As I sit here and write this, I'm trying to fight back the tears. How can I put into words what my heart has felt these last 2 weeks? How can express the love and thanks in my heart? How can I share with you all, the unspoken love betweens believers? How can you tangibly show something that is not seen? I will try my best, so bear with me through the tears and prayers that God will reveal what He has spoken to me.
Maybe I'll start with the last few days. I spent Sunday evening until this afternoon in Liepaja. I met up with an incredible family and they have become so dear to my heart. When I arrived in Liepaja they were having a big extended family celebration. I would be joining in with the festivities and so of course there was a lot of food! Good food I must add! I tasted and like 3 different types of cakes and enjoyed the company of many. It reminded me a lot of being with my family. Many kids running around and the parents are catching up on life, sharing many laughs, and just enjoying being in each others company. I spent most of those few hours playing with the kids. It seems that with kids, it doesn't matter if you don't speak their language, they just want to feel your love! That I can do. So I played catch over the table, which I thought I would be in so much trouble if I did this growing up. Ha. But they didn't seem to mind. The kids were runnin all over and I think everyone was happy to seem the kids happy. This one little girl attached to my side and wanted to leave with me. Her smile melted my heart. Then that evening I went to the Bastiks' home and played with little Filip and enjoyed encouraging conversations about what God is doing in our lives. So encouraged by all the conversation I had! Yesterday morning I woke up and enjoyed Latvian pancakes, pankūkas, (I think it was an answer to pray because I definitely prayed for an opportunity to eat them again!) :) an spent the day with Lasma and the 2 precious children. Zane and her friend, Andra joined us in the afternoon and we all took a walk to enjoy the beautiful day! It really was a beautiful day and more than just the weather! Then 2 girls that Lasma spends time pouring into stopped by the house and God blessed me with an opportunity to share with one of them. Its so amazing how God continues to open doors for conversations even feom the unexpected! That evening I cooked one of my favorite meals, chicken with poor mans potatoes and a salad with tomatoes. The only difference I would have don would be to grill it instead of cooking in the oven. But it was still delicious! Loti garšīgi! The time cooking together and having fellowship with one another, really was a great way to build relationships! We shared many things and even taught each other a few things about cooking. I loved it! :)
Then today I woke up, after little sleep because we stayed up late talking, (side note-one of the mos precious things, little Filip fell asleep on my lap while watching worship videos! :) just melted my heart!) and enjoyed yet another Latvian breakfast! Oh they eat such tasty food here! Then had a few hours to hang out with the whole family again before heading back to Kuldīga. so many blessings in Liepaja, how to express them all.
Blessing number 1: Zane. I have mentioned her before. She was the girl at the School of Worship that helped me adjust to life here in Latvia. I knew her only through Linda before coming here but God really blessed my heart through her while I was here. Sometimes there are just those people that you meet and the world seems alright. She was definitely one of those people. I truly believe God had a plan all along that we would spend as much time together as we did. I thought maybe one day we would hang out but by God's plans, I was blessed to spend all or part of 5 days here in Latvia! I believe this is a friendship that will definitely last and if God moves me to Latvia, I can see He has already provided some amazing dear friends!
Blessing number 2: the Bastiks family. This summer I feel like I only saw a glimpse into their lives. The 4 of us leaders stayed in their home, but we didn't get to see much of their lives. I had a few talks with Karlis but not really with Lasma. This time was so different! I loved every minute of spending time with them! Their whole family! (they have 2 kids, little Filip and precious Aviga) God really opened the doors for conversations with Lasma and gettin to hear the desires He has placed in her heart. God has anointed this family to do an incredible ministry and I pray God continues to open those doors for way He wants done in Liepaja! It is such a blessing to know them and to know I can call them friends and family! God is already providing just an incredible support system if I were to move here, it makes me feel so humbled!
This evening, back in Kuldiga, I honestly felt like I was coming home. This is where my heart is, Kuldīga. I think I will wait to share these thoughts at another time. I will say it was an INCREDIBLE night of prayer and worship! I am still processing and that is why I want to wait to share. God had definitely anointed Matiss and Ilze for this work in Kuldīga! I can see His hand on their lives and in their work! Their heart is for the youth, these young people in Kuldīga and I believe that God will do a mighty work through them!! Hallelujah! Praise God for their surrender and obedience to Him!! :D my heart just doesn't have words!!
Tomorrow I will head back to Riga and spend some time with friends one last time. Then Thirsday I will get up early and start my journey back to the states. It's a bittersweet one. (again fighting the tears) please pray for safe travels and that I wouldn't shut down ministry wise. There are always opportunities to share Gods love, even on the planes or in airports. Pray that God would continued to be glorified in all situations!
Love you guys! :) Thank you so much for your prayers and support! From the bottom of my heart, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Es gribu est! :)
Chao dear ones!
The title of this blog is one of the new phrases I've learned but I've been told it's one of the most important. I want to eat! :) Es gribu est! Over these past few days I have learned a lot of new phrases. Es gribu est is fun to say! :)
Since the last time I have posted a lot of incredible and encouraging things have happened! Thursday evening I went to the bible study that David was leading (missionary from Chicago) and it was cool to see what God is doing! Only a few came, but those who were there we're listening closely to what he had to say. You could see that they wanted to learn and wanted to be challenged by the Word. They are currently studying the book of John and in this particular one David challenged them to think about Jesus and was he being prideful when telling the Jewish leaders he was God, or was he humble about it? Then David challenged the youth to really think about what does it mean when God says "I AM who I AM". This really even challenged me to think the same, what does it really mean?
Then on Friday I took the morning to really rest and spend time with God. Being in the city that stole my heart this summer, Kuldīga, I know it is very important to truly rest in the Fathers' hands and listen for His still small voice. Then I met Matiss and Ilze for lunch, only 1.40 lats, and you get a good size piece of meat, lots of potatoes with gravy, some type of salad and dessert! Cheap and filling! And good I must add! After lunch I spent some time with Ilze again and we walked around all of Kuldīga talking with one anothe and walking a baby. This family is experiencing some hard times to Ilze is helping out by taking the baby some few hours a week and Friday was one of those days. Even here in Latvia my nanny skills were put to use :) in the afternoon one of the girls in the youth met up with us and it was cool to talk with her for a little bit. Starting to build these relationships, it was almost natural. That evening was the youth service. It was a small group, but you could tell they genuinely wanted to be there and they enjoyed conversing with one another. We had some worship time and Matiss hated some Word and then He asked me to share some of my testimony. I didn't know exactly what I woul share but I prayed that God would use it to reveal Himself in a way that would touch their hearts. It was interesting how in sharing my testimony, God really took control and shared it in a new way. I shared things with them that maybe even some of my closest friends don't know. And at the end I challenged them to really see that God was with them and gave each and every one of them a story. I just really feel like God spoke through me because I don't rember everything I said. I pray that God would continue to speak to their hearts over this time and they would truly know what it means to feel His love. I don't care if they ever remember my name or my face, I just pray they experience the blessing of feeling God's presence in their lives!
Which leads me to today. Today was so encouraging. Matiss and Ilze had a wedding in Riga and so I took the opportunity to make a day trip to Ventspils to see some friends! I went through my morning routine and it was like natural to b in a flat by myself and walk to the bus station. I successfully purchased a bus ticket to Ventspils and got off at the right place! In Ventspils, 3 dear friends were waiting for me with smiles and lots of hugs! I spent the next 6 hours just building those relationships and being so encouraged by what God is doing there! Today at their church was a cleaning day and so when we arrived there, they heard I was an American and they offered more snacks then I could eat and warm coffee. :) it's always so encouraging to see believers working together to serve their God as they washed windows and cleaned the church. I even pitched in a little and cut flyers for their Easter service. Then we went and ate lung and went to one person's flat an had dessert. One thing about Latvians, they eat a lot, (although they are very small) and they seem to always eat dessert! But while at my friends's flat, another friend of ours showed up! It was a sweet reunion and an afternoon full of love! I love how God bonds the hearts of His children even through the distance an time. :) we decided to then venture to the sea, even though it was so cold! And then ended the afternoon with tea and cookies :)
But what really blessed my heart about this time in Ventspils, is hearing them talk about what they learned from our team being there this summer. With hotels being very expensive here, we ended up staying with host families. Now I realized the benefits and disadvantages to this from our side. Benefit: we get to experience more of the Latvian culture than say just in a hotel. Disadvantage: we don't get as much team time. But what was cool to hear, was a Latvians side of things. Because we stayed with them, the host families got to see that even though the students were tired or maybe wanted to talk, they spent time with God. They were in the Word daily, they were journaling, and they were constantly praying to God. Yes this I something AweStar teaches, but by the end of the summer, these students lives are changed and through that, these youth in Ventspils we stayed with, their lives were changed as well! I cannot describe how encouraged that made me feel! It was a good reminder that our lives really are examples for others. Our every action and how we choose to spend our time and how we live our lives, truly can lead someone to God. It can draw them closer to Him if only we choose to make Him a priority in our lives! Aaaaaaaa loti labi! So good! :) like I said so encouraged!!!
Whew, I think that is enough for this night, it is getting late here and well tonight is when they observe daylights savings time so we will lose an hour. I would ask for you to pray for continued rest and health. Pray that tomorrow as I travel to Liepaja everything would go smoothly and as God wants it to. Pray for continued hearts to be open and opportunities to share His love. Praise God for endless opportunity to pray for His people here! Everyday as I walk I believe is another piece of land covered in prayer! Pray that God would draw his people to His heart and they would be willing to respond!
Thank you again for your prayers! Liels paldies!!!! Thank you for being a part of this journey with me and watching God work. Your prayers have been felt in my heart each an evey day! Much love from Latvia! Arlabunakti! (goodnight)
The title of this blog is one of the new phrases I've learned but I've been told it's one of the most important. I want to eat! :) Es gribu est! Over these past few days I have learned a lot of new phrases. Es gribu est is fun to say! :)
Since the last time I have posted a lot of incredible and encouraging things have happened! Thursday evening I went to the bible study that David was leading (missionary from Chicago) and it was cool to see what God is doing! Only a few came, but those who were there we're listening closely to what he had to say. You could see that they wanted to learn and wanted to be challenged by the Word. They are currently studying the book of John and in this particular one David challenged them to think about Jesus and was he being prideful when telling the Jewish leaders he was God, or was he humble about it? Then David challenged the youth to really think about what does it mean when God says "I AM who I AM". This really even challenged me to think the same, what does it really mean?
Then on Friday I took the morning to really rest and spend time with God. Being in the city that stole my heart this summer, Kuldīga, I know it is very important to truly rest in the Fathers' hands and listen for His still small voice. Then I met Matiss and Ilze for lunch, only 1.40 lats, and you get a good size piece of meat, lots of potatoes with gravy, some type of salad and dessert! Cheap and filling! And good I must add! After lunch I spent some time with Ilze again and we walked around all of Kuldīga talking with one anothe and walking a baby. This family is experiencing some hard times to Ilze is helping out by taking the baby some few hours a week and Friday was one of those days. Even here in Latvia my nanny skills were put to use :) in the afternoon one of the girls in the youth met up with us and it was cool to talk with her for a little bit. Starting to build these relationships, it was almost natural. That evening was the youth service. It was a small group, but you could tell they genuinely wanted to be there and they enjoyed conversing with one another. We had some worship time and Matiss hated some Word and then He asked me to share some of my testimony. I didn't know exactly what I woul share but I prayed that God would use it to reveal Himself in a way that would touch their hearts. It was interesting how in sharing my testimony, God really took control and shared it in a new way. I shared things with them that maybe even some of my closest friends don't know. And at the end I challenged them to really see that God was with them and gave each and every one of them a story. I just really feel like God spoke through me because I don't rember everything I said. I pray that God would continue to speak to their hearts over this time and they would truly know what it means to feel His love. I don't care if they ever remember my name or my face, I just pray they experience the blessing of feeling God's presence in their lives!
Which leads me to today. Today was so encouraging. Matiss and Ilze had a wedding in Riga and so I took the opportunity to make a day trip to Ventspils to see some friends! I went through my morning routine and it was like natural to b in a flat by myself and walk to the bus station. I successfully purchased a bus ticket to Ventspils and got off at the right place! In Ventspils, 3 dear friends were waiting for me with smiles and lots of hugs! I spent the next 6 hours just building those relationships and being so encouraged by what God is doing there! Today at their church was a cleaning day and so when we arrived there, they heard I was an American and they offered more snacks then I could eat and warm coffee. :) it's always so encouraging to see believers working together to serve their God as they washed windows and cleaned the church. I even pitched in a little and cut flyers for their Easter service. Then we went and ate lung and went to one person's flat an had dessert. One thing about Latvians, they eat a lot, (although they are very small) and they seem to always eat dessert! But while at my friends's flat, another friend of ours showed up! It was a sweet reunion and an afternoon full of love! I love how God bonds the hearts of His children even through the distance an time. :) we decided to then venture to the sea, even though it was so cold! And then ended the afternoon with tea and cookies :)
But what really blessed my heart about this time in Ventspils, is hearing them talk about what they learned from our team being there this summer. With hotels being very expensive here, we ended up staying with host families. Now I realized the benefits and disadvantages to this from our side. Benefit: we get to experience more of the Latvian culture than say just in a hotel. Disadvantage: we don't get as much team time. But what was cool to hear, was a Latvians side of things. Because we stayed with them, the host families got to see that even though the students were tired or maybe wanted to talk, they spent time with God. They were in the Word daily, they were journaling, and they were constantly praying to God. Yes this I something AweStar teaches, but by the end of the summer, these students lives are changed and through that, these youth in Ventspils we stayed with, their lives were changed as well! I cannot describe how encouraged that made me feel! It was a good reminder that our lives really are examples for others. Our every action and how we choose to spend our time and how we live our lives, truly can lead someone to God. It can draw them closer to Him if only we choose to make Him a priority in our lives! Aaaaaaaa loti labi! So good! :) like I said so encouraged!!!
Whew, I think that is enough for this night, it is getting late here and well tonight is when they observe daylights savings time so we will lose an hour. I would ask for you to pray for continued rest and health. Pray that tomorrow as I travel to Liepaja everything would go smoothly and as God wants it to. Pray for continued hearts to be open and opportunities to share His love. Praise God for endless opportunity to pray for His people here! Everyday as I walk I believe is another piece of land covered in prayer! Pray that God would draw his people to His heart and they would be willing to respond!
Thank you again for your prayers! Liels paldies!!!! Thank you for being a part of this journey with me and watching God work. Your prayers have been felt in my heart each an evey day! Much love from Latvia! Arlabunakti! (goodnight)
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Kūldiga, the memories are coming back
Chao!
Today is Thursday and I can't believe a week has come and gone. I feel like so much has happened in the past week! I saw God move in great ways, I heard Him speak tenderly to my heart, and I've seen some of the emptiness in the eyes of those I've walked by. I've enjoyed some really great and encouraging conversations, had some sweet and intimate prayer time, and rested in our Fathers' presence! I want to update you all I'm just not sure where to go with this post. There are many things I could tell you but everytime I try to write, my words leave me and I am left with nothing.
Tuesday and Wedensday were days of rest. I stayed with Linda in Riga and she had to work both these days so it was a lot of time spent by myself. I would wake up early in the mornings and make Linda her coffee, (the first day I forgot the sugar, oops) but I learned :) then after she would leave for work, I would go back to sleep. These days while staying with her it was nice to truly rest. My heart was at ease and I woke up everyday feeling well rested. It's interesting how when you are in the presence of those you love and feel connected to, even the unknown feels okay. I think this is how it was with Linda. Maybe yes I wasn't always with her but knowing I was in her home, and I would see her again in the evening, my heart felt at home with my sister. :) Praise God!
Okay, so, then I basically spent these days exploring. As you saw from the videos and the Facebook updates, I took the initiative to see what life would be like on my own here. Thankfully, there are a lot of people who spoke English when I needed to order something, but I feel the desire in my heart to really want to communicate in their heart language. I know this will come with time. I spent these days walking and praying, saw new parts of the city and just walked until I got cold. On Tuesday evening I went to the shop and bought some things for dinner and made macaroni with sausages and peppers and tomatoes and dill, Protams! (of course). It was interesting as I didn't know what anything was so I just cooked something and ate it. I think it was okay but not the best that I've ever made. Then Linda would come home and we would talk for a little bit and then go to bed. So, this is how I spent my last few days. Adjusting to the culture here, catching up on sleep, and spending lots of time in prayer.
Last night I drove to Kūldiga with one guy David who is a missionary here and we had really
good conversations. He gave me some really good advice and things maybe he would do differently. It was encouraging to hear that it is possible to come here, but it will definitely require some work and sacrifice, but nothing is impossible with God leading. I'm really thankful for that time to spend with him and the conversations we had!
Now today, I am in Kūldiga and have enjoyed a cheap but delicious and filling Latvian lunch, conversations with the lovely Ilze and now updating you all. Maybe today's post wasn't as interesting as the others but I wanted to fill you in and update you. Tonight I will be attending the bible study they have with the youth here. This will be good to see how things are done here. Tomorrow evening we will have the youth service and Matiss has asked me to share some things. I would ask that you would pray for that time. That you would pray for God to give me the words He wants His people to hear. That those who would come would be open to His word and receive that message of love in their hearts. Pray that this time in Kūldiga would be answering to prayers, no matter the direction I get from here. Praise God for all the incredible things He has done this far! Praise Him for His love and unending grace and mercy! Praise His name just because He is God! :)
Oh one more thing! Praise God that today is so beautiful! Šodien ir skaista diena! Ļoti skaista! The sun is shining and the weather is beautiful! Maybe some 50 degrees! :)
I love you all! Thinking of you often! I can't wait until I have the words to express what is in my heart! :) thank you again for your prayers!
Today is Thursday and I can't believe a week has come and gone. I feel like so much has happened in the past week! I saw God move in great ways, I heard Him speak tenderly to my heart, and I've seen some of the emptiness in the eyes of those I've walked by. I've enjoyed some really great and encouraging conversations, had some sweet and intimate prayer time, and rested in our Fathers' presence! I want to update you all I'm just not sure where to go with this post. There are many things I could tell you but everytime I try to write, my words leave me and I am left with nothing.
Tuesday and Wedensday were days of rest. I stayed with Linda in Riga and she had to work both these days so it was a lot of time spent by myself. I would wake up early in the mornings and make Linda her coffee, (the first day I forgot the sugar, oops) but I learned :) then after she would leave for work, I would go back to sleep. These days while staying with her it was nice to truly rest. My heart was at ease and I woke up everyday feeling well rested. It's interesting how when you are in the presence of those you love and feel connected to, even the unknown feels okay. I think this is how it was with Linda. Maybe yes I wasn't always with her but knowing I was in her home, and I would see her again in the evening, my heart felt at home with my sister. :) Praise God!
Okay, so, then I basically spent these days exploring. As you saw from the videos and the Facebook updates, I took the initiative to see what life would be like on my own here. Thankfully, there are a lot of people who spoke English when I needed to order something, but I feel the desire in my heart to really want to communicate in their heart language. I know this will come with time. I spent these days walking and praying, saw new parts of the city and just walked until I got cold. On Tuesday evening I went to the shop and bought some things for dinner and made macaroni with sausages and peppers and tomatoes and dill, Protams! (of course). It was interesting as I didn't know what anything was so I just cooked something and ate it. I think it was okay but not the best that I've ever made. Then Linda would come home and we would talk for a little bit and then go to bed. So, this is how I spent my last few days. Adjusting to the culture here, catching up on sleep, and spending lots of time in prayer.
Last night I drove to Kūldiga with one guy David who is a missionary here and we had really
good conversations. He gave me some really good advice and things maybe he would do differently. It was encouraging to hear that it is possible to come here, but it will definitely require some work and sacrifice, but nothing is impossible with God leading. I'm really thankful for that time to spend with him and the conversations we had!
Now today, I am in Kūldiga and have enjoyed a cheap but delicious and filling Latvian lunch, conversations with the lovely Ilze and now updating you all. Maybe today's post wasn't as interesting as the others but I wanted to fill you in and update you. Tonight I will be attending the bible study they have with the youth here. This will be good to see how things are done here. Tomorrow evening we will have the youth service and Matiss has asked me to share some things. I would ask that you would pray for that time. That you would pray for God to give me the words He wants His people to hear. That those who would come would be open to His word and receive that message of love in their hearts. Pray that this time in Kūldiga would be answering to prayers, no matter the direction I get from here. Praise God for all the incredible things He has done this far! Praise Him for His love and unending grace and mercy! Praise His name just because He is God! :)
Oh one more thing! Praise God that today is so beautiful! Šodien ir skaista diena! Ļoti skaista! The sun is shining and the weather is beautiful! Maybe some 50 degrees! :)
I love you all! Thinking of you often! I can't wait until I have the words to express what is in my heart! :) thank you again for your prayers!
Monday, March 19, 2012
God is so Good!
Hello friends!
Now that I have had more sleep and it's in the afternoon I will try to write more about the trip. I am writing this on my phone so I apologize in advance for any autocorrects :)
As I stated before, I have met some incredible people! God has allowed for new relationships to form and the old ones to deepen! There have been very few times where I haven't felt at peace but overall, God has placed some incredible people in my path! Yesterday I woke up from the best sleep I've gotten in weeks! I had the best shower ever! Then I was blessed with Latvian pancakes or crepes as we call them in America. I enjoyed a tour of Old Town Riga and the company of 2 dear fiends Lana and Zane. We shared many laughs and I am very thankful for the time I was blessed by their presence. We then went to church where Riga's Gospel choir was a special guest. We also heard several testimonies from people and we were challenged by the speaker who shared the message, (also my friend Kristaps) to check ourselves and how we define success. Is it money or is our treasure and success found in Jesus?
After church I then headed to get some coffee and sweets with Linda and enjoyed more Conversations about what God is doing in our lives with Linda and Kristaps. These are 2 dear people I met this summer and it was so encouraging to share the new things that are happen as well as pray about the future! God is so good!
Today so far has been a day or rest. A day to quietly sit before the Lord, sit at His feet and allow Him to speak to my heart what he wants to say. I haven't said much, I've just tried to listen. I walked around Riga a little, got lost for a little bit, :) but with the help of a nice Latvian found my way. I just finished eating lunch with Linda and now am updating you all!
One more thing before I tell you what I learned about worship. There was a community group that made me a card for everyday I would be gone. Every single day I have randomly selected a card and read it and been so encouraged! Each day the card has seemed to fit every situation perfectly! There was one were my flesh was like, this isn't the plan...and in the card it said, "you are exactly where God wants you". Perfect! Instantly my heart was at peace! Many affirming moments like that to help show me, God is in control and He is guiding my every step, even when things don't go as I have "planned". :)
So, now on to worship. My worship for God has gone to anew level. It is deeper and more in tune with Him than ever before! I realized something when I was worshipping at the camp, it doesn't matter the language you sing in, it doesn't matter if you know the words, all that matters is who you are worshipping! Yes, I have learned to song along to some Latvian and some Russian songs, but I don't always know what they mean. But my heart does understand they are songs about my God, our God and how great and majestic He is! He is worthy of all our praise just because He is God! So I left my voice, empty my hands, now my heart to Him and offer my life back to Him! I cannot even put into words what my heart has felt and how the Spirit has moved in me!!!!!!! But it's the most incredible experience I've ever encountered! One night at the school of worship, we were worshipping and we were on our last song, but God's Spirit was so alive and moving that 3 hours later, (2am) :) we finally ended our "worship" time! Talk about being a part of something incredible! As I sat there to take it all in, I was in awe of the power of God. I was in awe at how alive God was! I was overwhelmed by His presence and was broken for my own selfish desires. Then people started praying with and for other people, oh man, my heart is so full of joy even just thinking about it again! I'm so thankful to have experienced such an event and I'm more than blessed already by these first few days! :)
Thank you all for your prayers! Thank you for your continued support! And thank you for being on this journey with me and believing in what God has placed in my heart! Please keep the prayers coming, that I would be at the right place at the right time, and that would be exactly where God wants me! :) pray for the Latvians to see where their true freedom lies, in the Only One who can heal, restore, and change lives!
And maybe you could pray that my mind would continue to seek to learn the language, as this is a hard task.
Thanks again for everything! Praying for you all as well! :)
Much love from Latvia!
Now that I have had more sleep and it's in the afternoon I will try to write more about the trip. I am writing this on my phone so I apologize in advance for any autocorrects :)
As I stated before, I have met some incredible people! God has allowed for new relationships to form and the old ones to deepen! There have been very few times where I haven't felt at peace but overall, God has placed some incredible people in my path! Yesterday I woke up from the best sleep I've gotten in weeks! I had the best shower ever! Then I was blessed with Latvian pancakes or crepes as we call them in America. I enjoyed a tour of Old Town Riga and the company of 2 dear fiends Lana and Zane. We shared many laughs and I am very thankful for the time I was blessed by their presence. We then went to church where Riga's Gospel choir was a special guest. We also heard several testimonies from people and we were challenged by the speaker who shared the message, (also my friend Kristaps) to check ourselves and how we define success. Is it money or is our treasure and success found in Jesus?
After church I then headed to get some coffee and sweets with Linda and enjoyed more Conversations about what God is doing in our lives with Linda and Kristaps. These are 2 dear people I met this summer and it was so encouraging to share the new things that are happen as well as pray about the future! God is so good!
Today so far has been a day or rest. A day to quietly sit before the Lord, sit at His feet and allow Him to speak to my heart what he wants to say. I haven't said much, I've just tried to listen. I walked around Riga a little, got lost for a little bit, :) but with the help of a nice Latvian found my way. I just finished eating lunch with Linda and now am updating you all!
One more thing before I tell you what I learned about worship. There was a community group that made me a card for everyday I would be gone. Every single day I have randomly selected a card and read it and been so encouraged! Each day the card has seemed to fit every situation perfectly! There was one were my flesh was like, this isn't the plan...and in the card it said, "you are exactly where God wants you". Perfect! Instantly my heart was at peace! Many affirming moments like that to help show me, God is in control and He is guiding my every step, even when things don't go as I have "planned". :)
So, now on to worship. My worship for God has gone to anew level. It is deeper and more in tune with Him than ever before! I realized something when I was worshipping at the camp, it doesn't matter the language you sing in, it doesn't matter if you know the words, all that matters is who you are worshipping! Yes, I have learned to song along to some Latvian and some Russian songs, but I don't always know what they mean. But my heart does understand they are songs about my God, our God and how great and majestic He is! He is worthy of all our praise just because He is God! So I left my voice, empty my hands, now my heart to Him and offer my life back to Him! I cannot even put into words what my heart has felt and how the Spirit has moved in me!!!!!!! But it's the most incredible experience I've ever encountered! One night at the school of worship, we were worshipping and we were on our last song, but God's Spirit was so alive and moving that 3 hours later, (2am) :) we finally ended our "worship" time! Talk about being a part of something incredible! As I sat there to take it all in, I was in awe of the power of God. I was in awe at how alive God was! I was overwhelmed by His presence and was broken for my own selfish desires. Then people started praying with and for other people, oh man, my heart is so full of joy even just thinking about it again! I'm so thankful to have experienced such an event and I'm more than blessed already by these first few days! :)
Thank you all for your prayers! Thank you for your continued support! And thank you for being on this journey with me and believing in what God has placed in my heart! Please keep the prayers coming, that I would be at the right place at the right time, and that would be exactly where God wants me! :) pray for the Latvians to see where their true freedom lies, in the Only One who can heal, restore, and change lives!
And maybe you could pray that my mind would continue to seek to learn the language, as this is a hard task.
Thanks again for everything! Praying for you all as well! :)
Much love from Latvia!
Saturday, March 17, 2012
First few days in Latvia
Hey friends and family!
I cannot even explain all the thoughts in my heart! But I will start with this; I am happy, I am healthy, and I am safe! God is so good and is in complete control of this trip. After my last post, I boarded a plane and sat next to a very interesting Swedish couple and a nice American man. We didn't talk much, it was an overnight flight and thus we all wanted to sleep, but I arrived safely in Stockholm around 7:30am or 1:30 am central. :) I then had 8 hours to do whatever I wanted. I originally though about leaving the airport but it turns out that this particular airport is in the middle of nowhere. :) so I had lots of Jesus time, slept a little, experienced some delicious but expensive coffee and prayed a lot for what was to come. Then I safely arrived in Riga at about 6 pm and was pleasantly surprised to see my friend Linda at the airport! (I was not expecting her to be there) I was greeted with lots of hugs and flowers. :) we then headed to a lodge type place where a school of worship was taking place. Here they worshiped a lot, had prayer time, and each member of the band taught some practical and spiritual lessons over their specific role in the band. I will say the first night I was a bit overwhelmed. Being tired and hearing nothing but a foreign language, was difficult to adjust to. But thankfully with the help of a dear friend Zane, I survived the first night! It's interesting how worshiping or focusing on God will always take away your worries!
I cannot even tell you all that God has taught me in these few days. But I can say this. From the very beginning this trip has never been about me. This was replaced in my heart as my flesh struggled with the unknown. Yes I had a few interpreters and yes some people spoke English, but when you immerse yourself fully into a culture and are not fluent in the language, it's hard. But God spoke to me and gently reminded me that this journey is not about me. I must focus on Him and what He has called me to do and all else will fall in place. I have a peace about me but daily conversations are hard. Things I took for granted, like even sharing a laugh with a familiar face, yea I won't take it for granted anymore. God is speaking to my heart through many people and situations! It's so encouraging even when I don't always understand!
I have met some incredible people! These relationships in themselves are such a blessing from God. Today I traveled to Riga, where I will stay for a few days and had lots of laughs, even with the language barrier. Adjustment is happening.
Oh I also met one girl at the School of Worship who is from Tulsa! We only live 10-15 mi ites from each other but it took us both going to Latvia to meet one another! God is good! He works in mysterious ways!
I think I am no longer making sense because it is very late here but I wanted to update you and tell you all that I'm alive and healthy :) and joyful! Much love!
I think the next post will have to do with worship! Like I said God is teaching me many many things
Please continue to pray for open doors in my heart as well as the heart of the Latvians. Pray that God would continue to lead my path and I would follow his voice!
I cannot even explain all the thoughts in my heart! But I will start with this; I am happy, I am healthy, and I am safe! God is so good and is in complete control of this trip. After my last post, I boarded a plane and sat next to a very interesting Swedish couple and a nice American man. We didn't talk much, it was an overnight flight and thus we all wanted to sleep, but I arrived safely in Stockholm around 7:30am or 1:30 am central. :) I then had 8 hours to do whatever I wanted. I originally though about leaving the airport but it turns out that this particular airport is in the middle of nowhere. :) so I had lots of Jesus time, slept a little, experienced some delicious but expensive coffee and prayed a lot for what was to come. Then I safely arrived in Riga at about 6 pm and was pleasantly surprised to see my friend Linda at the airport! (I was not expecting her to be there) I was greeted with lots of hugs and flowers. :) we then headed to a lodge type place where a school of worship was taking place. Here they worshiped a lot, had prayer time, and each member of the band taught some practical and spiritual lessons over their specific role in the band. I will say the first night I was a bit overwhelmed. Being tired and hearing nothing but a foreign language, was difficult to adjust to. But thankfully with the help of a dear friend Zane, I survived the first night! It's interesting how worshiping or focusing on God will always take away your worries!
I cannot even tell you all that God has taught me in these few days. But I can say this. From the very beginning this trip has never been about me. This was replaced in my heart as my flesh struggled with the unknown. Yes I had a few interpreters and yes some people spoke English, but when you immerse yourself fully into a culture and are not fluent in the language, it's hard. But God spoke to me and gently reminded me that this journey is not about me. I must focus on Him and what He has called me to do and all else will fall in place. I have a peace about me but daily conversations are hard. Things I took for granted, like even sharing a laugh with a familiar face, yea I won't take it for granted anymore. God is speaking to my heart through many people and situations! It's so encouraging even when I don't always understand!
I have met some incredible people! These relationships in themselves are such a blessing from God. Today I traveled to Riga, where I will stay for a few days and had lots of laughs, even with the language barrier. Adjustment is happening.
Oh I also met one girl at the School of Worship who is from Tulsa! We only live 10-15 mi ites from each other but it took us both going to Latvia to meet one another! God is good! He works in mysterious ways!
I think I am no longer making sense because it is very late here but I wanted to update you and tell you all that I'm alive and healthy :) and joyful! Much love!
I think the next post will have to do with worship! Like I said God is teaching me many many things
Please continue to pray for open doors in my heart as well as the heart of the Latvians. Pray that God would continue to lead my path and I would follow his voice!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Thoughts, feelings, emotions!
This is it. The time has come. The day is here. No more waiting. No more questioning "Is this for real?" this is it. And this blog is a glimpse into my heart at this very moment!
I can't even describe how BLESSED I feel! I left Tulsa knowing with complete confidence I have a great big family praying for me! My church family, closest friends, family across the country and family across the world! The enemy will not have victory over this trip because there are tons of people bonded together as prayer warriors! If that doesn't give me peace than I'm crazy! :)
Last night i stayed with a cousin I haven't seen in like 10 years! It was a sweet reunion! I got to meet her wonderful kids, eat pizza (very American!) and enjoy the catching up conversations! Oh yea, and had Dunkin Donuts this morning! :) it's funny how time flies and how crazy life can be, but thankful that love runs deep and no matter the years between, that love is still strong! :)
It's weird you know, traveling without a team of people with me. It's weird not having a "MOM and POP" count, it's weird to know that if I have a funny thouht, I share it with...myself :) but I know I don't travel alone. I can feel the presence of Jesus with me. I can feel him calming my heart beat saying it's all going to be okay! I know my God is with me wherever I go! :)
Of course I am also very excited! :) tomorrow this time I will be in Latvia, already have hugged several familiar and new faces. By this time tomorrow I believe God will have already done some incredible things! (I mean he already has, the fact I'm in this airport now is a testimony to that!) I believe incredible things are in store! I will have had 7 hours in an airport and learning to explore this big world on my own. I will have successfully ;) survived me first foreign travel experience. I that that's a major feat in itself! :) yea, I'm a little excited! :D
Well I could ramble forever but I'm going to get a snack, and journal some. Love you all and I'll try my best to keep this blog updated! :) see ya on the other side of the world!
I can't even describe how BLESSED I feel! I left Tulsa knowing with complete confidence I have a great big family praying for me! My church family, closest friends, family across the country and family across the world! The enemy will not have victory over this trip because there are tons of people bonded together as prayer warriors! If that doesn't give me peace than I'm crazy! :)
Last night i stayed with a cousin I haven't seen in like 10 years! It was a sweet reunion! I got to meet her wonderful kids, eat pizza (very American!) and enjoy the catching up conversations! Oh yea, and had Dunkin Donuts this morning! :) it's funny how time flies and how crazy life can be, but thankful that love runs deep and no matter the years between, that love is still strong! :)
It's weird you know, traveling without a team of people with me. It's weird not having a "MOM and POP" count, it's weird to know that if I have a funny thouht, I share it with...myself :) but I know I don't travel alone. I can feel the presence of Jesus with me. I can feel him calming my heart beat saying it's all going to be okay! I know my God is with me wherever I go! :)
Of course I am also very excited! :) tomorrow this time I will be in Latvia, already have hugged several familiar and new faces. By this time tomorrow I believe God will have already done some incredible things! (I mean he already has, the fact I'm in this airport now is a testimony to that!) I believe incredible things are in store! I will have had 7 hours in an airport and learning to explore this big world on my own. I will have successfully ;) survived me first foreign travel experience. I that that's a major feat in itself! :) yea, I'm a little excited! :D
Well I could ramble forever but I'm going to get a snack, and journal some. Love you all and I'll try my best to keep this blog updated! :) see ya on the other side of the world!
Monday, March 5, 2012
The anticipation is building...
So many thoughts, so little words. As the trip nears, almost a week away, I have many thoughts in my heart! Mostly thoughts of excitement and expectancy! I am so excited to see what God is going to do on this trip and I'm very expectant that something beyond my wildest dreams will happen. But if I'm honest, my nerves may be going crazy too. I've never traveled this far by myself, I've always had a team of crazy hooligans (or AweStar family) :) to be with. No relying on MOM and POP counts to make sure everyone is there. No going "exploring" in groups of 4. And no one to wake me up on the plane when it's time to eat! :) ha! But, I know I'm not traveling alone. Joshua 1:9 says "have I not commanded you? Do not be afraid for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go!" I know that God has called me to go. I confidently believe that God has called me back to love on people who have stolen His heart, and mine. I know that God has commanded me to go. So as I prepare, I fight the nerves, I let God silence the doubts and the worries, and I rest knowing that I have the Best Friend to experience this adventure with! God will and is with me every step of the way and I couldn't ask for anything else! He makes it all worth it no matter what the outcome is! :)
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