My, how the time flies!

I knew it had been a little while since I posted last, but man alive, it has been weeks! I better get down to business!

Where to start? ... I guess anywhere.

One of the big things that has taken place since my last update was a pastors wives retreat. This was a 2 day, 1 night retreat that the wives of all of the pastors in Latvia were invited to come to. It was sponsored by a district of the LCMS, and held at a nice country place on a lake with lots of woods surrounding. This was actually my first trip outside of Riga since being here. I hadn't even thought about it, but I guess that is a long time in one city for someone who grew up on a farm and went to college in Nebraska. haha. My main responsibility during this event was to watch the children that were there. This provided the opportunity for the mothers of small children to attend, even if they didn't have anyone else to watch their little ones for a couple days. If anyone is in for a challenge, I might suggest watching children of which you do not speak the same language. Challenges and all, it was a good event, and many of the ladies were talking about how it should be done twice a year!

The other trip I have taken outside of Riga is to a town named Saldus. There is a Discipleship school there, that has been in operation for 15 years. There was a celebration held there that many past and current students were able to return for. There was a worship service, lunch, speakers and music. The Archbishop gave the main message during worship, and we celebrated communion together as well. It was an enjoyable time. This trip also served as a way for me to experience the buses and how they operate. It's not rocket science, but it is good to know what you are doing so you end up at the proper destination!

We have had 2 snowfalls thus far but they have not stuck around. It is actually quite a nice day. 6 degrees! (CELSIUS) which is in the low 40's. I have a window open a crack, just to let a little fresh air in.

Today begins an exciting event here in Riga! The Graham Association is holding a Hope Festival here this weekend. It is a BIG Christian event held in an arena. They have done A LOT of work to spread the word. Everyone is welcome from anywhere in the Country to attend. Please pray for this effort to share the HOPE found only in Jesus Christ. Pray that it would reach many people, and that it would be a life changing time, just a spark to get a FIRE going! As you can probably tell by my over use of caps lock- I am excite about this. I know that God works in many ways, and my hope is that many people learn of His promise, that the Spirit would work in that to lead them to a church or fellowship and through all of this, that they will join in a greater festival, eternally in Heaven.

On that note- I have some things to get done, before I need to leave to go to the festival, so until next time- God's Peace!