The Wimberleys have really just spent this week getting re-acquainted with Cesis and trying to beat the jet-lag. It is an 8-hours difference between our time zones so it takes a few days to get adjusted. It is also a temptation to stay awake here and use the Internet to talk with our friends back in the USA. We are all now adjusted and seem to be getting back on regular schedules. Probably the hardest part is getting used to the sun being up and bright at 3:30am. You have to keep a watch or clock handy or it will fool you.
We have been out and about publicizing the upcoming sports camps and youth celebrations. We are changing the format slightly this year (separating the young campers from the older teenagers) so we are having to explain time changes, etc. Since we have been here before, most of the kids know what we are talking about as we hand them the advertisements. We are expecting at least 100, probably more.
We have also used this week as a time to adjust to the Latvian cuisine. It is rare that you would find a pepper-shaker on the table. If there is pepper, it is a light, powdery pepper. Ketchup is used but its definitely not the Heinz57 variety. Very little condiments of any sort are available. For me, the biggest thing is having to pay for every glass of water you want to drink. No freebies, no matter what you order. No water fountains in the stores or even the gym. As far as we know, there is only one place that will put ice into your drinks. I don't think a Taco Bell or Mexican food restaurant will ever make it over here. But, we really do like the food. Lots of potatoes, rice, salads of all types. Laura loves the beets but I'm still trying to develop the taste for them. The one drink they all love is kefir. It is thicker than buttermilk and tastes worse. We have been told it is great for our digestion. We are trying to acquire a liking for it ... but I don't think I can hold out too long.
The two big events this week happen on Saturday. First it is Janis Day or Midsummer's Holiday. This is a very big national holiday that coincides with the longest day of the year. Most of the people will leave the towns and cities and return to the country. Lots of bonfires, swimming at midnight, music, etc. Most of the people treat it like a big family reunion. We're not sure yet what we will do. We went with a family to their country home last year and had a great time. That may work out again this year.
Also on Saturday, the next group of Americans arrives. Steve Akin and his band of 14 will be in Riga Saturday afternoon. We will pick them up and get them to the Putinkrogs Viesnica (hotel) here in Cesis. They will have a few hours to rest up on Saturday and then we all will have a full day on Sunday with church services and other activities.
At tonight's prayer meeting, Pastor Olegs had a really good point. He was speaking about how so many Christians are only Christ-like on Sunday. In Latvia they are called 'submarine' Christians. They go to the depths during the week and aren't seen and then on Sunday they surface for a few hours, get some air and then dive down again. Laura and I pray that we won't be submarines but will be here to help these people as they travel on this journey.
Until later!
--Mark--
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