Interns in Latvia!!

Ramie Stewart
Lejasstrazdi, Latvia

Our team is just about to embark on our last adventure in Latvia. We will get there this afternoon and start our VBS program tomorrow and continue until Friday, when we will head back to Riga. We left with broken and burdened hearts from our stay at Lejasstrazdi. We were there for a week and a half, interacting with the kids from 8:30am-11:00pm, and we experienced God moving more than we could begin to explain. We left sad to be leaving those that we grew close to but more importantly we left filled by the Holy Spirit from things He has put in our hearts through these kids and their joy. We got to see one kid, Gatis, come to Christ and several others that seeds were either planted or watered from previous mission groups. Tate Springs, a church from Arlington Texas, mission group came to Lejasstrazdi, and this year makes their 6th year in a row to come and serve orphans here in Latvia. I can’t explain what a blessing it has been for our team to serve along with them and learn from their leadership and their experiences in previous years. Tate Springs came knowing several of the children from years past (some for all 6 years), which made it really neat to hear the changes of the kids. Last week we did a VBS program with them, and taught about Jesus’ power and the power we have through Him. We had around 15 kids everyday. We also had the opportunity to go bowling with the kids, take them to the beach and go to “Cineville” where a Latvian historical movie was filmed. At Cineville we dressed up in the soldier costumes (the picture showing) and played fort of a hide and seek game. It was so touching to watch even the 17 year old bys play like little boys, they enjoyed all the fun experiences, and it was such a gift to watch their faces of excitement. “Paldies” (thank you in Latvian) for all the prayers!! We have one more week of this amazing opportunity and can’t wait to share more with all of our families and friends, but we will be sad to leave! God bless!