CESIS: A year in the life of . . .: DAY 3

Monday marked the beginning a very busy week that we know will enjoyable and successful for everyone.

The junior basketball camp began at 9:00am and we had 75 youngsters between the ages of 7-13. We are working with a staff that is a couple of coaches short this year so everyone really had to get going in a hurry. We are now beginning to use more of the older Latvians that have been to the camps in the past. They were a big help yesterday. The three Americans did an excellent job of adapting to so many kids and overcoming the language barrier.

Zupa Virtuve (soup kitchen) is held at 11:30-1:00 so Leanna, Steve G. and Steve A. went over and provided music and some good cheer for the people. They were later aided by a couple of our Latvian girls. They were very well received.

Steve A. started the handbell / choir chimes instructional classes in the late afternoon and had a good crowd. It seems like we may have enough interest to organize a handbell choir that will be composed of several denominations. Another class will be added on Tuesday so things are looking good there.

The senior basketball camp began at 4:00pm and we had 27 students. Most of the these kids are repeaters from previous years and we always enjoy working with them.

The 'Summer Slam' activities ended the day. Steve G. and Leanna led the music; we had a family music group from Salspils; drama directed by Amanda and performed by the Latvian girls; drum solo by Reinis (a rising star on a TV show similar to our American Idol) and a great message by our evangelist, Dominic.

The night's theme was "Who is God?". Dominic was born and raised in Nigeria, has a head full of dreadlocks, very much a man of God and speaks perfect Latvian. It is so humorous to see the Latvian's faces when this young black man begins to speak in Latvian.

What a great day and night. Everyone is tired, ready for some sleep and excited about an even better day on Tuesday. Thanks be to God for everything!