Life at Zosna Camp

After a long bus trip and then flight we got into Riga, Latvia. For a couple days we got to see the sites and hang out with our whole team (including the Brits). We got to go to fun resturants, site see, and go play in the Baltic Sea. On the 6th we headed on a train across the country to Rezekne (it only took 3 hours). After we got there we took a very scary Latvian car ride to Zosna camp. It was shocking how uncomfortable the camp was. The bathrooms were smelly, dirty and buggy. There were mosquitoes everywhere and they were feisty (they love Jewish girl blood). The kids came the next day, Cayley, me, and the rest of the team were very tired and not quite sure what to expect. About 15 kids came from an orphanage outside of Rezekne. They looked like they were years younger than they really were. In my Bible study, I had all orphans and it was amazing to see the lack of love and attention they got and wanted. But at the same time it was fun and a privlege to love on them and share the gospel with them. Cayley's Bible study included 17 and 18 year olds. It was very neat for her to lead a Bible study for her first time and through Russian translators. She had one girl named Kristiana that was her shadow the entire week but she did a great job with her. Every day we had Bible study then team games then cupatza (swimming in a lake). Cupatza for us meant either nap or bathe in the lake. After cupatza we had lunch at 3 pm! We like to call that Latvian time which means hours past what we think is normal time. Every night we had a campfire where we had testimonies, skits, singing, and sharing from the Word. The mosquitoes came out to play and eat at this time so Cayley and I wore our sweet mosquito head nets (thanks mom and dad). After campfires, whether it be 9 or 12, we had chai and snacks. Then we stayed up as long as we could talking to the kids (they stay up until 4 every night!) The days went by faster towards the end of the week but it was so fun to see these kids grow in their understanding of the gospel. We saw God working in a huge way and how He drew people to Him. At least 3 kids accepted the Lord as their Savior and others are on the verge. Cayley and I found some people that we want to continue to build relationships with. I fell in love with the orphan kids and have not been that broken in a long time. The last day of camp after the kids left we got to do the Russian tradition of the Banya. Its an extremely hot sauna where Russian men are beating you with branches as long as you can take it. When you have had enough you run out and jump into a dirty pond. Then you go back for more. I loved it and want to do it every week!! But I lost my contact so that has been hard. The day after camp we got to spend one last day with the kids that lived in Rezekne. This ended up being the best conversations Cayley and I had. It was a great day! The next day we left Rezekne and the British team for Riga. We spent a couple days there reflecting on the camp then flew back to Norway. In Norway we are resting, climbing mountains, reflecting, spending lots of time as a team, and spending mucho amounts of time with Jesus. It was a great week at Zosna and changed our lives. We are ready to come home and see all of you.

Please pray for:
- The kids that chose to commit their lives to Christ in Zosna and those still on their way
-Good week of rest and time with the team
-Safe trip home on the 25th

See you all in less than a week...Love you

Work Week of Demolition

I cannot even explain what has been going on here. There is heavy demolition going on all around me. Our international team came in with two construction guys from California and a Norwegian family that are part owners of the house and have just done heavy work. The guys are working with jack hammers and slug hammers, the girls are carrying heavy logs and wood and painting (in fact Cayley was called a Burly Mountain Woman, not totally sure she likes that ;) but she is sure a tough one), and I am baking cookies, brownies, and making lunch and dinner for those hard working and very tired, dirty men and women. I love it I am like the house mom or something. But really I wish I could explain to you how much HARD work is being done to this house. I am so proud of how good this team works together. I mean the basement doesn't even look like it did 2 days ago!!
Anyway, our team is getting closer, internationals and all! IN two days we all leave for Latvia (where we will not have any internet access at all, so I will write after I get back on July 17th) where we will be working at a English/Bible Camp for mostly ophanage kids. So Friday morning we will leave for Oslo on bus and then we will catch a plane to Riga. After a couple of days in Riga, we take a bus across the country to Rezekne where the camp is. It is an old government school building and not much else. But the kids love this camp. I am going to be working with the youngest kids (Cayley with some older ones), but we have no clue how old that will be maybe 8, maybe 15. NOt a very organized camp I am gathering:)!

Please pray for:
-A safe trip to Latvia for our team
-For open hearts at the camp toward the Lord
-Rest for our team and going with health. Apparently you don't sleep much at the camp!

Thank you all so much! Miss you and love love love you!!! Can't wait to tell you all the Lord does in Latvia!!!!!!