August 31, 2005

• It's hard to believe that the summer is coming to an end in Estonia. We've had some mild but beautiful warm weather for the last couple of months. Now the weather is beginning to turn chilly and we've had a lot of rain. The evidence of our coming fall season is fast approaching. Tomorrow is September 1st, school is starting here and we are about to settle back in to our regular schedule ... and then some.

  
  

  Sunday will bring a return to our morning schedule ... classes at 11 a.m. and worship at 12 noon. We've really enjoyed our summer of evening services along with our 'small group' atmosphere but everyone is anxious to be back to classes and the other fellowship time we've missed.

  
  

  We will begin our Ladies class again on Tuesday evenings and will start a new class for the young women on Thursday evenings. This class will be called "Far Above Rubies" .. a study of Proverbs 31. It is designed to show them the value of Godly character and to share all kinds of fun girl's stuff / basic home skills ... sewing, cooking, floral arranging, quilting, make-up application, etc. Who knows where it will take us. I'm excited ... and the girls seem to be looking forward to it as well. Brandi is already busy with daily bible studies and his 'Beginning English' group class on Thursday nights.

  
  

  Saturday, we had our 'Back to School' party ... a trip to the AURA Swimming Center and then to our flat for homemade pizzas, a movie and popcorn. The young people seemed to really enjoy piling on ingredients to their own heart's desire and then eating up what they all proclaimed was the 'best pizza' they had ever eaten. We had a great time!

  
  

    

  
  

  

  
  

  School starts tomorrow for Kayli too, so lesson plans are being finalized as she dances around with excitement about beginning her new year. Too bad that only lasts about 48 hours and then the groanings begin!!

  
  

  In addition to all these things, our hearts are mindful of those in the southern United States who have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina. We have many friends in the Gulf Shores, Alabama area and we pray that they all evacuated when encouraged to do so. We also have friends and family all across the southern part of Louisiana. My parents live in the New Orleans area, on the waterfront and last we heard had evacuated. I am so thankful that their lives have been spared this tragedy but fear that they will go back to find their home destroyed. This is indeed a time for all of us to pray for God's mercy and His presence, as everyone in the storm stricken areas try to recover from their pain and begin to rebuild their lives. What a bold reminder of how quickly things can pass away and how important our lives are in comparison. Thank you for praying for our friends and family and for the many more who are suffering during this difficult time.

  
  

   The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.  1John 2:17

  
  

   

  • 10:53 am
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