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.