What I did on my Christmas Vacation or Family, Friends and Food

I'm finishing up a week of vacation, sitting at the airport. There are so many wonderful blessings to share and I've been trying to think how to get it down in an organized way. The celebration actually started the week before I left St. Louis, while I was still supposed to be working but managed to get in some fun, too.

• Friends and Food - the DHQ women officers (minus 1) went out for a night on the town. We started at The Chocolate Bar. It's hard to describe but included gourmet cheeses and lots of chocolate choices. If you come to visit, we are going there! We then went to see Wicked! It's a fun musical, but probably not my favorite. The fun was being with my friends and we somehow avoided work talk the whole evening.


• Friends - I was on line searching for a Handel's Messiah concert in town and didn't find one. That's a sad part of being away from Riga and Chicago. But, I did find a Rutter 'Magnificat' concert. Carla Voeller and I went. It was beautiful and in a magnificent concert hall. Besides Magnificat, the chorus also sang a lot of traditional carols. I love them and haven't had much opportunity to sing them this year. We were both in heaven! I had an amazing moment of worship when we all joined in singing "O come let us adore Him". I'd never felt the spiritual impact of these words like I did that evening. I don't know if it was the beautiful sound in the concert hall or what moved me specifically. I found myself praying as I was singing "Lord, let this be true worship for all in this room." I believe there were some who experience the true adoration of Christ during those moments. This will become one of my St. Louis traditions.


• Food - well, sort of! The Friday before Christmas I went with an ensemble to play on a radio show (6-9 AM!!!!) I also was the spokeswoman for the Army that morning. We had such fun and while we were in the studio, a local restaurant brought in the most delicious food. Not breakfast food, but still - we all ate it! Another place to try some day.


• Family and Food - Then I was off to Livonia to be with my family. I decided to fly, rather than drive 9 hours on my own. That was nearly a disaster because of fog and snow, but I made it. However, my luggage didn't. Eventually, Chris and I went to the airport to look for it (24 hours later) and there it was, sitting with dozens of other abandoned suitcases. Oh well, it got there before Christmas with all presents safely packed. It really was nice to be with my family for the first time in 3 years during Christmas. They had finished most of their corps activities, so we actually relaxed and were stress free. I got to see Abbie and Matt in the Christmas musical. Sunday afternoon we had a Diaz family (extended) party. About 30 of us, who never all get together at once. That was so great and where the food came in - lots of it. I'll post a couple of pictures later. Christmas Day we opened presents together and it was fun and very exciting for the kids. Much different from my Christmas in Latvia, where I usually opened gifts on my own. I was a little afraid that the kids might have outgrown the fun and joy of gift-giving since I'd left. Not a chance! They were up early, excited about the Santa gifts and grateful for all they received. Since in Latvia I always spent the day with the Smiths, I missed them. They called and made my day complete! Later we went to the corps to join in with one of the corps family gatherings for a really good meal and fellowship. Again, a nice and relatively relaxing day. I was simply enjoying being with my family during those days.
• Friends and more food - I spent the last few days with the Jordans in the Chicago area. We had a big party with loads of food and lots of friends over one evening. We did a bit of shopping and a lot of eating. I also got to spend time with Gortons while there, which made my weekend even more special. My vacation ended with Sunday morning worship at Oakbrook Terrace. As always, I love being there and am so grateful for the corps family who still make me feel like I belong.

Now it's New Year's Eve and I'm lounging at home enjoying my last bit of vacation with some quiet, peaceful time on my own. If you have made it this far - how about your opinion on my continuation of this blog? I really did it to journal my Latvian adventure. As I'm 6 months past that, is anyone interested in my St. Louis life?

Praying you will experience joy and peace as we enter a new year.

Winter Wonderland or something like that

Whew! So much has happened since the little TV episode. (if you go to www.myfoxstl.com and click on Tree of Lights Campaign, then go to their videos link, you'll see me and a number of Army highlights. The best one happened this morning, click on their morning show then to the video of the bed jumping - yes, it is Army related. That's my friend Will with the painted face - our communications director.)

That same weekend on Sunday, I started at the Euclid corps for morning worship. I preached and was blessed by the people, as I always am. I look forward to actually getting involved in the corps and being a real part of their family. I ran home from there to dress warmer because I had to meet a Missouri Senator who was going to do a little bell ringing for us (yes, on Sunday - against my better judgment. "all opinions given here are mine and do not represent TSA.") I was the token Army person to ring with him. It only lasted 20 minutes and was really a photo op for him. Then I changed clothes (in the car!) and drove to St. Alphonsus Church on the Rock to hear my cousins gospel choir concert. That made my whole day. The music was amazing, the Spirit was powerful, one of the singers reminded me of Aldona! It was a new thing for me to be able to worship with my extended family. We went out for a long dinner afterward. I'm so grateful to be living near them. So, that was a wonderful day, bell ringing and all.

Last Friday I had one of those 'God' moments. I had a message from a woman named Lynn, who didn't even know where she had gotten my number from. "Maybe I had called her or maybe a common acquaintance had given it to her" She didn't know why she was calling me either! "Maybe to work on Dred Scott?" She is his great, great granddaughter - very cool! http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/africanamerican/scott/scott.asp. Well, I knew why she had called, even if it wasn't the original intent. I called her back and told her that I was hoping to be involved in the planning committee for Global Day of Prayer in St. Louis and I knew she was on the committee. http://www.praystl.org/ That got her very excited and we talked for several minutes. I attended their planning meeting on Monday evening. The plans are great. But, even more moving was the prayer time at the end. I felt like I was back in Latvia during a prayer conference. The Spirit was definitely working and speaking to people in that room. I don't know exactly where this will lead, but I feel like it is one of the connections from what I experienced and learned in Latvia to what I'm doing here in St. Louis.

Lots more happening, especially in my spiritual journey, but that's for another time. I finish with a little nature trip. We had a 'snowstorm' this weekend. I understand that is a relative term, based on where you live, but I've been making fun of St. Louis for a few days and will refrain here. Anyway, on my way home from church on Sunday I drove through the World Bird Sanctuary. Yes, you can laugh. It sounds crazy, but the snow was beautiful and I thought it might offer some nice pictures. Wow! It was beautiful and while I didn't see any birds, I did come across elk and bison (big ones!) Check out my pictures for the rest of the story.

During these busy days of Christmas, take some time to consider what it is all about - Who it is all about. Immanuel - God with us - even if you are counting wet kettle money or packing up from toy distribution. God is with us!
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st louis winter 07

So, my role puts me kind of 3rd string when there is something to be decided or done around divisional headquarters. Today is our big media day for the Tree of Lights Campaign. Generally, the 2 above me handle all PR stuff but today neither were available when an urgent call from the TV station came in. They wanted to do on site interviews at a few of our Army locations - could we provide an interviewee? I got handed that an hour before the filming began and with our regional social services director headed out. Since I was to be the voice of the Army, all along the way the RSSD was filling me in on what services we provide (remember, I've been in this position 3 months today!) But, back up. First, I didn't have my proper uniform - skirt and tunic. I had trousers (for my UK friends!) and an epaulet blouse. We all decided that would be fine, but in the rushing to get ready I lost a button in a very prominent spot! No one had sewing kit or pin - AUGH!!!! I ran out the door saying "I'll figure it out!" My quick solution - grab my tunic and wear it with my slacks. Not my favorite look and not especially attractive for a TV shot, but better than the alternative! I was afraid that was a sign of things to come, but fortunately the rest of the afternoon went fine. I didn't sound completely clueless and besides, they are editing most of it out anyway! And I got to visit our Booth Manor, seniors' residence, which I hadn't seen before. And I got to have a good talk with the RSSD, which I hadn't done before. And now, I'm leaving the office to study for my sermon on Sunday. A pretty good day, I think!

I just bought the new Jars of Clay Christmas CD - LOVE IT!

Catching up

thanksgiving07

Here are the photos from Thanksgiving and my weekend in Chicago. I had a great time at the Staff Band reunion. The pictures will show there were only 3 women in the alumni band, all horn players and good friends. It was fun to be with Sherry and Jenny and my other 'old' friends. You'll also see that I got to put the angel on the top of Jordans' tree. Rachel picked me to do it this year, since I've been away so long!

The next week was extremely busy with Christmas activities. Monday - Wednesday I spent the evenings helping with Toy Lift. For those who don't know, it's a gift program for prisoners and their children. The toys are wrapped, packaged and shipped all over the country for children of inmates. It's a huge program and uses hundreds of volunteers. Fortunately, it was also very organized and I just helped out where I could. I also went to the St. Charles county Tree of Lights kick-off. Again, we have a great team who put these events together. I like to support their work. Thursday evening the divisional staff went out for dinner and the theater, "A Christmas Carol." We had a nice evening together and the women loved the theater so much, we are going again next week! To see 'Wicked' - can't wait! It's part of my Christmas present to me. I also got some of Aivis's photos framed - my other Christmas gift to myself!

After that busy week, I flew to Chicago for a day to meet my brother, Steve. He's in town for a week and I only had a day to be with him. We went shopping and ate with friends. It was a nice day. I flew back on Saturday morning and went straight to a movie theater, where canned goods were being collected for the Army. The theater management does this at all of their locations and it's huge - about 1/4 million cans. The theater I was at collected over 12,000. It was a great deal - 5 cans=free movie, 10 more=movie pass for later. Again, the volunteers were so great - we are fortunate to have such good community support. And then, Sunday I was at the Quincy corps. The morning worship was a blessing and especially because I was with some good friends. Even though I was preaching for the 1st Sunday of Advent, I managed to get some Latvia stories in and they seemed to appreciate that. I can't help talking about Latvia! After lunch, I helped them out with their Christmas visits to the Veterans Hospital. I haven't done that for a few years. It was fun to be with the corps people and as always, I was blessed as I talked with the patients. So, you can imagine I'm a little tired today. The only event was our DHQ Christmas party, which was a lot of fun. The rest of the week I'm in the office and very glad for that. Hope you are finding opportunities to celebrate this season and especially to see God at work, even in your busyness.

fall07'

fall07

These are a few photos from my numerous trips to Southwestern Missouri this month. I'm the coach for the corps down in that area and have had a great time visiting them and getting to know about their work. But, it is a 4+ hour drive each way and I'm glad it's done for a while. And as you can tell by the photos, I was getting a little bored with the trip.

Christmas started for The Salvation Army in our division early in November. We had our Tree of Lights kickoff, which was excellent. We have a good team here. I've been helping out playing my horn for a few events. It's been a few years since I did that and I can tell! I've aged a bit, including my eyesight. It's much harder to read the music these days, especially if I'm supposed to be moving at the same time I'm playing. I tried to play in the Thanksgiving Day parade while trying to stay on a moving float, but am afraid I just blurted out some horrible sounds. I'm sure it was funny to watch but maybe not the best PR for us. I'll post some pictures later. I've decided to let the younger ones do that next year, I can walk along beside and hand out candy!

After that I traveled to Chicago to spend Thanksgiving with the Jordan/Arnold family. The dinner was excellent. I do love this holiday and since it is uniquely American, have definitely missed it. The rest of the weekend has been casual, hanging out with the Jordans - until this afternoon. The Chicago Staff Band 100th anniversary concert event starts. I've decided to play in the Alumni band (after the parade I'm seriously considering I've made a mistake!), so have a rehearsal then the CSB concert tonight. And tomorrow more of the same. It's nice to be home for this, as I'm sure I'll get to see lots of old friends. I'll post some pictures later. Happy Thanksgiving to those of you who it applies to. To the rest - I am thankful for you and your interest and frindship.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LATVIA

my first day in Riga (August 04)

and Happy Birthday Sian!

this was when Sian and I first became friends - 3 years ago!

and on one of our last days together in Latvia.

Pray for Latvia, please. Read Sarah's blog to give you some clear direction: http://ilsters.blogspot.com/

Corps I visited since last post: Maplewood, Marion, Carthage and Mattoon
Corps I'll visit in the next few weeks (that I'm aware of now): Springfield, Branson, Joplin, Carthage, O'Fallon, Euclid
Topics that came across my desk today: Disaster work, Development and Advisory Boards, Social services, service extension, Mission Planning Council, homosexuality, complaining people, Come Join Our Army, Christmas cards, Camp, pastoral care and encouraging the field, Christmas events, Vital Signs (corps reviews), job descriptions, Officers' councils, and more but I can't remember now what it was
Blessings today: Benny who visits every day with a big smile, Mary who takes care of me, Carla who listens and makes me feel good, Vicki who is patient with me, the fall colors, lots of smiling children 'trick or treating' at my house, getting to know my coffee shop girls, talking with my sister and more but I can't remember now what they were

Here are some pictures from a few different events and especially showing you my daily drive to and from DHQ. And for my non-American friends, a few Halloween pics. Commentary included and comments welcome.

fall 07

fall 07

Sighs, Cries and Joy

Last week my good friends (the Stuarts) lost their mom and grandma. The funeral was beautiful, a real testimony to God's faithfulness and Jean's faithfulness to Him throughout her life. But, still my friends are sad and my heart hurts for them. I know something about losing a parent and that pain isn't easily removed. In fact, some of sadness and loss remains even 10+ years later. I pray that they will also find joy and peace, knowing that Jean is at rest and her body is healed forever. There is hope even in grief.

Officers' Councils was amazing, if I say so myself, since I was responsible for it. God's faithfulness came through in so many ways. Everyone pitched in and made the week go smoothly. The Holy Spirit was evident from the first meeting and His work continued all 3 days. We had time to pray, worship, learn and laugh. All of it was needed. I especially appreciated the retired officers. They are a wonderful group, who offered support, encouragement and friendship. I am so glad they were with us and look forward to good times with them in the future. I also loved working with the DHQ staff - what a great group of friends. God has put us together for a purpose and I'm excited to see how that works out. And the officers in the division were great - positive, friendly and responsive. It will be a blessing to visit them and support them.

Latvian friends (you know who you are!) I really have missed you these days. We sang songs that we also sang in Latvia, I've been telling stories about you and well, I miss you! I'm not very good at communicating but it doesn't mean I've forgotten you. I pray for you often and think of you daily!

Once again, I am so thankful for God's faithful and loving work in me and around me. In spite of challenges in 'transitioning', I know God's presence and guidance. He's in it all!

Looking for a new name

Any suggestions for a more up to date and relevant title for my blog? Although most days I still feel like I'm somewhere in between Latvia and the US.

Let's see...what's been happening since I last updated? Do you have a few hours? Here are some of the highlights:

• Men's camp was fun to be part of - I loved hearing the men sing. Have to admit I didn't stay 'til the end, though. I was beginning to feel like I was in the way. Reports are that the Spirit moved wonderfully among them.
• I've visited 5 of the corps for their Sunday meetings, so far. They are as varied as can be, kind of like the 7 corps in Latvia! I'm hoping to choose a corps to soldier at by the end of the month. Pray that I make the right decision.
• We had a great United Meeting here in St. Louis at the Temple Corps. Their worship team is amazing and it was a good opportunity to meet lots of the people from the division.
• Our DHQ staff retreat was exactly what we needed - a spiritual retreat and lots of fun. It was a wonderful start to our team working together. I'm so glad that our DCs see this as a priority. We have some big challenges ahead and unity will be extremely important. The Lord was faithful in meeting with us. We laughed a lot, too!
• Last weekend we had a city fund-raiser at Grant's Farm. It was super - fun working with other DHQ employees/officers; great music (70s & 80s), including a chance for a couple of our young adults to play with the band - they were amazing and impressed the pros too and a good PR moment for the Army.
• Sunday morning I went to the Gateway corps, where I was corralled into playing in the band and then stayed for the best pot-luck lunch I have had in a long time. This corps has lots of retired officers, many who are important in my life. It was good to be with them.
• And the best thing I've done so far is attend the Multi-cultural Conference this past weekend. I can't begin to explain how powerful and inspiring it was. 2 of the best speakers I've ever heard challenging us about building multiethnic congregations - all Army leaders need to hear them. Great worship led by the St. Charles worship band, including Brian R., a phenomenal musician who I haven't heard in years. And lots of fun catching up with old friends and even meeting some new. Maybe I'll write more later.
• Had my debriefing interview at THQ on Friday. I blabbed on and on, although I didn't intend to - are you surprised?! It was a good meeting.
• This week is a little overloaded with Officers' Councils preparation and starting tomorrow evening I'm attending a Christian Community Development Seminar for the rest of the week. It should be very good, but maybe not the best timing.
• I'm adjusting to life in the suburbs. That includes living in a large house, commuting up to 1 hour, 1 way every day (that means getting up in the dark and often coming home in the dark), figuring out how to maintain a lawn when I'm never home, trying to get rid of a skunk who seems to be living under my house (we've called an expert in for that!) And trying to avoid eating fast food for most meals. To handle that, I've joined Curves and am excited about feeling healthier and having more energy.
• Want to pray? Pray for our officers, especially our meetings together next week. We need unity of vision, they need to know they are cared for and supported and we all need to worship and pray together. I'm expecting the Lord to do something great among us - pray toward that end, would you?
• Finally, I've been reading Nehemiah - what a great book! I'm finding great inspiration from his life and from the rebuilding of Jerusalem. That historical story seems applicable to much that is happening today. Need a good read? Try it!

The Cost of Declaring His Glory

Today we learned that Colonel Bo Brekke was shot and killed in Pakistan. (www1.salvationarmy.org) All of the other things I had thought about writing seem petty and insignificant, compared to this...in other words, all about me. Then I read this article on the Urbana website. (click on title for link) It's long but worth the read.

So many lessons God wants us to learn. But, first pray for the Brekke family and friends. I cannot imagine their pain and sorrow at this time.

Remember Rich Mullins - the "Awesome God" guy

click title

New Liepaja Corps

Here are some great photos from the dedication of the new corps building in Liepaja. (go to page 4 of the gallery and click on Liepājas korpuss. Check out those 2 beautiful corps leaders and their new hair dos! Velta and Ilona - I'm so proud of you!

http://ieva.class8.be/main.php?g2_page=2 photos by Ieva

So much to say

and so little time because I'm sitting at Panera since I still have no internet at home. Anyway, I'm quickly writing to ask for some prayer support:

• Our divisional officers are meeting for the next 3 days for a spiritual retreat - pray for our relationships with each other to be developed and for unity in vision for the division
• 3 officer friends in this division with serious health concerns - they are each trusting the Lord and have great faith, but need to really feel His presence during hard days
• Just came from a Kroc center meeting for the Quincy community. I have a strong feeling that we need to surround this place and the leadership/steering team with prayer.
• Steve and Ketsia can use your prayer support (www.xanga.com/haitisteve)
• Me - starting well and figuring out what the priorities are and what can wait (much more to write about that, but later)

Now for some fun - here are some crazy family pics (and videos) from my vacation:

family

Yes, I'm still here and every day my intention is to update. I could tell you all of my excuses, which would also serve as reason for not writing any personal notes. But, you would probably just say 'blah, blah, blah' - just write! So, here goes.I've been in St. Louis for just under 2 weeks. It's been a whirlwind which included:

• my sister and family were wonderful and came for the first weekend to help me get settled. The boys and Steve moved a lot of boxes and furniture and made sure the cable was working. Abbie, Chris and I unpacked boxes and decided what should go where. I could use them for a few more days. I'm so grateful that they found time to come.
• Chris and I attended a family wedding in St. Louis. That was a special treat, because we hardly ever see my mom's side of our family. Some of them live just minutes from me now. My oldest cousin, Pat, was close to my mother and was moved to tears when he saw me. Not because he was so glad to see me but because I look just like my mother!
• neither my phone or internet work in the house so for the first few days before I went to the office I felt like I was without my life line. Of course, I can survive without those things and that time let me get some good rest and do more unpacking. The house is beautiful and has lots of room for company. (yes, that's an invitation)
• I do have some friends down here and have been able to meet up with a few and get some tasty meals already. Thanks to Polsleys and Davises for welcoming me into your homes.
• Friday was my first day in the office and well, that's going to be a good challenge. I think the divisional team is going to be great to work with. There is a lot that falls on my desk and right now the learning curve is more like the upward ride on a very steep roller coaster. I just hope there will be some leveling before any downward action. I keep reminding myself this is only my 4th day in the office. I am not an expert in anything and I still can't even find my way around the building! This task(s) will require lots of prayer and dependence on the Lord for wisdom and strength. On the other hand, there are lots of exciting possibilities and good people who are here to support me and the work from this department. I've met with several of the staff who are within the divisional secretary's responsibility. They know their jobs, are happy to be in them and I'm looking forward to seeing them in action. (I get to go to Men's Ministry camp next weekend!)
• Finally, here are a couple of pictures from the Missionary Debriefing and Renewal conference. The whole group and our amazing leaders, Bob and Linda in our daily setting. This was one of the best gifts I could have been given on my return to the States. I'm so grateful to the Army and especially, to the Lord for working it all out in such a meaningful and helpful way.

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!