Chau from Latvia

Originally posted 7/16/08

Allie here and we are here in Jelgava, Latvia. That is said like Yell-ge-va, yes yes I know you had it all wrong. We got here not really sure of what all was in store for us. All that we had thought and planned was quickly changed. We have to flip around all our plans, but in the end works out perfectly. We are all getting used to the time change, although we were looking pretty rough those first few days. We are all eating well, some of the stuff we are quite sure what it is, but it tastes good so I just don't ask and hope for the best. The weirdest thing is here is the light. It doesn't get dark outside until 11 o'clock at night, and the sun comes up at around 4 a.m. So that is really hard to get used to, but it works out good because we play outside all night outside. How awesome would it be to be and kid and live here? The kids here are amazing. The language barrier is kind of hard sometimes, but we all work through it. We start off our mornings with the youngest kids, around the ages 2-3. We just play little games, really just love on them, give them some attention, and give their leaders some rest. Next we spend time with the more middle age kids who are always surprising us with their sports skills, and English words. Then, we go and set up for our vacation bible school. We do the bible lesson, a craft then play games for the rest of the day really. We are all going to be in amazing shape when we return, we are constantly running. At night we hang out with the oldest boys and play soccer or whatever I already have a bruise on my shin to prove it. Tonight we planned a big game of capture the flag with them that is going to be a lot of fun. We are all living in the actual orphanage so we can be with the kids all day and night. Sometimes they just come knock on our door and ask when we are coming out to play. Also in our orphanage there is a crisis center. There are about four kids up there who we also get to spend time with. Each kid has their own story and ways of doing things. We are all trying to learn and adapt to each one. It has been so good so far, and we look forward to the rest of this week and next week. After that we are on the move again. I will try to write again soon, but we don't have much access to the internet. Now I am sitting in a store while the girls are shopping for things to make sock puppets for our skit. Pray for our energy as we have a long ways still to go.

To friends and families:
We are missing and loving you

Can't wait to see what else God has in store
Much love
Allie and the Latvian Ladies