First, let me start off by wishing our son Chris HAPPY BIRTHDAY! He turned 26 today! He has always been a blessing to us, and even more so as each year passes. We love how he loves the Lord and serves Him fully. We sure are proud of him.
Riga Airport in Latvia
We left Budapest on the 17th for Riga, Latvia to participate in a retreat for our Singles. This was the first retreat that CEE has ever had for singles so it was long overdue. Glenn and I attended, but had no specific Member Care responsibilities; we were just on hand in case someone wanted to talk. (The only other married couple among the 50 attendees was the couple who led the retreat.)
Latvia in Latvian is Latvijas
Mark was a little "out there" but gives great haircuts!
Our two favorite Journeymen!
This Singles retreat was also when we would say good-bye to two very special young ladies who were at ILC and came out to CEE with us. Amber and Jessica will be completing their 2 year stint in Poland in October and returning to the U.S. to continue in their journey with the Lord. In our hearts they were much like daughters and we will miss them.
Small group time
Oh, so cool!
Our tour guides
After the retreat ended we had a day to see the sights of Riga with our co-workers Janice and Robert before heading to another town in Latvia. Robert is a real history buff and knows all about Riga, her history and the best things to see and do!
Statue seen in a family courtyard
Narrow streets
Sidewalk cafe in Riga
Peaceful, isn't it?
Those private lessons are finally paying off!
1646-Oldest known building in Riga
Majestic tower
Pedestrian Walkway
Opera House-paid for by Latvians living outside Latvia!
The day after the retreat we caught a train to Daugavpils, Latvia to visit with Cathy and Gary for a couple of days. Daugavpils is a small town "up country" that in some ways reminded me of Daloa, Ivory Coast and so I really liked it!
Cathy and Svete
Svete recently became a Christian and Cathy is discipling her. I had the privilege of sitting in on one of their studies. It was so neat to see God at work in Svete's life and to listen to her questions as she begins to understand the depth of Christ's love for her. AWESOME!
Daugavpils University
Roman Catholic Church
Lutheran Church
Orthodox Church
After staying in Daugavpils for two nights to get to know Gary and Cathy and to see the work in which they are involved, we caught a bus to Lithuania to visit with another couple. (More on Lithuania later...) Our 8:30 am bus didn't leave the bus station until 2:30 pm. 6 hours late! We stood outside in the cold, not able to go anywhere, do anything or understand what was the problem since no one was telling anyone anything (especially not in English!), but it was really good for us to experience this problem since part of the reason for our trip to visit with our co-workers is to learn more about what their lives are like! This really helped us understand what they go through on a regular basis!
Anyway, we finally made it to Lithuania, 6 hours late but in good spirits. I will update you about our time in Lithuania in a couple of days, and then our time in Estonia (which is where we are right now; also, more to come...), and then our time to come in Finland.
And before I close, I wanted to show you this picture bleow of trailers for sale. When we walked upon this scene, it brought a flood of memories of Cobb Parkway in Marietta where there are several trailer sales lots! It is kind of strange what bizarre things bring thoughts of home.
Have a good weekend!
8 comments:
Your hair looks great! I guess we will be seeing you guys in January- -looking forward to it.
These pictures make us so jealous!! (In a loving, 'we're happy for you' kind of way.) Lithuania looks awesome - which is certainly something I never thought I'd say. :) And your hair looks great!! Très chic and very fun.
We can't wait to see you guys next month!
Thanks for the comments on my hair; I really have been searching for the right look!
Glenn
Cile, fantastic architectural shots! Makes me want to come for a visit. And by the way...your hair is cute!!! Way to be brave.
Love the hair cut! You look like Kari's sister, rather than her Mom. Glenn, you hair looks good too, but you don't look like Kari's sister.
Ditto on great pics, and on a great haircut, and on wish we were there!
Love you guys!
Kate
Cile, I love the haircut.. Glenn, I'm going with Diane Cannon's mantra of "it's better to be kind than to be right" when I comment on your comment! And Cile, I am excited; I love reading Kari's blog (rarely leave comments because we've never met), but I could actually READ your comment in French! Those years of college French so long ago have stuck with me.. hoooray!
And, I wish you could be at NCCS this year. The PTF has an incredible president, Shae Smith. It's ALL about God with Shae, and I just know that you would love her and all that the PTF is doing to keep everyone focused on what matters, especially in these turbulent times.
Wish you were here... hugs...
Pam and Adam
Adam LOVED the goulash and ate two bowls of it! Chuck and I both loved it, as well; the meat was tender and the flavors blended beautifully. We finished the whole pot in two days, and when it cools down here again, I'll make another. Thank you SO much for the paprika; I know it made all the difference!
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