My first Christmas... In Riga

As many of you have possibly heard, airports all over Europe were closed due to an abundance of snow. My supervisor and his family were in Ireland, working with the Latvian Lutheran Church in Dublin in the midst of all of this, and ended up stuck there for 5 days longer than expected. This wouldn't have been as big of a deal, but this period of time included Christmas! Saddened by missing half of the team here, we kept one another in our prayers and rearranged our plans.

In Riga, Kathleen and I spend the weekend together. On Christmas Eve we had our English speaking service, and I gave a children's message. There were about 25 people worshiping with us, and celebrating the birth of the Savior. Later than evening we went to a Latvian Christmas music concert at the Dome, where we were able to participate and sing along with eight different christmas hymns. It was quite a nice evening. The rest of the evening was filled with watching the Grinch, snacking on appetizers, listening to Christmas music and playing scrabble. On christmas day I roasted a chicken, and scurried over to Kathleen's apartment and we had a nice lunch together. (as a Lutheran from Minnesota- this reminded me of potlucks, as I covered the chicken and wrapped it in a towel for transport, I know many of you understand this well ☺)In the evening we went to a Christmas play at the Jesus Church and then took a tram out to spend the rest of the evening with another friend. Yesterday we were blessed to be invited to a nice gathering at the home of a family that regularly attend our English Worship on Sundays. Later on in the evening we went to a Christmas ball that was movie themed. Everyone was dressed as different characters from all sorts of movies. Some of them I recognized, but some were from Russian films that I am not familiar with. All in all the weekend was quite nice. It was certainly not what I am used to, but I feel so blessed to have been able to spend the holiday with wonderful people, and I am thankful that God has already put so many wonderful people in my life here in Latvia.

Mark, Rose and their son Philip just got back from Dublin this morning, and I am so happy that they are home. We are planning on celebrating together soon. What a blessed Christmas! I pray that you have had a good Christmas as well!

Me cutting up the Chicken for our Christmas day dinner.

Christmas fellowship! It may have just been the two of us, but we had a nice time and I am so thankful for our celebration together.

In costume at the Christmas Ball.

Can you guess our Characters?

Post your guesses with comments on this blog entry!

Missionary Gathering in Györ, Hungary

Kathleen and I were blessed to be able to join a group of fellow GEO missionaries with LCMS World Mission at a gathering in Györ, Hungary. At this gathering we were able to share experiences and what God is doing all over Eurasia. It was so encouraging to learn about God's work through these wonderful people. It was also very nice to see some familiar faces, as many of those in attendance were people I went to training with in Chicago, back in June. We had a few things in the program that were Christmas-y (i know that's not a word, bear with me), and it was nice to share some of these things together. Unfortunately my camera battery died shortly after arriving in Györ, and I don't have very many photos of the event. I do have a few, and thanks to facebook have been able to enjoy the photos that others captured during our time together.

This is a photo of me and two other missionaries, and four wonderful Hungarian High School Seniors that are students of an EFL teacher/missionary there with World Mission. They showed us around Györ, were able to work on their conversational English skills, and we got to see their city and learn about them. They were wonderful young women. We had a great time with them. While they were showing us around is when my camera died... sorry, i wish i could share more. I basically only have photos of architecture.

An overnight trip to Lithuania

We were blessed to be able to travel south to Lithuania (about a 4 hour drive) and Rose, Kathleen and I were able to visit an orphanage. While there we made advent wreaths, a Christmas tree with ornaments, had a bible study, saw the children's Christmas play, and had a birthday party for Jesus. We also just spent some time with the children and staff. It was sad to leave. We made friends so quickly. These children are so loving, and easy to love- please keep this place and these wonderful people in your prayers!

One of our first activities we planned was to make advent wreaths and talk about how right now we are waiting for Jesus, and each week we add a flame to our wreath to mark when Jesus is born and we celebrate Christmas!

This was the Christmas tree the children made. We brought tissue paper, and some other art supplies, and they constructed a tree and decorations. Some of them were so full of glitter glue, that they were dripping! I will say that between the laughter, joy and love that was put into this project- there could be nothing more beautiful than paper ornaments with oozing glitter glue on them. Believe it or not, there were quite a few more decorations added by the time we were finished.

In the evening, Pastor came and did chapel with the group. It was neat to be a part of the spiritual instruction/growth that takes place here. I didn't understand much of anything, because it was in Lithuanian, but I did understand "Jesus Christ" and "Amen". It is great that the children are tended to physically, emotionally, and spiritually at this orphanage.

We had the great joy of being able to watch a rehearsal of their Christmas play.

Our birthday party for Jesus was the real deal. We had a cake, balloons, sang "happy birthday" and everything. The children all generally knew the birthday song, which was cute. Some of the younger ones would just sing "ah ah ahhhh" along with the tune if they didn't remember the words.

The Village

A couple of nights last week, Kathleen and I were able to join the youth leadership team from the Jesus Church at a place called the village. It is just a short bus ride outside of Riga. For a whole week the team lives at the village together, leaving to go to their studies or work, and then returning there when they would normally go home. In the evenings they do planning, Bible studies and other things, and they also eat meals together. Kathleen and I were excited to be asked to make one of the meals. We got to share a couple of American things with our Latvian friends. We made Chili, had bread and cheese with it, and then we made chocolate no-bake cookies. (Ovens are not always a common thing to have in a kitchen) What a hit- They loved it! Kathleen led a bible study for us, and we got to help do some planning for the upcoming Christmas ball. What a fun time! I look forward to being more active in ministry with this group!

Independence day and StaroRiga

Thursday was the Latvian independence day, and there were many events; numerous concerts, a flower laying ceremony at the freedom monument, a ceremonial parliament meeting, worship services and fireworks on the Daugava River!

(Unfortunately this is not a photo that I took- I found it online, but I like it because it includes the top of the freedom monument, which is a woman, holding 3 golden stars)

This weekend there is also something called StaroRiga, which is sort of an event where they have different kinds of lights/shows up all over the city. Some are sculptures that are lit, some are images projected onto buildings, not to mention all of the strings of lights in the trees and all of the other types of light related things. Below is a website that you can check out to see some of the lights of StaroRiga!

http://zinas.nra.lv/foto/izklaide/549-staro-riga.htm

Festival of Hope

Please forgive me for the length of time it took me to post about this event! The Ceribas Festivals (Festival of Hope) was an event that was organized and put on by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. It was held at the Riga Arena. The arena is a huge place, but it wasn't big enough to hold all of the people trying to get in! At the festival there was a lot of music including and 800 voice Latvian choir, a Latvian gospel choir, a number Latvian Christian musicians, a guitarist (who looked like a cowboy... must have been American), a couple that travel with the Graham Association, and Michael W. Smith (my personal favorite). There were a few speakers, most notable being Mr. Franklin Graham. This was a 3 day event, with the attendance growing each night, and they began broadcasting it on TV after the first night as well. Overall it was an unforgettable experience. The message of Jesus Christ as the Savior of all was shared with thousands of people. Pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to work in the hearts of those that heard the message at the festival, and that they would connect with other's for fellowship and encouragement.

Franklin Graham and the Latvian translator. Notice all the people in white behind the stage? That is the 800 voice choir!

Michael W. Smith praising God with thousands in Latvia.

Latvia's National Anthem

Text of the anthem of the Republic of Latvia

God, bless Latvia,
Our dearest fatherland,
Do bless Latvia,
Oh, do bless it!

Where Latvian daughters bloom,
Where Latvian sons sing,
Let us dance in happiness there,
In our Latvia!

Here is a link to the song on youtube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UJchtpmpq4&NR=1

I have made it a personal goal to learn the national anthem of Latvia. As I was looking for the music online I also searched its translation. I knew a few key words in Latvian, so I knew a general idea of the content. The song has a neat history (which you can google and find!) and you would not believe how incredible it is to hear it sung. I enjoy it so much that I wanted to share it with you. Along with that I also ask that you might read it as a prayer for the people here.

My first introduction to this anthem was while watching a hockey game on TV- Latvia vs. an American NHL team. Before the game started they did both countries anthems. They played a nice recording of our wonderful American national anthem, and then when I expected to hear the Latvian anthem played a man dressed in formal attire came out onto the ice and directed the entire arena as a choir. I got tears in my eyes! It was so incredible! I was able to attend a Christian Festival of Hope this last weekend (photos to come) and the Latvian national anthem was sung there too. There is a real sense of patriotism here, that I respect and admire greatly.

May God bless both Latvia and the USA, Latvians and Americans.

Pastor's Wives Retreat

This is a group photo of all of us at the retreat. I am on the right side in the back with the pink stripes.

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!

A few tidbits of joy from today...

Today is a Thursday, which means that in the morning we have the International play group. This play group was especially great for a number of reasons.

1) We met another mother and son who will be joining us from here on out!

2) The children are getting used to my face, and they are trusting me more- even asking to sit with me!

3) Things are becoming familiar for me, so I am able to help without asking so many questions.

4) At the end of playgroup we sing songs, and one little girl took her first independent steps!!! I don't know if it was the music, the children or just a great day for excitement- but she did it! Her mother was SO surprised and everyone was very happy and encouraging to the little girl. She kept saying "running." to her mom, because she wanted to run; nothing like positive thinking! She can walk... why shouldn't she be able to run? Witnessing this was probably the highlight of my day.

5) After play group we clean things up, and today we were all on our way out, but putting the last few items away when we began a conversation with a gal who works at the youth center. She made a comment about us being here being "very good". This is so encouraging to hear Latvian people say that they are happy that we are here. I haven't heard anything that would make me question our being here, but it is special to hear their support too.

Today also held a treat of spending some casual, quality time with some great people over dinner. I have been here for almost a month now, and I am so full of joy!

Now, of course there have been a few less than perfect experiences and there will be more to come, but I can't complain at all- blessings are so clearly poured onto us! Some days it is a lot easier to see them, and other days we can become blinded to it. Today is one of those days, where it is quite easy to see them.

Goodbyes here are already becoming a reality for me, which I didn't expect so quickly. It is amazing how God brings some people into our lives for a short period of time, and then takes them somewhere new! Life and relationships are such a blessing, and I thank God for it all!

Hope you are doing well! God's Joy, and Peace to you!

A video update

Where has the time gone?

Time is flying here. I can't believe that I have already been here for over two weeks!

To update you a bit on my life here...

* After much searching I have found and moved into a permanent apartment. I am still getting things cleaned up, and settled in. It is a nice little loft on the 5th floor of an old building in Old Riga, it's just me and the rooftops up here.

* God has blessed me with many friendly people to meet, and begin to get to know. On Friday night after a youth group at one of the churches here, a group of people (many of the youth leadership) go out to a cafe. I have gone 2 times now, and though I don't understand all of the conversation that is had, I enjoy it very much. I feel very happy to be included in this because of many reasons including the fact that Latvian people are not quick to trust or open themselves to strangers generally speaking, so being blessed by opportunities to build relationships and friendships here already is surprising to me, and brings me great joy.

* The international playgroups went well again this week. It is getting to be quite chilly (there are whispers of snow soon) and it is fun to have children come in all bundled up like puffy marshmallows with rosy cheeks. The children are very fun to play with, and the adults always have good conversation. This week there was mention of a very good Russian ballet someone attended, which sounded very interesting. There are still a few things that catch me off guard about being here. Like Russian ballets being sort of common.

* I am on the downward stretch of a head cold, and am very thankful for beginning to feel healthier.

* English service was very good again today. I met a man who has been a regular at the service, but was away due to travel since I had arrived. He is involved in promoting and organizing the Hope Festival that is coming up here in Riga. They are expecting thousands of people at this event from all over that will include music performances and sharing of the hope that is found in Jesus Christ.

Keep praying for God's blessing on the sharing of faith within Latvia. God is at work here, and His message is reaching out to people as light in a dark world.

You are all in my prayers and I hope you are well. God's Peace!

Visu Labu! (All the best!)

Riga Dome Cathedral

I already shared a photo of the Dome Cathedral, but I thought I would share another one, that had a better view of the church. If you notice behind the tree at the front of the church, and next to the part that has the clock/bell tower- there is a side chapel. This is the place that we have the English service each week. In another side chapel there is a German service held weekly as well. I am enjoying our worship there, and next week I will remember to wear my warm coat, as it is a bit chilly.

This is a ministry that you can keep in your prayers- that God would bring people through the doors of the church for worship. This is (as you can see) a beautiful building, and it is frequented by tourists. Pray that the Spirit would move people to worship there too, and that we would have opportunity to invite people, and share the message of Jesus Christ our Savior with many, many people.

International Play Group

I thought I would share a few photos from the international play group that I get to help with on Thursday and Friday mornings. The top photo is of me and a little girl during song time. She has two older brothers who also attend, so Mom had her hands quite full, and I was more than willing to help. She looks a little unhappy in the photo, but she was just dancing and wiggling around a lot. (That's why I am holder her with both hands- she is quite the active little one)

The next photo is of some of the Mom's and Children. The group is a fun mixture of people from all over. The group exists to allow a number of opportunities, including a place for children to learn, play and grow socially, as well as for some- a place for International Moms to get together and connect with others raising children in a foreign country. Some of the children come with their Nanny's, which is also fun. Everyone who attends speaks English (at least on some level), which makes visiting, and sharing easy and enjoyable. These international families are brought to Latvia for a variety of reasons, from husbands who work at an Embassy, to other types of business and work related things. At play group we are together for 2 hours, were we play, sing, dance, do crafts, have snacks, and make friends.

This is quite a fun experience for me. I am no expert in Early Childhood Education, but it is a joy already to see these young people learning and growing. My DCE studies gave opportunity to learn about "Lifespan Education" or education at/for all ages; this is an opportunity to experience and participate in young child and adult relational care.

Seeing a bit of Rīgas

Riga is known for it's great number of buildings that use Art Nouveau style architecture. Riga is noted to have "The finest collection of art nouveau buildings in Europe". A lot of buildings have sculptural elements such as figures, portraits and organic forms like leaves, flowers and such. This photo gives an example of all of them, though there are certainly buildings with much more, and much less extravagant work on there exteriors. Just a little taste of the streets or in Latvian "ielas" of Riga

Dome Square and the Harvest Festival

To the left of the photo of the buildings and vendors you will notice the BIG brick building. That is the Dome Cathedral. This is where I go to church. There is an service in English held here weekly. It was a joy to worship with fellow believers here in Latvia! (And to understand it!) The tents were set up because it was the Harvest Festival in Riga this last Saturday. The band is one of many performances. Other's included traditional dance, song, and more music-most of which also included the traditional Latvian dress. What a fun way to first experience Riga!

Arrival!

I am here safe and sound and am busy learning and soaking everything in. The people I have been meeting are great, and I look forward to getting to know them better. At this point in time I am mostly tagging along to see how things work here, and to observe. Eventually I will become more active in ministry. I arrived on Friday afternoon after 4 flights finally ending in Riga, and was greeted with hugs and smiling faces of the mission team that I am joining here- Pastor Mark and Rose who are career missionaries here as well as Kathleen who is also a DCE intern. I learned one Latvian trend already within the airport-it is that there is always an occasion for fresh cut flowers (they are very common to get for special occasions, or just because!) It is a beautiful practice!

Thus far I have...

*Eaten some Latvian food a few times, and thus far have not had anything that I don't like.

*Learned usage of "Thank you", "Yes" & "No"...and I'll work on building a larger vocabulary.

*Successfully purchased groceries! This may seem like no big deal, but with the help of Rose and Kathleen, it was easier than I thought it would be... though I did play it safe, and stuck with staple items.

*Gone to the Harvest Festival (held right outside of my temporary apartment!) and seen traditional Latvian dances, heard various types of traditional music, and seen some of their local handicrafts.

*Gone to Church! We have an English service at the Dome Cathedral, which is great! Pastor Krause leads it, and the rest of us help with set up (i just watched this time) and take down. Afterward everyone at the service is welcomed to join us for lunch out somewhere inexpensive and have good conversation, learn about each other, where we came from and how we ended up in Riga. Today we went as a group of 11!

Riga is a very beautiful city, and the weather has been abnormally warm. Tomorrow it is supposed to get cool again, which will be normal. I have really not done too much exploration of the city as of yet. This is a VERY musical place, in fact right now, outside my window there is a young man playing Greensleeves on an accordion!

I must quit writing for now, I am headed to a BBQ. I look forward to sharing more, and photos will be added (hopefully) by later today!

Departure

After working out a number of things, I have my date for departure set and it is approaching quickly! I am leaving for Latvia on the 23rd of this month!

Now my attention to details becomes sharper... Do I have everything worked out? Is there anything else I need to do before I move? What do I pack for a year and a half? What resources should I bring along? Am I over thinking this? How am I going to carry all of this? :) I normally pack very light when I travel, but I don't usually have to plan for multiple seasons, either. In the end, I will have 2 suitcases packed, and will have more than I probably need.

Along with the excitement of getting to Latvia also comes the goodbye's or as I like to call them 'see-you-laters'. My home congregation is having my sending service this next Sunday, and after that there is a free will spaghetti and/or Bratwurst lunch (or dinner, depending on your use of the terms-noon meal) social and a silent auction. I am excited not only for the event, but also for the opportunity to say see-you-later to my home church family.

God has been sooo faithful through all of this, and I am so humbled and blessed by Him, and His work through my brothers and sister in Christ! I can't wait to share my first blog entry with photos from Latvia!

Green Light!

Exciting news!!! I recently received an email informing me that I have a "green light" for departure to Latvia sometime in September! This means that I have reached 70% of the first year's worth of financial support. I have many people to thank for that and ultimately all of this comes down to a faithful God who provides abundantly, and raises up His children to do His work. This also means that I have about $20,000.00 more to raise, which might seem impossible, but every contribution makes a difference, and it is important to know that I or we cannot raise it, but God can! I am inexpresibly grateful to everyone for their support in all ways- prayer, sharing the word, financial- everything. Thank you! I will be sending out my first email newsletter in the near future. If you are interested in getting it, please email or facebook me with the email address that you would like that sent to. I pray God's blessings and His peace for all of you! Once more I must share the excitement- I get to leave soon!!! :D

The summer is ending... WELCOME AUTUMN!

I don't have too much new to post about, but still feel like this needs attention given it. I am still in the process of raising support. I am getting ever closer though! Between the work that Mission Central has done, and the financial support that has found it's way through various other efforts I am almost at a point where I will be able to move over to Riga. Of course I will be awaiting the "green light" from World Mission, ever so eagerly. There is still a lot of work that will need to be done, as this really means that I am about 1/2 way funded. A HUGE thank you to everyone that has been praying for me and/or has financially contributed as this journey has begun to take flight. I can't wait to get to a point where the blog entry reads something along the lines of me being able to get plane tickets, but for now I am blessed to be at home with my family. Please pray that things continue to go well, and that paper work and other details get worked out quickly, but thoroughly. I thank God for everyone of you, and I pray that you are all well!

Support!

It is almost August! Where has this summer gone? Each time I speak with someone about the mission work God has laid in front of me in Latvia, the question always arises: "When are you leaving?" To this I always say "I don't know! :)". Well, when I head over to Latvia all depends on when I have reached a certain point with support. I have been in contact with churches, pastors, family and groups like a camp I used to work at (Lutheran Island Camp), the LWML, Minnesota North District, and most recently Mission Central. I guess that is what I have been doing this summer. :)

I want to ask all of you to participate in supporting God's work in Latvia through me. There are 5 ways that I want you to consider... PRAY- pray for me, the missionaries already there, and the people of Latvia. TELL- tell others about this work, and about missions in general. You are a missionary too, so of course share Jesus with others too. GIVE- financial support is needed to make this happen. also, give of your time, friendship and thoughts. Send letters, emails, facebook me, post on this blog, whatever it might be, it will be very appreciated. SEND- Whether you can be at my sending service or not, please join in sending me. I go as a missionary to a foreign mission field on behalf of those who cannot go now. Having support at home as I go with God is very important. CELEBRATE- celebrate with me as we see God's hands at work in all of this. When something joyful happens celebrate and thank God with me.

I am praying for, and am so thankful for each of you. God's PEACE!!!!

Art influence!

I have a great love for art, and as I continue to read up on Latvia, I have been finding out many new things. One of my "favorite" (the list is a mile long) artists Mark Rothko was born in Latvia! He moved to America and was an abstract artist, well known for his paintings. So, to blend things together, and because both art and Latvia have a place in my thoughts and in my heart. I added a Rothko gadget to this blog. I hope you enjoy it.

Mission Training!

So, to the few followers to this blog, I finally have an update!

I have been getting my steps going in the support raising area. This seems like such a huge thing to tackle, but the Lord provides, and everyone says that it takes a bit to get started, and that it is amazing to see how people respond and everything happens so quickly. I have presented with a VBS group, and was able to share with them about how they are missionaries too, I answered questions and chatted with the children and other teachers and helpers there. That was a great experience and have since made a few other connections with church's to do more congregational presentations.

I am presently in Chicago and have finished my first complete day of mission training. IT IS GREAT! The people at World Mission and the other missionaries are fantastic and an honest JOY to be around. This whole experience is becoming more and more real as this goes on. God is working so significantly all over the world, including here and in Latvia. Pray that I am equipped with many new ideas and thoughts that I might be an effective vessel for the Lord, that His work be done!

When I get home, I will be attending the LWML (Lutheran Women's Missionary League) convention for the Minnesota North District. I will only be there for a part of it, but am looking forward to thanking them for the support that they have already given me through scholarships, and also sharing with them what my future holds as a fellow mission minded woman.

God is great, and He is faithful.

The start of something beautiful

As I set up this blog and start out this journey as a missionary in Latvia I can't help but think about the fact that this is the start of something beautiful. Many new friendships have and will continue to be formed, God's work is visible, God's peace is abundant, and He is GOOD! Even as things progress I know not everything will be easy, but just as a rose is beautiful, it still has thorns. It is my hope that this blog will serve as a means of communication to all who read it as to what God is doing in Riga while I am there, and the adventures that He leads me through.