Quite Surprising

When I first came here I brought with me my favorite sprinkler, having no idea if I would ever be able to use it. If I remember correctly it's called a "noodlehead". (See picture to the left) Since setting up our household here in Tilza I have tried to find a way to connect the sprinkler with the hose which comes with no attachments of any sort on either end. Just coulnd't seem to figure it out.

Well today, with sprinker in hand, I went to a small shop here (that seems to have bit of everything) and tried to explain what I wanted. Fortunately there were several men around who just kept trying to fgure it out. So with the help of a younger girl (the owner's daughter, I think) who spoke English and many ideas that were tried, they (now there were 4 men, the shop assistant and the young girl) came up with something that looked like it was going to work so I bought the various parts and pieces giving many expressions of thanks. The owner then decided that he needed to come to my house to see if it was going to work!!! I was quite shocked at his most generous help.

AND IT DOES WORK!

Most of our older kids from the boarding school who come on Saturdays really liked the "Dance Praise" experience. Some were quite good at it but I didn't really get "into" it.












Sunday morning worship... it's always a surprise to see who is there. We always enjoy having little Angelina, and this Sunday her Aunt Ina was also there.

One day we made bird houses from sticks and a few nails. The results were varied but most enjoyed trying it.

Last days of snow!! We planned some outside activities but we still had some snow to contend with so we adusted our plans. In this picture we made emergency snow shoes and tried them out!! It was kind of crazy but lots of fun. We had also planned to show the kids how you can tell time by the shadow from a stick. Unfortunately the clouds were hiding the sun!

One of the fun things we have been able to do as a discipleship group is go bowling. The three young girls had never been before and we had a great time. This is Kristine. Alise and Rebeka are in the background. By the end of this month we will have been meeting and studying together for 4 months. We talk about having eXtreme faith and being on a quest for a closer relationship with Jesus. Next week we hope to go swimming a a very new pool in Balvi.

Discipleship

Pictured below are the three young girls who have started meeting with me (and Līga translating) to learn more from the Word of God about living the way God wants. These girls are so much fun and we are hoping to go on an excursion in a few weeks to help build our relationships. Please pray that they (Rebeka, Alise, and Kristine) will become young women who love Jesus and commit to following Him.


This month it was my turn to teach the class on Prayer for our ladies groups in Tilža and Balvi. As we were talking about what kinds of things for which we can pray, I mentioned that many of you are praying for them as they take this class and build on their knowledge and love for Jesus.

What you can't see in these pictures is Līga who is translating for me.
Without her I couldn't be nearly so involved in the ministry here.

These ladies are from the Balvi class and this last week 16 ladies showed up. What a joy to see their interest.

From Boarding School to Nursing Home

Our February "one day camp" included a trip to the "pansionats" or nursing home. Our kids used their creative skills to make posters relating to Psalm 139 which were used during our presentation for the approximately 30 residents who came to listen. We had invited some youth from another church to join us and lead the singing. Most of these kids had not been to the pansionats in their city so it was a first for many people. We had explained that it is good to give to others even when we don't have a lot. After our presentation we divided into three groups and went upstairs to visit in the rooms of those who couldn't get out of bed. We gave each of these folks a gift of some muffins which we had made earlier, some fruit and candy. We prayed with those who wanted that and enjoyed talking with others.

Here are two of the boys who went with us. In this picture they are helping in the kitchen with preparations for lunch.

So Much to Tell......

Wow, this new year has begun with many activities, ministry, discipleship, a missions conference and some very exciting beginnings.

Pastor Marc came to Latvia to teach a week-long class at the Baltic Pastoral Institute in Riga. Then he spent 5 days with us in Tilža. He encouraged and blessed each of us on the team here and was able to observe/participate in all the ministry activities. On Saturday he joined with us as we held our "one-day camp" for the older boarding school kids. We had invited the art teacher from school to come and provide a project that they could all make. The second choice for the day was a "Dance Praise" contest.

He took many pictures!! Just ask him to show you.

Our team has been working through some ideas on discipleship and we are excited to see how God is giving us people to disciple.

The following week we went to Rīga for the Bridge Builders-sponsored "Mission Days" which also had the theme of disciple making.

We have begun to plan for summer camp - again with learning English as our main activity. This year we will have two camps - one for younger kids and one for older. Calvin will be responsible for the English classes at the younger camp. We need at least 4 people to come this year so if anyone is interested, please contact Marc or Carol Andresen (757-8021) at the Calvin office.

Our women's Bible Studies in Tilža and Balvi are going well. Please pray for those of us leading them, that we will know what best to teach at each class and how to encourage the ladies to study every day.

Tilza

Balvi

Happy New Year!

Just wanted you all to know that I am fine and looking forward to this new year of 2011. I can always tell how much time is passing by my hair. It had been nearly 4 months since my last permanent, so on Monday I took the bus to Balvi and got a new "do" - well, it's not a new style but it sure is nice and curly.

I took the bus because I'm no so sure about driving on the snow and ice. Now days I either have to walk places (which I know is good for me) or get someone from the team to come a pick me up. It's not so convenient but I really don't like being in the ditch!! That already happened again this year. Though I know that walking is good exercise I even have trouble with that when it's so icy. The snow part is OK but we've had a few days of freezing rain, melting and refreezing, etc. so even walking is bit dangerous.

In a few days I will try to "catch up" a bit with the last few months (since my last post) and then let you know of our future hopes and dreams for this year.