Hello from Team Latvia!! We arrived in Riga on June 2 and were able to get rested from the long flight. It was Cynthia's birthday and were able to celebrate at a delkicious resturaunt. We are here at the Tervete orphanage now and loving it already. We have the privalage of serving with a team from Tate Springs, Texas with previous experience and love for this orphange.
Upon arrival at Tervete, we were welcomed with 'Sam Bradley's Birthday Party' and a huge spread of delicious food. The freezing cold lake has been the place to hang out during the afternoons with the kids. The stairs to the 4th floor are a challenge to us all as we walk up and down from our room. The men of the Tate Springs group began construction with the 'help' of many kids, stripping the paint in just a few hours. It has been fun to try and learn different Latvian phrases and words with the help from the kids. VBS is going pretty well in the mornings, although the language barrier and energy of the kids have been a challenge.
As we get to know the kids here, I realize how fortunate I am. They have so little, but are so happy!! There humble spirit has challenged me to appreciate the little things in life, from little balloon dogs to seeing thereselves in a camera. The long walk to the lake a few times a day has given me a chance to talk to some of the older kids. I can see how hungry they are for love and attention. Just a few days into the trip and I can already see God moving in our team and in the kids. We have only been here a few days an still have much to experience.
Please continue to pray for the team and the kids here at Tervete. Pray for our humility and unity as a team. Pray that God will use our individual gifts to reach theses kids. Pray for our open spirit and willingness.