DAY 3 - AMERICAN MISSION TRIP

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!

Thomas involved in a skit during junior camp....

Campers listening to some music....

Family band from Salspils....

Some of the crowd at the Pamatskola #1 event...

Drummer Patriks...

Aivers, Gatis, Steve and Olegs....

Lugsana....

Evangelist for the week: Dominic...

Pastor Olegs, Dominic, and Olegs' wife Iveta...

DAY 2 -- AMERICAN MISSION TRIP

Today was a full-day of worshipping at Cesis Baptist Church, catching up on old friendships, seeing some of the sights of Cesis and catching a glimpse of CBC's vision for the future.

The worship service was good in that it showed the Americans a lot of different aspects of CBC. There was a full two hours of preaching, singing and testimonies followed by the Lord's Supper. We finished the day off with a business meeting and discussion of future plans for the new church site.

After a good meal of pizzas, we toured some of the sights of Cesis and eventually arrived at site of building and land that are being converted to use by the Cesis congregation.

It was a great time of fellowship and worship for all.

Next up: basketball camp, music camp and youth activities tomorrow night.

 

Termo and Tabita providing special music...

 

Amanda giving her testimony with Pastor Olegs translating...

Steve G. and Gatis...

 

Gatis and Steve explaining the choir chimes...

It was Inese's eighteenth birthday...

A couple of happy local boys...

Pastor Olegs, wife Iveta and Patriks heading home after a good day Cesis Baptist Church...

THE AMERICANS HAVE LANDED

The seven member American team from FBC-Athens arrived on their weather-delayed flight from Munich. We are anticipating a great week of working together. Five members of the group have been here before but we know it won't be long before the two rookies will learn to love Latvia as we all do.

Just a few pictures of trying to get all of the luggage into Aivars car. Olegs eventually arrived with our van and we were off to the train station for a quick bite to eat (solanka, of course!). We caught the 9:00pm train to Cesis, got the luggage transferred to the Putninkrogs Hostel and got everyone a good place to sleep.

Next up will be the church services at Cesis Baptist Church at 12:00 and then an afternoon of sightseeing and publicizing the week's events in Cesis (basketball camp, music camp, Summer Slam night activities, etc.)

The biggest shock so far to the Texans has been the weather: today's high will be 63 with the low a crisp 45! I haven't heard any complaints because these guys have been baking in 100 degree Texas heat for the last few weeks.

 

My good friend Aivars...

Loading up the VW wagon...

Amanda, Nicole and Leannna

Thomas, Amanda, Nicole...

Aivars and Steve....

Coach Terry...

Steve G.....

BUSY WEEK!

 

 

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.

ENGLISH TEACHER

Toms (one of the few people that makes me feel small) is preparing for his high school final exams so I have been working with him on his English skills. These tests are important because they are used to help determine college readiness.

I believe he will do great but I have been adding a few Texas country idioms that I hope he will use when he takes the oral exam. Here are a few examples:

'That dog won't hunt.'

'You can take that to the bank!'

'Ya'll listning to me?' (Are you all listening to me?)

'Tell your momma and them hello'

'I'm fixin' to'

'Bob-war' (barb wire)

'Yew rekkin?' (you reckon?)

'You can just take that someplace else because I don't play that game!'

 

We have just a couple of more lessons before we have to leave. If I can get him speaking just a bit more like a true Texan he should pass with no problems. Can't you just see his Latvian teacher when he starts his speech with "I'm fixin' to..."and he finishes with "And you can take that to the bank!".

On second thought, I guess he'd better stick with regular English...but it won't be nearly as fun.

WIPEOUT

When working with young people, leaders can never have enough games and activities. Sometimes the best games are the simplest. For example, take tonight's newest games, 'wipeout'.

No fancy equipment is needed for this game. Cut off the legs from a pair of (clean) pantyhose, confiscate a couple rolls of toilet paper from the nearest bathroom and you are in business.

Each player slips one hose (with the toilet paper roll all the way to the toe) over his head. His competitor does the same. The joust is now on!

The object of the game is to get the hose wrapped around each other and then the winner is declared when the hose is pulled completely off of one player.

It is a little harder than it looks as you add in centrifugal force, differences in height and trying not to laugh as you make the hose swing around your head.

Our kids love to play this game. Even if you don't play...you can have a lot of fun just watching the goof-balls!

Here are a few pictures of evidence:

The old guys have to show 'em how it is done...

The girls are going....

An American vs Chilean...

The brothers....

Swing and a miss...