Esi laipni lugts Latvija!

Esi laipni lugts Latvija! Welcome to Latvia! Here I am in day 5 of being in Latvia and more and more everyday it feels like home. I have spent time learning the language (Latvian) and getting aquainted to the culture. I have had many traditional Latvian meals which usually consist of potatoes, ham, tomatoes, and bread with cheese. I have also eaten many eggs. I have drank lots of tea, more than I have in the last 3 months :) I have loved the weather which has been in the high 60s and at night in the 50s. I would say it is starting to get chilly already but I'm sure those dear Okies would say it already is cold. :) I love it! It could be a little warmer but I'm thankful for less than sweating all the time with heat in the 100s so I will not complain. :-) God is already doing many incredible things here! I praise Him for bring me here safely with all of my luggage, (minus a package of Reese peanut butter cups and gummy bears) and providing a place to stay. I am so thankful for the relationships He has blessed me with and continues to bless me with. On Sunday I got the privilege to see some dear friends in Riga (Lana and Valters) and it was so good for my heart to see their smiles, hug their necks, and enjoy that time with them. Here in Kuldiga, I have spent lots of time with Matiss and Ilze and this wonderful new friend Krista. I also met one girl Kristine on the street, that was a hug blessing to see this girl as she was the one with whom I shared my testimony with a year and a half ago. (check out earlier blog from August 2011). So far things are going so well. I have a place to sleep, food for my belly, and a warm shower with a God who loves me. Can't ask for much else. I am very thankful for those dear friends in my life that I have here and back home, without them this journey would be a lot more difficult. Thank you very much for being on this journey with me! Today you should know I was given a Latvian name, Alise, and it makes my heart very full to have the honor of given a Latvian name. :) I was also taught this important phrase, mani sauc Alise. Es esmu no Amerikas bet tagad dzivoju Kuldiga. (my name is Alise. I am from America but now I live in Kuldiga.) Some things you can pray for: 1. Tonight we will meet with CONNECTED team to plan this year for youth work. We will discuss next Friday's meeting and celebration as well as get a plan for the upcoming year. 2. Language! This is very important as I would love to be able to communicate in their heart language. Yes a lot of young people know English but I desire to reach them in the language they know best! 3. Pray for flat (apartment) situation, that God would provide furniture at a low cost or possibly free. Right now I have nothing but as God provides, I will be so thankful! 4. Matiss and Ilze are expecting a baby in December so please pray with me that all will continue to go well and baby Gloria will be a healthy girl coming into this world! Praises 1. Praise God for safe arrival and the relationships He has established! 2. For the team He has put togetger to reach the youth of Kuldiga and Latvia. 3. For a place to live, sleep, eat (and the food He has provided), and shower. :-) 4. The language learning that has already taken place. :D Thank you again for your support and prayers! Truly together we can reach more people and further His kingdom! :) Look for pictures soon!