Baptism, Kids Camp, and lake day! Oh my!

Since Sunday afternoon the weather here has been perfect! Sunny and warm with a cool breeze!
Sunday after church was one of our (the three interns) friend's baptism. It was such a special day, and it was so great to be able to be apart of this huge event in Toms life.
One of the most touching moments was when Toms and Landry were singing Amazing Grace- My Chains are Gone (not only because of the situation, but because this song holds so much meaning that I can't explain right now) And after Toms was baptized he came back up out of the water and over to Landry and they started singing "My chains are gone, I've been set free..."

Man.... that moment. Words cannot describe the worship in that place.


Monday:
Was our last kids camp, but we did have some new faces! You remember the girls I told you I invited despite being afraid of speaking? One of them came! And she also said she would come next week to Vacation Bible School!
I was really happy to see all the kids. They are so much fun. Thomas told the story of Jesus and His death and resurrection. The kids made picture frames and Landry was the hot glue gun master.

After the story and crafts we all walked over to the sports hall, where Landry and Thomas taught the kids how to play kick ball! It was a huge hit and I have a feeling there will be many more games to come. If I remember correctly I think Landry's team won by three runs at the bottom of the last inning. Nice guys!








Yesterday (Tuesday) We had a lake day with some of our youth! It was a fun swimming and picnic day! with perfect weather. It was a great time to build stronger friendships and to just relax after a long day of work. Our group really enjoyed people watching at the lake and have all voted this kid as our new hero. Be proud!!

Cold Water

There is nothing that makes you feel more alive than swimming in cold water. I mean, seriously.... the feeling of the ice cold water draped around your skin, is A. shocking but B. life changing; an underestimated experience in my opinion. Today and a couple days ago I had the opportunity to jump in some ICE cold water. I'm talking, Baltic Sea cold. And what did I do other than the "Amanda thing" and jump right in. Yes, I know sometimes I'm careful, but when it comes to those 'little things' why worry?

My first opportunity to dive in was Thursday at lake Ungurs. It was a cold and cloudy day, and about 60 degrees. What better swimming weather... right? The second time was the Baltic sea! I was standing there on the Latvia boarder playing around on the rocks, and sure enough I fall in. On the Estonian side. So, I can safely say that I have fallen into a country... and then swam back to Latvia. Quite a simple adventure.

The funny thing about cold water, to me, is that you either get used to it or you shut down. Those are your two options. Our faith can be related similarly. When you dive into what ever it is God has planned for you to do, there will probably be those things you'll have to do that will make you uncomfortable. Speaking.. that's my thing. I've got this absolute fear of it, doesn't matter if I know everything about my topic or not. But I realize it as a small little trick to prevent me from doing these AMAZING things for God. Today I was walking back to the flat from the store and I saw one of the girls who had gone to our kids camp last week and she had two friends with her. I had two options, say hi, (dive in) and then leave (freak out about how cold it is and then run to shore.)
OR I could get over this irrational fear of speaking to a stranger and invite the two kids to come to kids camp on Monday. I went with option two, and I'm proud of it. I swam.

I don't know if they will come or not, but they were asked to come, and told that someone was looking forward to them being there. So, that's my tid-bit. That's what I was thinking about while I was swimming in absolutely cold water. Why let it prevent me from doing something that makes me feel so alive, even with the intense amount of cold? Exactly. "Don't."


So think about what you probably have heard since you were 4 years-old. "Jump on in! The waters great!"

Immerse yourself.
goodnight and sweet dreams!



P.S. (pictures from our trip!)

A Wedding and a Holiday

There is nothing like a good ol' fashion wedding to start off your Liga/Jani day holiday. Some friends from last year had their wedding yesterday, and from about 9 until 5 in the afternoon I was sitting around listening to the mixture of Latvian and English that was thrown around the sanctuary. It really is one of my favorite things- sitting in a room and not understanding what is being said.
The wedding was beautiful, Eduards and Kitija (the newly weds) looked absolutely beautiful! It wasn't like most traditional Latvian weddings (where the groom has to carry the bride of seven bridges) . It was actually more like your average American wedding. One tradition that I think is lovely here is the newly weds putting a lock on a bridge (usually engraved with their names and the wedding date) and then throwing the key into the river. The whole wedding day was very sweet.


After that, and after a nap and a HUGE cup of coffee we headed to Inese's house for the holiday. Inese is a lady from our church and an excellent cook! and if you know me, you know I love to eat. Several people were there and it was great to spend so much time with close friends. We made flower wreaths to wear on our head and sat around the campfire. We got to sing, dance, play, eat, and then eat some more. I have really enjoyed being able to become so close to the girls in the church, and I hope that when I'm gone they will continue the work that's being done here.

flower picking for the wreaths!


Our wonderful dinner!


I call these "cotton candy sunsets"

Yesterday was wonderful, and today will be equally so. I hope for some good conversations and some great experiences as well.
Tomorrow there may be a possible trip to Riga. Since both the boys are gone on some manly adventures I am the only one chillin' at home with Mom and Pops Wimberley. Who knows what is in store for today, once my friends are awake we may go out to find some adventures of our own.
Enjoy the rest of your day, and I'll post again soon!

čau!

Kids being kids, teaching kids.

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!

We spent our Sunday at church, seeing everyone and listening to a great sermon that was in English! (Thank you Mark) His sermon was on quotes from Jesus and gave several points to how radical Jesus was. Something that I think is always a good thing to hear.
After church we met up with some friends and went to Sigulda to watch Landry bungee jump! It was exciting enough just to watch, maybe some other time I'll be brave enough.. maybe...
We spent most of the day just sight seeing, hanging out and eating ice cream. (of course) We made friends with three girls that we met at the Cafe/Bakery we were eating at and invited them to join us for the rest of the day. And they did! They were tons of fun, and so cute! I'm gonna post some pictures from our Sigulda day... now!

Our new friends!



Our group!

With as much fun as we had on Sunday, Monday would have to be just as good!
Our kids camp went so well! We had several new faces, and all of the faces from the week before were happy to be there as well! We told the creation story, and acted it out also. Like we did the first week. I really do wish that my unavoidable fear of speaking in front of groups of people would disappear... I do try really hard to make sure that it doesn't affect my mission and my calling, but it may be one of the most common things I battle with. Daily. The reason I say all this is because I was the one who told the story yesterday at camp. It seems silly to have been so anxious about it, when of all things talking to kids is one of my easier hurdles as far as speaking is concerned. I suppose I just ask for you to pray that I overcome this. It may not seem like much but even this little "fear" is something that can become a ball and chain for mission work. Just sayin'.

After the story, we made t-shirts! Tons of fun! Landry is convinced his shirt was the best... but I definitely see some competition here! We had a bubble blowing contest, which Annija won! Congratulations to you! And we played several games of musical chairs. We were inside all day due to rain, but it was still an awesome day!

I'm headed out to a paradde now! But I'll post about today later.

Farewell!

4.3.2.1. BLOG

You may be wondering why I started with 4 instead of the most common 3 in my title. The reason is because the graduation I went to yesterday was 4 hours long... yeah. 4 hours.

Though, I have to say, I enjoyed it. I LOVED getting to see the culture; the dances, the songs, and the language. I was entertained by just about everything that happened, no matter how sore my butt was from sitting on those bleachers.... ugh.
Three good friends of mine graduated yesterday; Linda, Annija, and Agnese!! Congratulations to you guys!





After the ceremony we went to the country to have an after party with Annija and her family. It was the kind of fun one can only have in a house of Latvian speaking friends! We played Twister.... which I won, of course. But in all fairness I do push people while playing. (I have never heard it wasn't allowed.) So, yeah. What ever it takes to win, but only for me. No one else is allowed to play dirty.

We got back to the flat around 11:30 and Mom and Pops were already in bed. I got to skype with my best friend back home for the first time since I've been here. It was a much needed chat, that I wish we could have continued early this morning, but I couldn't wake up early enough. Now, I'm heading off to church and then to Sigulda to cheer on Landry as he bungee jumps. I'll take good pictures, but that's about all.
Farewell and Happy Father's Day =)

Knowing

There is something about being outside at twilight that is good for the soul.

After day one of our Latvian graduation adventures, which was an incredibly different experience. (Latvian's do graduation right.) Flowers... lots and lots of flowers are given to the graduate. It's wonderful!
Gusts graduation was last night, and Linda, Annija and Agnese have theirs today! After graduation yesterday I met up with Annija to talk about, well... everything.
I needed it. She needed it. And I think we both kind of need each other as support here. It was great to share everything, my past, my present, my future. Most of all it was great to share my heart with her. It's been a long time since I have felt that things were safe enough for me to attempt that. Annija and I, I have a feeling, are going to be a huge encouragement to each other in our walks with God, and I can't wait to see what God has in store for us this adventure, and the next.

After that we got to surprise guests at the flat; Toms and Emils. Inviting us to go with them to play basketball. I went, whooped them all in basketball and left them feeling terrible about their sporting abilities.....
okay maybe not, but it was worth a shot. Nah, the guys played basketball after some races, (Emils won both, so kudos to you) and I won a bet that Emils would, so I'm happy.
Annija joined on in the adventures a little later and we got to walk and talk some more. So much fun!
After the game she went home and we, with some slightly scary persuasion we went and attempted a paper lantern, but it was too windy. (Next time though, I'll have pictures.)

Now, for my very first statement. After all of this we went to this little cliff area, with a view. It was probably about midnight at this time, which here in Latvia looks like an early Texas twilight. It was beautiful. And after climbing up step after step in some sort of dark areas we got to the top and looked around. Absolutely beautiful.

This, as silly as it was and with four crazy boys around, was one of the most relaxing and peaceful moments of the trip for me.
Not because it was quiet, or because of some intense spiritual conversations. But because it was me, in a place that I absolutely love, knowing that I'm supposed to be here. And knowing that God absolutely wants me here, now. And I'm here. Now.
The feelings that come with knowing you are where you're supposed to be are indescribable. I hope you've felt them. I pray you feel them. And if you don't I pray you find it.

With love!
-Me.

Clarification of My Testimony.

I feel like this should be posted. It’s rough, and it sucks. But it’s my testimony. I feel like those of you who read my blog may not understand all of where I’m coming from, and what a better time for you to know. It’s still early in the trip.

The past few days I’ve felt like I’ve only been halfway displayed here. That only my happy and sometimes really sad parts have been showing. Both are genuine, but there is so much more hiding under this rock-hard skin of mine. This is an explanation of who I was, am, and hope to be by grace.

I have always been a “Christian.” I’ve been in church since the time I was born, until last year. I started up again this year after getting out of school for the summer. I blamed my absence on my busy schedule, and on not sleeping and being too tired to go. The reality was I had a huge fear of approaching the throne of God. I never said that to anyone, of course.

Before my senior year of high school and my first year of college a “trial” or “test” from God was something I heard about from my parents or read about in a bible story. Not something that I had to experience. Then senior year came with heart breaking trials. Cancer. Cancer. Cancer. It’s all I can really say. I sat and watched it take over my best friends mom… forget that, my sister’s mom. “Nothing will ever be this painful. Ever again.” That was my promise to myself. For some reason or another, through this trial I decided I could do everything myself. I was going to make sure nothing hurt me. I was going to make sure that I was strong for my sister. I was going to make sure that God could never hurt me again. (I came up with this phrase in one of my journal entries.) Stupid, stupid, delicate, girl.

When I went away to school a friend of mine was in a car wreck, and the week she was in the ICU I got news of several others passing away. While I was waiting to go to her funeral, I was attending another. So on and so forth in this way until I had enough. And all this time I was making sure that I was only running on my own strength. Stupid, stupid, delicate girl.

As you can well imagine this didn’t work so well. My sadness and suffering turned into numbness. A state of being that will occasionally take me over from time to time. I can’t fully explain the numbness, but it is completely emotional, spiritual, and physical. I hate it. For a long time I couldn’t figure out how to get out of this state of numbness. I tried everything… and I do mean everything to get rid of this numb feeling. Nothing worked.
Then came time, far past its due date, to approach God.
Thiiiiiis wasss gonnaaa suuuuuck.

There was no big moment, no sudden turn around. There was me, being forced to go to church again. And there was me scrounging around on the spiritual dirt floor looking for a second wave of feeling to come around so that I might stand up and start climbing the ladder to my Father. I was in church, which was great; I felt nothing towards it, which was bad. But I was forcing myself to read the Bible, and to pray. Whether or not I felt anything at all.

Here I am now. Standing on that same dirt floor I was crawling around on a few months ago. One hand on that ladder, and I’m ready to go. My stubborn nature has helped me fix what my stubborn nature started. I still don’t understand all that has happened, and it still makes me cry before I fall asleep. But now my faith is well placed, and my heart is in good hands; however, broken. And each night that is difficult is another day that I will have a something to say about how my God saves.

Amen.

Dinner and Winter Weather

Last night, (Wednesday the 16th) we were invited to the house of one of our church members to eat dinner. I had been once last year, and it was great to go back and enjoy some good ol' fashioned Latvian cooking. I don't think there was a single thing that I didn't like! Of course, I'm not really picky either... Ah well. We ate outside with everyone and at about... 10 it was reaaaallly cold. Felt like the beginning of a Texan winter!

The family that lives at this house is a huge illustration for what it means to be in peace with God. Their stories are touching, their home is small, but their hearts are huge. The three girls that were at their house last night are not theirs. However, they're here just about every summer. I'm unsure of most of the girls' backgrounds, but I know that they come from broken homes.
Last year one of the girls, Alma, asked me to adopt her. I remember asking her "But what about your mom? Wouldn't she be sad if you left her?" I received one of the most heartbreaking answers from a little girl who was almost 7. "no." sad.


It was good to see everyone last night, a good reminder of how the culture is here.

This morning I'm sit here in my room thinking and praying about what it is I'm supposed to do here. I have a group of kids who are genuinely interested in my life, and I in theirs. They only know part of my story, and I only know bits and pieces of theirs. I want to know what role God plays to them, this will be a huge task... they won't even answer what music they listen to. With time and patience... with time and patience.

I want to be more than halfway there. And I can't do that with out a whole lotta help from God.
Your prayers are asked for and needed here. Please don't hesitate to send them. Pray in the next five minutes and you'll recieve free shipping and handling.


Alma


Anna


Vilma, the excellent cook and host.

No boys allowed.

We kicked off the week with our first kids camp; subject of study-Noah. We started out the day with a three legged race and some goofy smack talk thrown back and forth in two different languages... needless to say, my team lost. But, we'll get 'em next time!
After our three legged shenanigans we all piled inside to tell a bible story. Landry did a great job of telling the story, and getting everyone involved in acting it out. The kids were all very sweet and payed good attention when the story was being told-- minus a few squirely boys. haha!

That afternoon I spent hanging out with my good friend Linda. We went walking around parts of Cesis that I hadn't ever been too, and of course... I forgot to take my camera. My apologies! I'll make sure that I can get back to those places for pictures with in the next few weeks.

Tuesday we worked some at the church; chopping, moving, stacking wood. The usual. After work we went to grab a pizza and ran into an old friend from last year... KLAVS!!!!! haha, oh how we missed him. Our 6 foot 7 inch friend has been greatly missed and openly welcome back into our good ol' fashioned fun in Cesis.

Once we got back from pizza the boys went and did boy stuff with some of the guys from the youth group, while Linda and I attempted microwave cookies, which failed. So we went for rice crispy treats instead.

Last night was our first girls bible study! There were 7 girls including myself and we read Matthew 11:28-30 along with Matthew 5:3-10. We discussed what kind of people Jesus asked to come to Him. I asked them the question "Who is the broken? Why would a God as great and powerful as this want broken people?" And pointed out things that someone might argue. The verses were an excellent tool to get them started on a good discussion. For them to be able to discuss what and why they believe in God. WHY they would bother to come to Christ with their burdens. I hope to continue this same conversation with them and to hear their stories, and how they became to be who they are.

It is now Wednesday at 11:15 in the morning. We're getting ready to go and meet with Pastor Olegs about the upcoming week.
I should go get ready for the day!
Farewell, and I'll keep you posted!

Week 1

Finishing the first week has been an accomplishment. We worked hard, played hard and have already made several new friends. Once we arrived here on Tuesday, and after we got to meet up with our old friends from last year we went and crashed at the flat. The next day was spent wandering around Cesis, showing the first timer (Landry) some of the old city. Wednesday was a relaxing day, used for our poor traveling bodies to catch up with us. A day well spent.

We hit the ground running by Thursday. We spent most of our day at the boys prison here in Cesis. My first steps into the prison didn't feel unusual to me at all. I remember reminding myself that they were boys, just like my little brothers. But when we were about to walk in to the area to meet them, fear couldn't help but show itself to me. The guard at the front gate was handing me a "panic button" sort of deal. that I needed to hide some where on me. It felt so uncomfortable sitting there clipped to my jeans underneath my shirt. The hard plastic hitting my hip bone every now and then. It felt stupid to me, how ever safe it was supposed to make me, it felt like too much. After we got let in to see all the boys we joined a group of other people that had already been let in to teach the boys. We were divided into groups, and told to make a "Good things about not using drugs" collage. The boys were distracted, either by me or by something else, but they did the job. We had fun, I was the only one in the room that couldn't speak Latvian. Figures.

That Thursday night was our first youth night experience. Landry sang a few songs, and the other kids would join in on little parts that they knew. I hope that we can make a huge difference in this group. They not only need leaders, but they need to learn how to be leaders. I hope we can show them. There were several new faces for me to meet at youth that night, and I can't wait to see them more often.
Friday we spent chopping wood and loading into on of the storage buildings at the church. It was hard work that we're all sore from! The rest of the day was really nice and relaxing. The three interns and a bunch of the Latvian kids went on a bike ride to the country for a picnic, where we taught them what a peanut butter and jelly sandwich was, as well as them teaching us what some of their food is.


Saturday was spent in Riga, laughing and wandering around with friends. A great opportunity to build new friendships, and continue growing closer to old friends. I enjoyed my time going to and from Riga more than I might have enjoyed Riga itself. Either way it was a beautiful day and lots of great pictures were taken!




Some of the most touching moments in the week had nothing to do with where I was. Yes, it's true that where I am has some of the most beautiful scenery is right out my window, but walking around in the rain with one of my best friends seeing them as humans and them seeing me, scars and all. I want them to know and understand my struggles from the past year, and that as much as it hurt me, it has made me vulnerable to a God amazing enough to love me. Let them see past the scars and the troubles to the core of my being, and see that behind the brokenness of my being, there is Christ. Not myself.
Amazing grace.
lets start week two!

Alright, the hard part is over. Mostly sleep on the way over, and the five of us are sitting in the London airport now. We've still got about 4 more hours until we leave here. It's not so bad, I'm just very sleepy.

I was just reading Psalm 22 while sitting here, it's a wonderful chapter. I suggest you read it. I relate to it on so many levels, and am encouraged by the illustration of strength displayed with in the text. Kind of a "Yes, it sucks. Yes, I'm hurting. But my God is Holy" theme. Which usually, when I hear from other people I ignore. Because they haven't felt the same pain I have, probably not the right way to think about it at all, but it is what it is.

So, that's my encouraging tid bit. I think I'm going to try for a nap now... we'll see how that works out.