September 16, 2006

• My mother used to say "the hurrieder I go, the behinder I get". I'm beginning to understand that all too well. As such things go, it seems I am indeed 'behinder' on my xanga entries (sorry Clint) and am once again trying to find a way to wrap up the happenings of a large span of time into a small space.

  Our last couple of weeks have been full ... busy but good. We have been enjoying the company of the Millers since their arrival on the 30th. We went to Tallinn a day early so that we could meet with the Warpole's, the Banks and Nikolai for our first planning session for camp 2007. Got to celebrate Mike's birthday while we were there. Mike is a super-duper runner so we gave him this really cool belt-lamp that he could use when he was running in the dark. Problem is ... turns out it wasn't for his belt after all ... turns out it went on his head. I'm afraid instead of looking all cool like we thought he would, he ended up looking more like a miner. It sure was good for a big laugh ... and as usual, Mike was gracious enough to think of lots of things he could use it for besides running. We also enjoyed a game of Canasta. Even though it was Mike's birthday, Deb and I got to write OUT! on the scorepad (which means we finally got to be the winners). I wouldn't go so far as to say we would NOT have won without it, but Mike did impart some grace that allowed us to reach a higher score than we would have without it. Thanks Mike!

      

  School started again on September 1 ... Kayli started her new school year as well. The girls had a 'Back to School Sleepover' that night. We were blessed to have a couple of visitors ... Chelsea and Amalie ... so glad you could come, girls. Cary and Brandi joined us for a while. We did a bit of singing and Brandi taught the girls some of his famous tricks. While Brenda and I were there, the girls played 'Nertz', worked on filling their bags for the Homeless Shelter, and then they had some creative fun decorating 'friendship pillowcases'. At midnight, we left the girls to their own devices (just kidding, Pille stayed and made sure they were good). They tell me they watched movies, played more games ... ate and ate ... and apparently surfed while using the air mattress I had left for Pille. Could be where that hole came from.

  

  

   

  Evelin celebrated her 20th birthday on the 4th. We had a wonderful time sharing in her birthday hospitality ... she's a great cook and a wonderful hostess. Thanks, Barbie, for including us in your family celebration. We love you!!

     

  Cary and Brenda have been a great help with studies, etc. and have also been a wonderful encouragement to us. We've taken a few road trips and basked in the beautiful scenery of Estonia. We've played a fair share of card games, which either Brenda or Kayli always win. And ... I am afraid that neither of them are very gracious winners.

  This past Thursday and Friday, we ran away with the Millers to Riga, Latvia. We've been here two years and haven't had a chance to make that trip.  We stopped along the way to take a few photos of the countryside and found this quaint little roadside restaurant to have a bite to eat. Had some strange dinner guests though ~ smile. 

  

  Riga was bustling with people but the weather was just perfect for taking in the gorgeous scenery and history of this amazing city. Enjoyed the street vendors, bought a few Christmas gifts ... and took in a little culture at the open market (that was for you, Ambrosia).

      

   

     

  True fellowship is felt when joys ...  and sorrows ... can be shared from the heart. It's been a wonderful blessing to share true fellowship with the Millers. We will hate to see them leave on Wednesday. Please pray that God will take them safely home to the families that love them and miss them.

  • 11:42 am
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