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!
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