JANI CELEBRATION

Ligo - Jani Day is a huge celebration in Latvia. The country basically shuts down for at least two days to celebrate and many people leave the towns and cities to go to the country-side.

We were invited to join some of our friends at their farm a few miles from Cesis. The house on this homestead is at least 150 years old. There is a huge stone barn and lots of great gardening plots. All of it is still used and much produce, beef and rabbit meat comes from here to help feed the large families.

At the celebration we had two grandmothers, one grandfather, at least 5 brothers and sisters, their many teenagers and a few kids down to the age of three. We spent a lot of time exploring, visiting, sitting around the bonfire, watching the kids swim in the pond and of course, eating. Sasliks ( a kind of kabobs), sausages, chicken and pork were roasted over the open fire. We had plenty of fresh vegetables straight from the garden along with special cheeses and desserts.

While the true Latvians stay out all-night, these two Americans had to call it a night much earlier. It was an interesting sight to drive back to town and see all of the bonfires burning across the landscape.

Thanks to everyone for making our Jani Day special!

 

 

One of many garden 'patches'...

Rita picking some fresh vegetables for dinner....

The scooter was finally fixed and provided lots of rides for the kids (and adults)...

Stone barn...

 

 

 

It always time to gather firewood in Latvia...

Just a small portion of the goodies...

Skaisti Latvian women...

Football, soccer or futbols...take your pick.

Try as I might, I just cannot develop a taste for Kvass. It is a root beer type drink that Latvians love. Non-alcoholic. It tastes a little like drinking Worchestshire sauce after you have strained it through moldy bread.

The swing is always occupied....

Almost midnight on Tuesday...

Davis....

My man Rudi....when in the country....

SOLDIERS

As so often happens here, we just seem to stumble upon something that we wish we knew more about. Sunday night we were out walking and came upon this military ceremony in downtown Cesis. After watching it for awhile, I think it was actually a dress rehearsal for some big event later on...maybe during the Jani holidays.

The dark green uniforms are from Estonia and the rest of the military are Latvian. There is a training base in Cesis so possibly this was some type of combined exercise. Even though it seemed to be a ceremonial event these soldiers had some serious weapons.

 

 

 

 

 

HAVE I GOT A DEAL FOR YOU!

On the way to the airport we battled torrential rains and wind and it looked like there was no way we would be able to fly out of DFW on time. Steve Akin was kind enough to take us to the airport and drive through the storm. Texas has been hit with lots of wind, thunderstorms and rain from Wednesday night onward.

As often happens, our four bags were stuffed with every item imaginable that we can't get in Latvia. Everything from winter clothes (cheaper in the USA) to American DVDs were crammed in and I knew we were going to be paying some overweight charges. From the look on Laura's face I knew that she was serious that we needed everything that was packed and I might as well pay the overweight allowance.

As we get up to the KLM window, I give the guy our passports and he starts pecking on the computer keys. After a couple of minutes, he looks at me brightly and says "Have I got a deal for you today!". Ding, ding, ding, my mental monetary alarm starts ringing. He says,  "For 25,000 frequent flyer miles and $450 you can upgrade to business (first) class." We have accumulated quite a few flyer miles in the past three years but not any money so I said "I'll give you the 25,000 miles but I won't pay any money." He said he would check with his manager and be right back. Next thing I know, he returns saying "Congratulations, you are flying business class today!".

For the past seven years I have been fortunate to fly several times a year but I have never been up in the front of the plane. I would always just get a glimpse of what was happening up there before the attendant snatched the curtain close. Plus, with my long legs anything would be better than the tight seats we are usually in.

We also found out that you get an extra 20 pounds per bag on a business class ticket so we weren't going to have to pay any overweight fees. How blessed can we be?

Business class was just as good as I had imagined. Seats that fully recline, the best service from the flight attendants, great choices of food. It was by far the most restful trip we have ever had on the nine-hour flight to Amsterdam.

Sometimes when I'm about to check-in at an airport I mentally have to prepare to be relaxed because you just know things are going to change (seats, flights, etc.) and usually not for the better.

But Thursday, wow, what a surprise. We were definitely being watched out for. From not even being sure we could take off in the storm, to being upgraded, to not having to pay overweight charges; everything was fantastic. The sun came out before we lifted off and the weather quickly became a non-concern. I was sipping fresh squeezed orange juice by the time we were over Texarkana.

I once saw a Seinfeld episode about Jerry flying first class. His comment was that once you've flown first class...well, you can never go back to coach. We can't afford to fly first class every time but God surely blessed us by putting us there on Thursday.

Have I got a deal for you! Yes!

 

(I think this is how Laura and I looked on the plane!)

 

MY SUMMER VACATION

It has been a great visit home for the past few weeks. We are wrapping up our trip and getting ready for the long flight back to Cesis, Latvia.

Several people, mainly our Latvian friends, have asked exactly how do we spend our time in the USA? I don't always know how to answer because it seems to evaporate so fast.

Here are a few things we got accomplished while we were in Texas:

- ate some Mexican food

- spoke to our FBC family on the highlights of the work going on in Cesis

- spoke at a college basketball camp

- had lunch with a real-live missionary from Nicaragua

- had a great visit with a Bible-smuggler from China

- got to express our personal appreciation to many of our supporters and encouragers

- ate some Mexican food

- spent a lot of time watching the NBA games and scratching my big dog's ears

- made two trips to Austin - one for visiting family, one for visa paperwork

- visited with 4 of my aunts, although 3 are in nursing homes

- planned activities for the summer team's visit

- removed the old dishwasher and installed a new one

- got some good tips from a former missionary to Brazil

- ate some Mexican food

- had a tooth extracted

- searched used books sales for the next few months reading materials

- bought a warmer parka so I won't freeze this winter

- new shoes!

- saw, heard and felt a huge electrical, lightning storm

- visited with some my oldest friends from as far back as junior high and high school days

- came within inches of being involved in huge wreck on the LBJ freeway

- had the best BBQ at the Salt Lick with my brother and nephew

- visited Rome (actually FBC-Athens' depiction of Rome for their vacation bible school-- very good)

- enjoyed catching up on our boys' lives and what is going on with them

- gathered up a few movies to take back for eventual viewing

- met my brother and family for a too short visit and meal

- TB tests ( I don't have it!)

- ate some Mexican food

Thanks to everyone for making our trip home enjoyable. It is always fun to see friends and relatives and to share what has been going on the past six months. Of the flip side, it is always hard to leave as there never seems to be enough time for family.

God has richly blessed us and we continue to thank him for family, friends and our supporters.