As soon as we disembarked the plane in Riga, Latvia, we knew this month would be different… The days of wearing our Thai pants, sunscreen, bug repellent, and bathing suits are behind us… At least for now… We went from 90 degree days to below 40 degrees in less than 24 hours!
My team and I started our European tour in Riga, Latvia. This month we are serving with the United Methodists. We have been assigned to odd jobs in Riga and throughout the Latvian countryside. We’ve done our fair share of gardening, teaching Bible stories, singing, and praying for people…
As my teammates know, I often compare our experience on the World Race to the British mini-series, “Call the Midwife.” As we journeyed from house to house sharing a Bible story, singing, and praying for people, our time in the Latvian countryside has been no exception. However, rather than tending to people’s physical or emotional needs, we have been tending to their spiritual needs. The pastor we partnered with shared a message about Jesus being the Bread of Life and gave each household we visited some bread. Everyone we visited was appreciative of our arrival and many shared with us homebaked goods and coffee or cider to drink as they chatted with Pastor Gunta.
It’s been fun to be living in the countryside. It reminds most of us of home… There are dandilions everywhere, farm animals, and storks! Yes, storks!
Needless to say, it’s been a blessed adventure! Thanks for coming along!
