July 19, 2005

  • The last few days have been amazing. We enjoyed a wonderful worship service on Sunday evening with our Tartu group and were so blessed to have our LST team join us for the first time. We had some great singing, insightful bible study and fun fellowship with those who were there. Kayli received flowers for her birthday and she shared an old-fashioned American chocolate cake with everyone who came. Pille and the team came over after church to enjoy a big pot of borsch that Kayli has been craving for so long.


    Yesterday, the college team from Denton, Texas who had come to help for camp (Adam, Jason, Estephan, Emily, Tandy and Kera), came to visit us. They brought along with them Anna (one of the teens from Tallinn), Kaci and Kari Banks and Alana who is working as an intern for the summer in Tallinn. Our little repair man, who was working on the corridor at the time, watched in shock as they strolled in one-by-one with their sleeping bags and pillows in tow. 


    We all enjoyed a wonderful walk through Old Town Tartu, the botanical gardens and along the river, then headed back to the flat to have dinner with the LST team and Evelin. All in all we had 20 people in our little 800 sq. ft. flat. Alana and Kaci went on back to Tallinn but the rest decided to camp out in Tartu for the night. Andrea and the LST crew were wonderful to share floor space and couches so we could get everyone settled for the night. Everyone (minus the LST team who were already busy with bible studies) was back here first thing this morning so we got to have some more fellowship time before eating lunch and getting them back on the bus to Tallinn. Before the crew left, we were able to spend about an hour singing. What a blessing that was to my heart. Our repair man thought so too! He said our singing was 'väga illus', which means 'very beautiful' in Estonian.


    I must admit it was hard to watch them go away on the bus this afternoon. They are all precious young people with fervor for the Lord's work. We enjoyed their enthusiasm and their fellowship so much. It's also hard sometimes to see our American friends leave, knowing they are heading home and going back to their families. There is always a little blue feeling that goes along with the end of visits like these. Kayli is feeling very homesick this afternoon and wishing for a hug from her brothers and sisters. I think I'd like that too.


    Even so, we are thankful to be in Tartu. We really do love it here and feel honored to be part of the plan that God has for Estonia. He continues to bless us with hope and mercy as we serve Him here. We covet your prayers for our family and the work here. Thank you so much for remembering us when you speak to the Father.