We're Not in Vegas Anymore

In December we arrived in the snowy North Pole, brr.. I mean the Baltic States. Arriving in Riga, Latvia was cold and snowy but what else did we expect. Our Mission President picked us up along with the couple we are replacing. We also went out for dinner and then to our apartment to unpack.

We also had to buy/rent a new internet box so that left us without reliable internet for 5 days, so we reviewed many projects. We have been reading a lot these past couple weeks. We are finding quite a few people speak some English which is very nice. We’re getting like 17 1/2 hours of nighttime and only about 6 1/2 hours of daylight. Quite a swap from Las Vegas.

We invited all the local missionaries (10) to our apartment for dinner on Christmas Day. We told them to all bring a 5-7 euro gift for exchange then we had a white elephant style trading which they loved. It was wonderful to see all the talent with these young people-we love and appreciate them so much.

We see dozens of projects for Ukraine and Moldova supporting them inside and outside their country. We see such abundance of generous help being offered to those displaced because of war. We are proud to be part of such an organization that has thoughtfully prepared itself to be able to help in such a big way. Generators, medicine, long underwear, tons of food, warm clothes, tents, cots, sleeping bags etc. etc., and the Church keeps providing as needed.

We also attended a closing of a Food Bank Project. They collect and provide food for hundreds of people around town who are down on their luck. They requested a large walk-in refrigerator and freezer to store dairy products and meats when donated. Otherwise they had to turn down those donated foods because they had nowhere to store large amounts. What an operation to help others by this Samaritan organization. We took photos for the closing report.

We have several ongoing projects throughout the area for refugees who have fled Ukraine or Belarus. Many thousands fled to the Baltics and Northern Europe so help was needed and provided for especially food and clothing. A large cruise ship in Estonia was used by the Red Cross to house refugees and LDS Charities provided medicine that was needed for many of those who were sick or missing their medications. Countless projects are continuing to help refugees.

We did enjoy the Christmas markets up in Tallinn, Estonia. All these tall skinny colorful buildings packed together with narrow cobblestone streets. The Christmas market was busy with participants looking for homemade crafts, sauerkraut & sausage or hot drinks. We bought the tasty soft and fresh gingerbread.

Well this week we are checking out homeless shelters to see how busy they are. We saw a church proving ladles of soup to a long line of hungry folks who brought their own containers. We are also researching orphanages especially ones that take care of disabled children. These are usually in need for some help as kids frequently get the short end of the funds.

We pray daily for the Lord to guide us in this important work and to be an instrument in the Lords hands to do his will in this area.