June 20, 2005

  • Today was a day of celebration for Tanel, one of our special young men. He has really struggled with his academics and we've spent many months praying hard for him and his ability to finish this year of school. Today ... he graduated! He will now be ready to move on to a technical school of some kind. Unfortunately, that may mean we will lose him to Tallinn to attend the school he is hoping to get into. That will indeed be a loss for the rest of us in Tartu.


    Tanel and his big sister, Evelyn, came to the church here a few years ago as children alone. Without a mother in Estonia, Evelyn took on the responsibility, at 14 years old, to care for her 12 year old brother, Tanel. They were embraced by the church here and cared for well. They have 'grown up' at the church here both physically and spiritually and were precious to the hearts of the missionaries before us.


    Since our arrival in December, they have become precious to our hearts as well. Evelyn is an amazing young woman and has taken on the many responsibilities of attending her own technical school and running a household, in addition to, assisting her aunt who has suffered much tragedy in the last 3 years. Evelyn and Tanel are both faithful in their attendance and fellowship with the church. Tanel is our official preparer of communion and takes his job very seriously.


    Evelyn was like a proud mom today as she stood beside Tanel to celebrate his accomplishment. We were blessed to be asked to be a part of that celebration. We felt proud too!


    After graduation, we were invited to join Evelyn, Tanel and their aunt's family for an Estonian 'BBQ'. We enjoyed shaslokk (kabobs), grilled chicken, homemade potato salad (Estonian style), kringel (braided sweet bread) and a great time romping with the kids. Brandi and I attempted to play a little basketball and soccer. It's been just a little while since we tried doing something like that. It took a little while for the children to warm up to us but they seemed to have a good time even with these old folks. And, in her usual way, Kayli was like the pied-piper with all them following her and begging her to come and play. She has already been invited to return tomorrow .. smile.


    How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called Children of God.   1 Jn. 3:1