We have a new granddaughter ~ Our daughter Amber gave birth to Addyson Leigh on Wednesday at 1:28 p.m. weighing in at 7#'s and 4 oz. ... 18" long. She's a pudgy little thing but oh so beautiful.

Please pray for Amber. She lives in SW Lousiana and will be leaving the hospital, less than 24 hours after she gave birth, to evacuate her home. Her husband, Joel, who is a firefighter will have to stay behind. This means that Amber will be going with her mother-in-law, two toddlers and a brand new baby to north Lousiana where Joel has family. Having a brand new baby is exhausting enough without having to gather your family to evacuate on top of it. Her mommy is concerned for her!

God's design is awesome and technology is amazing. I love the glimpses God gives us into His power with the technology that He has allowed us to enjoy. Below is a photograph taken of our Lacey's baby girl, Andrea Grace, at 24 weeks gestation (due December 17). She's beautiful to my eyes and to my heart ... a perfectly formed little gift from God. When I see things like this, I wonder how anyone could doubt the existence and the love of our Heavenly Father.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. Ps 139:13

Summer 2005 ~ Newsletter

It’s hard to believe that the summer has already come to an end in Estonia. The trees are beginning to show their yellows and oranges, the outside temperature has turned chilly and we’re trying to get ourselves mentally prepared for the winter ahead.

What a full summer it has been!

We realize that if we were to give you the usual details of what has been going on all summer, you would be reading a short novel, instead of a newsy letter, so we’ll give you a short synopsis and let the photo album tell the ‘rest of the story’.

June brought the Banks’ family home after a 2½ month furlough, a continuation of our apartment repairs, final preparations for camp and the news that we would be losing our new friends and fellow missionaries, the Langston’s and Hale’s. Kayli attended her first LTC (Leadership Training for Christ) Awards Ceremony in Tallinn and brought home four gold medals in chorus, drama, puppets and Bible reading.

Warmer weather finally arrived the first part of July, just in time for Camp Bal-Chy-Oca (Baltic Christian Youth Camp) 2005 to get under way. We had a wonderful week at camp with about 145 campers and staff attending. Several folks from Sweetwater, Texas joined us to help out at camp along with a team of young people from Denton, Texas. The Denton team stayed after camp for several weeks and worked in Tallinn alongside the missionaries there. We had the pleasure of getting to know them, having them in our home, and showing them around Tartu. They gifted our hearts with singing and laughter and we’ve sure missed them since they returned to their homes in Texas.

Our “Let’s Start Talking” campaign followed right on the heels of camp bringing in five special Canadian young people to head it all up. The LST campaign is designed to bring nationals an opportunity to practice their conversational English using the Bible as the text. The six weeks of the campaign saw an amazing 489 hours of total study with 60 readers. The readers were invited to a party each Thursday evening during the campaign so that they could get to know each other and to help us, as a church, make a connection with them. Our time with the LST team was full of fellowship, sharing, and laughter. The ‘mamma’ in Penny was fully satisfied as she cooked and hosted the team each week for meals, movies, popcorn and goodies. These five are precious treasures and we know we’ll be hearing lots more about how they are bringing others to the Kingdom because of their service to Him.

As a direct result of the LST campaign, we welcomed two new sisters in Christ, Merlin and Heidi Ponna. These girls are already proving to be dedicated to their commitment to Christ and the church as a whole has been greatly blessed by their joining our fellowship.

August brought us visitors from both sides of the world. Ola, our good friend and sister in Christ, from Omsk, Russia (the city we worked in several years ago) came to visit us for 10 days. We had the pleasure of showing her around Estonia and sharing with her the many beautiful places and amazing history of this awesome country.  It was great catching up after all these years and to realize how the miles between us can be shortened by sweet fellowship.

We also were blessed to welcome Cary and Brenda Miller from Keller, Texas. This was their first visit to Estonia and our first time to meet them. It sure didn’t feel that way though. They scooped Kayli up like one of their own grandchildren and treated us like we were old friends. We had a wonderful time shopping in Old Town Tallinn, playing ‘Sparkle’ (dice) every chance we got, eating (and spilling) all kinds of good food, and sharing with them the work here in Tartu and the visions we have for its future. We pray that their visit will influence those they represented to share in the financial responsibility of bringing a second team family here very soon.

So … September has arrived and we are back on our regular schedule. Classes have begun again. Sunday a.m. classes, Ladies’ classes, “Far Above Rubies” Classes for young women, and the Beginning English classes are all in motion. Personal Bible studies continue and language classes are beginning to get rolling again. Kayli is busy about her own school schedule and has begun ‘handicraft’ classes at an Estonian school on Thursday afternoons.

We covet your prayers in many areas. Please continue to pray for the work in Tartu (and in Estonia as a whole). Please ask God to continue to bring those who are seeking Him across our path and to give us the wisdom to properly care for those He brings. Please pray that God will guide us as we seek His vision for the work here. Please pray for kindred teammates to come and work with us in Tartu.

Please pray for our family … specifically for Amber who is expecting a baby this month and for our son Dustin, who has received word that he will be deployed to Iraq in the next few weeks.

We thank God every time we think of you … your prayers, notes and encouraging words are always appreciated and treasured. We love you all.

Because He said “Go!”,

Brandi, Penny and Kayli  

Click on the link below to view our summer photo album. Click 'View Slide Show', set at 2 seconds and go!
		Summer 2005 ~ Kendalls on Mission

Today is the anniversary of our first day in Estonia ... last year, September 14, we stepped onto Estonian ground for the first time. Wow! sure seems like longer ... or shorter .. depends on the day. We love it here ... hope to be here for a lot longer.

We've indeed had a busy couple of weeks. Our new schedule is now in full swing, classes have begun and it seems we are in constant motion.

A week ago, Saturday, we had the pleasure of opening our home to Evelin for her birthday celebration. Birthdays are done differently here than in the States. Everyone throws their own birthday bash, cooks up a storm, invites friends and family over, and enjoys fellowship all day long. It was fun to be a part of the traditional Estonian preparation time. Evelin taught me how to make Estonian potato salad, which has become one of my favorite foods since coming here. We sliced up tomatoes, cucumbers, kielbasa, and all kinds of goodies. No birthday in Estonia would be complete without 'Kringel', their version of a birthday cake ... add a good cup of coffee and .. yum! She enjoyed receiving lots of flowers, chocolate and a few other wonderful gifts from those who love her like we do. To top off her birthday with whipped cream and a cherry, Kayli introduced her and Pille to a couple of episodes of 'Green Acres'. They've all been singing the theme song and quoting it ever since ... please pray for me!

Last week we started our new series of classes ...  and had our first 'Far Above Rubies' class for the young women. We talked about how rubies are the most valuable gem and how God says that a virtuous woman has a worth '...far above rubies'. The girls then enjoyed taking some 'ruby' beads and making bracelets and necklaces as a reminder that their goal should always be to young women of character and Godliness.

We took a quick trip to Tallinn on Friday ... enjoyed visiting with the Banks family, as always, they are such a treat to be around. Drew, who is a very grown up 5 year old, always makes me laugh. Had a long list of 'work' things to talk about and get the ball rolling on ... just no better way to do that than over a hot cup of tea and some warm fellowship.

Also picked up a freezer that we bought from Clint and Debbie Hale, the missionaries who are moving back to the States. We are now owners of a miniature chest freezer. Still don't know where it's permanent home will be but am excited about having some extra freezer space for the winter. I could have just done like they did in Siberia and put stuff out on my porch to freeze but I'm thinking this might be a little better.

Yesterday we had only a small group for worship ... lots of folks out sick. We did have some great time singing though ... in the morning and last evening. Had a few in last night to sing and fellowship. Enjoyed a pot of vegetable soup, hot bread and some scrumptious homemade apple cake, compliments of Merlin and Heidi. We even got in some singing for a while ... even above the sounds of drills and banging from our neighbors who are remodeling below us right now.

So ... our week now begins again. Lots to do !!

May God bless you as you begin your week and as you serve Him.

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

Some people leave footprints ...

We've had the pleasure of opening our hearts and homes to so many people this summer. Some were old friends ... some were new.

We've had the 'Texas' folk who came to help with camp, the Denton team (Tandy, Emily, Kera, Estephan, Adam, Jason), Alana, Kameron, The Tartu LST team (Andrea, Deanna, Chelsey, Peter, Jon), the Tallinn LST team, our friend Ola from Russia and the Millers (Cary and Brenda).

Add those to the great people who were already here and it's been a great time of fellowship, hugging and laughing. What a blessing we have enjoyed with their presence and overflowing of love.

The summer is drawing to a close and we've had to say good-bye to all those who were visiting. Our missionary friends, the Langston's, have moved back to the States ... I miss you, Kristi! The Hale's will be on their way soon. Crystal, a Tallinn intern, will be leaving at the end of the month. Wow!

Even when you know it's coming, saying good-bye is difficult. When you aren't expecting it ... it's even harder.

Just a bit ago, I received word that my very special and precious friend, Glenda Borgstrom, had died during the night.

I wasn't expecting that ... no one was.

She fell down a couple of weeks ago and broke her knee ... apparently had to have surgery. More than likely a blood clot went to her heart and took her from this life. 

Glenda and I loved to sing together ... she was my fellow "Sweet Adeline" and my sister in Christ. She sent me one of those 'forward' emails a couple of days ago. I told myself that I needed to drop her a note ... just to say 'I love you too' and to let her know I was praying for her quick recovery. I didn't do it though. I got busy ... told myself I would do it as soon as I got a minute. I sure wish I had made a minute. Now, I'll just have to pray that she knew how special she was to me.

SOME PEOPLE

Some people come into our lives
and leave footprints on our hearts
and we are never ever the same.

Some people come into our lives
and quickly go... Some stay for awhile
and embrace our silent dreams...

Throughout our lives we are sent
precious souls...
meant to share our journey
however brief or lasting their stay
they remind us why we are here.

To learn... to teach... to nurture... to love ...

Some people come into our lives
and leave footprints on our hearts
and we are never ever the same. ~by Flavia Weedn~

So many precious souls have left footprints on my heart. Glenda left a footprint on my heart ... I'll never ever be the same.

May God in His mercy help us all to remember to tell those who mean so much to us, how much we love them.

May God help us to make minutes for those we love.

You have two new sisters!

Merlin and Heidi Ponna put on Christ in baptism and are now part of our family in Tartu and around the world. It was an amazing thing to witness. Brandi spoke to them, reminding them of what this meant to their new life. Then Peter and Brandi baptized both of the girls at the same time.

They went in the water as physical sisters and came out of the water as sisters in Christ!

After their baptism, we went back to the Bible Study Center, had refreshments and lots of wonderful fellowship. The smiling faces of everyone present was testimony of the joy that Christ brings when the Kingdom welcomes His children in.

Merlin told us that when she woke up this morning, she said to herself, "today I will die". Today, she did die and now she and Heidi begin a new life in Christ. We can't wait to see what God will do with these precious new babes of His.

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.      Romans 6:4

Yesterday was a good day. We drove to Tallinn early in the morning so we could meet the Miller's ferry at the dock. We realized that we had no idea who we were looking for so Kayli made a cute little sign with their names on it to flag them down. They got in safe and sound with enough sleep to keep them going for a while, so we headed to Old Town and did some sight-seeing and shopping. Mike and Debbie Banks met us for lunch on the square. Deb and I had a marinated chicken salad ... Mike had a marinated salmon salad. Difference was .. our chicken was cooked!! Mike's wasn't. He ended up with a large salmon steak atop his otherwise yummy salad that was completely raw. He was a trooper though and quietly (and mostly cheerfully) ate each bite. We all decided he should get extra jewels in his crown for that. Each new day in Estonia has a potential of being a cultural experience. So glad I got the chicken!

When we got into Tartu (after stopping for coffee along the way to keep Cary and Brandi awake), we got them settled into their very nice, historical hotel on our Old Town square. Then we ate a yummy meal at China Garden on the square ... nothing raw, yay! 

We really enjoyed getting to know them and any apprehensions we may have had were dissolved as soon as we received their warm hugs. I must say they are a little kooky though ... as the picture below will attest. Our friends back home are sure we picked up the wrong people but we think we'll keep the ones we've got ... they are a lot of fun.

Today, Brandi and the Millers are sitting in on a couple of the LST studies to experience one of the ways we are reaching out in Tartu. Tonight is the night that Merlin and Heidi will put on Christ. We are very excited to be adding them to our little family in Tartu.

Have a great day and God Bless. pj

Just a quick note to update you all on Jared's visit to the dr. today. His bloodwork apparently came out good and the knot on his head seems to be an abnormality of the skull. The headaches he's been experiencing seem to be caused by a problem with his neck and are unrelated to his being a 'knothead'.   He has seen another dr. for this problem and will be receiving treatments to make that better. His first stop .. the massage therapist. Lucky Dog! Thank you for praying. He's apparently pretty healthy and his mom is doing much better now that she knows he's fine.