US shipping company. "This is an emergency, please get your forms completed now." I won't comment about how she'd been trying to call my soon-to-be cell phone number in St. Louis and couldn't figure out why I wasn't answering, but hadn't tried to email or use the Latvian phone number listed in my correspondence. Anyway, I filled out the forms and faxed them to her and asked to be notified whether they were OK or needed some editing. A few hours later the same woman called to say my forms were fine and..."please hold..." "Your shipment has just arrived in the States." Yes, that's just 2 days after they left Riga. When I reminded her of the suggested shipping time, her response was "Well, in a country like Latvia I expected it would take much longer." I didn't say anything, which I think was great restraint on my part. The good news, my stuff arrived at US customs and will be in St. Louis before I leave Riga!


• One zoo story from last week - you know how in the old days and I suppose in some countries today pregnant women are kept hidden? No, I'm not advocating that - stick with me...in Latvia pregnant women often continue to wear what they wore pre-pregnancy - short shirts and low, low riding trousers. Now I know from Zoe's experience that maternity clothes are expensive here, so I'm not making any judgments. And Latvian women start out tiny, little things anyway. By the end of pregnancy you often see very large bare bellies walking down the street, protruding from those tiny women. Really, that's not what my story is about. I saw the most disturbing pregnancy at the zoo. Have you ever seen a pregnant camel? At first I thought the camels had some kind of disease, their humps were flopping over, one on each side of their bodies, but then Johanna pointed out their extended sides. The strangest sight I've every seen and there were 3 of them. I'll be happy never to see it again.


• I threw out a favorite pair of sandals today which I figure are more than 10 years old. The sole on one is completely separated from the shoe. I could probably repair it but as I only paid $12 or so I think I've got my monies worth. I did love those sandals and haven't found anything I like as well.


• Since my DVDs and most of my CDs are gone and I'm in my flat most of the day, I've been listening to recordings of Norridge Citadel's meetings. They have been sending them for a couple of years and I haven't been able to keep up. I also received recordings from Flint Citadel and Dearborn Heights. I won't deny that I immediately listen to the DH CDs, as I get to hear my sister and brother-in-law. But those only come one per month. Norridge sends a whole month's worth at a time. I still have several I haven't heard and this week I'm catching up. I've heard Doug Rowland, Darryl Leedom and Jesse Collins preach so far. I also love to hear the worship time and the band. I have only one complaint - Pete McBride's offertories are usually deleted. No offense to the preachers or other worship leaders, but I'd really love to hear Pete's piano creations each week.


• And finally, (aren't you glad?) tonight is the divisional welcome for Neal and Patty Richardson, my new DCs. I am sorry I can't be there but they are definitely in my thoughts and prayers. The pilgrimage camp follows for the rest of the weekend and it's the first big thing for the new divisional team (minus me.) I've been praying that this will draw the team together in a powerful and purposeful way and that they will all get a vision for what God wants to do in the division. Then I'll come along in a couple of months and join in with them physically. I'm joining them in prayer right now.

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)

Fun days in Latvia

Photos here. Words coming...


Johanna and Bernati"

Saturday was an organizing and packing day. I got a pretty good start and feel like the job is manageable. Sunday was my turn to preach at Riga 1 and my last time. I didn't expect many people but since the girls planned to be there and to lead the worship, I expected a good time. And it was. We had a pretty good group, about 35, and the worship was great! I preached from 2 Corinthians, inspired by the book I mentioned a couple of posts ago (Stop Pretending by Luis Palau). Dana translated, which was nice because she knows me and so it's easy to keep the flow. I came home intending to do some more packing but was exhausted and actually took a nap in the afternoon and then lounged the evening away. There was someone playing music either in the corps or just outside most of the night and I was awake. Wonder if my new house will be quiet? Yesterday and today were devoted to sorting and packing. I now have most of the sorting done, so it will be easy to put things in boxes. The house is a disaster and I have company, Johanna from Sweden, on Thursday and Friday. Tomorrow I'll be at the office for a while and then come home to clean the house up a bit.

(My life sounds really exciting these days, doesn't it?) Here are a few pictures to see just how exciting it is!


july 07"

Latvian Preschool in Chicago

Check this out! http://www.starins.org/

How to avoid packing!

Sorry to scare you Ieva. I am experimenting with the look of my blog. I don't think I like this one but it will do for a while. I have to come up with a new name and focus if I'm going to keep up the blog when I move to St. Louis. I don't think that life as a divisional secretary will be quite as exciting as the last 3 years have been, so I need some help. I want to keep writing but about what? And, suggestions for new names are welcome. No, Henrik, I'm not going to call it 'Meet me in St. Louis!'

I've been reading 'Stop Pretending' by Luis Palau. It is an excellent study of 2 Corinthians and would be a great small group study, especially for people in ministry/leadership. One of the things he says that really struck me is "When I start my day with a positive, joyful prayer to the Lord as the Apostle Paul prayed (2:14), I can even be with people who are negative without being negative myself." That is not a new thought but I guess it is something the Lord needed to get my attention about. I realized that I more often pray "Lord, this is going to be a hard day, please get me through it." Instead, I want to pray as Paul did "Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph through Jesus Christ." Positive, victorious, hopeful not beaten down before I start. I tried it today and it was one of those days! Well, a mixed up day I guess. The morning was spent trying to sort out some problems with the living arrangements for some of the new captains, not so much the practical stuff as the attitude stuff. Tonight I was supposed to go to see the new Die Hard movie with Marika and Linda, but that didn't work out. When I got home from the training school, I had a frustrating discussion with Ronalds about my toilet which still is not working. I was feeling more defeated than victorious. And what I really needed to do tonight was start packing. The movers come in 10 days! Fortunately Ilona RT caught me on messenger and convinced Ieva and I to come over for fresh baked strawberry cake. Hmm - packing or cake with I. and I.? Packing will eventually get done, spending time with friends is much more valuable these days. And I can always pack tomorrow - unless the sun is shining!

Ieva found some new faces for me in Liepaja:

4th of July

independence day 07 Happy Birthday Ieva and Happy Birthday USA! Ieva and I went for a walk tonight and she encouraged me to find more faces in Riga. Here they are. Someday I will do a sermon or some kind of study using all of these faces I've collected.

A people on the move

Karen Shakespeare shared this poem with us. Dana translated it and we used it for Covenant Day. I need it today - maybe you will, too.

God's People? Why Abraham?

"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you;
I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.” Genesis 12:2

Why should one be called and not another,
if you are indeed the God of all peoples?
Why are some singled out for your favors?
Why Abraham?

Abraham was called
not to have but to give
not to acquire status but to serve;
not to be elite, but to be the first true universalist.
Abraham was called
to leave the known for the unknown;
to be a wanderer in the land of promise;
to have no foothold but a burial place.
Called to be blessed;
much more he was called to be a blessing.

Is this then what calling means.
To be a people on the move,
not clinging to the tried
the safe,
the known;
but traveling,
responding to a half-heard voice?

To be a people on the move
whose goal is not their own salvation
into some exclusive heavenly club,
but the fulfillment of your purposes
for all humanity,
the salvation of the world?

Edmund Banyard: Turn but a Stone

Dieva cilvēki? Kāpēc Ābrahāms?

Es tevi svētīšu un darīšu lielu tavu vārdu, un tu būsi par svētību.
I Mozus 12:2


Kāpēc viens tiek aicināts, Bet cits – ne,
Ja Tu patiešām esi Visu cilvēku Dievs?
Kāpēc ir daži,
Kas izvēlēti Tavai labvēlībai?
Kāpēc Ābrahāms?

Ābrahāms bija aicināts
Nevis saņemtu, bet lai dotu,
Nevis, lai iemantotu slavu, Bet lai kalpotu;
Nevis lai būtu elitē, Bet lai būtu pirmais patiesais universālists.
Ābrahāms bija aicināts
Pamest zināmo nezināmā dēļ,
Lai kļūtu par ceļotāju uz apsolīto zemi.
Viņš bija aicināts ne tikai būt svētīts,
Bet lai pats būtu par svētību.

Vai tad aicinājums nozīmē,
Ka mums jābūt cilvēkiem kustībā,
Ka mēs nedrīkstam turēties
Pie drošā un zināmā,
ka mums jāiet tur,
Kur mūs aicina svārstīga balss?

Būt cilvēkam kustībā,
Kura mērķis ir
Nevis personiskā glābšana
Kādā ekskluzīva debesu klubā,
Bet lai piepildītu mērķi par cilvēcību
Un glābjošo vārdu?

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"

I love this picture! Thanks to the Kozlovska sisters for this one. (click on it for better view)