Interns in Latvia!!

Ramie Stewart
Liepaja, Latvia

We have completed our first week! We feel your prayers and are experiencing each day with new faith. I feel so selfish because I know what I am walking away with from all of this, and I just pray that we are leaving even half of the blessings we are receiving from this experience! Yesterday was our last day to work at the Day Center. It's been a blessing and a struggle not being able to speak with the children. In some ways it's great because all we do is "smile and wave" (our inside joke, off of Madagascar) give hugs and play, etc. But we don't understand anything beyond expressions they give. As a team we've talked about how hard it is for us not to want and even expect, the excited admiration the kids give us. As a team we have talked a lot about our motives to love these kids. We love each one so much, it's hard not to love the reaction we get from them, but these can come as blessings as well. -- Since we worked with a church, they sang songs about Jesus and even had bible lessons (in Russian of course), so we just had to do the fun jobs - play, and crafts!! I had fun playing football (American football) with the older boys. Having only the "fun jobs" was also an experience to endure and seek God through, just because there were definitely times we feel stagnant, hoping to do enough! We have continually been reminded that it was God that put us all here, and that He has a purpose for us each day, I really believe this! None of our team "chose" Latvia from the beginning, I thoroughly feel like we were placed by God. Not because we are something special for the job, but because this team has a heart to obey God and serve his children, and this is where we're supposed to be! Zanda, our in-country staff leader has told us how thankful the staff has been to have us to be with the kids. But their daily service blesses us! As for the kids, I am so sad to leave them next week for a new location. We don't know each of their stories, but they all have one! And I can't help but have such high hopes for each one. There is one boy, I tell him he should be in the theater doing plays. He sings all the songs and does all the motions (the only boy that participates), and he does it with zero pride! It's so fun to see! It's hard not to think of the childhood and opportunities I grew up with, and want the same for these kids. Some do have loving homes, but some don't, and they come to the center hungry for food and attention. Sometimes begging for protection from an abusive home. Zanda said there are times the kids beg for her to adopt them. Pray for this ministry, it is so precious. Also, for our change of pace. Next week will look very different and we will be working along with another missions group from America. This will be in an orphanage close to Jelgava. We are unsure of the internet availablity but will update as soon as possible. Thanks so much for your prayers and support!