Latvia 2014: I'm Jonathan! And I will be back in Latvia very so...

Latvia 2014: I'm Jonathan! And I will be back in Latvia very so...: I'm Jonathan! And I will be back in Latvia very soon! Stay tuned!



Latvia September 15th, 2014... Hi everyone!!! or I should say "Labdien," (good day!!) Well, for the faint-at-heart, I made my flight and the connections. I have to give a HUGE "liels paldies" (thank you, big!!) to Adam from the PRCOC for taking me and mom up to JFK airport on the 10th of September, 2014. So early that I had to waite from 2:30 p.m. until check in, 6 p.m. WHEW!! But I didn't mind so. I was more relieved when the plane got off of the ground. You know, in some cultures, like native american, maybe others, animals that present themselves at certain times and how they arrive in one's life often are considered good or bad. On the way up in Adam's car I was looking out of the passenger window and saw a hawk gliding above the trees. But what what really got me was what I encountered at the airport. You will probably never believe this, and I'm still trying to process this even as I type... But I saw a hawk flying back from the bay (the Hudson, correct me if I'm wrong) on the other side of the runway, carrying, now mind you, I'm up high in the check in and terminal area and seeing this approaching where I'm standing, it was carrying.. Are you ready for this?... A FISH!!! It was amazing!!! NOT because it came from water that has been polluted for years, BUT IN THE MIDDLE OF NEW YORK CITY (JFK)!!! Can you believe that! Only one answer to that... WHAT AN AWESOME GOD WE HAVE!! You see, I used to see animals and things as metaphores and what have-you because of being an artist. You see animals and art in history usually have some kind colalition because of the mythical and symbiotic nature they had in telling a story.... But what do I think? I believe God was saying, "It's going to be okay. But I'm not done there Jonathan, I'm going to make you a "Fisher of Men."  -WOW-



Little did I realize, that this maybe so....



The flight was long. No music... No movies... Nothing, except a couple of meals and some really nice people next to me. The young man to my right was a young American traveling too Sweden, then, I think to Norway. His name was Joseph. Earlier he saved me a seat in the terminal while I went to get water to take my daily meds. Said he hadn't been on a plane in a while. We talked a little and laughed.



Then to my left was Sarah from Sweden. Very nice and cute as well. We talked about our travels and she said she was in the states'  for a while and had things going on in her homeland. We were both so tired we fell asleep talking to each other. I think I failed to mention the plane didn't leave until 10:30 p.m. or later.



Connecting planes wasn't as bad as everyone said it could be. I had a good two hours so I freshened up, got some water and got Mom a mug from "Sweden" at the terminal to add to her collection. It's kind of neat with little pictures covering the outside, things that make Sweden stand out or are known for.



THEN there's Victor!!!!!



WE laughed from the time we met at the airport until we went to bed late on Thursday 11th, September, 2014. It was good to see my Latvianized American brother in Christ. We even went to Hessburger!!! Which is a Latvian fast food burger joint. Why I like the food is because, unlike in America where you get cold food and squished food that is sliding all over the place, you get a burger that about 95% of the time is made well. They even place a ring around it to keep it from sliding and NO squished buns. Also, the sauce they ad is delicious. Another thing, their portions are reasonable. Not the SUPERDUPER 90 gallons of liquid fills all kind of thing.



Then Victor said if I wanted to go back to his house or the apartment. I chose the apartment because he had mention something about being allergic to his house. I believe it's possible, especially when my own grandmother lived in a trailer that was full of mold and didn't know it. I thought I would do a walkabout in Riga on Saturday by myself to feel things out. But Victor had the great (and it did AND was GREAT) to make the python-sized burritos filled with beans with a block of cheese each and a little chili pepper (home grown- everything in Latvia is fresh, or just about). Well, that was a mistake for me. Normally I have NO such problems, unfortunately, not this time. I spent the entire Friday night in the bathroom reading The Latvian Wall street Journal- (If there really is one let me know, because whatever I was reading sure seemed like it!). So I slept most of Saturday while Victor readied his sermon for Sunday. The Sermon on Sunday was good and I liked it so much so that (Sorry Victor, I really feel Bad) I don't remember much. I do know it was Hebrews 11 and was about faith, and are we giving faith that might be required or expected of us. Hey, maybe I did get it!! wahoo!! Then Victor asked me if I would like to lead in the Lord's supper. Now mind you, the only thing I've ever done is serve the supper, nothing more nothing less. But to serve, wow! what an honor. So Saturday I Looked up some things on the body and the blood for communion. I wrote things down, something short and sweet, along with footnotes to where thins can be found if scripture. I read it at service on Sunday and quite proudly I said to Victor, " How was that?" "Good, I edited while you were talking." That being in part that all 10 of them were Latvian. God sure does know how to humble us doesn't He!!??



Sunday 14, 2014 I arrived at Likumi. I got to see my minitures plus a good many of the older ones, yes even ones I've taken (as well they too) too. I forgot how much I missed them. I really feel at times as though they are mine and I try to think as such. I try not to show favoratism. But there, and the summer "Camp Hope" team will all tell you, that it's hard not to. It was a good reunion. I must thank Agra, who is one of the coordinators, for driving with me and Victor all the way out here from Riga after the Church service. Also thanks to Vlad, a young gentleman, Latvian too, who came all the way out with us from Church to send me off. He is a great and God fearing young man. Thanks Vlad!!! They said they will see me in two weeks. I think things will be fine, especially now that I have a room where I can connect for doing this blog. Thanks Sheri!! Unfortunately, I really do have to be connected, I'm right now plugged into a jack of some sorts as I

type.



Fisher of men, maybe kids???



Well Victor has planted a seed in me to possibly do Communion on Sundays here at the orphanage. I really wasn't planning on it. Only in the Church of Christ things like this are held by people who are/have been married. So I find it a little unnerving. Then Victor wants me to teach biblical studies, basic to the kids, which I have no problem with. Now the question is what do I teach them. I'm thinking either some known old Testament stories and New Testament Stories. Oh, believe me, I have enough material. Victor made sure of that. And to teach a little bit of the English language. Monday's I made my free day to wander, go into town if they take me and/ or do my blog. I believe it's all falling into place. Oh, forgot, the 6 and up kids come back on Friday's and stay until Sunday, so I have to get things for them to do set up which gives me now until Friday. I 'm not planning, I'm letting God have controll... and you know what, it feels great!!!



See you all later my brother's and sisters in Christ

Peace be with you all

In Him