Dievs ir labs!

Wow, so sorry for it being over a week since I last wrote anything about Latvia. The past 6 days have been spent at a camp working with kids/teaching hip hop (fun stuff, lemme tell ya)
So many great experiences in the past week, and several new friends to keep up with in the upcoming year away from everyone here. I'll kinda write for you a few of my journal entries from my time at camp. Sound good? good.

Day 2- morning.
We left around 3 yesterday afternoon, two ice creams and one redbull later we are here. I'm excited to start the week! I'm praying that God will give me these dances for the kids. Because, I have a) not done hip hop in forever and b) not taught dance.. in FOREVER. pray pray pray.

Day 3-
The kids got here this afternoon, and they are tons of fun and SO adorable. Oh, I forgot to mention that I got called a missionary for the first time ever yesterday, it caught my off guard. Like... seriously.
I can't help but think about all the time (since I was 8) that I wanted to be a missionary. Now, I finally get called one and part of me goes .. "no.. no not really. Maybe some day soon"
I start teaching dances tomorrow, I'm nervous but I keep reminding myself that these things I'm stressing over I am absolutely not in control of.

Day 5-
There is something about rubbing the back of and singing to a crying child that gives you time to think about all you ever really want. One of Agnese's girls was crying tonight. I suppose she (anna) just missed home. She doesn't know much english at all, and I know very little Latvian but some how there is always a way to communicate. Love. I'm telling you, Jesus had it right when he said (well everything!) but what stood out to me this night was "The greatest of these is love." I remember journal entries from a month ago of me praying for God to show me how to love again. It had been so long since I really loved anyone/anything. Seriously.
Also, as I sat there humming Amazing Grace to Anna I thought about all I ever want when I'm sad. It's always that something I never really get. Most of the time. When I'm crying out of complete sadness, (not just exhaustion, or hunger, or something. But sadness) I want some one to hold me really close and sing me a song. Turns out, that is all Anna wanted too. Go figure. It was that easy.


Day 6-
I realized I sat there around the camp fire singing that I am holding on to soooo much. I'm holding onto the scars, the memories, the sorrow... like... seriously? I walked up to Annija and asked her to pray for me. Afterwards she said to me "It isn't about asking and being given an answer. It is about saying 'Jesus, I love You. And I will follow You where ever You go.'" That is all. This whole time I've been somewhat angry about never getting an answer for those things that hurt me deeply. Or being sad about the very little bits of my heart that were left over from it all. But here it was... so simple. I love You, and I will follow You where ever You go.





And now, Home sweet Latvian home. I got a shower, coke, candy, potato chips and a big ol' comfy bed. What more could I need?
I'm happy to be back, I feel like the camp went so well, and in addition to great experiences and growth in my walk with God, I've gained so many friends. Friends that I can share my love of Christ with.
What a week, and what weeks to come. It is however weird to not have the guys in the flat. So boys, if you're reading this, I miss your presence in the flat! Also, if you miss me just make a pot of coffee in the morning. haha!

Goodnight, and I'll write again soon!